How long does it take for rum to go off?

Rum is a distilled spirit and, like other distilled spirits, it does not 'go off' in the same sense that milk or meat goes off. Distilled spirits are shelf stable and will not spoil or become unsafe to drink over time, even if they have been opened. However, it is possible for rum to degrade in quality over time, particularly if it is exposed to light, heat, or oxygen. The flavour and aroma of rum can fade or become unbalanced, especially if it is stored for several years.