Tequila can last a very long time in an unopened bottle. The shelf life depends on several factors, including the type of tequila, how it was made, how it was stored, and the alcohol content. Generally speaking, an unopened bottle of tequila has a shelf life of at least 5-8 years from the bottling date when stored properly.
Does tequila expire?
Tequila does not really “expire” in the traditional sense. It does not spoil or go bad. However, it can slowly deteriorate in quality over many years. Eventually, it may develop off-flavors or lose its aroma and taste. But this process takes years, decades, or even longer.
As long as the bottle remains factory sealed, tequila has an indefinite shelf life. It will continue aging naturally inside the bottle. This extra aging will not make it unsafe to drink, but it may gradually change the flavor profile over time.
How is tequila made?
Understanding how tequila is made helps explain why it can last so long in an unopened bottle. Here is a quick overview of the tequila production process:
- Blue agave plants are harvested after 6-8 years of growth. The pineapple-shaped piñas are extracted.
- The piñas are steam-cooked to convert complex sugars into fermentable sugars.
- The cooked agave is shredded and pressed to extract the sugary juices.
- Yeast is added to ferment the juice into alcohol.
- The fermented liquid is distilled into tequila. It must contain at least 40% ABV after distillation.
- The tequila may be bottled right away as silver tequila or aged further before bottling.
So tequila starts out as a distilled spirit with high alcohol content. This makes it very resistant to spoilage. The distillation process removes most impurities and congeners that could cause the liquor to deteriorate.
Does the type of tequila affect shelf life?
Yes, the type of tequila can impact how long it lasts after bottling:
Silver Tequila
Unaged white tequila has a typical shelf life of 5-7 years. Without the mellowing effect of barrel aging, it tends to degrade faster. The flavors and aromas can diminish noticeably after 5 years in an opened or unopened bottle.
Reposado Tequila
Reposado is aged 2-12 months in oak barrels before bottling. The light barrel aging helps stabilize the tequila. It can last up to 10 years after bottling when stored properly.
Añejo Tequila
Añejo tequila spends 1-3 years aging in barrels. The extra aging gives it a shelf life of 10-12 years typically. The oak barrels add woody notes while smoothing out the agave flavors.
Extra Añejo Tequila
Extra añejo ages for over 3 years in barrels. This extended maturation allows it to last 15 years or longer in an unopened bottle. The deep barrel flavors become very prominent after extended aging.
As a general rule, the longer a tequila is aged and barreled before bottling, the longer it will last after bottling. The barrel aging helps stabilize the tequila and contain the natural deterioration.
Does alcohol percentage affect shelf life?
Yes, the alcohol content also determines how long bottled tequila will last:
- Lower alcohol tequilas (35-39% ABV) have a shorter shelf life around 3-5 years.
- Standard tequilas (40-45% ABV) last 5-8 years typically.
- Higher proof tequilas (46-55% ABV) can last 10-15 years or longer.
Tequila contains many antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds from the agave plant. But at higher proof, the alcohol itself helps prevent oxidation reactions that lower the quality of the liquor over time.
How should tequila be stored?
To maximize the shelf life of tequila, proper storage is key. Here are the ideal ways to store tequila:
- Constant cool temperature – Store at 55-65°F if possible.
- Away from direct light -Sunlight and UV rays accelerate aging.
- In a dry place – Moisture can corrode the cork or capsule seal.
- No extreme shifts – Avoid letting it freeze or overheat if possible.
- On its side – Keeps the cork moist and swollen tight.
- In original bottle – For the best seal away from oxygen.
With optimal storage conditions, tequila can maintain peak quality and achieve its maximum shelf life. Refrigeration is not needed, simply keep it away from heat, light, and moisture.
How to tell if tequila has gone bad?
Over time, even unopened tequila can start to go bad. Here are signs that tequila may have aged past its peak:
- Fading color – Silver/white tequilas darken, while reposados/añejos lighten.
- Diminished aromas – Less vibrant agave and oak barrel notes.
- Flat or off tastes – Loss of flavors or development of off-notes.
- Thickened texture – Becomes viscous and syrupy.
- Cloudiness – Partial evaporation can leave sediment.
- Leaking bottle – Dried out cork or loose cap allows oxidation.
If you notice any of these warning signs, the tequila is likely past its prime. While not dangerous, old tequila loses the aromatic, complex flavors that make it special.
Can expired tequila make you sick?
No, fortunately tequila does not actually go “bad” in a way that causes food poisoning or sickness. The worst that can happen is some degradation in taste.
There are no bacteria or other microbes present that can grow after the distillation and bottling process. The high alcohol content prevents any microbial growth.
The only safety concern would be if vintage lead crystal decanters were used. The lead could leach into the tequila over many decades. Otherwise, old tequila is not hazardous.
Can you still drink very old tequila?
There is no precise age cutoff after which unopened tequila must be discarded. Very old tequila may lose its aroma and some smoothness, but remain safe to drink. Collectors may even appreciate the vintage qualities.
