How should you label an opened bottle to track freshness?

How should you label an opened bottle to track freshness?

• A. Apply a date label or note the opened date on the bottle
• B. Write the price on the label
• C. Put a sticker showing the bartender's name only
• D. Cover with foil

Answer: (A)

Tracking freshness is about knowing how long a bottle has been open so you can use it while it’s still good and rotate stock before flavors degrade. Once a bottle is opened, air exposure starts changing the aroma and taste, and some products lose quality faster than others. By labeling with the opened date, you have a clear reference for when to start considering replacement or dilution and when to use older bottles first. This practice supports consistent quality and reduces waste across the bar. The other options don’t help with freshness: a price on the label tells you cost, not how long it’s been open; a sticker with only the bartender’s name doesn’t convey how long the bottle has been in use; and covering with foil doesn’t indicate any opening date or help with rotation. Keep a visible date on the bottle (and update it as needed) so you can manage freshness effectively.

Tracking freshness is about knowing how long a bottle has been open so you can use it while it’s still good and rotate stock before flavors degrade. Once a bottle is opened, air exposure starts changing the aroma and taste, and some products lose quality faster than others. By labeling with the opened date, you have a clear reference for when to start considering replacement or dilution and when to use older bottles first. This practice supports consistent quality and reduces waste across the bar.

The other options don’t help with freshness: a price on the label tells you cost, not how long it’s been open; a sticker with only the bartender’s name doesn’t convey how long the bottle has been in use; and covering with foil doesn’t indicate any opening date or help with rotation. Keep a visible date on the bottle (and update it as needed) so you can manage freshness effectively.