How long can you keep alcohol before it goes bad?

The shelf life of alcohol varies depending on the type of alcohol and how it is stored. Here are some general guidelines:

- Hard liquors (such as whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum): These liquors can be stored indefinitely if they are unopened. Once opened, they will start to lose their flavor and aroma after about 1 year, but they will still be safe to drink.

- Wine: Unopened wine can be stored for up to 2 years, although some wines may last longer. Once opened, wine will start to oxidize and lose its flavor after about 3-5 days, but it may still be safe to drink for up to 1 week if it is stored properly.

- Beer: Unopened beer can be stored for up to 6 months, although some beers may last longer. Once opened, beer will start to lose its carbonation and flavor after about 2-3 days, but it may still be safe to drink for up to 1 week if it is stored properly.

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual shelf life of alcohol may vary depending on the specific product and how it is stored. If you are unsure about how long a particular alcoholic beverage has been open or stored, it is best to discard it to avoid any potential health risks.