Ever gazed into your liquor cabinet and thought, “I’m really feeling like a margarita, but this tequila is from ages ago.” We’ve all been there. You shove a bottle in the back and then pull it out months later while entertaining, crossing your fingers that it still tastes right. So, the real question is, does tequila really go bad like your milk or orange juice?
For all of us who like to entertain, that’s the million dollar question. So let’s dive in together and find out.
The Short Answer: Yes and No
We know that doesn’t clear things up right away, but it’s true. The answer is complicated.
Let’s say a friend with impeccable taste gifted you a bottle of premium Mezcal Rosaluna a few weeks ago. It’s sitting on your kitchen counter, glittering under the lights, just waiting to be opened. You’re new to this magical Mezcal thing, and there’s a special occasion coming up you want to save it for. But will it still be safe to drink next month?
Here’s the good news—Mezcal and tequila never really expire if they’re unopened. That’s right; you can admire that beautiful bottle for months or years to come. If you have that kind of self-control, major props to you! Mezcal is a distilled spirit that doesn't age in the bottle like a wine does.
Wine is high in sugar, which allows the fermentation process to march on inside the bottle. This is because sugar acts as a source of energy that fuels the chemical reactions involved with aging. Mezcal is low in sugar and richer in alcohol content, effectively crashing the fermentation party.
If you ask us, the long-lasting shelf life is yet another reason to keep the stuff stocked in our pantry. You never know when you might need to bust out a bottle to celebrate a friend’s promotion or enjoy it on a casual night out on the patio. Ugh, is it 5 o’clock yet?
Sometimes You Gotta Let It Go
They say that all good things must come to an end, and this is true for an opened bottle of Mezcal or tequila. Not to worry though, we have plenty of the new stuff in stock here at Mezcal Rosaluna. We know you want to enjoy that bottle for as long as possible, savoring the aromas and distinctive flavors, but sometimes you just have to let it go, babe.
Once a bottle of Mezcal is opened, it goes south after about a year. One year is still a pretty long time, if you think about it compared with another hugely popular staple in everyone’s cabinets—coffee. Unopened, a sealed bag of coffee grounds can last a measly 3-5 months in the pantry compared to the mighty Mezcal. Granted, most people do go through coffee more quickly. Emphasis on most people… not us.
Even if you’re not finishing bottles left and right like we are, it’s great to know that you can enjoy your Mezcal year round. Sip itto help you relax in the summer and then pull it back out to help you keep warm in the winter. Just be sure to follow our guide below for how to tell if your Mezcal has gone past its prime.
Use Your Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
Mezcal that’s been open for longer than a year will rarely make you sick, and if it does, the worst it will do is make you reach for some Tums. The real tragedy is the decline in flavor, smell, and appearance. Want to know when a bottle is past its prime? We’ve got you covered.
The first tip: have some freshly opened Mezcal on hand for comparison. That way, you can cross-examine flavors and aromas with the same level of precision that your favorite crime show detective might use. The old Mezcal will have a slightly altered taste, and it will lack the same intensity of flavor. It will lack a certain crispness, and you just won’t be vibing with the taste as much. The color might be a little off as well, so be sure to look out for that.
Mezcal vs Tequila: Which Lasts Longer?
Let’s talk aficionado for a sec. All tequila is technically Mezcal, but the opposite of that is not true. This might remind you of the whole “a square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square” talk from school. Don’t worry, though; we’re talking Mezcal, not math.
Mezcal contains 100% agave, while tequila must contain at least 49%. However, since the alcohol content of Mezcal and tequila is usually in the same range of 38% to 55% ABV, the shelf life of the two is roughly the same. Mezcal and tequila will stay deliciously enjoyable for years to come if unopened. Once opened, they both should be enjoyed within the span of a year.
Ok, hope you're ready to get into the nitty-gritty details of the Mezcal making process. It’s one of the first steps to becoming a true Mezcal connoisseur. The main difference between Mezcal and tequila is how the agave plant is distilled. Tequila, made specifically from blue agave, is steamed inside industrial ovens, whereas Mezcal is made more traditionally.
Here at Mezcal Rosaluna, the process starts with harvesting the agave and removing its leaves. Then, the agave heart is cooked down in earthen pits on a bed of pine wood logs. The pile is covered with stones and left to do its thing for up to five days.
