Found an old bottle at the back of the cupboard? It’s probably fine. In short: sealed spirits such as whisky, vodka, gin, rum, tequila and arak don’t go off, and once opened they keep their best flavour for about one to two years. Opened wine lasts 3–5 days, sparkling wine 1–3 days, beer is best before the date on the can, and cream liqueurs like Baileys last about two years from production.
Shelf-life chart
| Drink | Unopened | After opening | Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whisky, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, arak | Indefinitely | Best within 1–2 years; faster if the bottle is less than half full | Upright, cool and dark |
| Sweet liqueurs (herbal, fruit, coffee) | Years | About 1–2 years | Tightly closed, away from heat |
| Cream liqueurs (Baileys) | About 2 years from production | Within the same window; refrigerate after opening | 0–25 °C |
| Red wine | Depends on the wine; most are for drinking young | 3–5 days with a stopper | Corked bottles on their side |
| White and rosé wine | Depends on the wine | 5–7 days in the fridge | Fridge once opened |
| Sparkling wine | Depends on the wine | 1–3 days with a sparkling stopper | Fridge |
| Beer | Until the best-before date | Same day | Cold, out of sunlight |
Why spirits don’t spoil
At 37.5% ABV and above, bacteria and mould can’t grow, and whisky stops ageing once it’s bottled. After opening, oxygen slowly fades the delicate aromas – especially when only a little liquid remains with lots of air in the bottle. Tip: if less than a quarter is left, enjoy it within a few months.
Storage rules for an Amman home
- Spirits stand upright so strong alcohol doesn’t eat into the cork.
- Corked wine lies on its side so the cork stays moist and airtight.
- Keep everything away from heat and sunlight – never in a parked car in summer, on top of the fridge or near a heater.
- The freezer is fine for vodka and Jägermeister: at 35–40% they won’t freeze at home-freezer temperatures and taste smoother ice-cold.
- Don’t freeze arak: the anise oil can crystallise and cloud the spirit.
Signs something has gone off
- Wine: vinegar smell or a flat, brownish colour.
- Cream liqueur: lumps, curdling or a sour taste – throw it away.
- Beer: stale, papery taste long after the date.
More: liqueurs explained, wine in Jordan and sparkling wine guide. Prefer Arabic? اقرأ الدليل بالعربية.
Sources: Wine Folly – How long opened wine lasts, WebstaurantStore – Does alcohol expire?
Shelf life FAQ
Does whisky go bad?
Sealed whisky doesn’t go bad; once opened it keeps its best flavour for about one to two years, faster if the bottle is nearly empty.
Does vodka expire?
No. Unflavoured vodka is shelf-stable indefinitely; flavoured vodkas can lose their fruit aromas sooner once opened.
How long does wine last after opening?
Red wine 3–5 days with a stopper, white and rosé 5–7 days in the fridge, and sparkling wine 1–3 days with a sparkling-wine stopper.
Does Baileys expire?
Yes. Baileys recommends drinking it within two years of production, stored between 0 and 25 °C; refrigerating it after opening is a good idea.
Can you put vodka in the freezer?
Yes. At 40% ABV vodka won’t freeze in a home freezer and tastes smoother served ice-cold.
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