Does spiced rum go bad? This is a great question that doesn’t have a simple answer, and after opening a bottle of spiced rum, I had this exact question myself. I wanted to make a spiced rum cocktail but wasn’t sure if one cocktail was worthy of opening the bottle or not.
Things can be confusing when there isn’t an expiration date on a liquor bottle.
Well, I spent some time talking with a working bartender to find all the answers, and now you will learn what I learned.
Yes, spiced rum can go bad, but it does take a long time for this to happen. It also only starts to go bad after it has been opened. How you store also impacts how long spiced rum will stay good.
Spiced rum has been flavored with spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. After the bottle has been opened, these extra spices and flavourings will help accelerate the spiced rum going bad.
Keep in mind that unopened spiced rum will last for years. It is only after opening it that the countdown clock starts before it is time to finish the bottle or pour it out.
How long does spiced rum last after it has been opened?
Spiced rum that has been opened will last about six months on average. Sometimes if stored properly, the shelf life of spiced rum can be extended. If your spiced rum has been open for over six months, smell it to check for any foul odor. Also, if it has floating particles, it has likely gone bad.
Tips for storing spiced rum
If you store opened spiced rum correctly (continuously cold), it can last at least six months. However, if you don’t store it properly, it will likely go bad much sooner.
- The most important thing to remember is to reseal the bottle after opening it. Put the lid on tightly.
- Shake the bottle of spiced rum every week or two, with the lid on, to mix it up.
- Store it in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cabinet.
- Don’t let the bottle of rum get hot, so don’t store it in a hot garage.
- Keep it out of the sun. Don’t store it close to a window that gets bright afternoon sunlight.
Signs that spiced rum has gone bad
While spiced rum can spoil, what generally happens is that it starts to lose its flavor. The color will start to change, and the consistency will start to change as well. It may appear more cloudy and taste sour.
Even if your spiced rum meets any or all of these points below, it doesn’t mean it has gone bad as in spoiled. It simply means it will not taste as good as it once did.
- It may start to smell stale or off. Good spiced rum should smell slightly sweet with warm spices like clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- If the rum has become darker in color or cloudy, it is no longer suitable to enjoy.
- If spiced rum has turned, it will not have the same rich flavor as when you first opened it.
- If you notice sediment or floating particles or a general thickened change in consistency, it has gone bad.
The bottom line
To sum it up, spiced rum does go bad once it has been opened. Spiced rum will stay the same quality if appropriately stored for about six months. The taste of an opened bottle of spiced rum will change over time. If you are unsure based upon visually inspecting it, feel free to take a sip and judge from there. Keep an open bottle of spiced rum chilled continuously. Since you are learning about rum, learn the difference between white rum and spiced rum.