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Found an old bottle of Baileys in your liquor cabinet and wondered if it's still good to drink? You're not the only one. With Baileys containing dairy cream it's a different proposition to whisky, vodka or gin in terms of how long it will last and whether it needs to be refrigerated.
The good news is that Baileys has a fairly long shelf life if stored properly. That said, the length of time it will last will vary depending on the variant, the size of the bottle and the conditions in which it's stored. Here's all you need to know about Baileys' 'use by' date, whether it needs to be refrigerated and the signs that it's gone off.
Yes, Baileys does expire in the sense that it has a shelf life. On the Baileys website it states that Baileys Original Irish Cream has a 24 month shelf life from the date of bottling, whether opened or unopened. This is when stored at the recommended temperature of 0°C to 25°C.
Baileys is different from a traditional spirit in that it contains dairy cream and milk proteins along with the alcohol. It's made by combining cream with Irish whiskey and other spirits which gives it the characteristic richness. The fact that it's a dairy product does of course mean that its shelf life is considerably shorter than that of most other spirits.
Baileys also have a best before end date (BBE) on the bottle. The manufacturer recommends that you consume it before this date for best taste and quality. An expired date doesn't necessarily mean the product is bad, it just means it's past the date the manufacturer would recommend you should consume it.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding Baileys is whether opening the bottle has any effect on its shelf life. The manufacturer states that Baileys Original is good for two years from bottling regardless of whether the bottle has been opened or not, as long as it's stored properly.
This means the two year period doesn't reset when you open the bottle. If a bottle was made 18 months ago and you open it today it would have around six months left in the manufacturers stated shelf life.
Different Baileys products have different shelf lives. Baileys Original, Salted Caramel, Coffee and Chocolate Luxe all have a 24 month shelf life. Strawberries & Cream and Tres Leches have a 20 month shelf life and Vanilla Cinnamon, Red Velvet and Dulce De Leche are 18 months.
Some of the mini bottles have a shorter shelf life and the brand state that PET bottles of 100ml and under have an 18 month shelf life. Always check the specific bottle rather than assume that all Baileys products have a two year shelf life.
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The brand states that it can be stored at any temperature between 0°C and 25°C, room temperature up to 25 degrees as long as the bottle is kept out of direct sunlight.
This may seem a bit surprising in the case of a drink that contains cream. Baileys is in fact formulated to be stable under the conditions of storage as recommended. Baileys Original has 17% ABV and its shelf life is not necessarily due to the alcohol content.
Refrigerating Baileys is purely a matter of personal preference. Some people do enjoy the creamy texture and the chocolate/vanilla flavors when it's chilled especially when served over ice or in a coffee drink. It's not necessary to refrigerate it in order to achieve the shelf life claimed by the manufacturer.
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The manufacturer states the recommended storage temperature is between 0°C and 25°C. A cool cabinet or pantry, away from direct sunlight, is generally ideal provided the ambient temperature is within that range.
Don't leave Baileys near windows, ovens or any other heat source. This is especially pertinent in warmer climates where room temperatures can easily get above 25 degrees in the summer. In those circumstances a refrigerator or some other form of temperature controlled storage may be preferable.
After you've poured a drink, make sure the bottle is securely closed and put it back in its storage spot. Keeping the bottle properly sealed will help to minimize its exposure to air and potential contamination.
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Although Baileys has a defined shelf life it's worth checking the condition of an older bottle before you drink it. If it's changed in any way, be it appearance, texture or smell, then it's probably not fresh. Another warning sign is separation or curdling. Baileys should be smooth and creamy. If the liquid develops persistent lumps, a grainy texture or visibly curdled cream then it's advisable to toss it.
An unpleasant sour smell can also be a sign of spoilage. Baileys Original is normally going to have a sweet creamy aroma with chocolate and vanilla notes. If it has a distinctly sour smell or any other odd smell then don't drink it. You should also be wary of bottles that have been stored in excessive heat or beyond their recommended shelf life. Don't just go and taste a bottle to see if it's gone off. If there are any clear signs of deterioration then it's best to toss it.
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The information presented in this article has been sourced from the official Baileys website and its frequently asked questions section. This reference provides details on the shelf life of Baileys Original and its flavored variants, recommended storage conditions, refrigeration requirements, best-before dates, and alcohol content.
Baileys Original Irish Cream has a 24 month shelf life from bottling whether opened or unopened, when stored between 0°C and 25°C. It doesn't need to be refrigerated, though you're more than welcome to chill the bottle if that's the way you like to consume it.
Other Baileys variants and the smaller bottles may have a shorter shelf life so it's important to check the best before date. If you're going to keep a bottle for any length of time then proper storage and an awareness of any changes in texture or smell will help you to know when it's time to replace it.
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