Many people all across the globe love tequila, a distilled spirit. The blue agave plant, which grows naturally in Mexico, is the original ingredient. The distinctive flavor of tequila makes it a popular ingredient in cocktails or even enjoyed neat. But the question of whether tequila goes bad is valid for some.
Distilled from the blue agave plant, a native Mexican plant, tequila is a distilled alcohol. The area around Tequila, as well as parts of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas, are where it is primarily grown. Tequila is a multipurpose liquor that works well in both straight drinks and a wide range of cocktail recipes. Mixto tequila and 100% agave tequila are the two most common varieties. Unlike mixed tequila, which uses a variety of sugars in addition to blue agave, 100% agave tequila uses just blue agave. A tequila’s quality can range greatly from one kind to another and from one manufacturing procedure to another.
One way to give tequila its unique flavor is to age it in oak barrels. A few months to a few years is the typical aging period for tequila. Aged for a minimum of one year, anejo tequila and extra anejo tequila are two distinct varieties of tequila. Many different approaches exist for savoring tequila. Although it goes well on its own, some like to add other spirits to make cocktails. Margaritas, palomas, and tequila sunrises are a few of the most common tequila cocktails.
Tequila may be kept for an endless amount of time without spoiling because of its limitless shelf life. Nevertheless, its flavor and quality could degrade with time if not stored properly. An unopened bottle of tequila, if maintained properly, can remain fresh for many years. Keep tequila out of direct sunlight and away from heat in a cool, dry area. Tequila might lose some of its flavor and quality if it’s exposed to heat and light for too long.
Tequila has a shelf life of up to a year once opened. To get the most out of it, though, you should eat it within six months. To keep the tequila from going bad due to oxidation or evaporation, shut the bottle or container after opening. Another factor that affects how long tequila stays fresh is the kind of tequila. The shelf life of blanco tequila, often known as silver tequila, is shorter than that of aged tequila because it is unaged and bottled just after distillation. The aging procedure extends the shelf life of reposado tequila by at least two months and añejo tequila by at least one year.
Indices of Corrupt Tequila
Unlike perishable foods, it does not go bad, but improper storage might cause its quality to decline. Can tequila spoil? That is the question. Yes, it is correct. If your tequila seems to be going bad, check for these signs:
- Color changes are one of the first telltale signs that tequila has expired. Turning brown or becoming foggy are telltale signs that the tequila has oxidized and gone bad. Furthermore, if there is sediment or debris in the bottle, it could mean that the tequila has expired.
- You can notice an off flavor or stench when tequila has gone sour. You may tell the tequila has gone bad if it smells sour or putrid. Another indicator that the tequila has gone bad is if it has a strange or disagreeable flavor. There are situations where drinking tequila that has gone bad might be unpleasant.
- Proper storage is key to preserving tequila against spoilage. Keep tequila out of direct sunlight and other heat sources and in a cool, dark place. To keep the contents from oxidizing after opening, the bottle must be firmly sealed. Consider moving the remaining tequila to a smaller bottle to decrease the volume of air in the original bottle if you just have a tiny amount left.
Factors Influencing the Quality of Tequila
Several things can impact tequila’s quality:
- Keep tequila in a dark, cold spot out of the reach of direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Tequila can get bad and tasteless if left out in the heat and light. Because oxidation can change the components in tequila, it’s best to keep the bottle well sealed after opening.
- Joven or blanco tequila and reposado, añejo, or extra-añejo tequila are the two main classifications. Reposado, añejo, or extra-añejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for lengthier lengths of time compared to joven or Blanco tequila, which is either unaged or aged for less than two months. One way in which tequila ages is by changing its color and flavor.
- The taste and quality of tequila are influenced by the variety of agave that is utilized in its production. Although tequila is traditionally made from blue agave, other varieties of agave plants can be utilized as well. The flavor of the finished tequila might vary depending on the variety of agave used.
- Another factor that might affect the quality of tequila is how it is made. There are both classic and modern ways to make tequila. Both traditional and modern techniques for crushing agave plants employ various tools, the most common of which is a tahona, a huge stone wheel. The aroma and taste of tequila can be influenced by the way it is made.
- One way to tell if tequila is good is by looking at its price and brand. Made with premium ingredients and employing traditional production methods, high-quality tequila is usually more expensive. Modern production processes and additives may be used in cheaper tequila. Before buying tequila, make sure you check the quality by reading reviews and researching the brand.
What Happens If You Drink Substandard Tequila?
