Gin
Gin keeps practically forever unopened and many years opened — but the juniper and citrus aromas fade over time.
The alcohol stays, the aroma fades
Gin, like all spirits, is a drink with no best-before date. At around 37.5 to 45 percent alcohol it sits well above the 10 percent mark and is exempt from a best-before date under EU law. The high alcohol content preserves it, so gin practically does not spoil and poses no safety risk.
Unopened and stored upright, a bottle of gin keeps for decades. Unlike neutral vodka, though, gin lives on its botanicals — juniper, citrus peel, coriander and other spices. These essential aromas change slowly after opening: over one to two years the fresh, lively notes grow duller, while the alcohol itself stays stable.
So for opened gin: it stays safe to drink for years, but tastes best within the first one to two years. When the bottle is nearly empty, the extra air speeds up the aroma loss — then it is worth enjoying the rest soon or decanting it into a smaller vessel. Stored upright, cool and dark, gin holds its aroma longest.
A practical note for the home bar: if you store gin over a long period, always keep the bottle well sealed and upright, and do not leave it next to the stove or in a sunny window. Temperature swings and sunlight speed up aroma loss the most. Opening a nearly empty bottle often lets in fresh air each time, too. So if you rarely drink gin, a smaller bottle often serves you better than the big one — you finish it while the botanicals are still fresh.
How do I spot old gin?
Gin barely spoils — it is all about the aroma:
Gin does not become undrinkable; stored properly there is no safety risk.
The fresh juniper and citrus note grows flatter and less aromatic over the years.
A loose cap lets alcohol evaporate; haze from foreign particles is rare and a reason to set it aside.
Shelf life at a glance
Only the botanicals set a limit on enjoyment:
| State | Shelf life |
|---|---|
| Unopened, upright | practically unlimited |
| Opened, well filled | many years (aroma best 1–2 years) |
| Opened, nearly empty | aroma fades faster |
| Sloe gin / flavoured | 1–2 years |
Store it right
The right storage keeps gin most aromatic:
Store upright — the high alcohol attacks a lying cork.
Cool and dark — protects the delicate botanical aromas.
Seal tightly — prevents evaporation and aroma loss.
Enjoy the aroma early — the fresh juniper notes are best in the first one to two years.
Common myths
A few myths surround gin:
The alcohol yes, the aroma no — gin's botanicals fade over time, while vodka is more neutral.
Practically not — the high alcohol preserves it. Only the aroma changes.
Not needed for shelf life. Cold it tastes nicer, but does not keep longer.
Sloe gin and homemade gin infusions with fruit or spices are an exception: the added ingredients mean they keep only one to two years and should be stored cool. Plain gin, by contrast, stays practically unlimited.