Tequila is a unique agave-based spirit that is produced in five states of Mexico – Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacan, and Tamaulipas. Mexico produces more than 80 percent of the world’s tequila, and around 39 million liters are consumed each year in the USA alone.
Tequila has acquired worldwide recognition due to its increasing popularity in cocktails, especially in the “Margarita” cocktail. The drink has also increased in popularity in various guises around the world, including slush drinks, mixes, and premium bottled beverages.
A naturally clear tequila with a hint of citrus and pepper. With such enormous popularity, it’s not surprising that there are numerous myths and unanswered questions about how long tequila lasts, but thankfully we have answered the most pressing question – does tequila go bad?
Tequila
Tequila is a clear distillate type of alcohol that is obtained just by fermenting the blue agave plant. It is extremely popular in Latin America and countries where Latin Americans are settled. Nevertheless, it is slowly making its way through the European nations.
Tequila is a classic straight spirit that hails from Mexico. You can enjoy both silver and gold tequila in many different cocktails or on the rocks with some salt. Tequila comes in three varieties: Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo.
Tequila can be aged in barrels for up to 1 year after distillation, but the regulations only require that aging take place for 60 days. It is most often consumed as a shot or mixed with lime and lemon juices, orange juice, and sometimes grapefruit juice.
Shelf-life of Tequila:
Tequila bottles can be kept in a cool, dry environment; away from heat, direct sunlight, and sources of vibration. The ideal temperature for such an environment hovers around 67 F (19 C). The coloring and clarity of the tequila will fade if exposed to strong light for prolonged periods of time.
Tequila can be kept on the shelf or in the freezer for optimum freshness if kept properly. Since it is a distilled beverage, where all flavors are extracted from the original ingredients, it will not go bad. Tequila is only considered off if it has been exposed to light, making its contents oxidize and deteriorate.
Research shows that tequila should last up to two years before you should drink it. The maker of the tequila recommends consuming it within 12 months.
Tequila has several enemies. The most obvious are oxygen, heat, and light. While the serving size of tequila is one shot, the shelf life is about four years if stored properly in an opaque, tightly sealed container.
How long tequila last depends mainly on what kind of tequila you’re drinking. Blanco, or white tequila, is a clear liquid that is similar to vodka and gin. Reposado, which means “rested” in Spanish, can be stored for up to a year and has a golden straw color. Añejo is aged in oak barrels and has a dark caramel color. This type of tequila could age for several years and keeps its flavor and aroma long after you drink it.
Storing Tequila:
Here’s the thing with tequila. It tends to be very active, which means it can lose lots of its flavor and taste pretty gross. This is why the bottle should be stored in a cool, dry place at all times. The best place for your bottle is not in your freezer, but with classic spirits in your pantry or kitchen cabinet.
Tequila can be stored at room temperature for up to two months, but will not reach maximum flavor until it is allowed to age in bottles. As tequila ages, the color of the liquid deepens and changes to amber.
If you intend on storing your tequila for longer periods, dark glass bottles stored in a cool dry place are best with up to 2 years as a maximum aging time.
When stored incorrectly, tequila can become bitter when oxidized. High-quality tequilas are made with natural ingredients, so when stored correctly they can be kept in your kitchen cabinet for years to come. The best way to store tequila is upright in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. This will help prevent oxidization and keep the taste full and rich.
Tequila is best stored in a place where it can receive adequate ventilation, which is why most tequila connoisseurs store the liquor in cabinets or under the counter. This way, the tequila is exposed to air while also being protected from harmful UV radiation.
Does Tequila go bad?
You wouldn’t believe the number of people asking this question: ‘Does Tequila go bad?’. Tequila does not go bad or expire. It can last “forever” if kept in a tightly sealed bottle, in a cool dark room. There are no artificial ingredients to make it spoil, but it can get worse with age from evaporation from the alcohol content. But let’s talk about how long it stays good and don’t forget to read the tequila expiration date.
Tequila doesn’t go bad because tequila oxidizes very quickly. If you leave tequila sitting around for a month or two, it’s not going to be the same quality as what you started with. However, if you keep it in a dark place, away from air and light, you should be able to keep it for a long time.
Tequila does not go bad, but the flavors of tequila change with time and age. Technically, tequila is a unique variety of mezcal made from a specific species of agave plant. In other words, this spirit should be stored in the same way as any other quality liquor would be stored.
It is possible to have your tequila bottles go bad or expire, but only when it is improperly stored, so you’ll have to store it in a cool environment and not refrigerate or freeze it. The shelf life can depend on many period factors, such as storage conditions and packaging that should be considered when storing tequila.
Verdict:
Tequila is a Mexican distilled liquor with over 700 years of history. Nowadays it is produced in many parts of Mexico in factories, distilleries, small-batch distilleries, and in some village homes. The drink has also gone through various changes, modifications, and additions to produce versions that are made today.
As its popularity spread through the world, the drink’s availability grew worldwide. Hence, we must be aware of the contents of it as they may have a few artificial flavors added. And always keep tequila away from impurities as they may spoil tequila.
There you have it. Hopefully, this article has given you plenty of information on whether or not tequila goes bad to help you make a smart and informed decision. If I missed anything, be sure to add it in the comments and we can all learn something!
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