Next is the milling process, where the entire plant is crushed up to bring out the juices before fermenting. The extracted sugary juice is added to more pine wood along with water and agave fibers to become alcohol in a matter of eight days. Lastly, the alcohol-water mixture is distilled (twice!) to separate the water from the alcohol, and voila! This magical potion is bottled and sitting on your bar cart before you know it.
The unique fermenting process gives Mezcal its slightly smokey, unforgettable flavor that’s bound to leave you craving more. We recommend that you spice up your co*cktail hour with a new twist on an old classic by making The New Fashioned with Mezcal Rosaluna.
That’s a Wrap
The process of making an incredible Mezcal is not something we take lightly. We take pride in making every batch and refuse to compromise any step. There’s magic in every bottle and enjoyment with every sip. There’s a smooth finish after every taste and a spirit you can’t replace. That’s why we don’t think you’ll have any issue finishing your bottle within a year. :)
Sources:
Question: How Long Does Unopened Tequila Last? | BigMoonshine
Why does wine mature in the bottle but whisky does not? | Malted
Does Coffee Go Bad? Shelf Life of Coffee and Tips to Keep Your Java Fresh | Street Smart Kitchen
Is Mezcal Stronger than Tequila? | Travel Distilled
What's the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal? | Food & Wine
FAQs
Mezcal tequila can actually go bad, but it takes a very long time for this to happen. The average shelf life of mezcal tequila is around 10 years, but it can last much longer if it is stored properly. So, if you have a bottle of mezcal tequila that is a few years old, don't worry, it is probably still fine to drink.
Does flavored mezcal go bad? ›
Mezcal doesn't spoil because it has such a high alcohol content. So, if you have a bottle that has been open for several years, it is still likely good to drink. Though it may have dulled in flavor and aroma, it won't make you sick.
How can you tell if mezcal is bad? ›
Rub a drop of mezcal between your hands. As it evaporates you will be able to smell the aroma of cooked maguey. If it's a bad mezcal it would smell like alcohol or nothing at all.
How long does infused mezcal last? ›
Add infused mezcal to an airtight container and store for up to 1 year.
Can I drink 5 year old tequila? ›
Tequila doesn't expire if left unopened, like the other shelf-stable spirits. But tequila can go bad. Once opened, tequila should be enjoyed within a year. That's how long tequila lasts.
Can I drink 2 year old tequila? ›
When stored properly in a cabinet at room temperature, your tequila will last indefinitely but you should still drink it within a few years because evaporation can happen even if the bottle is unopened. In the same manner, most popular liquors like whiskey and vodka shelf life are practically indefinite as well.
How long is flavored mezcal good for? ›
However, since the alcohol content of Mezcal and tequila is usually in the same range of 38% to 55% ABV, the shelf life of the two is roughly the same. Mezcal and tequila will stay deliciously enjoyable for years to come if unopened. Once opened, they both should be enjoyed within the span of a year.
Does flavored tequila go bad? ›
Tequila, like most hard liquors, will last indefinitely after being opened. As long as the bottle is properly sealed, the liquor inside will not expire. However, the quality of the tequila may begin to decline after a few years. Distilled sugar from blue Agave plants is used to ferment tequila.
What happens if you drink expired tequila? ›
Is it safe to drink an expired tequila? It's still safe to drink expired tequila. Liquor is not intended to be consumed at an age when it may cause illness. The flavor has faded as soon as it has been opened for a year.
Why is there a bug in my mezcal? ›
So, why is there a worm in mezcal? Larvae began appearing in mezcal bottles in the 1950s, when a mezcal maker discovered a moth larvae in a batch of his liquor and thought the stowaway improved its taste. He started adding “worms” to all his bottles as a marketing strategy.
Mezcal is stronger than tequila. Both of these drinks are pretty strong, with at least 40% ABV, but mezcal has a stronger concentration of alcohol. It measures at 55% ABV, 15% stronger than regular tequila. There are different strengths of tequila and mezcal, but the standards for each drink are 40% and 55% ABV.
Is mezcal the poor mans tequila? ›
Previously considered the poor man's tequila, mezcal is similarly made but using a wider range of native agave plants.
