Seagrams 7 whiskey, like most distilled spirits, has an extremely long shelf life and does not really “go bad” in the traditional sense. However, it can degrade in quality and taste over time, especially if not stored properly. Here’s a quick overview of how long Seagrams 7 lasts and how to tell if it’s no longer at peak quality.
How long does Seagrams 7 last?
An unopened bottle of Seagrams 7 has an indefinite shelf life. The high alcohol content acts as a preservative to prevent any bacteria or microbes from growing. As long as the bottle remains unopened and properly sealed, the whiskey inside should maintain its quality and taste for many years, potentially decades.
Once opened, Seagrams 7 will last about 1-2 years before noticeable degradation in quality. Oxidation will start to take effect, causing the flavors and aroma to dull over time. After 2 years, the taste profile is likely to change significantly and may no longer be palatable. But an opened bottle can still last indefinitely without actually spoiling or becoming unsafe to consume.
How to tell if Seagrams 7 has gone bad
Here are some signs that your opened or unopened bottle of Seagrams 7 may have gone bad or is no longer drinkable:
- Off smells: A very strong, unpleasant acetone or nail polish remover smell likely means the whiskey has been contaminated or spoiled.
- Cloudiness: The liquid should be completely clear. Cloudiness or particles floating around signifies contamination.
- Change in color: Significant darkening or lightening of the typical caramel, amber color may be a red flag.
- Off tastes: Flavors are dull, harsh, or unpleasantly bitter rather than smooth.
If you notice your Seagrams 7 has any of these issues with the aroma, appearance, or taste, it’s best to discard it rather than drinking. A high alcohol content prevents harmful bacteria growth, but decomposition of the flavors makes it undesirable for consumption.
How to store Seagrams 7 properly
To maximize the shelf life of Seagrams 7 after opening, proper storage is key. Follow these tips:
- Keep bottle tightly closed to minimize oxidation.
- Store away from direct light, heat, and humidity, which accelerate degradation.
- Keep at room temperature or slightly below. Refrigeration is not needed but can help slow oxidation if desired.
- Keep the bottle upright to prevent leaking and evaporative losses.
- Don’t let the level get too low once opened. Oxidation accelerates in partially empty bottles.
An unopened bottle can be stored similarly away from light and extremes of temperature. Storing in a cool, dark place like a cabinet or pantry is ideal.
Can spoiled Seagrams 7 make you sick?
Seagrams 7 that has truly spoiled from contamination should not be consumed, as it may contain harmful bacteria or toxins. However, it’s highly unlikely for distilled spirits like whiskey to become contaminated unless subjected to extreme conditions.
Seagrams 7 that has merely degraded in taste from oxidation is not hazardous to drink. It simply becomes unpalatable. There are no safety issues consuming aged whiskey even if the flavors are off. The ethanol itself does not break down chemically over time.
So while Seagrams 7 won’t make you sick because it’s spoiled, it’s still best to discard severely degraded whiskey that doesn’t smell or taste close to normal. The quality is no longer up to par at that point.
Does Seagrams 7 whiskey expire?
Seagrams 7 whiskey does not technically expire or have an expiration date. The shelf life is indefinite for unopened bottles stored properly. Opened bottles have a shorter shelf life of about 1-2 years before degrading in quality, but they do not expire in a food safety sense.
The exception would be if an opened bottle showed signs of contamination like cloudiness or strange odors. In that rare case, it should be discarded immediately after opening instead of consuming. As long as proper storage conditions are maintained, Seagrams 7 can realistically last forever.
How to salvage oxidized Seagrams 7
If your opened Seagrams 7 shows slight degradation from oxidation but is still palatable, you may be able to salvage it. Try these tricks:
- Add ice or chilled water – Dilution can mask subtle off-flavors and tastes.
- Use in mixed drinks – Additional ingredients like sodas, juices, etc. can improve the overall flavor profile.
- Make whiskey cocktails – Creative cocktails with spices, herbs, sweeteners, etc. can liven up the taste.
If the oxidation is too advanced however, the whiskey likely needs to be discarded and replaced with a fresh bottle. But experimenting with dilution, ice, and cocktails can extend the drinkable lifespan of a bottle of Seagrams 7 by a few extra months in many cases.
Conclusion
Seagrams 7 whiskey has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly in unopened bottles. Once opened, it will maintain good quality for 1-2 years before the taste profile starts to degrade. However, it does not ever truly expire and become unsafe to consume. With proper storage and occasionally using dilution or cocktails to mask oxidation, Seagrams 7 can realistically last for many years after opening.
