Did you get some tequila as a gift on your anniversary? Or did you find a bottle that has been lying in your pantry for a few years?
Now you don’t know how to make the best use of your precious possession. In that case, you are in the right place.
Because here we will be discussing the nitty-gritty of tequila.
You may be wondering whether tequila can get spoiled. But don’t worry. The best part is tequila is a distilled spirit and has an indefinite shelf life. Your tequila will taste good, and you can drink it safely for years!
How To Know If Tequila Has Gone Bad
Although tequila can retain its quality indefinitely, to find out if it is spoiled:
- Observe the liquid and see if there are any impurities in it.
- Sniff it and see if it smells fine.
- Drink a bit of it and see if it is acceptable. You can pour it into a neat glass and sip it or add some salt and lime. If it does not taste great but is not very bad, why not add it to a cocktail, such as a margarita? Other ingredients will cover up the imperfections of your tequila!
But if tequila’s smell or taste is unbearable, discard it.
How To Store Tequila
Tequila is similar to other distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, and rum. You can keep it in the same manner as you keep them. Keep it in a place that is:
- cool
- dry
- not exposed to direct sunlight
- away from heat sources
That means keeping it in your pantry is the best option. You can let it remain at room temperature as well.
The oxidation process starts after you remove the seal of the bottle. It brings about a change in the compounds present in alcohol. As a result, there is a slight change in the flavor.
Try it out and see: Pour a small amount of tequila into one glass, leave it for a day or two, and then taste it. Also, pour some tequila and drink it immediately. You will see that their taste is slightly different from each other.
Make it a point to seal the bottle tightly after use. It will prevent oxidation, and there will not be any chance for impurities to enter the bottle.
If you consume tequila occasionally and in small quantities, pour it into a small bottle after the original bottle is half-empty. That way, less oxygen will get inside the bottle, and oxidation will be slower.
How Long Tequila Lasts
Once spirits are removed from casks and put into bottles, they stop maturing or improving, so even if you keep your bottled tequila for years, it won’t become more valuable. If your tequila’s quality is not good enough, it was the same when you purchased it.
Tequila’s shelf life is indefinite, and you can leave it in your pantry without any time restriction. However, if you want to enjoy it at its best quality, consume it within a year after opening the seal. Because after that, the aroma and flavor will deteriorate slowly.
The Bottom Line On Tequila
You can enjoy good quality tequila for a long time, even after you have opened the seal of the bottle. Remember to keep it in a cool place, away from direct sunlight or heat. Don’t forget to close the lid tightly.
Be careful not to inadvertently add any impurities to your bottle. Otherwise, bacteria may develop gradually and spoil it.
The good news is that, due to the alcohol content, tequila does not provide a suitable environment for the microorganisms to thrive.
