How long does liqueur stay good

[Stalder]

I have a bottle of B&B liquer i used to make poached pears last fall. Is it still good this fall?

[ladyyoung98]

yes, maybe a little more potent but still good

[IrishCream]

I have some liquers that are probably 10 years old and it never even dawned on me that might be a problem. Good question.

[k43]

I've had Chartreuse that had been at the back of my parents' liquor cabinet for at least 30 years, and it was indistinguishable from the fresh.

[rooftop1000]

Just dont open any old Baileys type creamy stuff ....you dont want to know what they look like affter 5 or so years.

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[NancyH]

About a year ago, I became very sick while visiting my parents. By evening, I had made an appointment with the doctor for the next day, but had a horrible sore throat and was coughing. My usual home remedy for this would be brandy or Sambucca - so I went into Dad's liquor cabinet. Most of the bottles were more than 10 years old - and I must have tried about 4 or 5 of them - they smelled horrible and tasted worse! The miniature bottles of Sambuca that came from my grandmother were like turpentine!

So - I think the answer is - most cordials and sweet liquors will keep for some period of years - but they will "go" at some point - and you'll know it! In fact, I was just served Sambucca at an Indian restaurant last week that was reminiscent of those yucky minis - the bottle was almost empty, and I suspect that they don't sell a lot of it.

[Thesorus]

I've had Chartreuse that had been at the back of my parents' liquor cabinet for at least 30 years, and it was indistinguishable from the fresh.

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[eje]

High proof distilled herbal liqueurs like B & B, Benedictine, Jagermeister, and Chartreuse keep basically forever.

Fruit based liqueurs last maybe a year after opening. They usually don't go bad; but, the fruit flavor fades.

Lower proof and cream and chocolate based liqueurs should be refrigerated after opening and probably last less than 6 months.

Homemade liqueurs also should be refrigerated after opening, and might last 6 months. Though, you should keep an eye on them for unusual activity.