Gin, unlike wine, does not age in the bottle. The aging process in gin is primarily determined by the flavors and essences added during distillation, rather than by the time spent in the bottle. Therefore, unopened gin will taste the same regardless of how long it has been stored.
The shelf life of unopened gin is quite long, ranging from several years to even longer. This is because gin, like other spirits, has a high alcohol content which acts as a preservative. As long as the bottle remains sealed and no air or contaminants enter, the alcohol will remain stable and the taste will not change.
I have personally experienced this with bottles of gin that I have stored for a few years. I recently opened a bottle of gin that had been sitting in my cupboard for about four years. To my delight, the gin tasted just as smooth and flavorful as when I first bought it. The botanical notes were still vibrant, and there was no indication of any deterioration in quality.
It is worth noting that gin can be sensitive to exposure to light and fluctuations in temperature. Direct sunlight can affect the flavors and potentially lead to a decline in quality. Similarly, extreme temperatures, especially prolonged exposure to heat, can cause the gin to deteriorate more quickly. Therefore, it is best to store gin in a cool, dark place to maintain its optimal taste.
Once the bottle of gin is opened, however, the aging process can begin. This is because oxygen will come into contact with the liquid, which can slowly alter the flavors over time. The rate of aging will depend on various factors such as the type of gin, the storage conditions, and the amount of air in the bottle. It is generally recommended to consume opened gin within a year or two to enjoy the best flavor.
To summarize, unopened gin does not age in the bottle and can remain stable and unchanged for several years. The taste of gin primarily depends on the flavors added during distillation, rather than on time spent in the bottle. However, once the bottle is opened, the aging process can begin due to exposure to oxygen. It is best to consume opened gin within a year or two to ensure optimal flavor.