How long does this stuff really last?

[MrsT]

I just inherited a gorgeous bar from my Grandparents. . One thing there is still liquor in it. Unopened- rum, scotch, whiskey, vodka, gin, Irish Creme, sherry...everything except wine. I have no idea how old half the liquor is as they weren't big drinkers and didn't host many parties--especially later in life. I was wondering how long this all lasts or should I start dumping. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the stuff is over 35-year-old!

[zin1953]

Uh, Sherry IS wine . . . what kind? Be specific, as it could go either way.

But other than that, I'm with sku -- toss the Irish Creme, and if the bottles are full, they should be fine.

[kagemusha49]

Uh, yes - sherry is a fortified wine. Doesn't have an infinite shelf life but should last a decade or two.

[zin1953]

Not at all! Some sherries are dead after six months of bottle age. It depends upon the TYPE of sherry -- which is why I asked the OP to be specific. . . .

[The Big Crunch]

What kind of Scotch?

[tokyopix]

What a great surprise for you!! Anything old/different/interesting in there? (for old I mean as in the old version of something or something no longer available, not years old - I know you don't know that)

[kagemusha49]

Yep - unopened spirits pretty much last forever. Not so sure about Irish Creme and sherry.

[sku]

Unopened rum, scotch, whiskey, vodka and gin should be fine if kept in decent condition (not ultra hot, stored standing up if it has a cork openeing). If the bottles still look full, they are probably fine. If they have low fill levels, they have probably seen some evaporation and flavor could be compromised.

You should toss the Irish cream as it eventually goes bad.