How long is mezcal fermented? ›
The fermentation process generally takes 1- 4 weeks, depending on a number o factors such as the sugar content, temperature, altitude, proximity to livestock, and frequency of fermentation in the Palenque (mezcal distillery).
How long can you age mezcal? ›
Joven, Reposado, and Añejo
Joven, or "young," mezcal, is clear and unaged, like an eau de vie. Reposado is "rested" in oak for more than two months but less than a year. Añejo is aged for one to three years, and extra-añejo ages for longer than that.
Should infused tequila be refrigerated? ›
Storing Infused Tequila
Store your jalapeno tequila just as you would store normal tequila. I keep mine at room temp in a cabinet. It does not need to be refrigerated and should last up to 6 months.
What is the white stuff floating in my tequila? ›
This is called the “floaters” and is completely normal! The floaters are actually just tiny pieces of the agave plant that have been fermented and distilled. They are completely harmless and will not affect the taste of your tequila. So go ahead and enjoy your next shot without worrying about what is floating in it!
Can tequila grow mold? ›
Unless you really want it to go bad and add some impurities into the bottle, so bacteria might slowly develop (tequila is a pretty difficult environment for microorganisms to develop in), it won't technically go bad (spoil).
What is the shelf life of tequila? ›
How long does tequila last? The answer is a matter of quality, not safety, assuming proper storage conditions - when properly stored, a bottle of tequila has an indefinite shelf life, even after it has been opened.
Does tequila get stronger as it ages? ›
Tequila is a Mexican spirit made from the blue agave plant. Unlike other spirits, tequila does not improve with age. In fact, tequila that has been aged in oak barrels for more than two years is considered over-aged and may taste unpleasant.
Does tequila age your skin? ›
Alcohol dehydrates your body, including the skin – and this happens every time you drink. When you drink, the dehydrating (or 'diuretic') effect of alcohol means your skin loses fluid and nutrients that are vital for healthy-looking skin. This can make your skin look wrinkled, dull and grey, or bloated and puffy.
Tequila that is unopened and stored properly can last indefinitely. However, once a bottle of tequila is opened, it begins to lose its quality and flavor. Most experts recommend that unopened tequila be used within two years, and opened tequila be used within six months.
Why does mezcal not give me a hangover? ›
But mezcal is made of polysaccharides. Therefore, the process of transformation is faster than with other alcohols. Since it enters in contact with the mouth, it begins to disintegrate and, therefore, it doesn't cause a hangover”.
Does mezcal need to be refrigerated? ›
Like most American whiskeys (especially bourbon), mezcal contains a lot of natural congeners. These compounds are essentially what give the spirit its flavor, and chilling dulls these compounds. So never keep your mezcal in the freezer or fridge, and leave the ice behind unless you're using mezcal in a co*cktail.
Is mezcal a healthier alcohol? ›
In general, brown liquors contain more harmful compounds (tannins, additives, and other substances that leach from barrels during fermentation) than clear liquors. When drinking clear liquor, mezcal or 100% agave tequila are some of the healthiest choices.
How do you know if tequila has gone bad? ›
Tequila that has gone bad will usually have a brown or yellow tint to it. If you see this, it's best to discard the tequila. If you're not sure if your tequila has gone bad, give it a smell. If it smells sour or off, it's probably best to toss it.
Do I need to refrigerate mezcal? ›
Like most American whiskeys (especially bourbon), mezcal contains a lot of natural congeners. These compounds are essentially what give the spirit its flavor, and chilling dulls these compounds. So never keep your mezcal in the freezer or fridge, and leave the ice behind unless you're using mezcal in a co*cktail.
Why does mezcal not give you a hangover? ›
This is what is known as hangover. But mezcal is made of polysaccharides. Therefore, the process of transformation is faster than with other alcohols. Since it enters in contact with the mouth, it begins to disintegrate and, therefore, it doesn't cause a hangover”.
Can you drink 50 year old tequila? ›
tequila has an indefinite shelf life. After opening a bottle, the flavor and aroma will deteriorate over time. If you have an open bottle of wine in your cabinet for a long time, it is most likely safe to drink. If you notice that the liquor tastes strange, smells strange, or has an odor, discard it.
