Does liquor expire?

[The Oracle]

With the exception of Bailey's (which turns solid after a couple years!!) , does liquor expire (like vodka, gin, tequila, etc.)?

I've never noticed an expiration date and I'm wondering if flavor is compromised after some time.

[craigasaurus]

This topic has been addressed several times on this board, but I will do my best to clarify:

There's a distinction between "liquor" and "liqueur." Bailey's is a liqueur because it's made of spirits, sugar, and other flavoring ingredients. Liquers are lower proof than bottled spirits (i.e., liquors) and thus do not benefit as much from alcohol's preservative powers. Now, most spirits are bottled at 80 proof (40% alcohol) or higher, and a) no not need to, and should never be, refrigerated, b) will not expire or go bad. However, spirits infused with aromatic ingredients, such as gin, may lose some of their flavor intensity after a while, especidally if their bottles are not sealed tightly. I wouldn't know, I've never kept a bottle of gin long enough to experience this,

[The Oracle]

Thanks for the tutorial - very helpful!