Ever wondered how long that bottle of sake that’s been sitting in your liquor cabinet will stay good for? Does sake go bad at all? Let’s take a look.
Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from brewing fermented rice. But like other alcoholic beverages, it’s essential to store sake correctly to maintain its quality and flavor.
In this post, we will delve into the question of whether sake expires and explore how to store it properly to ensure its quality.
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Does Sake Go Bad?
The answer is yes, sake can go bad, but you can extend its shelf life if you store it properly. In fact, how long sake may stay good depends on several factors, including the the storage method, type of sake, and the production method.
Most sake varieties are intended to be drunk fresh and should be consumed within six months of production.
However, some premium sake varieties can be aged for several years, developing unique flavors and aromas over time.
Sake production date
You may notice a date label on most bottles of sake. This is not an expiration date or best-by date. Rather it denotes when the sake was bottled. So it has little to do with how long the sake will stay fresh.
See below for more information on how long you can store different kinds of sake.
Factors that Affect Sake Shelf Life
Everything from the brewing method to how you store sake can affect how long it will stay good. Here are the key factors that can affect the shelf life of your sake.
Production method
Generally, sake falls into two categories, pasteurized and unpasteurized. And the production method influences the quality and shelf life of sake. In fact, some types of sake are pasteurized twice during the brewing process to improve shelf life and prevent spoilage.
Unopened pasteurized varieties should be stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be transferred to the fridge.
Unpasteurized types should always be kept in the fridge, even prior to being opened.
Type of sake
The type of sake also affects its shelf life. Unpasteurized sake will have a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within six months of production if unopened. Pasteurized sake can be kept for up to 1-2 years if stored properly.
And if you have very high-quality or premium sake, you should be able to store it for even longer without affecting the flavor.
Storage method
Pasteurized sake
Pasteurized unopened sake should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Exposure to these elements can cause the quality of the sake to deteriorate.
It’s best to consume sake shortly after you open it in order to experience the best taste and texture. If you have some left over, store it in the fridge.
Opened, pasteurized sake should stay good for up to 2-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Unpasteurized sake
This type of sake should always be kept refrigerated. If stored properly, it can last up to 6 months. After it’s opened, the sake should stay good for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
Age
Sake, like wine, can be aged to develop unique flavors and aromas. However, not all sake varieties are suitable for aging. Aging should be done under controlled conditions, and the sake should be stored in a cool, dark place away from light and heat.
The quality and production method of the sake will affect how long it can age for. But once you open your sake, you should try to consume it sooner rather than later, as the taste will begin to degrade once it’s exposed to the outside air.
Signs that your sake has gone bad
If you’re not sure whether your sake has started to go bad, you can check for these indications:
- Sour, vinegary taste, or chemical taste – Fresh sake should taste crisp and clean. Any sourness, notes of vinegar, or chemical-like tastes in your sake are all tell-tale signs it has begun to go bad.
- Musty or moldy smell – If the sake smells moldy, musty, or has a pungent smell, or it just smells “off” to you, this is another sign it’s starting to spoil.
- Cloudy appearance – Newly opened sake should be clear, so if you notice any cloudiness, color change, or a yellowish hue, you may have bad sake.
- Flat flavor or aroma – If your sake simply doesn’t have much aroma or flavor at all or it simply seems different from its original taste, it may be starting to turn.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to simply discard the sake.
How to store sake properly
Storing sake correctly is essential to maintain its quality and flavor. Here are some tips on how to store sake so it stays fresher for longer.
Store sake in a cool, dark place. Sake bottles should be stored in a dark, cool place at room temperature or below. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. A pantry or a wine cellar is an ideal place to store sake.
Note: All unpasteurized sake should be kept refrigerated regardless of whether opened or not.
Keep sake refrigerated after opening. Once you open a bottle of sake, it should be refrigerated to prevent oxidation. Sake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week after opening. Exposure to warm temperatures after opening can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in sake.
Tightly seal opened sake. Air exposure during the oxidation process can cause sake to deteriorate. So seal it tightly after you open it to help prevent air from getting in. High-quality stoppers can be the best way to do this.
Avoid storing sake for too long. Sake is best consumed fresh, so for optimal flavor, don’t store it for too long if possible. If you have sake that has been sitting in your pantry for more than a year, it is best to check its quality before drinking it. And if you’ve started drinking your sake, it will be best to consume within a week of opening.
Can you freeze sake?
It is possible to freeze sake but it’s not recommended. Exposure to very low temperatures can result in flavor changes and can affect the smell of the sake, Plus, it could give it a slight bitterness. So, just as you should avoid storing sake in hot, humid environments, you should also refrain from freezing it.
How long does sake last after opening?
While an unopened bottle of sake can stay fresh for a fairly long time, sake can go bad after a while. In most cases, pasteurized high-quality sake can stay good for 1-2 years. And unpasteurized sake can keep up to 6 months.
Once you open sake, be sure to refrigerate it. If you still have some opened sake that’s over a week old, you may consider discarding it, especially if you notice any flavor, aroma, or color changes.
FAQ
Though it can come in a small glass, you should not drink Sake like a shot. Instead, drink it like you would a wine.
Some kinds of sake like nigori leave bits of rice in the wine during the fermentation process for extra creaminess and sweetness. Those particles will settle so it’s a good idea to shake the bottle before drinking. Regular styles of sake will filter these rice bits out so you don’t need to shake the bottle before you consume the sake.
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