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Does vermouth go bad? That’s a question that bar staff and vermouth brands should be able to answer. In educating yourself about the shelf life of vermouth and how to prolong its useability, food service establishments will be able to ensure that they’re always serving vermouth cocktails with ingredients of the highest quality. Meanwhile, vermouth distributors can surpass competing brands by selling the freshest vermouth on the market.
So, does vermouth go bad super quickly? How long does vermouth last after opening a bottle? Does vermouth need to be refrigerated? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in this article. Read on!
Does Vermouth Go Bad?
Yes, vermouth can go bad one to two months after opening a bottle. Once a bottle is opened, it’ll oxidize pretty quickly. Then, you’ll find that the vermouth is less flavorful and tends to be “flat.” That’s why mixology experts recommend using vermouth within just a few months after opening it.
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7 Vermouth Storage Tips
Once you open a bottle of vermouth, it’s vital that you take proper steps to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Luckily, there are a variety of tips that can help you out. Check out seven ways to properly store vermouth below:
1. Keep Vermouth In the Fridge
Once you open a bottle of vermouth, it’s best to keep it in the fridge. The cool temperature and dark environment will prevent it from oxidizing at a rapid pace. Plus, refrigerating vermouth will keep it fresh.
2. Tightly Seal the Cap
It goes without saying that if your bottle(s) of vermouth have a cap rather than a cork, it’s best to seal it as tight as humanly possible. Excess air that seeps into the bottle can lead to quicker oxidation. And the faster that takes place, the sooner you’ll have to toss any remaining vermouth.
3. Avoid Extreme Heat
It’s best if you can store vermouth in moderate to cool temperatures. Extreme heat can cause the vermouth to oxidize rather quickly. So, avoid storing your bottles in places that are exposed to direct sunlight or that don’t have central air conditioning despite its hot climate. Some people who won’t need their vermouth right away will actually freeze it, solely to extend its shelf life.
4. Transfer Vermouth to a Smaller Bottle
Once you use an ample amount of vermouth, you can transfer the rest into a smaller bottle. This will allow you to store it without letting it have exposure to as much air. The air that gets trapped inside a bottle with the remaining of any fluid can lessen the shelf life, let alone any air that gets into it naturally or upon opening the bottle. Not only can you implement this tip for vermouth, but other types of alcohol that are at risk of oxidization.
5. Lay the Bottle Down After a While
If a bottle of vermouth is sealed with a cork, it’s a smart idea to lay it down after a while. When you lay down a corked bottle of alcohol, the vermouth will moisten the cork. As a result, it’ll be more difficult for air to seep into the bottle. So, by laying it down, you’re inherently prolonging the shelf life a bit.
6. Jot the “Open Date” On the Bottle
If you don’t make vermouth cocktails often, you might forget when your most recently used bottle was opened. So, whenever you open a new bottle of vermouth, just jot down the date on the cap, cork, or label. Then, once a few months rolls around, you'll be certain that it’s time to discard any remaining vermouth.
7. Discard After a Few Months
After a few months of having an opened bottle of vermouth, discard anything you have left. Once vermouth oxidizes and expires, it’ll have a super acidic quality, exuding sour and bitter aromatic notes, which are kind of similar to vinegar. If you notice after a few months that your vermouth doesn’t boast these qualities, you might be able to get away with using it for a little longer. Just keep checking it from time to time before you actually need it.
Frequently Asked Questions About: Does Verouth Go Bad?
Vermouth doesn’t have the longest shelf life. However, there are precautions you can take to prolong the time you can use it while still crafting delicious cocktails. To learn more about the shelf life of vermouth and related storage tips, delve into the FAQ section below.
Can Vermouth Go Bad?
Yes, vermouth can go bad. Once you open a bottle, its shelf life typically lasts one to two months.
How Long Does Vermouth Last?
An unopened bottle of vermouth can last for about three to four years if kept in a cool, dark place. However, an opened bottle of vermouth only has a shelf life of about one to two months in a refrigerator for optimal flavor.
Does Vermouth Need to Be Refrigerated?
While refrigeration is not necessary for vermouth, it’s recommended for maintaining its flavor, aroma, and freshness. That’s because storing it in the fridge can slow down the oxidation process, extending the shelf life to the longest timeline possible.
How Long Can You Keep an Open Bottle of Vermouth?
You can keep an open bottle of vermouth in the fridge for about one to two months before it starts to expire. After this point, the flavor profile and aromatic qualities will begin to degrade, despite it not spoiling like a perishable good.
How Do I Know If Vermouth Has Gone Bad?
If vermouth has a sour or intensely bitter taste, it’s safe to say that it has gone bad. Changes in its color and scent are also telltale signs that vermouth is past its “best by” date. At this time, it’s best to discard it.