Pernod is a type of anise-flavored liquor that originated in France. It is often consumed as an aperitif and is an ingredient in many classic cocktails. Pernod has a distinct licorice flavor that comes from star anise, one of its main botanicals.
Some people have bottles of Pernod that are many years old stored away and are wondering if the liquor is still safe to drink after all this time. This article will examine how Pernod ages, signs of spoilage, and whether old bottles can still be enjoyed.
Does Pernod expire?
Pernod itself does not technically expire. Properly stored and unopened, bottles of Pernod can last for many years without going bad. Alcohol is a natural preservative, so the high ABV of Pernod, which is typically 40-45%, allows it to remain shelf stable over long periods of time.
However, while Pernod won’t ever go bad in a way that makes it unsafe to consume, its flavor and aroma can change and deteriorate with extensive aging. So while very old Pernod won’t make you sick, it may not taste very appealing due to flavor decline.
How does Pernod age?
Like many other spirits, Pernod is aged before bottling to allow the flavors and aromas to meld and develop. Pernod Original is aged for up to 8 months in oak barrels before bottling.
Once Pernod is bottled, however, no further aging and maturation occurs. In fact, any additional aging that happens after bottling will likely cause the flavor profile to deteriorate rather than improve over many years.
This is because, unlike wines and some other spirits that can benefit from years of aging in the bottle, Pernod does not contain many congeners and flavor compounds that will evolve in appealing ways over decades of aging. The primary effect of long bottle aging on Pernod is fading of its signature licorice and anise flavors.
How long can you store Pernod?
An unopened bottle of Pernod, stored properly, can easily last up to 8-10 years without the flavor declining noticeably. In ideal storage conditions, an unopened bottle could last 20+ years before deteriorating.
Once opened, Pernod and other similar anise spirits will start to slowly lose their flavor and aroma due to oxidation and evaporation. An opened bottle should retain its quality for 1-2 years if stored properly and the bottle is resealed after each use.
Here are some tips for maximizing the shelf life of Pernod:
– Store bottles upright and out of direct sunlight. Light and heat degrade liquor over time.
– Maintain a constant, moderate temperature. Avoid allowing Pernod to get hot for extended periods.
– Keep bottles tightly sealed when not in use. Oxygen exposure causes fading.
– Don’t store Pernod above or near a stove, oven, or dishwasher. Heat and humidity shorten shelf life.
How to tell if opened Pernod has gone bad?
With aged, opened bottles of Pernod, there are a few signs that indicate the liquor has deteriorated in quality and is best discarded:
– Fading color. Pernod should be a bright, pale green. If the color dulls and darkens, that’s a sign of oxidation.
– Diminished anise aroma. You should smell a prominent licorice/anise scent as soon as the bottle is opened. If the smell is very faint, toss it.
– Off odors. If you detect any funky, unpleasant odors instead of clean anise, the Pernod has gone off.
– Loss of flavor. Bad Pernod will taste weak, watery, or have odd flavors like cardboard or rubber.
– Cloudiness. Pernod is a clear spirit. Cloudiness or particles floating around signifies contamination.
As long as the liquor looks and smells normal, it should be fine to consume. But if any of those warning signs appear, the quality has likely deteriorated too much to enjoy.
Safety of drinking very old Pernod
While Pernod won’t ever become toxic or dangerous to drink, very old bottles that have been opened for years will likely taste stale and foul.
Extensive oxidation and evaporation degrade the aromatic compounds that give Pernod its flavor. Over many years, you eventually are left with dull, flat liqueur that retains little resemblance to the original product.
Drinking decades-old Pernod that has been improperly stored could also result in a terrible headache the next day. Oxidation produces acetaldehyde, the chemical responsible for hangovers. Old Pernod accumulates high levels of acetaldehyde.
So it’s a bad idea to drink very aged Pernod that tastes or smells off. While it won’t make you sick immediately, the poor flavor and headache-inducing chemicals are deterrents.
How to salvage old Pernod
If you come across a long-forgotten bottle of Pernod that’s still sealed but has been stored for many years, there’s a good chance it will still be palatable and worth drinking. Here are some tips for salvaging the flavor:
– Open the bottle and do a smell/taste test. If it still smells and tastes OK, it should be fine to enjoy.
– If the aroma is weak, pour the Pernod into a clean decanter and let it aerate for 30-60 minutes. This helps revive the aroma compounds.
– Flavor can often be improved by pouring old Pernod through an activated carbon filter several times. This strips away funky flavors.
– For dull or slightly oxidized Pernod, shaking vigorously with ice for 30 seconds can freshen up the bouquet.
– Consider using old Pernod solely for mixed drinks. The other ingredients can cover up flaws.
– If Pernod seems too far gone, you can use it for cooking rather than sipping straight. Flambeing or reducing into a sauce works well.
Does Pernod go bad if unopened?
Unopened bottles of Pernod have an indefinite shelf life. As long as the seal remains intact, Pernod will never go bad in a way that makes it unsafe or unhealthy to consume.
However, its flavor and aroma profile will deteriorate over the course of many years, even if the bottle is never opened. Changes you may notice:
– Slight fading of the vibrant green color
– Muted anise/licorice aromas
– A bit less vibrant on the palate
– Alcohol flavor becomes more pronounced
These changes happen very slowly. A properly stored but very old bottle of Pernod could take 20+ years before it starts becoming noticeably dull.
As long as it hasn’t been exposed to large temperature swings or sunlight, unopened Pernod remains drinkable indefinitely regardless of age. It simply becomes less exciting and complex the longer it sits.
