Does Tequila Go Bad?

It’s a Lucky No! Tequila doesn’t go bad. Tequila is a distilled alcohol made from blue agaves long as it is stored properly and is not exposed to extreme temperatures, it should not go bad. However, it’s worth noting that over time, the taste and aroma of tequilas can change, and it may not be as fresh and vibrant as when it was first bottled. The taste can also be affected by the quality of the cork or screw cap, if it’s not tight or has become dry, it can let air into the bottle, which can cause the tequila to become oxidized, and affect its taste and quality.

5 Warning Signs That Tequila Gone Bad 

Tequila is safe to consume for years, as was previously indicated. Tequila is a relatively tough environment for microorganisms to develop in, therefore it won’t technically go bad unless you really want it to and throw some pollutants into the bottle, where germs may slowly proliferate (spoil). Some of the things one should keep in mind before drinking old tequila:

  • Change in color: If the tequilas has a yellow or brown tint, it may be a sign that it has gone bad. The color of tequila should be clear or light straw-like.
  • Change in aroma: If the tequilas has a musty or moldy smell, it may be a sign that it has gone bad. A good tequila should have a pleasant aroma with a hint of agave.
  • Change in taste: If the tequilas has a bitter or sour taste, it may be a sign that it has gone bad. A good tequilas should have a smooth and balanced flavor.
  • Cloudiness: If the tequilas appears cloudy or has sediment, it may be a sign that it has gone bad. A good tequilas should be clear and free of any sediment.
  • Mould on Cork: This can happen when the cork becomes dry and allows air to enter the bottle, which can create an environment that is conducive to mold growth. The mold can grow on the cork, and can also affect the tequila inside the bottle.

What is the shelf life of unopened Tequila?

Does Tequila Go Bad?

When properly maintained and hermetically sealed, a bottle can endure for at least 5 years without being opened. However, an unopened bottle without an expiration date may experience evaporation, which eventually changes the taste. Furthermore, the shelf life of unopened tequila can vary depending on the type of tequila and how it has been stored.

  • Unaged or blanco tequila: This type of tequilas has the shortest shelf life of around 2 years.
  • Reposado tequila: This type of tequilas is aged for at least 2 months in oak barrels. Its shelf life is around 2-3 years
  • Añejo tequila: This type of tequilas is aged for at least 1 year in oak barrels. It has a shelf life of 3-5 years
  • Extra Añejo tequila: This type of tequila is aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels. It has a shelf life of around 5-7 years

Having mentioned that, it’s always a good idea to check the expiration date on the bottle, and if it’s expired, it’s best to discard it

How To Store Opened Tequila?

Does Tequila Go Bad?

First, not everyone is aware that, unlike wines, spirits do not mature after being bottled. That implies tequila won’t taste better if it is kept in storage for a long time. Some of the tips on storage  are given below:

  • Keep it in a cool, dark place: It Drink should be stored in a cool and dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet, to prevent it from being exposed to light and heat. This will help preserve the taste and quality of the tequilas .With that being said, if you wish to store it in the refrigerator, you can do that, However, it is not necessary.
  • Keep it at a consistent temperature: Fluctuations in temperature can affect the taste of the tequilas. It is best to keep the tequilas in a place with a consistent temperature, to avoid any changes in the tequila’s taste and quality. The ideal temperature range for storing tequila drink is between 55-60°F (13-16°C). Furthermore, you have to make sure that you prevent the cork from drying, which leads to our next tip
  • Store it upright: Tequila should be stored upright to prevent the cork or screw cap from drying out and letting air into the bottle. This can cause the tequila to become oxidized and affect its taste. By keeping the bottle upright, the cork or screw cap remains moist, which helps to seal the bottle and keep air out. This helps to preserve the taste and quality of the tequila for a longer period of time. Additionally, it also helps to keep the liquid inside the bottle in contact with the cork or cap, which can prevent leaks.
  • Use an airtight container or decanter: Using an airtight container or decanter to store tequila can help preserve the taste and quality of the tequila for a longer period of time. When tequila is stored in the original bottle, air can seep in through the cork or screw cap and cause the tequila to become oxidized. Oxidation can change the taste and aroma of tequila, making it less desirable.

Can Using Expired Tequila Make You sick?

If you keep tequila properly, you won’t get sick from drinking old tequila. There is very little chance of being both ill and inebriated. Since tequila is manufactured from the natural blue agave plant, it offers several health advantages in addition to being a great way to get drunk. 

The majority of tequilas, however, have a shelf life of at least a year. Tequila is no longer matured once it has been taken out of the barrels. It could gradually lose some of its quality, but it won’t disappear entirely as food does. Some of the consequences of consuming expired tequila are given below:

  • You could suffer certain unpleasant side effects if you consume outdated tequila. Tequila that has gone bad may make you nauseous and throw up. 
  • In addition, headaches and vertigo may result. 
  • Seizures and comas may result in extreme circumstances. So it’s advisable to stay away from tequila that has expired.

FAQs

Q1. Is tequila good after 20 years?
Ans. Your tequila will survive forever if it is kept in a cupboard at room temperature, but you should still consume it within a few years since evaporation can still occur even if the bottle is unopened. Similar to this, the shelf lives of the majority of popular alcoholic beverages, such as whisky and vodka, are almost endless.

Q2. How old is the oldest tequila?
Ans. Tequila also is regarded as the best drinking tequila. It is recognized for its rich golden color since it spends the greatest amount of time in oak barrels—usually one to three years. An ultra-premium tequila called 1800 Anejo is matured for more than 12 months in tiny French oak barrels, with a small fraction of it spending three years in American oak barrels.

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