Does Rum Go Bad When Opened Or Unopened? (2023 Updated) (2024)

Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Lydia Martin

If you have a bottle of rum inside your cabinet that has been there for a few years, you may wonder if it’s still safe to drink. This confusion led most people to the question – does rum go bad?

Our team spent 24 hours gathering answers to all your questions.

Table of Contents

Rum: Does It Go Bad?

Does rum go bad? Here’s the truth. An unopened rum doesn’t go bad unless it is left exposed for a very long time. Rum is one of the distilled spirits. It has stable alcohol and strong spirits that means you can store it for many years and still be fine. No matter how long it’s kept inside your cabinet, it will be perfectly fine.

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In short, rum can go bad. The term “bad” refers to the fact that it’ll not harm you while you are drinking.

Continue reading to learn more about rum storage, shelf life, and info about rums.

Its Shelf Life

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Average Shelf Life

Substantially, the shelf life of rum is uncertain if it’s stored properly. As long as its cap is tightly sealed, it can be stored for many years. To prolong the life of your rum and maintain its quality, keep it in a place at room temperature, away from light as much as possible.

Of course, we store rum inside our cabinets or pantries, not in food keepers or food storage.

When Opened

After opening a rum bottle, it’s recommended to drink it right away or within six months because it can lose its smell, taste, and quality. You wouldn’t be happy with the taste of the rum if you didn’t store the opened bottle properly. So it’s better to drink it immediately. The faster, the better.

Unopened

Unopened rum has the potential to last forever, but it must be stored in the proper conditions. These conditions also apply when storing opened rum and can help it last much longer.

Just a friendly reminder that, unlike in wine and beer, base liquor does not age once bottled. Same with rum. Rum in an unopened bottle should taste the same today as it will in 20 years.

Why Does Rum Go Bad?

As mentioned earlier, rum can go bad, but the term “bad” is not as serious as you think. It just lessens the quality of the rum.

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The reason behind this is because the liquid slowly evaporates when a bottle of a drink is not firmly sealed. Because alcohol evaporates faster than water, the rum becomes milder over time. Additionally, the oxidation process occurs. The combination of these two processes gradually alters the flavor of the beverage.

How To Tell If Your Liquor Went Bad

Rum, like other spirits, tends to decline in quality once it’s not stored properly. Strong spirits with a high alcohol content can kill most hostile germs and bacteria.

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The expiration date on a bottle refers to the deterioration of the rum’s flavor. Pour a small amount of it into your mouth, smell it, and taste it. If you notice any visible signs of spoilage or a strange odor and taste, discard the liquid.

Tips On How To Store Your Rum

There are a few things to keep in mind when storing rum. Like any other spirit, you should store rum in a cool, dry place far from light. Keeping it inside the fridge won’t benefit the liquid.

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Once a bottle is open, keep it tightly sealed to avoid oxidation. When rum is exposed to oxygen, it begins to oxidize, and eventually, the flavor changes. These effects occur at a much slower rate within a tightly closed bottle.

FAQs

How do I store an opened bottle of rum?

One way of storing an opened bottle of rum is to transfer it into a smaller bottle if it’s half-empty. More empty space in the bottle indicates a faster change in flavor. Moreover, we recommend using screw tops rather than natural cork – although natural corks are elegant-looking, they can’t extend the life of your rum.

Can an old rum make me sick?

No, an alcohol that has passed its expiration date does not make you sick. If you drink a bottle that has been open for more than a year, you’ll almost certainly notice a change in flavor. Alcohol does not expire to the point where it can make you sick. [1]

How hot can a bottle of rum be stored?

Some experts believe the ideal temperature range is between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The basic rule of thumb for common distilled and other spirits like whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, wine, and tequila is to keep them in a cool dark place. But, what’s the difference between rum and whiskey?

In Summary

To sum up, rum preserves for a long time and doesn’t go bad even after it’s been opened. Like wines, rums are safe to drink even after opening. The shelf life of rum can only last if it’s saved properly; if not, it loses its taste.

