Let's clear this up, because it costs people money and enjoyment every day: Best Before is about quality, not safety.
Best Before vs Use By
A "Use By" date is a safety date — you'll see it on fresh food. "Best Before" is a quality date. It's the manufacturer's opinion of when a product is at its peak. After it, the product doesn't become dangerous — it may simply, eventually, be a touch less vibrant.
What this means for booze
Spirits (gin, whisky, rum, vodka) are remarkably stable thanks to their alcohol content and last for years unopened. Most wine is made to be enjoyed young and is perfectly lovely for a good while beyond any Best Before date when stored sensibly. Beer and mixers are best fresh but rarely fall off a cliff overnight.
The bargain angle
Short-dated stock is one of the honest reasons drinks get cleared cheaply. It's a quirk of retail logistics, not a health warning — which is exactly why it's such good value.
Store it sensibly
Cool, dark, and upright-ish for most things (corked wine on its side). Away from radiators and sunny windowsills. Do that and time is very much on your side.
Quick Questions
Is short-dated alcohol safe to drink?
Yes. Best Before is a quality date, not a safety date. Wine, spirits and many drinks remain perfectly enjoyable well beyond their Best Before date when stored correctly.
Does wine go off?
Unopened wine stored sensibly lasts well beyond its Best Before date. Once opened, most wine is best within a few days. Spirits last for years.
What does Best Before actually mean?
It's the manufacturer's estimate of when a product is at its best. It does not mean the product is unsafe afterwards.
