Alcohol past its best-before date is almost always perfectly safe to drink. That's precisely why you'll find such products in our shop. At SIRPLUS, you get affordable, rescued alcohol that not only tastes great but also conserves resources. Here's why it's worth taking a look at the date.
Alcohol best-before date – what does that mean?
The best-before date (BBD) for alcoholic beverages primarily indicates how long manufacturers guarantee a consistent aroma and effervescence. Unlike with fresh food, it's never about safety, but solely about quality. Manufacturers always set the BBD with a large time buffer, usually several months, sometimes even years, before the point at which the beverage is no longer edible.
Spirits with a high alcohol content, such as rum, whiskey, or vodka, have a virtually unlimited shelf life. With beer, wine, or liqueurs, the taste or carbonation may change after the expiration date – however, they rarely spoil immediately.
Alcohol after its best-before date – how long can it be stored?
How long alcohol remains drinkable after its best-before date depends heavily on the type of alcohol:
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Beer : After the best-before date, it may lose some of its effervescence, but is usually still perfectly drinkable.
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Wine : Shelf life varies greatly. Young wines are best drunk within a few years, while high-quality wines can age for decades.
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Liqueurs : Due to sugar and alcohol, they are usually stable for a long time, but the aroma can weaken.
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Spirits : With over 30% alcohol by volume, they have an almost unlimited shelf life as long as they are tightly sealed and not exposed to sunlight.
Alcohol past its best-before date – what should you pay attention to?
If your alcohol is past its best-before date , a quick sensory check will help:
👉 Appearance: No cloudiness or suspended particles in beer and wine. Spirits generally remain clear.
👉 Smell: Does the drink smell as usual? Then it's fine.
👉 Taste: Does it taste normal, not musty or sour? Then you can enjoy it.
Bloated beer cans or corked wine are exceptions that can actually be undrinkable.
How to properly store alcohol after its best-before date.
Proper storage determines how long drinks stay good. Alcohol should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Spirits in tightly sealed bottles keep practically indefinitely. Wine prefers a constant temperature and horizontal storage if it has a natural cork. Beer stays fresh longer in the refrigerator or cellar. With proper storage, you can enjoy alcoholic beverages even after their best-before date without worry.
Why we at SIRPLUS sell alcohol past its best-before date
Every year, huge quantities of drinks are thrown away simply because a date has passed and the alcoholic beverages are still perfectly edible.
We carefully inspect all products: aroma, condition, packaging. Only what is still truly edible makes it into our shop. This is how we make sustainability easy – and you enjoy quality at a fair price.
Best before date for alcohol – more than just a date
An expired "best before" date on alcohol rarely poses a problem. Instead, it's an opportunity to conserve resources and reduce food waste. With every bottle saved, you help save CO₂ and simultaneously fund two school meals in Malawi (Africa).
Conclusion: Enjoy alcohol instead of wasting it.
If your alcohol's best-before date has passed, you don't have to throw the bottle away immediately. In most cases, a quick check with your eyes, nose, and mouth is enough. And if you want to salvage the alcohol yourself – we have the right products for you.
👉 Discover our alcohol category and enjoy sustainable drinks with a clear conscience.
