Can tequila spoil over time? Is it possible for it to change or diminish the taste over the years? Find all the answers in our article.
Whenever we talk about powerful alcoholic drinks, the idea arises that they last forever. Simply alcohol cannot be spoiled. But does that mean the taste is the same now and in twenty years? Does the flavor change if the drink is open, and how long can it last? Regardless of popular belief about the lifetime of alcohol, these questions are correct.
Not to keep you in suspense unnecessarily, tequila technically can last forever. That is as far as correctness is concerned. So if you come across a 50-year-old bottle, you are free to drink it without fear of it harming you. Unless you consume too much, of course. But, we must say that tequila is not a drink that gets better as it ages. Therefore the quality is best after production, and once you open the bottle, the oxidation process will begin. Read more and be an expert on tequila issues.
How Long Does Tequila Last?
Forever. Like any other pure alcoholic drink and tequila can last eternally. It is one of those drinks that are bought after the birth of a child and then opened to celebrate graduation. Since it is obtained through distillation and contains a high percentage of alcohol, tequila will never spoil.
Duration of the unopened tequila
If the bottle is factory sealed and not damaged, the taste of tequila should be the same after many years. The quality will not decline as there is no possibility of air getting inside the bottle. Therefore, a packaged bottle can stand on your shelf for years before you want to drink a glass.
Duration of the opened tequila
Once you open the bottle, the air starts to do its thing. Oxidation will cause the liquid to fade over time. That is, the strength of the alcohol will decrease, and the taste will deteriorate. It is estimated that the duration of an open bottle would be ideal for up to a year. Of course, the drink is suitable even after that, but spirits lovers will notice a weaker taste.
Duration of flavored tequila
Unopened will last just like any other tequila, hence forever. However, once you open the bottle, the loss of flavor could happen a little faster than for a blank drink, so it is recommended that you use it within six months.
Does Tequila Expire?
As we have already established, it cannot be spoiled in the classical sense. It can only lose on the quality of taste. Simply the high alcohol content prevents any bacteria from growing and has a sterilizing effect. However, if you miraculously managed to hold an opened bottle of tequila for a very long time, say several years, the quality degradation may be so significant that it caused spoilage.
Sign 1: The drink developed an unusual odor
Anything that doesn’t smell very nice to your nostrils is probably not suitable to consume. Maybe the spirit has evaporated so much that it’s not good to drink. If the smell is stale and unpleasant, pour everything into the drain.
Sign 2: Taste is wrong
Just like with the smell, the taste can be pale. If the drink is not what you are used to, you should rather throw it away. You will not enjoy it.
Sign 3: Colour has changed
Tequila has a clear transparent appearance like pure water. Anything blurred or to notice any phenomenon will mean that foreign substances are present. Maybe some other liquid came in contact. In any case, it will not be satisfactory.
Which is the Best Way to Store Tequila?
Tequila, while unopened, can stand in any condition. Of course, choose a cool and dark place rather than keep it in direct sunlight. But it is unlikely that some external influences will impair the quality. Once you open the bottle, follow the instructions below.
Tip 1: Keep it well sealed
Always try to close the bottle well after use. You want to prevent the air from causing the alcohol to evaporate and reduce the quality.
Tip 2: Pour into a smaller bottle
In order to keep as little air as possible inside the bottle, when you have used up half of the liquid, pour it into a smaller container. So half of the bottle will not be empty or filled with air that is detrimental to quality.
FAQs
How long can you keep tequila?
For as long as you want would be the shortest answer. This alcoholic drink will be stable for many years.
Can old tequila make you sick?
No, there is no possibility that old tequila will cause any digestion problems for you. Only the degradation of the flavor.
How do you know when tequila goes bad?
If the open bottle really stood for a very, very long time, it is possible that the alcohol had evaporated and that the tequila had lost its stability. You will notice this either by the stale smell or by the bland taste. In either case, you won’t desire to take the drink alone, but you can use it in some cocktails.
Should I refrigerate tequila?
It is not necessary to keep the drink in the refrigerator even after opening it. It will be just as safe on the shelf. But if you like to consume colder beverages, you can certainly put the bottle in a fridge.
Conclusion
Tequila is a trendy alcoholic beverage around the world. It is on a par with other strong spirits such as whiskey, rum, or vodka. No matter how old the bottle you have on the shelf is, it is entirely safe to drink. So if you find dusty tequila that belonged to your grandfather, feel free to enjoy it. This beverage won’t get any better with age because it’s not that type of poison, but it’s undoubtedly durable for decades.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
