Yes, ginger wine can go off, particularly after it has been opened.
Like many beverages, ginger wine's quality and safety diminish over time, especially once exposed to air and other environmental factors. While unopened bottles stored correctly can last for a significant period (often years, though quality might decline), opening the bottle starts a process where the wine is susceptible to spoilage.
Storage Recommendations to Preserve Quality
Proper storage is crucial for extending the life of ginger wine. The provided reference gives clear guidelines:
- Once open, refrigerate and drink within 2-3 days.
- Keep in a cool, dry place.
- Store out of direct sunlight.
This highlights that opening the bottle drastically reduces its shelf life, necessitating refrigeration and consumption within a few days to prevent it from "going off."
Why Does Ginger Wine Go Off?
When ginger wine is opened, it comes into contact with oxygen and airborne microorganisms.
- Oxidation: Exposure to air can change the flavour and aroma of the wine.
- Microbial Growth: While the alcohol content helps preserve it, once opened, yeasts and bacteria can potentially begin to grow, especially if not refrigerated, leading to spoilage.
Recognizing When Ginger Wine Has Gone Off
While the reference doesn't detail signs of spoilage, typical indicators for fortified wines or similar beverages that have gone off include:
- Changes in colour or clarity (becoming cloudy).
- An "off" smell that is sour, vinegary, or otherwise unpleasant.
- An altered taste, often vinegary or flat.
- Possible presence of mold or fermentation activity if severely spoiled.
Adhering to the storage guidelines, especially the instruction to refrigerate once open and drink within 2-3 days, is the best way to ensure you consume the ginger wine while it is still at its best and safe to drink. Unopened bottles should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to maintain their quality for as long as possible.
