Bourbon cream liqueur is a sweet and creamy liqueur that blends bourbon whiskey with dairy cream. It has a rich, smooth flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak from the bourbon. But like any dairy-based product, bourbon cream liqueur has a limited shelf life and will eventually go bad if not stored properly.
Does bourbon cream liqueur expire?
Yes, bourbon cream liqueur does expire and has a shorter shelf life than pure spirits. The dairy cream contains fat, milk proteins, and sugars that can go rancid or ferment over time. The exact shelf life depends on factors like:
- Ingredient quality
- ABV (alcohol by volume)
- Storage conditions
- Bottle packaging
Higher quality ingredients and a higher ABV over 20% will extend the shelf life. Proper storage in a cool, dark place also helps prevent early spoilage. Once opened, the shelf life is shortened due to oxygen exposure.
How to tell if bourbon cream liqueur has gone bad
Here are some signs that your opened or unopened bourbon cream liqueur has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Appearance: The liqueur looks curdled, lumpy, or separated with clear whey on top.
- Aroma: It smells sour, rancid, or unpleasant instead of sweet and creamy.
- Flavor: It tastes bitter, spoiled, or rotten instead of smooth and sweet.
- Texture: The liqueur is chunky, watery, or has an odd texture instead of rich and silky.
- Bottle: Bubbling, bulging, rust around the cap, or mold inside the bottle can indicate spoilage.
How long does unopened bourbon cream liqueur last?
An unopened, properly stored bottle of bourbon cream liqueur generally lasts:
- 6-12 months past the printed expiration or ‘Best By’ date on the label.
- Up to 2 years in a pantry or cupboard away from heat and light.
- 2-3 years if refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below after purchase.
High ABV over 30% can extend shelf life of unopened bottles by a few more months. If stored too long, the cream will eventually go rancid and curdle even if the bottle is still sealed. Check for any signs of spoilage before consuming long-expired liqueur.
Proper storage for unopened bottles
- Store upright and tightly sealed in a cool, dark place like a pantry, cupboard, or wine cellar around 55-65°F.
- Avoid direct heat, light exposure, temperature fluctuations, and humidity.
- Can refrigerate for longer shelf life but avoid freezing.
- Store with cap tightly closed to prevent air exposure and evaporation.
How long does opened bourbon cream liqueur last?
Once opened, the shelf life of bourbon cream liqueur decreases due to oxygen exposure. To maximize freshness and shelf life of opened bottles:
- Store in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
- Seal the bottle tightly between uses.
- Use a wine preserver spray to limit air contact if storing for over 2 weeks.
With proper refrigeration and minimal air exposure, opened bourbon cream liqueur will generally last:
- 6-8 months past the printed expiration date.
- Up to 1 year if refrigerated.
- 2-4 weeks after being opened.
The liqueur may start tasting flatter and less creamy due to separation over time. Discard if you notice any curdling, lumps, or rancid smells after opening.
Recognizing spoiled opened bourbon cream liqueur
Look for these signs that opened bourbon cream liqueur has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Top layer of clear whey with cream separation
- Cheesy, rancid, or sour aroma
- Grainy, chunky, watery texture
- Mold growth in bottle
- Change from rich brown to gray/pink hue
Does bourbon cream liqueur need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is recommended both before and after opening bourbon cream liqueur. The dairy cream makes it more perishable than straight spirits. Exact refrigeration guidelines include:
- Unopened: Can store unopened in pantry up to 1 year. Refrigerate for up to 3 years to extend shelf life.
- Opened: Should always refrigerate after opening and keep tightly sealed.
- Serving temp: Best served chilled. Refrigerate overnight or shake with ice. Don’t freeze.
Can you freeze bourbon cream liqueur?
It’s not recommended to freeze bourbon cream liqueur. The liqueur can separate and become watery or grainy in texture after thawing due to the dairy cream. Freezing may also crack or break the bottle as the liquid expands.
However, freezing for 2-3 weeks is unlikely to significantly degrade the quality. Thaw frozen bottles for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator before using. Avoid freezing opened bottles as they will oxidize faster after thawing.
How to store bourbon cream liqueur for best quality
Follow these tips to help maximize the shelf life and flavor of your bourbon cream liqueur:
- Cool storage: Ideal is 55-65°F in a dark pantry or wine cellar until opening.
- No heat or light: Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, temperature fluctuations.
- Proper sealing: Keep tightly capped when not in use to limit air exposure.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate at 40°F or below after opening. Use a wine preserver if storing over 2 weeks.
- Clean bottle: Wipe clean exterior and rim to prevent contamination from bacteria or mold.
What’s the best bourbon cream liqueur brand?
Some top-rated bourbon cream liqueur brands include:
Carolans Irish Cream
- Classic, affordable Irish cream liqueur.
- Sweet vanilla, cocoa, and whiskey flavors.
- Smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Bailey’s Original Irish Cream
- Iconic Irish brand established in 1974.
- Aged 3 years for bold whiskey notes.
- Rich texture with hints of chocolate and cocoa.
Tipperary Cream Liqueur
- Handcrafted in Ireland using aged bourbon.
- Caramel flavors with oaky, vanilla notes.
- Thick, luxurious texture.
Emmets Irish Cream
- Real heavy cream and milk blended with bourbon.
- Smooth, sweet profile with whipped cream flavors.
- Small batch production.
Evan Williams Bourbon Cream
- Bourbon blended with dairy cream and vanilla.
- Sweet and smooth flavor.
- Affordable price point.
Interesting facts about bourbon cream liqueur
- Bailey’s launched the first commercial Irish cream liqueur in 1974.
- Must contain at least 15% alcohol by volume (ABV) to qualify as a liqueur.
- Only “Irish cream” liqueurs made in Ireland can be labeled as such in the EU.
- Fat content is typically 10-15% from heavy cream or milk.
- Shelf stable due to combination of sugar, alcohol, and fat which inhibits bacterial growth.
- Served on its own, over ice, in coffee drinks, milkshakes, desserts, and cocktails.
- Will curdle if mixed with very acidic juices like orange or pineapple juice.
Common questions about bourbon cream liqueur shelf life
Does bourbon cream liqueur expire?
Yes, it will eventually expire due to the dairy cream content. Properly stored bottles last around 2 years at room temperature or up to 3 years refrigerated.
Can you drink bourbon cream liqueur after it expires?
It’s not recommended to drink expired liqueur, even if unopened. Old cream liqueurs often separate, curdle, smell bad, or taste rancid. Check for signs of spoilage before consuming out of date bottles.
How do you know when bourbon cream liqueur goes bad?
Indications that bourbon cream liqueur has gone bad include curdling, separation, sour/rancid smell, off tastes, abnormal appearance, and bottle bloating/bulging. Trust your senses – if it seems spoiled, it likely is.
Does bourbon cream liqueur need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to refrigerate the liqueur after opening to maximize freshness. Properly stored in the fridge, opened bottles typically last 2-4 weeks.
Can you freeze bourbon cream liqueur?
Freezing is not recommended, as it can cause separation or textural changes once thawed. But freezing unopened bottles for short periods likely won’t affect quality if thawed slowly in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
With proper storage and minimal exposure to air, heat, and light, bottles of bourbon cream liqueur can maintain optimal flavor and texture for up to 2-3 years past the production date, even once opened. Keep bottles refrigerated and tightly sealed, and discard any that show signs of age like curdling, separation, or foul smells. With the right storage conditions, you can keep this sweet and creamy liqueur tasting delicious for as long as possible.