Also, remember that after opening a bottle of rum, close it tightly and transfer it into smaller bottles if it’s almost half-empty. Lastly, before serving or drinking an opened bottle of rum, make sure to taste it first.

References:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-alcohol-expire#health-effects

As someone deeply entrenched in the world of spirits and liquor, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. My passion for the subject is not just theoretical; I've delved into the intricacies of distilled spirits, including the aging processes, flavor profiles, and the impact of storage conditions. Let's dissect the information presented in the article with a focus on rum:

Rum: Does It Go Bad?

The article begins by addressing a common concern: does rum go bad? It emphatically states that unopened rum does not go bad unless exposed for an extended period. This is rooted in the stability of alcohol and strong spirits in rum, making it suitable for long-term storage.

Shelf Life of Rum:

  1. Average Shelf Life:

    • The article suggests that the shelf life of rum is uncertain if not stored properly. When tightly sealed, rum can last for many years. Proper storage conditions include room temperature and protection from light.
  2. When Opened:

    • Once a rum bottle is opened, it is recommended to consume it within six months. Failure to do so may result in the loss of smell, taste, and overall quality. Unlike some other alcoholic beverages, base liquor, including rum, does not age once bottled.
  3. Unopened:

    • Unopened rum has the potential to last indefinitely, given proper storage conditions. It emphasizes that rum in an unopened bottle should taste the same today as it will in 20 years.

Why Does Rum Go Bad?

The article explains that the term "bad" in this context refers to a reduction in the quality of the rum. The degradation occurs due to evaporation and oxidation processes, leading to a gradual alteration of the beverage's flavor.

How to Tell If Your Liquor Went Bad:

  1. Quality Decline:
    • The decline in quality is linked to improper storage. The high alcohol content in rum can initially resist bacterial contamination, but the expiration date primarily pertains to flavor deterioration. Smelling and tasting the rum can reveal any noticeable signs of spoilage.

Tips on How to Store Your Rum:

  1. Storage Conditions:
    • Rum, like other spirits, should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light. Once opened, tightly sealing the bottle is crucial to prevent oxidation, which can change the flavor at a slower rate in a tightly closed bottle.

FAQs:

  1. Storing an Opened Bottle:

    • Transferring opened rum into a smaller bottle with less empty space is recommended to slow down flavor changes. Screw tops are preferred over natural corks for preserving the life of the rum.
  2. Can Old Rum Make You Sick?

    • The article clarifies that an old rum, even past its expiration date, does not make you sick. While flavor changes are expected after a year of opening, alcohol does not expire to the point of causing illness.
  3. Ideal Storage Temperature:

    • Some experts suggest an ideal temperature range of 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit for storing rum. This temperature range is in line with the general recommendations for various distilled spirits.

In Summary:

The conclusive remarks emphasize that rum, if stored properly, preserves well and does not go bad even after being opened. It draws a parallel with wines, asserting that rums are safe to drink post-opening. The shelf life of rum hinges on appropriate storage, and precautions such as tightly closing the bottle and transferring it to smaller bottles if partially empty are recommended. Lastly, a taste test before consumption is encouraged.

As a final note, the article references a healthline.com article for additional information on the expiration of alcohol, underlining the importance of consulting reliable sources for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Does Rum Go Bad When Opened Or Unopened? (2023 Updated) (2024)

FAQs

Does Rum Go Bad When Opened Or Unopened? (2023 Updated)? ›

If kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool setting, unopened rum can be stored almost indefinitely. It is considered a stable liquor with a high ABV to preserve its integrity while in storage. Once opened, a bottle of rum should be used within 6 months to 2 years, depending on the additional flavors in the liquor.

Does rum go bad if unopened? ›

An unopened bottle of rum doesn't go bad. Unopened rum can last for decades upon decades. But once the bottle is opened, rum goes pretty fast. Seaspirits Distillery, master rum distillers, recommend drinking a bottle of rum within 6 months of opening.

Does Captain Morgan go bad after opening? ›

Once opened, rum can be stored for years without going bad, unless you keep it in an unsealed bottle next to a radiator or in direct sunlight. However, even if tightly resealed, the taste and quality of rum in an opened bottle will very slowly start to change as it reacts with oxygen in the air.

