Tipsy's Tips: Expiration Dates

Believe it or not, distilled spirits do not improve in the bottle. They are not like wines. An unopened bottle of aged whiskey will taste the same whether you open it immediately or if you wait a few years to open it. Once opened, however, all bets are off. Here's a simple guide to how to tell if it is time to drink, or time to dump.

Base Liquors (brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey) if unopened, will last a long time. Opened, they are probably good for about a year. After that, you are simply evaporating the alcohol.

Liqueurs and Cordials are less certain. They contain sugar and other ingredients which can spoil. If you seal them well, they ought to be okay for several months, but keep an eye for crystalization on the bottom, discoloration, or other changes. There is no need to refrigerate these (even the cream liqueurs), but it won't hurt. Also, some have expirations dates, so be sure to check.

Fortified Wines (such as vermouth) can survive open longer than typical wines, but they will lose flavor after a few months. You can store it in the refrigerator, but it may not make a difference.

Tips to increase the shelf life of your liquor:

• Keep bottles tightly sealed, and store upright.
• Don't store liquor with speed pourers unless you are using them: they let in air!
• Avoid extreme temperatures, and don't store next to exterior walls.
• Avoid bright, direct light.

Now, go toss out that open bottle of whiskey you inherited from Grandma.