Here are guidelines for drinking very aged tequila:
- Under 15 years – Still enjoyable, best used for cocktails.
- 15-30 years – Noticeable decline in flavor and aroma.
- 30-50 years – Only for novelty, mixers recommended.
- Over 50 years – Severely degraded quality, mostly collectible appeal.
While not spoiled, tequila this old is far past its prime. But it can still be drunk, especially when mixed into margaritas or other cocktails that overpower the off-notes.
Does opened tequila go bad?
Once opened, tequila has a much shorter shelf life. Oxidation reactions will start slowly degrading the liquor immediately after you break the factory seal on the bottle.
Opened tequila generally lasts:
- Silver: 2-4 months
- Reposado: 6-12 months
- Añejo: 1-2 years
Higher alcohol contents allow opened tequila to last a bit longer. To maximize freshness after opening, be sure to reseal the bottle tightly and store away from light and heat. Refrigeration can further prolong the shelf life after opening.
Does freezing affect tequila quality?
Freezing tequila may damage the quality and shorten the shelf life. The expansion and contraction can pull flavor compounds out of the liquid. Freezing can also fracture the bottle if left too long.
However, brief freezing should not cause much deterioration. Some bartenders and cocktail aficionados even recommend freezing lower-quality tequilas to help mute some harsh flavors. But for sipping tequilas, freezing is not ideal long-term.
Signs of frozen tequila:
- Cloudy appearance
- Separation into layers
- Watery, thin texture
- Diminished aromas
- Muted, bland flavors
Frozen tequila can be left to thaw and remixed into a homogenous blend. But some textural and flavor changes may remain permanent after freezing and thawing cycles.
Does refrigerator storage prolong shelf life?
Refrigeration around 40°F can help tequila maintain peak quality and extend shelf life somewhat. Cool conditions slow down oxidation and evaporation.
For long-term aging over many years, refrigerator storage is unnecessary for sealed bottles stored properly at room temperature. But it becomes useful for opened bottles or tequila that is close to the end of its shelf life.
Benefits of refrigerated tequila:
- Slows oxidation reactions
- Prevents evaporation losses
- Maintains aroma and taste
- Prolongs shelf life after opening
In summary, refrigeration can help prolong the life of opened tequila and provide a slight benefit for unopened bottles nearing the end of their shelf life. But it is not required for most sealed, unopened bottles within their prime drinking years.
Does tequila go bad after opening?
Yes, once exposed to oxygen, opened tequila goes bad much faster than unopened bottles. It gradually deteriorates in quality over a period of months or years.
Here are the signs that opened tequila has expired:
- Diminished aromas and weaker agave/oak notes
- Harsh alcohol taste becomes more pronounced
- Development of off-flavors like nail polish remover
- Dull, flat character lacking fruity and spicy notes
- Cloudy appearance as flavors precipitate over time
While not dangerous to drink, expired opened tequila is past its peak freshness and no longer optimal for sipping or cocktail mixing. For best flavor, try to finish open bottles within 6 months to a year.
Does drinking old tequila make you sick?
No, consuming aged, expired tequila does not cause illness or toxicity. The alcohol itself acts as a preservative against microbial growth.
However, very old tequila may cause temporary digestive upset:
- Increased acid reflux due to irritated digestive tract
- Bloating, gas, or loose stools
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps
- Fatigue, dizziness, increased headache
- Dehydration and prolonged hangover
These effects are caused by impurities and congeners concentrated over time, not foodborne pathogens. Sticking to small servings minimizes the temporary discomfort.
While not dangerous per se, decades-old tequila is best avoided in favor of fresher options that provide optimal flavor and enjoyment.
Does unopened aged tequila improve in quality?
Up to a point, aging sealed tequila in the bottle can improve the flavor complexity and aromas. But there comes a turning point at which quality deteriorates:
- Under 5 years – Smooth mellowing effect
- 5-15 years – Peak quality, perfect balance
- 15-30 years – Decline in fresh agave notes
- Over 30 years – Oxidation damage, loss of flavors
During the first years after bottling, residual compounds interact to enhance taste and aroma. But after decades, the liquor eventually degrades and oxidizes.
Very old unopened tequila may still be safe to drink, but will be past its prime with faded nuances. For peak enjoyment, consume tequila within 5-15 years of bottling.
Conclusion
With proper storage, unopened tequila can remain stable and drinkable for decades after bottling. Its high alcohol content and sterile distillation process prevent any safety issues with age. However, for the best drinking experience, tequila is ideally consumed within 5-15 years of bottling, before losing its aromatic compounds and complex flavors due to slow oxidation.
Once opened, tequila has a much shorter shelf life and will show noticeable degradation within months to a few years. Refrigeration and resealing bottles helps prolong the shelf life somewhat after opening. While old tequila may still be safe to drink, the quality declines over time, so fresh bottles are always preferred.
