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4 signs your alcohol has ‘gone bad’ and you should avoid it at all costs�
Have you been saving a bottle of wine you opened last Christmas? You may want to throw it away because it’s among alcoholic beverages with a short shelf life.
Celebrations are incomplete without alcohol in most households. They also make great presents, so people tend to gift their loved ones an expensive bottle of rum or whiskey assuming they can be saved for years. But almost all alcoholic drinks come with an expiration date.
Signs your alcohol has gone bad
Just because your favorite spirits don’t have an expiration date printed on the label doesn’t mean they can be stored for years – whiskey, vodka, and rum included.
Beverage expert and founder of The Whiskey Masters, Daniel Ufland, shares with The Focus a few clear indicators of alcohol gone bad, which people don’t take seriously when they should.
If you thought spirits can be stored forever, here’s what the expert has to say: “They can be enjoyed over a much longer period after opening compared to beer or wine, but dont be fooled – even spirits start to lose their distinctive character, albeit after two years or so.
Although the high alcohol content in specific spirits maintains their quality for up to two years when stored properly – in cool, dark places and sealed tight – the liquid levels drop in the bottle and the oxidation inside the bottle will affect flavor over time.
And if you aren’t sure whether certain alcoholic beverages in your cabinet are safe to drink, Daniel suggests “trusting your senses.” Clear indicators of a drink that’s gone bad include unpleasant smells, mold, cloudiness, or an off-taste.
While spoiled wine experiences discoloration or has a vinegary aroma, beer tends to become flat and bitter.
Shelf life of some of your favorite drinks
Some beverages are best consumed immediately after opening, while others have a slightly longer shelf life. Here’s how long each drink takes to spoil, according to the beverage expert.
- White and Ros� Wine – 3 to 5 days after opening
- Red Wine – 3 or 4 days once uncorked
- Sparkling Wine – best consumed fast once popped
- Beers – best consumed soon after opening as the taste and aroma fade rapidly after opening
“Oxidation is the primary reason alcohol degrades once opened. Wine and beer are particularly sensitive to this process, which alters both the flavor and aroma by introducing oxygen into the liquid,” said Daniel.
The Whisky Masters is a premier online whisky retailer offering a curated selection of fine and rare whiskies based in London. Their collection includes limited editions, rare collectibles, and exclusive releases, all aimed at enhancing the whisky-tasting experience.
