Does Gin Go Bad?

Usually, hard liquors have a very long shelf life. Similarly, gin can last for many years retaining its peak quality. There is no expiration date labeled on the gin bottle that means that it has a long-lasting life. But we are not sure that how much we can keep it once the bottle is opened.

If gin is not stored properly, it will not retain its peak quality. Therefore, if you should keep it in a good environment to last for as long as possible, maintaining its best quality.

How to Store Gin?

Alcohol is known as one of the best preservations all around the globe. Gin can be stored in the same way as the other liquors. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you need to take care of the following things.

Place it away from heat sources

If you place the bottle of gin away from sunlight and heat sources, it will be ok. Heat and light cause chemical changes in the bottle of liquors. If the bottle is placed near heat or under the sunlight, it will cause evaporation of the alcohol.

Place the bottles away from the sunlight and heat sources. Otherwise, it won’t be able to retain its best quality for a longer period.

Store at a cool temperature

Cool temperature is the best for gin. It keeps the taste and aroma for as long as possible. So you should keep gin in cool weather to retain its peak quality and taste.

Keep it in the pantry

Pantry is the best place for storing gin. It can sit at room temperature for a long period. You can keep it in the cabinet of your kitchen or on the shelf.

Keep the bottle sealed

The bottle of alcohol should be kept sealed every time. If the seal is not tight, oxidation will occur that will affect the product. So, to slow down this process of oxidation, it is better to seal it tightly.

There should not be much air inside the bottle even if it is sealed because it can increase oxidation. So, if you have a half-filled gin bottle, you should transfer it to a small bottle where the air will be less. It will decrease the oxidation rate as well.

Can You Freeze Gin?

Storing gin in the freezer is not a good option. It has a longer shelf life, and it does not need any freezing. But if you want to cool down the gin in a quick time, you can put it in the freezer. Gin won’t freeze in the freezer because of its high alcohol by volume level, which is almost 40%. It will rather turn into ice.

There is no need to worry if you have kept it in the freezer, the bottle will not explode. An hour is quite enough for the gin to cool down. Ice cubes can also be used instead of freezing it.

How Long Does Gin Last?

Gin is a very shelf-stable product. It can last for many years. It can sit in a cabinet for many years as long as it is unopened. Once the bottle is opened, the oxidation will start. It will affect the taste of alcohol. The speed of oxidation mainly depends upon its storage conditions.

It is better to use the bottle within the year after its opening. And if it is not stored properly, then it will not retain its taste. If the gin is stored for too long after opening, its taste will be worst.

The color of gin also gets fade after a year, but it does not get spoiled at all. The better access to the air the gin has, the quicker its taste will change. Overall, gin will stay fine for a lifetime. It does not get spoiled at all. The only change in gin with time is the change in taste, color, and smell.

How to Tell If Gin Is Bad?

As we know, gin does not get spoiled. Only its quality is affected if it is not stored in good conditions. You can differentiate between a good and bad gin by checking its taste, color, and smell. Take care of the following things:

• To check the quality of the gin, pour some amount of it into a glass. If you notice any particles, then it means that it is not at its peak quality. Try not to use it.
• Check the taste of gin; it doesn’t taste good, then it is not good. Discard the bad gin immediately.
• You should also check the smell of gin. If you notice any change in the scent of gin, try to get rid of it at once. The gin will not smell good if it is not at its peak quality.

Sources

• Does it go bad
• Can it go bad
• Craft Gin Club