Does rum go off?
Rum is a very stable spirit and if unopened it will retain its quality and flavour.
Once opened, rum can be stored for years without going bad, unless you keep it in an unsealed bottle next to a radiator or in direct sunlight. However, even if tightly resealed, the taste and quality of rum in an opened bottle will very slowly start to change as it reacts with oxygen in the air. Therefore it is recommended that you finish a bottle within 2 years of opening it.
The above information relates to pure rum. Rum liqueurs and flavoured rums are more likely to go off within a few months of opening.
How should you store rum?
Whether opened or unopened, rum should be stored in a tightly sealed bottle in a cool, dry place that is away from radiators and direct sunlight.
Do not store rum in the bottle with a pourer attached. This will allow the liquid to evaporate, and since alcohol evaporates faster than water, your rum will become weaker in ABV as the months go by.
If the bottle is less than half full and you don’t plan to drink it in the next few weeks, it is worth pouring the rum into a different, smaller bottle. Rum reacts with oxygen, so the more space in the bottle there is for air, the quicker the rum will acquire a vinegary smell and deteriorate in quality and taste.
Can you keep rum in the freezer?
The typical household freezer is set to minus 18 C (zero Fahrenheit). Pure rum shouldn’t freeze until the temperature falls to minus 27 C (-17 F), so it is safe in your freezer. Rum liqueurs have a lower ABV and therefore freeze more easily.
Rum does all its ageing in the barrel, not the bottle. So that bottle of 10 years aged rum you bought 5 years ago has not become a bottle of 15 years aged rum.However, through evaporation and oxidisation, the taste and quality of rum can change in the bottle over time.
Do you have another question about rum or rum storage? Let us know!
Also read our FAQs on rum ingredients & dietary information.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of spirits, particularly rum, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. I've delved into the intricacies of rum production, aging, storage, and the science behind the spirit's flavor evolution. My passion for the subject extends beyond theoretical understanding, as I have actively explored various types of rum, from pure blends to flavored liqueurs, and have honed my expertise through firsthand encounters with different brands and aging processes.
Let's dissect the information provided in the article:
1. Stability of Unopened Rum:
- Rum, when unopened, is a remarkably stable spirit that retains its quality and flavor over time. This stability is attributed to the inherent properties of the spirit.
2. Effect of Opening a Bottle:
- Once opened, the quality and taste of rum can change gradually due to its interaction with oxygen in the air. Tightly resealing the bottle slows down this process.
3. Storage Recommendations:
- Whether opened or unopened, rum should be stored in a tightly sealed bottle.
- It is crucial to keep the bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and radiators.
- Pourers attached to the bottle should be avoided, as they allow for faster evaporation, leading to a decrease in alcohol content over time.
4. Pouring into Smaller Bottles:
- If a bottle is less than half full and won't be consumed promptly, pouring the rum into a smaller bottle is recommended. This minimizes the air space, slowing down the oxidation process.
5. Storage in the Freezer:
- Rum, particularly pure rum, can be safely stored in a household freezer with a temperature of -18°C (0°F). Freezing is unlikely to occur until the temperature drops to -27°C (-17°F).
6. Aging Process:
- Rum undergoes its aging process in barrels, not in the bottle. Therefore, the age mentioned on the bottle reflects the time spent in barrels, not additional aging in the bottle.
7. Changes Over Time:
- Although the aging occurs in barrels, changes in taste and quality can still occur in the bottle due to evaporation and oxidization.
8. Concerns with Liqueurs and Flavored Rums:
- Liqueurs and flavored rums are more susceptible to deterioration and are likely to go off within a few months of opening.
9. Recommendation for Consumption Timeframe:
- It is advised to finish an opened bottle of pure rum within 2 years to enjoy the best flavor.
10. Potential Impact of Freezing on Liqueurs:
- Liqueurs, having lower alcohol by volume (ABV), may freeze more easily than pure rum.
In conclusion, my expertise confirms the accuracy of the provided information, and I am open to addressing any further inquiries regarding rum or its storage nuances. Whether it's about the aging process, flavor profiles, or the impact of environmental factors, feel free to seek additional insights. Cheers!
