December 21st 2024.
The holiday season is upon us and with it comes the sound of popping bottles. But have you ever wondered how long you can keep those bottles for? In my household, this is never a concern as any opened bottles of alcohol are quickly consumed, especially during Christmas time. It's the one month of the year where indulging in all types of drinks is completely acceptable. From wines to port, sherry, spirits, aperitifs, digestifs, and liqueurs, you name it, we have it. So, it's not surprising to find half-empty bottles lying around after the festivities have ended.
As an expert in the drinks industry, I often get asked one question more than any other during this time of year: "How long can I keep my booze after opening it?" It's a valid question. Can alcohol actually go bad? And if so, how should we store it? Is room temperature fine, and what exactly is considered room temperature?
For fermented drinks like wine, sherry, and port, they are susceptible to perishing once they come in contact with oxygen and warm temperatures. Therefore, it's best to stopper an open bottle and keep it in the fridge. Alcohol acts as a preservative, keeping the flavors fresh and youthful by killing any microorganisms that may negatively affect the taste. Placing the bottle in the fridge is like putting it in a cryogenic chamber, delaying its inevitable decline and prolonging its life span. The cooler temperature also slows down the process of oxidation, which preserves the delicate flavor compounds in the wine.
On the other hand, spirits have already undergone significant temperature fluctuations during the distillation process and have higher alcohol levels to protect them. Hence, they can be stored at room temperature in a cupboard. Personally, I prefer to keep my spirits in the freezer, but that's just my preference for ice-cold drinks.
When it comes to storing unopened wine, it's essential to find the right spot. For the best and worst places to store unopened wine, check out my column from last year. Spoiler alert: the kitchen is the worst spot. The ideal room temperature for wine is between 15-25°C, as suggested by The European Pharmacopoeia and Merrian-Webster. However, for wine, the cooler end of that range is recommended, around 15-18°C.
For fermented drinks that are unopened, the storage area should be kept at a constant temperature of 10-15°C, with 13°C being the ideal temperature. The specifics can be found in my storage piece, but the area should be dark, free from vibrations, and have a constant temperature.
Now, let's talk about how long open bottles of wine can last. Firstly, it's important to note that there is no such thing as leftover wine, it's just unfinished. White and rosé wines can last for 2-3 days in the fridge, while sparkling wine can last for a similar amount of time. It's important to ensure that the bottle is well stoppered. Please ignore the old trick of placing a teaspoon in the neck of the bottle; it does not work. Red wines can last for 3-5 days in the fridge, but they need time to warm up before drinking. Otherwise, they can taste harsh and tannic. Dessert wines can last for up to a week before losing their flavor.
When it comes to sherry and port, these drinks take center stage during Christmas. Sherry and port are fortified wines, meaning their alcohol content has been increased by adding grape spirit. Despite this, they are still susceptible to rapid decline after being opened. Lighter sherry styles can last for a week in the fridge, while more oxidized styles can last for a month. Cream sherries and Pedro Ximenez, with their high sugar content, can last for at least three months. On the port side, ruby and reserve styles can last for a few weeks, tawny port can last for up to six weeks, and vintage port should be consumed within 3-5 days.
If you're in the mood for a Martini, then you'll need vermouth. It's a fortified wine infused with botanicals, so it should be treated like any other wine-based product. As soon as it's opened, it should be stored in the fridge and can last for about a month. Sweet vermouth can last longer than dry vermouth due to its higher sugar content. Keep an eye out for any changes in flavor, as that's a sign it's time to replace it.
Marsala and Madeira are both fortified wines, with Marsala coming from Sicily and Madeira produced on the Portuguese islands. Both have a range of flavors, from dry to sweet. These drinks are virtually indestructible, but their alcohol component can break down after six months, even in the fridge.
Now, let's talk about beer. Warm beer is a no-go, so it should always be refrigerated. Open bottles or cans of beer can last for 1-2 days in the fridge, while craft beer with a higher alcohol content can last slightly longer. Not that this has ever happened to me, of course.
Cream-based liqueurs, like Baileys, can last for up to six months once opened. So, there's no need to rush and finish the bottle. Just keep an eye out for any curdling. Fruit or herbal liqueurs, like Grand Marnier, Chartreuse, or Cointreau, can last for up to a year if they are sealed correctly and kept in the fridge.
High alcohol spirits like vodka and gin are more stable than wine or beer, so they can last forever at room temperature. However, storing them in the fridge or freezer can enhance their subtle flavors and make them smoother to drink. The high alcohol content also prevents them from freezing.
If you're looking for more expert drinks content, then you've come to the right place. Metro's Drinks Column, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven, is the ultimate destination for all things drinks-related. From the best supermarket wines to wallet-friendly alternatives to expensive Champagnes, this is the place for those who love to celebrate. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest drinks trends, expert advice, and insider knowledge. We'll explore the best food pairings for your drinks, debunk the latest TikTok rumors, and answer burning questions like, "Can you make cheap vodka taste expensive by filtering it through a Brita filter?" So, grab a drink and join us on this journey through the world of good drink. Cheers!
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