More often than not, when we are decluttering or downsizing a home, we are faced with a cupboard or wall full of wine and spirits. Imagine going into your grandparent’s home, and you find dusty shelves full of bottles that have been sitting around for years. Does alcohol expire? Great question! Here is some guidance in clearing out your liquor cabinet.

Spirits

Good news! Unopened spirits like vodka, gin, and rum generally don’t spoil. But once they are opened, oxygen will affect the flavour and alcohol content over time due to evaporation. If a lot of liquid is left in the bottle, it’s time for a party. If the bottle is only partly full and you are not going to consume, cook, or bake with it, then dispose of it since it’s just taking up space.

Wine

Every wine is different. Of course, high-quality wines can be properly stored for many, many years in a cool temperature-controlled spot or cellar. However, if you have inexpensive wines, experts suggest you use them within one year. Keep partial bottles out of the light and use them within a week. You can store opened wine (even red wine) in the refrigerator to slow the oxidation process.

Liqueur

Yes, liqueurs can spoil. In particular, cream-based ones like Irish Creams have a short shelf life. You should refrigerate and enjoy them within a year of purchase. So, that liqueur you opened and stashed away three Christmases ago? It’s time to get rid of it since exposure to air will have oxidized and changed its flavour.

Beer

If you’re storing beer, it’s likely not in your liquor cabinet. Beer should be housed in the fridge or a dark, cool location. In fact, beer bottles are dark to protect the contents against sunlight. Similar to wine, there are different types of beers with different shelf lives. Microbrew beers have a short life span. Mass-produced beers have a longer shelf life, but their taste and appearance will change over time, so they should be consumed within a year. But some “vintage” beers, like stouts, can last much longer.

The proper temperature to store liquor varies. But for spirits, many experts suggest between 13-16º Celsius (55-60º Fahrenheit), so make sure your storage area is appropriate. Also, remember liquor may come with a “best before date,” not an “expiry date,” so you don’t need to be too eager to throw things away. Liquor is generally okay for a month or two after the best-before date. Just remember the effects of evaporation and the importance of storage temperatures when preserving the value and taste of your alcohol.

Clearing out that cabinet? Great! Recycle those bottles and make some space. Cheers to you!

Do you need assistance in organizing your home life? Be sure to contact Out of Chaos. We’d love to hear from you.

Image by Felix on rawpixel.