What is the validity of rum? ›

If stored correctly, rum will last a number of years. Ensure It's tightly sealed so the flavor doesn't escape, and keep it in a cool, dry place to preserve its integrity.

Does opened alcohol expire? ›

Once opened, distilled spirits like whiskey and gin won't expire or become unsafe to consume, but they may start to taste “off” after 1–3 years. Liqueurs, opened, will usually last 6 months–1 year. Vermouths and other wine-based spirits like vino amari should be refrigerated and consumed within 6–8 weeks.

Can I drink 5 year old opened rum? ›

Once opened, a bottle of rum should be used within 6 months to 2 years, depending on the additional flavors in the liquor. While straight rum will typically retain its flavor profile for about 2 years, the sugars and spices in a flavored rum will interact with oxygen once the bottle is opened.

Does rum improve with age? ›

When it comes to rum and other spirits, age matters. Generally speaking, older rum is considered to be of higher quality than its younger counterparts, and for good reason: the overall taste and texture of rum improves with age.

Does Bacardi rum go bad? ›

Unopened bottles of rum can last decades and decades. Opened bottles, on the other hand, have a recommended drink-by date of around six months. The rum doesn't spoil after this time, but the flavor profile we've crafted changes with the introduction of oxygen. into its DNA.

Does Kahlua go bad? ›

For Kahlúa Original, we recommend a shelf life of 4 years. Actually, the product will be good for many more years, but the coffee impact fades over time so it won't give you the full flavor impact. Also, if you were to receive an old bottle of Kahlúa, you have to make sure it has never been opened or tampered with.

Is it OK to drink old rum? ›

The good news is that liquor such as gin, vodka, whiskey, tequila, and rum, are considered shelf-stable. That means that as long as you store the bottle properly and it remains unopened, you can consider it safe to drink indefinitely.

Is 10 year old rum good? ›

“Solid choice, pleasantly smooth with subtle fruit and vanilla notes.” The Gran Reserva Diez Aged 10 Years is a Puerto Rican rum, distilled at the renowned Bacardi distillery from Molasses with a Column Still and aged for a decade. With an ABV of 40%, it offers a flavorful experience.

What are the rules for rum? ›

The US also has it's own definition, one that states that rum must be made from the fermentation and distillation of molasses, cane syrup, sugar cane juice or any other sugar cane by-product. It must be distilled to a strength of less than 95% ABV and have a minimum bottling strength of at least 40% ABV.

Can I drink 10 year old baileys? ›

Brief search on the web says don't drink beyond two years after production if the bottle is sealed, refrigerate after opening. Bailey's says its product has a shelf life of two years. The problem with an older bottle would be the fat in the cream going rancid.

Does beer expire? ›

When Does Beer Expire? At room temperature, beer lasts about 5 to 9 months beyond the expiration date listed on the label. In a refrigerator, beer can last up to an additional two or three years. This applies to bottled beer, cans, growlers, you name it.

Does Malibu rum go bad? ›

You've probably guessed by now but rum liqueurs such as Malibu have a shorter shelf life, from six months to two years, as the flavour fades over time. It isn't essential but you should try to keep this in the fridge and keep an eye out for mould forming if it's been a while.

Can you drink really old rum? ›

Rum is a distilled spirit, meaning it's stable alcohol. Stable alcohol can be stored for years at a time and still be drinkable. Even if the bottle has been opened, it will still be safe to drink after a few years. It may not taste the best, but at least it won't make you sick.

Does rum continue to age in the bottle? ›

Generally speaking, rum like any spirit at or above 40 percent abv (80 proof) doesn't expire. Anything that's been distilled stops aging once bottled. But most brands—once opened—are best enjoyed in the first year or two before they go “bad,” a relative term meaning beginning to lose their color and flavor.

How long does Bacardi last unopened? ›

Unopened bottles of rum can last decades and decades. Opened bottles, on the other hand, have a recommended drink-by date of around six months. The rum doesn't spoil after this time, but the flavour profile we've crafted changes with the introduction of oxygen. into its DNA.

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