A shot of tequila, or should I say several shots, is always a good idea. For sure, this will get the party started and soon enough, you will be dancing. It is one of the most popular liquors today, which is why many of you probably have a bottle of tequila or two at home. In some instances, however, you might question yourself – can I still drink this bottle of tequila?
Does tequila go bad? If you want to know the answer, keep on reading this post and I will share with you some of the most important things that you should know. Aside from answering the question, you will also learn how to store tequila properly so that it can remain at its peak quality, even after through the years.
What is Tequila?
Tequila is made using fermented sap that is derived from blue agave. The latter is a plant that will take an average of eight years to finally achieve maturity. Almost all tequilas are produced in Jalisco, a town in Mexico. Legit tequilas are made only from pure agave. It is sometimes mixed with other ingredients, like sugarcane.
Tequila does not only make you drunk. It has a number of health benefits as well. For instance, it has been asserted that tequila can help in stimulating the appetite and aids in digestion. When consumed in moderation, it can also regulate the level of cholesterol in the body and will help to ease headaches.
Here is a short video that will show you the process of making tequila:
Does Tequila Go Bad?
You accidentally found an old bottle of tequila at home. You are clueless why it has been sitting there for years and no one dared to touch it. You are excited to have a sip, but you start to question yourself – does tequila go bad? Is it still safe to drink it? Would I not end up being poisoned?
The good news is that since tequila belongs to the category of distilled spirit, it can rarely go bad. Yes, it will spoil, but this will happen only if you do something that should not be done, such as improper storage. So, the good news is that you can still drink it after many years.
Tequila basically has an indefinite shelf life, as long as you make sure that it is sealed. This will prevent penetration of external elements that could possibly speed up spoilage. The high alcohol content of this liquor is also the reason why chances of going bad are slim.
However, once the bottle has already been opened, it is advisable that you consume tequila within the first few months. Of course, you can still drink it after many years. It is still safe, but the problem is that quality will significantly deteriorate. There will surely be a significant change on the way it tastes.
However, it is important to note that tequila, once it is already bottled, will not age. This is unlike wine that ages even after bottling. This means that even after many years, the taste won’t be better. It will be just the same as its state when it was bottled.
How To Know if Tequila Has Gone Bad
As it was mentioned above, it is rare for tequila to go bad. Once it goes bad, on the other hand, it will be easy to determine. It is possible that there will be discoloration, making the liquid appear murky. Also, there will be noticeable changes in the flavor and taste of the drink.
Oxidation is one thing that can possibly happen when tequila has gone bad. This will happen when the seal is not tightly placed on the top of the bottle. Air will penetrate and this will lead to losing the flavor and aroma that is distinct to tequila. The drink will end up tasting bland.
Another problem that can be apparent is evaporation. When tequila evaporates, alcohol will be lost first. This means that the drink will end up being weaker in terms of its alcohol content. When the alcohol is lower, there is another problem – it will be more prone to bacterial growth, and hence, making it susceptible to spoilage.
How to Store Tequila
Even if going bad for tequila is a rare scenario, it is important that you pay attention to its proper storage. This will make sure that your drink will remain at its peak state, even if it is consumed years after it was opened.
The best place to store tequila is in an area that is cool and dry. The pantry is always a good idea. If you have a cellar, this is a better place. At all times, keep it away from direct sunlight or from any other possible sources of heat.
Once you have opened the bottle, make sure to put back the cork or the cap tightly back in its place. If not, this can cause air to penetrate inside the bottle. This can speed up oxidation and evaporation, causing the quality of the tequila to diminish. Using a plastic sealer can also be a good thing.
Also, if you have consumed more than half the bottle of your tequila, it would be better if you can transfer it to a smaller bottle. This is because the more air is present in a bottle, the higher is the likelihood that it will oxidize and evaporate.
Conclusion
Does tequila go bad? How would you know if it has spoiled? What is the best way to store tequila? In a nutshell, here is a roundup of the things that have been discussed above:
- Tequila is made using blue agave plant. They are from Jalisco in Mexico. Laws in Mexico require that the drink is made using pure agave only. In other countries, meanwhile, it is often mixed with other ingredients, such as sugarcane.
- Yes, tequila can go bad, but this rarely happens. As a distilled alcohol, the shelf life is indefinite, especially if it is left sealed. When it is already opened, it becomes more prone to spoilage, but again, this is a rare instance.
- Tequila can evaporate and oxidize, which will cause lower alcohol levels, as well as a change in flavor and aroma. There is also possible discoloration. The taste and smell can go off. These are some of the indications that tequila has possibly gone bad.
- Proper storage is critical for your tequila. With this, make sure that it is kept in a cool and dry place. It should be away from light and heat. Also, you have to make sure that the cap is tightly sealed to avoid penetration of air.
