Alcohol Shelf Life

Wondering if those hand me down bottles are still safe to drink? Let’s find out!

Tequila

Tequila has the longest and most stable shelf-life compared to other alcoholic beverages. In other words, tequila does not expire. However, it may change in flavor or taste after a year since opening the bottle.

Vodka

Vodka doesn’t go bad in the typical sense of spoilage, but the quality may change as time goes by. Unopened bottles of pure vodka can last for decades if stored properly.

Wine

Fine and vintage wines can stay for decades in your cellar. Cheap supermarket wines on the other hand, do not get better with age and are best to drink within a few months or years.

Champagne

Vintage champagne can be kept for 5-10 years but non-vintage champagne should be enjoyed within a few years.

Beer

Beer has a limited shelf life of a few months to nine months if properly stored. Beer eventually goes bad in terms of quality. If it lacks foam, smells skunky, tastes sour or like wet cardboard, it has gone south and is no longer drinkable.

Whiskey

Whiskey doesn’t go bad but it can suffer from flavor loss if not properly stored.

In a nutshell, Liquors are the most stable alcohol and can last for decades, Beer is best enjoyed fresh, within some months of brewing and not all Wines age “finely” 😉