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How long does brandy last once opened?

Quick answer

USDA's FoodKeeper lists Hard liquors: unopened, indefinitely in the pantry. FoodKeeper lists hard liquors as keeping indefinitely when unopened. It gives no figure for an opened bottle.

Pantry, unopenedindefinitely
SourceUSDA FoodKeeper v128
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In this article
  1. Contents
  2. What USDA FoodKeeper says
  3. Storage tips
  4. When to throw it out
  5. Conclusion

The short answer: USDA’s FoodKeeper lists Hard liquors: unopened, indefinitely in the pantry. FoodKeeper lists hard liquors as keeping indefinitely when unopened. It gives no figure for an opened bottle.

Contents

  1. What USDA FoodKeeper says
  2. Storage tips
  3. When to throw it out
  4. Conclusion

What USDA FoodKeeper says

FoodKeeper is the storage guide from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. The figures below are read from the data file (version 128, last modified 6 September 2018 in the file’s version table). “From date of purchase” means counted from the day you bought it.

Hard liquors

Where How long
Pantry, unopened indefinitely

Storage tips

Keep brandy in the place and container the package says. FoodKeeper gives no extra tip for this entry.

Flavour and aroma can change once a bottle is opened and air gets in. FoodKeeper gives no time for that, so this is our general advice: keep the bottle closed tightly, upright, away from heat and sunlight.

When to throw it out

These signs are our general advice, not an agency rule. An off or sour smell, mould, an unusual texture, or a swollen or leaking container means it should go in the bin. Do not taste it to check.

Conclusion

USDA’s FoodKeeper lists Hard liquors: unopened, indefinitely in the pantry. FoodKeeper lists hard liquors as keeping indefinitely when unopened. It gives no figure for an opened bottle. Check the date on your package and throw it out if in doubt.

General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out. If you are pregnant, elderly, or have a weak immune system, follow the date on the package and ask your doctor.

People also ask

How long does brandy last?

USDA's FoodKeeper lists Hard liquors: unopened, indefinitely in the pantry. FoodKeeper lists hard liquors as keeping indefinitely when unopened. It gives no figure for an opened bottle.

How should I store brandy?

Follow the package. FoodKeeper gives no extra storage tip for this entry; our general advice is a clean, closed container and the right temperature for the product.

How can I tell if brandy has gone bad?

Our general advice, not an agency rule: an off or sour smell, mould, unusual texture or a swollen or leaking container means throw it out. Do not taste it to check.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data, version 128 (English), as downloaded 1 November 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Jun 21, 2023 · Updated Nov 1, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

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