All About Bourbon
Your complete guide to bourbon - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Bourbon Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for bourbon in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Unopened, Room TemperatureIndefinite (quality-wise, many decades)
Signs of Spoilage
True spoilage (unsafe to consume) is virtually non-existent for unopened, properly stored bourbon. Quality degradation signs are extremely rare but could include: noticeable evaporation (indicating a faulty seal), cloudiness or visible particles (highly unusual for an unopened bottle, might suggest extreme temperature fluctuations or manufacturing defect).
How to Check
Visually inspect the bottle for any signs of leakage, a compromised seal, or abnormally low liquid levels. Check for clarity; the liquid should be free of cloudiness or sediment. Smell test is not applicable as the bottle is sealed.
Storage Tips
Store bottles upright, especially if corked, to prevent the cork from drying out and crumbling or allowing air ingress. Keep in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations (e.g., a pantry, cabinet, or cellar). High alcohol content acts as a potent preservative, ensuring indefinite safety.
Opened, Room TemperatureBest quality within 6 months to 2 years; remains safe to drink for 2-5+ years, though flavor will degrade.
Signs of Spoilage
Bourbon does not 'spoil' in the microbial sense due to its high alcohol content. However, its quality and flavor profile will degrade over time due to oxidation from air exposure. Signs of degradation include: a significant dulling or flattening of the aroma, development of 'off' notes (e.g., slightly vinegary, metallic, or stale), a noticeably less vibrant or complex taste, or a general flatness on the palate. Extreme, prolonged exposure to air might lead to very slight cloudiness, but this is rare.
How to Check
Perform a smell test: Compare the aroma to how you remember it when first opened. Look for a lack of vibrancy, flatness, or any undesirable 'off' smells. Conduct a small taste test: Take a tiny sip. Does it still have its characteristic flavors, or does it taste dull, muted, overly harsh, or possess any unpleasant notes? Visually check for clarity, though significant changes are uncommon.
Storage Tips
Always re-cap the bottle tightly immediately after use to minimize air exposure. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. The more air in the bottle (i.e., the less liquid remaining), the faster oxidation will occur. For bottles less than half full that you intend to keep for an extended period, some enthusiasts transfer the liquid to smaller, clean bottles to reduce headspace. Refrigeration is not necessary and can actually dull the flavors of bourbon; it does not extend its shelf life in terms of quality degradation from oxidation.