Does tequila go bad? Regrettably, it does. Although tequila does not deteriorate as easily as tomatoes or an ordinary beverage would, it can go rancid.
Tequila’s production procedure contributes to the liquor’s durability and preservation. Its shelf life is decided by two things that you should be aware of.
This article discusses in detail why tequila goes bad, how to preserve it, and the indicators that the liquor has gone sour.
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What Is Tequila?
Tequila is an agave-based Mexican alcoholic liquor. It undergoes distillation, which entails heating and then cooling to a liquid condition with a greater alcohol concentration.
The yeast consumes the glucose in the blue agave and converts it to alcohol throughout the fermentation process. The amount of alcohol in the finished product decides its intensity or efficacy.
Does Tequila Go Bad?
Yes, it only spoils once it is opened and has been open for up to a year. Tequila, on the other hand, does not expire if kept unopened.
It is bottled after distillation or aged in a variety of hardwood barrels for a few months to a couple of years. It has an extremely long shelf life because of this.
Does Tequila Go Bad in the Heat?
Yes, it does. Tequila should always be kept fresh. It should be kept cool and out of direct sunlight.
As a result, if you live in a hot environment, it may be best to keep your liquor inside a dark cabinet, as heat from the sun can also degrade its quality.
Does Tequila Go Bad in the Refrigerator?
Unfortunately, when refrigerated, it spoils. Tequila should only be stored in a cold place, but while drinking, add ice for a cooling effect. Aside from that, whether the hard liquor is closed or unsealed, it cannot be refrigerated or frozen.
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Does Tequila Go Bad in the Freezer?
It certainly does. One thing you should never do is freeze your tequila. The bottle will not only break, but the booze will lose its power as well.
It must always be left at room temperature and in a semi-dark setting, or a cabinet, away from direct sunlight.
Does Tequila Go Bad if Left Open?
Yes, it does. Opened tequila is a quick method or the most obvious way for booze to go from excellent to poor. Once opened, it should not be used for more than a year unless it sours horribly.
Does Tequila Go Bad If Never Opened?
No, it does not. The making of tequila makes it such that it doesn’t expire if left unopened. It could never go bad instead it gets stronger and money intoxicating.
What is the Shelf Life of Tequila?
Tequila has an infinite shelf life. However, if the bottle is opened or the seal is compromised, the liquor should be consumed within a year. That is how long the booze will remain at its best quality.
Can Expired Tequila Make You Sick?
There is no scientific evidence that expired tequila may make you sick. However, keep in mind that once opened, it should be consumed within a year.
You may also notice a weaker flavor in liquor rather than a significant sickness. As a result, it is prudent not to take anything expired simply for the sake of safety and health.
How to Tell if Tequila Is Bad
It is difficult to figure out whether your tequila is bad because, unlike foods that can change color easily, this liquor must be tasted or smelled to prove it has gone amiss.
1. Poor liquor quality
Before drinking a bottle that has been opened and stored for a long time, take a closer look at the liquid (assuming there aren’t any contaminants in the bottle), smell it, and taste a bit of it to see whether it’s awful. If it doesn’t look right, smells funny, or tastes bad, throw it out.
2. Examine the label
Any product branded “tequila” should provide the consumer with some basic information about its quality and legitimacy. If the bottle does not say the origin of the alcohol, or the location of the makers, or if there is no certification stamp, you should avoid it.
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How to Preserve Tequila
To avoid a reduced shelf life and keep the greatest quality, store your liquor with a firmly covered lid. This will keep the tastes and sensations from deteriorating due to oxidation. More oxygen, in other words, can cause the flavor of whiskey, vodka, or tequila to diminish.
1. An unopened bottle of tequila
- You should correctly store liquor at a temperature of 50-55°F (10-13°C) in a liquor cabinet tuned to the proper temperature for the best liquor storage temperature.
- If you live in a hot region, it’s best to keep your booze in a dark cabinet since the heat from the sun might degrade its quality.
- If you don’t have access to a liquor cabinet, keep your liquor in a cold, dark location away from heat and light.
- Wide temperature changes (such as keeping it near a window) might degrade the flavor of your tequila.
2. An Opened bottle of tequila
- Once you have an opened bottle of tequila, keep the liquor somewhere it will not be exposed to air, light, or contamination.
- Even if liquor has been opened, it should be kept in a cold, dry place away from direct sunlight to ensure that the tastes and smells remain true to the quality.
- Also, make sure the cork top on the bottle is firmly secured since this might cause your alcohol to lose its purity and flavor over time.
- If you only drink booze on special occasions or are a light drinker, it’s also a good idea to pour liquor into smaller corked bottles after drinking more than you predicted.
- Otherwise, the combustion will be accelerated by putting the liquor in a bottle with more air in it.
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FAQs
Is it safe to drink old tequila?
If the flavor appeals to you, go ahead and drink. Consider using it in a margarita or blended with your favorite fizzy beverages if it appears to have lost some flavor but hasn’t gone bad with a foul odor or taste. The added components will help hide some of the flaws in the tequila.
Does tequila have a worm in it?
It is possible but not certain. Mezcal is a type of tequila; however, it is not the same as liquor, and only mezcal has worms. A “worm” is a larva of one of two varieties of maguey worms that live on the agave plant, according to Anthony Dias Blue’s Complete Book of Spirits.
What is floating in your tequila?
This could be because the granules didn’t vanish after shaking. If you shake the container at room temperature the lipids should be reabsorbed into the liquid. It is majorly the copper from the bottle floating on the top that has not been absorbed.
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Does freezing tequila ruin it?
Yes, chilling tequila may change the flavor and scent. Because the taste components of the liquor are volatile, freezing is not a good idea.
Through freezing, it was discovered that taste was affected and that the natural fruity esters that contribute to flavor were dulled or deteriorated as a result.
How do Mexicans drink tequila?
Tequila is traditionally consumed straight in Mexico, without the addition of lime or salt. Drinking good alcohol with a side of sangria, a sweet-tart, and a spicy cocktail prepared from oranges, tomato juice, and hot chili is popular in some locations.
Conclusion
Tequila is a famous worldwide alcoholic beverage known for its intense sting when consumed as well as its distillation and -most importantly- its long shelf life when stored properly.
However, if opened and not used within a year, the liquor can go bad. On the other hand, an unopened bottle will keep indefinitely even after the end date.
Furthermore, alcohol does not have any worms and does not change color when spoiled. The smell will usually inform you that something is wrong.
Thank you for reading.
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