helloLCBO | Shelf Life & Storage of Cream Liqueurs (2024)

FAQs

What is the shelf life of a cream liqueur? ›

High-quality cream liqueur can have shelf lives of 2 years when stored under ambient conditions and can maintain their sensory quality even further when stored under refrigeration conditions.

While refrigeration is not necessary, cream liqueurs taste great when they are well chilled, and for most of us, the most convenient cool place of storage is our refrigerator. We would also recommend that cream liqueurs should be consumed within six to twelve months of opening.

Bailey's says its product has a shelf life of two years. The problem with an older bottle would be the fat in the cream going rancid.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream is slightly darker than the other two in our taste test. It is 30 proof, and those who enjoy a more potent drink can enhance it with a shot of Buffalo Trace Bourbon. It must be refrigerated after opening and will last six months in the refrigerator. In our home, it may last six days.

Open bottles with an alcohol content above 30% are quite shelf-stable and can stay put indefinitely, but they'll start to undergo qualitative changes as the years progress, often becoming harsher with a more pronounced burn.

Unopened liquor of all kinds will generally keep indefinitely if stored properly. Store out of direct sunlight, tightly sealed, in a stable room-temperature environment. Once opened, distilled spirits like whiskey and gin won't expire or become unsafe to consume, but they may start to taste “off” after 1–3 years.

Oxygen exposure can over time also affect a liquor's flavor, and in some cases cause it to actually spoil. You will be able to tell if it has spoiled by a bad smell, taste or a change in texture. Spirits are much hardier than liqueurs.

Cream liqueurs contain cream, while crème de liqueurs do not. Crème de liqueurs usually have higher sugar content, a clear appearance, and a thicker texture as well.

Should Kahlúa be refrigerated? No, but we recommend to store it in a cool dry place once opened. What percentage of alcohol is in Kahlúa Original?

For Kahlúa Original, we recommend a shelf life of 4 years. Actually, the product will be good for many more years, but the coffee impact fades over time so it won't give you the full flavor impact. Also, if you were to receive an old bottle of Kahlúa, you have to make sure it has never been opened or tampered with.

Does Grand Marnier go bad? ›

Unopened Grand Marnier will last for years. Once opened, it will last for many months if stored in a cool, dark place.

Over time, and especially when consumed regularly, these extra calories can lead to weight gain, which comes with its own set of health risks, including heart disease and high blood pressure. Regular consumption of high-sugar beverages like liqueurs can also contribute to an increase in body weight.

-Cream Liqueurs have a shelf life of approximately one year. Refrigeration is not required, but is recommended. -Oils (including nut, seed, and olive) have a shelf life of nine months to a year. They should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place to keep them fresh and tasty.

Generally as long as you don't subject it to temperature extremes it will last well beyond the official 2 year "best taste before" date. Over time the taste will change and the liquid tends to go a bit darker but only really noticeable if you do a side by side comparison.

Product Information

Jackson Morgan Southern Cream has a two year shelf life. We recommend keeping Jackson Morgan away from extended periods of direct sunlight for maximum shelf life.

How long does Baileys last? Baileys Original lasts 2 years from the day of bottling, opened or unopened when stored at the optimum temperature (0 to 25°C/32 to 77°F). For other Baileys products, shelf life varies depending on the flavour. See below for the full list.

You can check the date within the LOT number at the base of the back-label, which indicates the date of production. If your bottle is unopened, it is safe to consume for up to 2 years (24 months) after this date. If opened, refrigerate and consume within 6 months.

There's really no need to refrigerate opened Baileys (other Irish creams may vary) as the product is stable within the temperature ranges stated on the packaging. 0–25 Celsius (32–77 Fahrenheit) However many consumers prefer it cooled so there is no problem keeping it in the fridge.