Rum is a popular distilled alcoholic beverage commonly made from sugarcane byproducts like molasses or sugarcane juices. Like many other spirits, rum has an expiration date printed on the bottle. This date indicates how long the rum will maintain peak quality and flavor when stored properly.
However, many rum drinkers wonder if consuming expired rum poses any health risks. Can you get sick from drinking rum after the expiration date has passed? Let’s take a closer look.
What happens when rum expires?
First, it’s important to understand what happens when rum expires. Over time, distilled spirits like rum slowly oxidize and react with oxygen in small amounts that seep into the bottle. This chemical reaction causes subtle changes to the rum’s flavor, aroma, and color.
Flavor and aroma changes
Expired rum will start to lose its vibrant aromas and flavors. Notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, fruit, and oak barrel tend to fade over time. The rum may smell and taste dull, less complex, or slightly medicinal.
Color changes
Aged rum often has a warm golden to deep amber hue. As the rum oxidizes, it may gradually become darker. An aged rum could take on a more brown or reddish color after expiration.
Loss of alcohol content
Though not a significant amount, expired rum can lose some alcohol content as the liquid evaporates over time when oxygen gets into the bottle. Higher-proof rum may drop more in alcohol percentage.
Does expired rum make you sick?
So expired rum has some subtle changes, but can it actually make you sick or cause food poisoning? Let’s dig into the details.
Not unsafe to drink in moderation
The short answer is no – drinking small amounts of expired rum does not pose safety issues or health risks for most people.
Rum contains alcohol and ingredients that act as natural preservatives. As long as the seal was never broken, expired rum stored properly will not spoil, grow mold, or make you sick.
Upset stomach in some cases
Out of date rum is unlikely to cause foodborne illness. However, drinking large amounts may irritate the digestive tract and cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headaches in sensitive individuals. These are temporary side effects.
The oxidized alcohol and chemical compounds in very old rum could be harsh on an empty stomach. But a drink or two of expired rum served mixed or over ice is not considered dangerous.
Contamination risks if seal was broken
The exception is if the rum’s bottle or seal was somehow compromised. If air and bacteria got into the rum over a long period of time, it could grow mold, lose more alcohol content, and become unsafe to consume.
Look closely at the condition of expired rum before drinking. If the level is lower than you remember or sediment/particles are floating around, it’s best to discard it.
Those with health conditions should exercise caution
While moderate intake is considered safe for most, those with liver disease, alcohol intolerance, or weakened immune systems may want to avoid any potentially harsh compounds in very old rum. Pregnant women should also avoid drinking expired rum.
If you have existing gastric issues, expired rum could aggravate your symptoms. It’s better to err on the side of caution if you have medical concerns.
How can you tell if opened rum has gone bad?
If you have a bottle of rum that’s been previously opened, there are some clear signs that it may have spoiled and become unsafe to drink.
Change in color
A distinct change in the rum’s color, such as darkening, fading, or cloudiness usually indicates it has gone bad. This means contaminants, debris, or chemical changes have altered the rum’s natural color.
Particles in the rum
If you notice solid particles, debris, globs, or crystallized bits floating in the rum, don’t drink it. This is a sign of contamination and spoilage.
Off smells
Take a whiff of the opened rum. If you smell anything unpleasant like rotten eggs, mold, vinegar, or nail polish remover, the rum has definitely gone off. Don’t consume rum with foul odors.
Mold visible
Check closely near the cap area and throughout the bottle. If you see any fuzz, spots, or cottony mold anywhere, toss the rum. Mold spores can spread quickly and drinking the rum could make you sick.
Separation between liquids
Aged rum can naturally have particulates settled at the bottom. But if you notice a large separation between solids and liquid or an oily film on top, discard the rum. These are signs it has oxidized and spoiled.
Tips for storing rum to maximize shelf life
To get the most longevity out of your rum and avoid spoilage, here are some storage tips:
– Store rum at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Temperature fluctuations can accelerate expiration.
– Keep the rum bottle tightly closed. Evaporation and oxygen cause rum to deteriorate faster when exposed to air.
– Don’t store rum above the oven, near a window with sunlight exposure, or next to a heat source. Excess heat speeds up oxidation.
– Avoid storing rum on its side long-term. This keeps the cork moist and damages the seal, allowing air inside.
– Once opened, transfer rum to a smaller bottle to minimize oxygen exposure. Use up opened rum within 1-2 years.
– Write the date you opened the bottle on the label. This avoids confusion later about how long it’s been open.
– Handle rum bottles gently to avoid damaging the seal. Cracks allow air and bacteria inside.
Proper storage like this helps rum retain its signature aroma, flavor, and alcohol content well past the expiration date printed on the bottle.
The bottom line
Here’s a quick summary on whether expired rum can make you sick:
– Unopened expired rum that’s been stored properly is generally safe to consume in moderation. It may just have some flavor and color changes.
– Old rum in large amounts could temporarily upset sensitive stomachs. Those with medical concerns should exercise caution.
– If the bottle’s seal was broken, rum can spoil, grow mold, and make you sick if consumed. Look for changes in color, particles, film, smells, etc.
– Follow tips like limiting air exposure, stable storage temperatures, and avoiding direct light to get the longest shelf life out of rum.
While rum lasts essentially indefinitely unopened, remember to always inspect aged, opened, or questionable rum closely before drinking to ensure it hasn’t gone bad. If in doubt, it’s best to discard rum that’s very old or potentially compromised. But the occasional drink of good quality expired rum is unlikely to pose health risks for most people. Always enjoy rum responsibly within limits.