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How Long Does Moonshine Last? [Shelf Life Guide]

Moonshine is an alcoholic mix that has become popular among cocktail lovers.

The drink contains an excess of whiskey, which has not undergone the aging process. It sits pretty on the shelf with its unique appearance and smell.

Also known as white lightning, it has a strong aroma and an intense flavor.

does moonshine go bad

The process of obtaining the distilled spirit is complicated since fermentation doesn’t occur in wooden barrels that impart the characteristic features to whiskey.

It gets stored in small-sized mason jars. Further, the enthusiasts are many, and the reasons are clear after sampling a liquor portion. The next question in line is, ‘How long does moonshine last?’

So, if you have been rummaging the house cabinets for a swig of something exceptional, moonshine is the one for you.

But then again, the question lingers, and you need to be sure that it won’t leave you with a bad stomach.

How Long Does Moonshine Last? Does Moonshine Go Bad?

how long does moonshine last

The significant part of consuming moonshine is the alcohol content, which is way above the standard limit. Hence, this unique drink doesn’t go wrong, and neither does it spoil.

Though it doesn’t have an expiration date, certain factors certainly change over time.

The flavor and appearance can change on exposure to direct heat or sunlight. Further, if there is a high amount of moisture in the air, the spirit is affected.

Moonshine can even lose its aroma if it hasn’t been appropriately refrigerated or stored in cool, dark conditions. Losing its power results is losing the features that make it stand apart from the rest of the drinks.

It is highly undesirable if you’re gifting faded spirits to your friends and family. It is even worse if you have a bottle or jar of it lying on your shelves, forgotten.

Though it’s a drink saved for a particular day, it needs to be pure so that one can enjoy it thoroughly.

The sealed and packed bottles can be stored in the freezer and last for approximately two years. Once opened, even though stored in the refrigerator, they can safely last for only two months at a time.

Storing moonshine in the refrigerator helps in retaining the freshness and vitality of the drink. Even if you decide to store it in a place other than the fridge, it doesn’t massively affect it.

But, if you keep it open for a while, the oxygen will harm the drink and damage its attributes. There is unflavoured moonshine, which is comparatively easier to store than its flavored counterpart.

The flavor additives make it tricky since the flavor can get destroyed due to various factors, and you need to be very particular about the storage conditions.

How to Tell if Moonshine is Bad?

how to tell if moonshine is bad

Being a strong alcoholic beverage, moonshine isn’t prone to spoilage, but it tends to fall flat and lose its characteristic flavor and aroma.

Further, since it is alcohol, it doesn’t mean that it will get better with time.

Since it is not allowed to rest in wooden barrels, the alcohol isn’t aged and will not age further when stored otherwise, too. In the case of flavored moonshine, there is a significant difference in the properties of the drink.

Flavored moonshine has sugar as a part of the ingredients added, making it a tad bit more vulnerable than without.

Hence, if you leave a bottle without taking adequate care, your sweet flavor will fade away or, even worse, degrade.

Hence, it is advisable to store the moonshine properly if you want to enjoy the drink’s flavor for long. If you’re purchasing it from outside, it is better to buy a minimal quantity first and then move on more of the spirit.

We know you’re a massive fan of the drink and would like to save it for that special occasion but then who wants degraded quality? Please do not get excited and buy vast amounts of this drink.

In the end, you wouldn’t want to experience a sudden sense of disappointment when you taste the final product.

Hence, it is better to keep your stock in control and your spirit of celebration as well. The only way to keep the moonshine smelling and tasting incredible is by sticking to small quantities.

Conclusion

moonshine shelf life

For the enthusiast in you who has loved stockpiling alcohol of your fancy, you need to be sure that the longer you keep moonshine, it won’t contribute anything to its attributes.

Instead, you may only lose out on the unique authentic aroma because of your hoarding habit.

Even if you buy large quantities, please ensure that you store them appropriately and not forget about them.

Please remember that it is at its highest quality and value when purchased or consumed the day it is freshly made.

how long does moonshine last

How Long Does Moonshine Last? Does Moonshine Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Moonshine
  • Air-tight containers or bottle
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
  • Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much youu0026#x27;re using!
  • Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

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