2023-04-17 19:03:17
Alcohol can expire, but the shelf life varies depending on several factors, including the amount of ethanol it contains. Ethanol is a compound present in alcoholic beverages, produced by the fermentation of sugars in fruits, vegetables or cereals using yeasts. For example, grapes for wine, or potatoes for vodka. Liqueurs have the longest shelf life, but adding ingredients such as dairy cream can change their shelf life. This article addresses the issue of alcohol expiry, focusing on wine, beer, and liquors.
Does alcohol expire?
The different types of alcoholic beverages vary in ingredients, amount of alcohol, storage conditions, and manufacturing process. The shelf life of an alcoholic beverage depends on these factors.
For example, wine may improve over time, while beer deteriorates faster. On the other hand, liqueurs, having a higher alcohol content, can last longer. Alcohol is a recognized preservative. For example, ethyl alcohol is an antimicrobial agent and preservative generally considered safe for use in certain foods.
It should be noted that beer generally contains between 4% and 8% alcohol, wine contains around 13.5% alcohol while straight liquors tend to contain around 40% alcohol.
Wine
It is common to think that wine gets better with age. Below, you’ll find studies that might support this theory.
Reduction of bitterness
A 2021 review found that wine improves in quality following a certain period of time in bottle due to complex chemical changes related to oxygen limitation. This reduces astringency and bitterness, improves aroma, clarifies and stabilizes color.
Oxidation
When it comes to white wine, a 2019 study showed that wine oxidation during bottle aging can be influenced by oxygen transfer where the cork meets the bottle neck. This oxidation can considerably alter the chemical structure of the wine.
Storage in the dark and type of cap
A 2021 study demonstrated that the quality of bottled white wine can be significantly reduced by temperature and light exposure at retail outlets, which also decreases its shelf life. If wine is stored in the dark at a temperature of 12°C, it will retain properties similar to those of wine before bottling. The choice of cork, in particular a high quality natural cork or a microgranulated cork, also helps to better preserve the sensory profile of the wine.
Wine producers add antioxidants, such as sulfur oxide, to prevent excessive oxidation and the resulting deterioration of wine. Bottles should also be closed with appropriate caps and stored under stable conditions to prevent the development of unwanted colors, aromas or flavors.
Beer
The shelf life of beer depends on the type of beer. Craft beers usually remain unfiltered and unpasteurized, which makes them high in health-promoting compounds but shortens their shelf life. A 2022 study describes the difficulties faced by the beer industry in maintaining beer quality despite extensive studies by researchers on this topic. The study authors found that the entire production process, from field to consumer, must be controlled to maintain the quality and stability of a beer over its shelf life. A 2023 study also addresses the issue of declining beer quality over time. This phenomenon is due to the accumulation of certain compounds resulting from oxidation and leading to stale beer.
Make beer last longer
Producers add Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to beer before bottling, in a practice called refermentation. The cells, also called “brewer’s yeast” or “baker’s yeast”, reduce the accumulation of aldehydes responsible for a musty taste. However, yeasts added to beer have a limited shelf life. Researchers in this study have found a way to breed new bacteria that act as natural, long-lasting antioxidant preservatives for food and beverages, such as beer.
The liqueur
The term “liqueur” is used to refer to sweet and strong alcoholic beverages, mainly distilled spirits such as whiskey or rum. Producers mix spirits with sugar and flavorings to make these drinks. Liqueurs generally have the highest percentage of alcohol by volume of all types of alcohol. Liqueurs containing cream also have a limited shelf life, but enough alcohol to prevent the growth of bacteria. High-quality cream liqueurs can last up to two years when stored at room temperature, and their shelf life can be extended by refrigeration.
Risks associated with the consumption of expired alcohol
Stale wine turns into vinegar due to its high acid content which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. Although taste alteration is the main disadvantage specific to expired alcohol, these drinks carry the same health risks as all alcoholic beverages, whether expired or not. It is therefore important to exercise caution when consuming alcoholic beverages, especially those that have expired.
Alcohol and health
A 2020 study on the impact of alcohol on human health found that health effects depend on the amount consumed. The researchers concluded that drinking 14 grams (g) of alcohol per day for women and 28 g per day for men may reduce the risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. is considered mild or moderate according to experts.
However, excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption or misuse can cause alcohol use disorder, which can lead to physical and mental problems such as liver disease, pancreatitis, dementia and several types of cancer. Additionally, no amount of alcohol is considered safe for a person to drink during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.
Résumé
The alcohol in alcoholic beverages is either ethanol or ethyl alcohol. Alcoholic beverages have varying amounts of this type of alcohol. The ethyl alcohol content can affect the shelf life of these drinks, as well as other factors such as their individual ingredients and how they are made and stored. Liqueurs tend to contain the highest proportion of alcohol, followed by wine and beer. The health risks associated with consuming expired alcohol are generally the same as those associated with consuming alcohol within its shelf life.
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