Galliano-Shelf Life?

[rowjo]

I'm hosting a big cocktail party in a couple of weeks. One of the cocktails I plan to serve is the Harvey Wallbanger. It's been years since I bought Galliano...and I'm surprised how pricey it is...especially since I don't need a large amount.

Well guess what? I have about 3/4 of a bottle of Galliano in the back of my liquor shelf in the pantry. However, it may be old enough to be considered an antique. If I had to guess, I'd say it's probably 15 years old!

It's been so long since I've had a Wallbanger, I don't remember what Galliano is supposed to taste like! I took a sip...still very sweet. No crystallization or debris in the bottle...pale yellow color. It's been stored in a dark place this whole time...upper shelf, so it may get a little warm in summer.

What do you think? I can I save myself another $35 and use this Galliano? I don't want to seem like I'm just being cheap...I hate to throw out something that well work just fine.
But budget is a consideration somewhat too...and I really want to serve Wallbangers (I'm doing 2-3 other cocktails and lots of food)!

Thoughts? Thanks!
rowjo

[ed1066]

Does anyone NOT have an aging, partially empty bottle of Galliano in their bar? It seems like a nearly omnipresent feature of every home :)

[YAYME]

I wish I did. :(

[JMF]

Liqueurs, unlike most spirits, definitely lose flavors and quality over time. Especially in a bottle with a broken seal. Galliano has a lot of vanilla notes that disappear pretty quickly. Vanilla is very volatile. If you taste that 3/4 bottle side by side with a new bottle you might not think they are even the same product.

[Chefpaulo]

I concur. Oxygen in an opened bottle depletes the flavor and alcohol content until you're left with colored sugar syrup. I had mine sit in the bar cabinet for about nine years before I chucked the contents, removed the label and made it into a bathroom candlestick next to the tub. Hey, at least its useful!

[Xaga]

Well, typically I'd say it's gone bad. But, according to what you say, it seems to be just fine. I'd say you may as well use it if you haven't had any adverse effects.

[TroyTempest]

when i was a kid (and into young adulthood) my parents had a bottle of it in the liquor cabinet for at least 15 years. It tasted ok, as far as Galliano goes. I don't think the aging hurt it appreciably. I never much liked it myself. There's other licorice flavored liquers that i like better.

[fnaps]

I had old Galiano in a restaurant. The color faded and tasted horrible.