Negative outcomes are possible as a result of consuming subpar tequila. Some of the consequences of drinking low-quality tequila include:
- There are several health hazards associated with drinking tequila that has expired or is of poor quality. Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea are some of the gastrointestinal problems it could cause. Serious instances can also bring on vertigo, convulsions, coma, and migraines. This is because tequila with hazardous bacteria in it can lead to food poisoning, therefore it’s important to avoid drinking it. So, before you drink the tequila, make sure you check the date it was made and how it was stored.
- If the tequila isn’t good, the drink won’t taste the same. A sour or bitter flavor can develop in tequila when it oxidizes, making it taste awful. It might also become less appetizing when its flavor and scent fade. The drink’s quality and the drinking experience are both negatively impacted by this.
- Legal ramifications may also result from consuming substandard tequila. Anyone who becomes sick or hurt after drinking tainted tequila has the right to sue the company that made or distributed it. Problems with the law, fines, and the company’s image could result from this. Consequently, it is the responsibility of the producers and sellers to guarantee the quality and safety of their goods.
- Tips for the Correct Storage of Tequila
When stored correctly, tequila will maintain its quality for a long time. Some suggestions for keeping tequila fresh:
Make Sure It Stays Chilly and Dark
Avoid exposing tequila to direct sunlight and keep it in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and quality. Sunlight and high temperatures can accelerate the tequila’s deterioration and flavor loss. Tequila is best served when stored at a temperature of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be Sure to Keep It in an Upright Position
To keep the cork from drying out, store the tequila upright. The tequila’s flavor and color might be affected by oxidation if the cork becomes dry and lets air into the bottle.
Store Items in Containers That Prevent Oxidation
Always use an airtight container to store opened bottles of tequila. That way, no oxygen can get into the bottle and ruin the tequila. A glass bottle with a secure top will do, or you can use a decanter.
Keep Out of the Freezer
The freezer is not the place to keep tequila. Because of the expansion and contraction that occurs when tequila is frozen, its flavor and aroma may be compromised. The sediment in the tequila can also separate when frozen, which might change its flavor.
Keep It in an Area Free of Harsh Smells
Keep tequila away from anything with a strong aroma, such as food or cleaning supplies, because it can absorb smells from its environment. Because of this, the tequila will retain all of its original flavor and aroma. You can extend the time that your tequila tastes great by storing it according to these guidelines.
Common FAQs
When tequila starts to go bad, how can you tell?
While tequila usually doesn’t spoil, its flavor could diminish with age. Some signs that tequila has gone bad include changes in color, texture, or flavor. It could be an indication that the tequila has gone bad if it has a vinegary scent or tastes sour.
Do you think aged tequila tastes better?
In contrast to wine, tequila does not improve with age. Before being bottled, tequila undergoes an aging process in barrels. This means that once bottled, tequila does not improve with time.
When opened, how many hours does tequila remain strong?
Properly maintained tequila has a shelf life of six months to one year after opening. Store the bottle in a cool, dark spot, out of the reach of direct sunlight and heat, for optimal storage conditions.
Does it make sense to consume tequila that is two years old?
Though it doesn’t go bad, tequila’s quality could decline with time. It is okay to drink tequila as long as it has been stored correctly and doesn’t show any signs of deterioration. On the other hand, if the tequila smells or tastes awful, it could mean it’s expired.
Is refrigeration necessary for tequila?
Keep tequila in a cool, dark spot out of the reach of children and pets, but don’t chill it. Light and heat have the potential to ruin the tequila.
After opening, how should I keep my tequila?
Once opened, tequila is best kept in a cold, dark, and protected area from heat and sunshine. To avoid air from getting into the bottle, it’s recommended to keep the original cap well shut. Moving the tequila to a smaller bottle will help keep it fresh for longer by reducing the quantity of air in the original bottle.
A well-preserved bottle of tequila, a distilled liquor, will keep for years. A bottle of tequila, once opened, will only last for about a year or two, while an unopened one will last forever. Keep in mind that tequila might lose some of its quality while left out in the elements, such as heat, light, or air. Keep tequila in a cool, dark spot, out of the reach of direct sunlight and heat, to keep it fresh and preserve its quality. Another way to keep the tequila from getting oxidized is to keep the bottle upright and sealed.
Do not drink tequila that has changed in color, aroma, or flavor; it may have spoiled. When food becomes foggy, smells musty or sour, or tastes harsh and unpleasant, it’s time to throw it out. There are a lot of ways to enjoy tequila, a tasty and adaptable spirit. Your tequila will retain its flavor and aroma for a longer period if you store and handle it correctly.