Does Mead Go Bad? So you’ve found a bottle of mead but you’re not sure if it’s drinkable, well you’ve come to the right place, continue reading to find out does mead go bad and how to properly store them. We’ve included some valuable information below to help you select actions to extend its shelf life and watch for indicators of rotten mead.
But one of the numerous questions you may have is, “How long does mead last?” To find out, we need first figure out what kind of mead we’re talking about and how we should treat it.
- What is Mead?
- Does Mead Go Bad?
- How Long Does Mead Last Unopened & Opened?
- How To Store Mead?
- Does Mead Get Better with Age?
- How to Tell if Mead Is Bad?
- Is It Safe to Use Old Mead?
- Can I Make My Own Mead?
- Can I still drink my spoiled mead?
- FAQs on Does Mead Expire?
What is Mead?
Mead is a classic fermented beverage created from water, honey, and yeast, as we all know. Mead, often known as the drink of the gods, has been cultivated for thousands of years all throughout the world. So, how can you keep this ancient history alive for a long time? Simply follow our guidelines and stick with them for months.
Does Mead Go Bad?
Yes, Mead go bad a few months after opening the bottle and stored it in a worse condition. If it is stored properly and unopened then it can last for a year. For more information on shelf life and storing tips check the below modules.
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How Long Does Mead Last Unopened & Opened?
Mead is a powerful spirit with a high alcohol level that is difficult to deteriorate if stored properly. Varying varieties of mead have different expiry dates, but when stored properly, they may survive a long period. Each type has a distinct shelf life.
Traditional meads are more stable. If the bottle is not opened, it can last for years, if not decades. When you open a bottle of this type, the quality will last for several months. Now, if you store an opened bottle of traditional mead in your cupboard for longer than a year, the quality may degrade. It may not taste good, but it is safe to eat.
For the lighter meads, look for the best-before date. They are usually at their finest until that time, however, you may consume your mead for a few weeks after that period. However, there’s no harm in being cautious because light mead has a shorter shelf life than traditional types.
Typically, manufacturers recommend that you consume your mead as soon as you open it. Some types may only last 24 hours after being opened. They will not be ruined, but they will be devoid of their amazing flavor!
| Condition | Pantry | Fridge |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Mead (Unopened) | 5 years + | |
| Classic Mead (Opened) | 3 – 6 months | 4 – 8 months |
| Lighter Mead (Unopened) | Best By + 6 months | |
| Lighter Mead (Opened) | 1 week |
How To Store Mead?
So we discussed does mead go bad or not next let’s talk about storing. Storing mead is simple; simply treat your bottle of mead like you would a bottle of wine. If you have a wine cellar, you can store your bottle of mead there.
Bottles of unopened mead should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in the dark and away from direct sunlight. You should not store it in a closet over your oven or range to extend its life. To prevent oxygen from entering the bottle, remember to firmly shut the bottle after opening it if you won’t consume the entire bottle.
Most meads deteriorate due to a lack of oxygen. Consider storing the wine horizontally if its cork is sealed with a cork, as this will keep the cork moist and prolong its life. When two varieties of mead are opened, they are preserved differently. After you’ve opened the original mead, securely seal it and store it in a cold, dry area. Because of the high alcohol content, it will keep for a long period even if not refrigerated.
Compared to the original mead, the lighter version is more delicate. It must always be kept refrigerated when not in use. Occasionally, lightweight mead brands state on their labels that they do not need to be kept in the refrigerator at all times; if this isn’t the case, store it once it’s opened in the fridge.
Do Check:
Does Mead Get Better with Age?
Traditional meads that are sold in bottles with natural corks might improve over time. If you’re going to age traditional mead, keep it horizontally. This keeps the cork from drying out. It should be noted that not all meads with natural corks are suitable for maturity. If the pin isn’t good enough and the bottle isn’t made for aging, your attempt to mature vintage mead may fail.
We recommend reading the manufacturer’s instructions to find out if the mead type you purchased is appropriate for maturing and how to age it properly. If the mead is not suited for age, the impact will be the reverse. The drink’s quality will decline with time. When you open the bottle, you’ll discover that the mead tastes much worse than it did before.
How to Tell if Mead Is Bad?
Mead, both traditional and lighter, does not spoil rapidly to the point that it is harmful to consume. Mead going bad is most common when you make it yourself at home and your batch becomes contaminated. Toss it if that’s the case. Now for the tell-tale indications of rotten mead.
The typical suspects are present, such as an unusual or rotten fragrance, bitter flavor, cloudiness, and color change. If the mead has been in storage for a long period, it’s better to pour a bit and taste it before serving it to your guests.
If something doesn’t seem right, throw it out. Most of the time, the mead is safe to drink, but the flavor doesn’t always strike the spot. If that’s the case, you may either consume it or throw it out for quality reasons. Did you note how I didn’t include sediment on the bottom of the bottle as an indication of poor mead?
That’s for a reason: sedimentation in mead is quite typical. Particulates in a bottle of mead can arise for a variety of reasons. In brief, if there is sediment in the bottle, filter it before serving.
Must Refer:
Is It Safe to Use Old Mead?
As previously stated, the expiry dates of mead are unimportant. If you have the original variety and keep it properly, you may enjoy your mead for up to a year after it has expired. While the lighter mead can be used for up to 6 months after it has expired. Mead’s components and alcohol content make it safe to consume long after the best-before dates have passed.
Can I Make My Own Mead?
Homemade mead is quite popular across the world. Mead is created mostly from honey, water, and wheat. Some folks use a variety of plants and fruits. There are several recipes for making mead; choose one that suits you best and start making mead at home.
When producing mead at home, it is important to clean your utensils to avoid it from becoming diseased and dangerous.
Can I still drink my spoiled mead?
Mead seldom spoils to the point that it must be discarded; you may still enjoy it after a long period. However, if it has turned bitter, smells terrible, or has changed color, it is advisable to discard it. Most of the time, it is handmade mead that becomes contaminated; if you realize that your mead has gone bad, you cannot use it for anything else; simply discard it.
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FAQs on Does Mead Expire?
1. What does bad mead taste like?
Bad mead taste like a bitter flavor. So remember that the bitter taste is the biggest sign of spoilage along with the rancid aroma of bad mead. Discard it immediately.
2. Can you get food poisoning from mead?
No, you can’t get food poisoning from mead as the three main ingredients present in it are Wild yeast, fungi, and bacteria. So, it was found naturally that goes into both mead and beer.
You can keep it for decades when it is unopened. If it opens then you can keep classic meads for 3 or more months at room temperature or in the fridge.
Mead is often served in the same manner as wine. It can be consumed cold, at room temp, or slightly cooled. Certain meads can also be used as a cocktail mixer. Experiment and find what works best for you!
Final Outcome
We hope after reading this article you’ve found your answer to “Does Mead Go Bad”. The ideal place to store mead is in your pantry since it prevents oxidation and harm from sunshine. It can lose flavor more quickly and become undrinkable if you decide to store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
For more information on whether can mead goes bad or storage tips or shelf life or signs of spoilage of other foods visit our website canfoodgobad.com for free.