We’ve all been there: opening a bottle of wine, beer, or spirits only to realise it won’t be finished that night.
Whether you seal it tight or leave it open, air exposure and time inevitably impact the flavour, freshness, and even the safety of your drink.
Daniel Ufland, founder of The Whiskey Masters, has explained the science behind oxidation and how it affects different types of alcohol.
“Many people don’t know how long their favourite drinks last after opening,” he says.
“Spirits can hold up for years, but wine and beer have much shorter windows.
“Knowing these timeframes ensures you enjoy your drinks at their best and avoid waste.”
Here’s a guide to how long alcohol stays fresh after being opened – and how to store it properly.
Wine
Wine is highly sensitive to air, and oxidation begins immediately after opening, altering its flavour and colour.
The type of wine determines its shelf life:
- White and Rosé Wines: These stay fresh for 3 to 5 days if resealed tightly and stored in the fridge. “If left out, you’ll end up with something closer to vinegar,” says Ufland.
- Red Wines: Reds last about 3 to 4 days when stored in a cool, dark place and resealed. However, their flavour starts to flatten after 2 days.
- Sparkling Wines: “Champagnes and sparkling wines lose their fizz within 1 to 2 days, even with a stopper,” warns Ufland. These are best enjoyed immediately after opening.
Tip: Proper storage is key. Limit exposure to air by sealing the bottle tightly and refrigerating whites, rosés, and sparkling wines.
Beer
Beer’s fizziness means it starts losing its signature taste and fizz almost immediately after being opened.
- Lagers and Light Beers: “These go flat within a day or two,” says Ufland. Refrigeration and sealing can help, but they’re best finished the same day.
- IPAs: The bold hop flavours of India Pale Ales fade quickly, losing their characteristic bitterness within 1 to 2 days.
- Stouts and Porters: Heavier beers last a bit longer, keeping their flavours intact for up to 3 days.
- Craft Beers: Beers with added ingredients like fruits or spices tend to degrade even faster, losing their unique profiles within a day.
Spirits
Whiskey, vodka, rum, and other spirits are far more resilient than wine or beer, thanks to their high alcohol content, which acts as a natural preservative.
- Shelf Life: Once opened, most spirits maintain their quality for up to 2 years if stored properly in a cool, dark place with a tight seal.
- Flavour Changes: Over time, spirits may lose their distinctive character, particularly if the bottle is less than half full. Increased air exposure accelerates oxidation, subtly altering the taste.
“Even though spirits last longer, their flavours can fade. For whiskey lovers, this means savouring the rich notes before they mellow out,” Ufland advises.
Regardless of the type, spoiled alcohol has clear warning signs:
- Wine: Look for discolouration, a sour or vinegary aroma, and a flat taste.
- Beer: Flatness, bitterness, or an off-smell are telltale signs.
- Spirits: While slower to spoil, they may lose aroma or taste diluted over time.
“If a drink smells, tastes, or looks off, it’s better to throw it out,” says Ufland. “It’s not worth risking a bad experience—or worse, your health.”
Expert advice
Ufland emphasises that proper storage and timely consumption are the keys to maximising your alcohol’s lifespan.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that alcohol lasts forever once opened—it doesn’t,” he says.
“Whether it’s a vintage red or premium whiskey, time takes its toll. You’ll enjoy your drinks far more when they’re fresh and vibrant.”
For spirits, ensure bottles are tightly sealed and stored upright in a cool, dark space. For wine and beer, limiting air exposure and refrigerating can buy you a few extra days, but the sooner you enjoy them, the better.
“Ultimately, it’s all about understanding your drinks, appreciating their peak flavours, and savouring them before they lose their charm.”
