Is 2-year-old sticky rice wine edible? Is it toxic?

Whether 2-year-old sweet rice wine is edible and non-toxic mainly depends on its storage conditions and whether it has spoiled. If it has been well stored without spoilage, it is generally safe to consume. However, if the storage conditions were poor or spoilage has occurred, it should not be consumed, as it may pose health risks. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the sweet rice wine was properly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place after brewing, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures, it is generally safe for consumption even after two years. Under these storage conditions, the alcohol in the sweet rice wine can exert a certain antibacterial effect, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of most microorganisms, making it typically edible and non-toxic.

However, sweet rice wine usually has a relatively short shelf life. Improper storage conditions, such as excessively high temperature, high humidity, or inadequate sealing, may cause it to spoil prematurely. Spoiled sweet rice wine may exhibit changes in color, deterioration in taste, or the development of unpleasant odors. It could even produce harmful substances such as aflatoxins, which can pose threats to human health.

Before consumption, it is recommended to visually inspect the appearance of the wine and lightly sniff its odor; if in doubt, it should be discarded. Homemade sweet rice wine is best consumed within 3 to 6 months, although its shelf life can be somewhat extended if sealed and refrigerated.