Does Pernod need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is not necessary for preserving the quality and shelf life of unopened Pernod. Since the bottle is sealed from oxygen, cool conditions don’t provide notable extra protection against deterioration.
Once opened, it’s also not mandatory to store Pernod in the fridge. But refrigeration will help slow down oxidation and evaporation, preserving the flavor a bit longer. The cool temp also gives opened Pernod a nice viscosity.
So while fridge storage isn’t required, it’s recommended for opened bottles if you want to extend the product’s lifespan by several months. Just be sure to seal the bottle tightly between pours.
When serving Pernod, it’s traditional to chill the liquor before drinking but not to serve it over ice. Pouring Pernod over ice dilutes and quickly mutes the aromas. Chilling to 55-60°F is ideal.
Does Pernod need to be decanted?
Pernod lovers argue over whether it benefits from decanting before serving. Here are pros and cons of aerating Pernod in a decanter:
Potential Benefits:
– Opening up allows subtle aromas to fully develop
– Can smooth out the flavor profile
– Removes residue from shipping/storage
– Looks elegant presented in a decanter
Potential Drawbacks:
– Some fragrances can be fleeting and lost through aeration
– Risks drying out the flavors by over-oxidizing
– Strips away the light viscosity that carries flavors
– No real need to decant a spirit-based liqueur
Overall, it’s a matter of personal taste. Give it a try both ways – freshly poured and decanted for 30-60 minutes – and see which you find most appealing. It depends on exactly which Pernod expression you are drinking as well.
How long does opened Pernod last in the fridge?
An opened bottle of Pernod will keep for about 1-2 years in the refrigerator after opening, provided it is stored properly.
The fridge temperature slows down oxidation and evaporation, the two enemies of Pernod’s shelf life. Keeping it chilled gives you more time to enjoy the remainder of the bottle.
Follow these guidelines for maximizing opened Pernod’s fridge life:
– Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed after each use. A stopper or cap minimizes air exposure.
– Store Pernod upright, so the liquid remains in contact with the cork.
– Keep the level of liqueur high in the bottle – less ullage means less oxidizing surface area.
– Wrap the neck of the bottle with plastic wrap if not finishing quickly. This prevents air exchange.
– Inspect the color before drinking. Fading may signal it’s time to discard.
– If Pernod ever smells or tastes off, it should be discarded immediately.
With proper refrigerated storage, an opened bottle of Pernod should last 12-24 months before noticeable deterioration. But remember to rely on your senses too – if it seems off, play it safe and toss it.
How to store Pernod long term
To get the most longevity out of your Pernod stash, follow these tips for ideal long term storage:
– Keep unopened bottles sealed in a cool area around 55°F and out of direct light. A wine cellar provides ideal conditions.
– Ensure bottles are stored upright and not jostled around, which can cause sediment disturbance.
– Opened bottles should be refrigerated and tightly resealed between usages to minimize oxidation.
– Consider using argon or nitrogen preservation spray on opened bottles to displace oxygen. This helps slow oxidation.
– Transfer opened Pernod to smaller bottles to reduce ullage space. Less air exposure equals longer freshness.
– Wrapbottle necks with parafilm if storing opened bottles more than a few months. This seals out air.
– Take note of when each bottle was opened and watch for any color/aroma changes before consuming.
– Avoid temperature fluctuations. A consistent moderate temperature keeps Pernod at its best.
With the proper storage conditions, both opened and unopened bottles of Pernod can retain good flavor for many years. Follow these guidelines for maximizing shelf life.
Does Pernod expire?
Pernod itself does not expire or go bad in the sense of becoming toxic or dangerous to drink. However, its quality and flavor will slowly deteriorate over the years, especially once a bottle is opened.
Properly stored, unopened Pernod has an indefinite shelf life. Sealed bottles have been consumed decades after production with enjoyable results, although some fading of aroma and flavor compounds is inevitable.
Once exposed to oxygen, Pernod’s aromatic compounds begin evaporating and oxidizing. An opened bottle will show noticeable declines in quality after 1-2 years. It eventually becomes flat and dull.
So while expired is the wrong term, Pernod does have a sort of lifetime after which the product is no longer at its peak. Consume older bottles quickly and don’t allow Pernod to sit opened for too long before enjoying it.
Does Pernod need to be transferred to a smaller bottle?
Transferring Pernod from its original bottle to a smaller one can help extend its shelf life after opening. This is because it reduces the amount of oxygen exposure in the bottle.
The less airspace there is in contact with the liqueur, the slower oxidative aging occurs. A smaller bottle size means less ullage space for oxygen to interact.
To properly transfer Pernod:
– Make sure the smaller bottle is sterile and sealable. Avoid plastic.
– Fill the bottle up to reduce headspace – leave only 1/4-1/2 inch room.
– Make sure any transfer equipment is clean. Siphon or funnel.
– Seal the smaller bottle with a tight stopper or cap. Parafilm adds extra protection.
– Refrigerate after transferring and consume within 1-2 years.
The only potential downside to transferring Pernod is leaving behind sediment in the original bottle that could contaminate future pours. Decant carefully into a sterile bottle.
Conclusion
While Pernod won’t ever become harmful to drink, its quality and taste profile will slowly deteriorate over many years of aging, especially once bottles are opened. Unopened bottles may provide enjoyable drinking for up to 20+ years if properly cellared, while opened bottles should be consumed within 1-2 years for best flavor. Avoid drinking Pernod that smells or tastes off. Follow proper storage methods to get the most longevity from Pernod before its aromatic compounds fade with oxidation. With care, Pernod can be cellared for many years without going “bad” in a safety sense, although flavor decline is inevitable the longer it ages.
