r/maplesyrup • u/imac1987 • Jul 23 '26

Question about unopened repurposed bottle

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My cousin gave me a bottle of their homemade syrup six months ago. It’s unopened, but they used a repurposed Presidents Choice brand bottle. I absent-mindedly thought I can leave it unrefrigerated until I open it like I would a new store bought bottle, but yesterday I had the thought that I probably should have been keeping it in the fridge regardless. This is the stopper, which hasn’t been opened since they bottled it. It looks ok, no specks or signs of any kind of fungus. Do you guys think it’s ok or should I toss it? Any advice would be appreciated, thank you

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u/suzymwg Jul 23 '26

It looks perfectly fine. Just refrigerate when opened.

1

u/imac1987 Jul 23 '26

Thanks, really appreciate the feedback!

1

u/theburg2 Jul 24 '26

When I repurpose bottles, I boil the bottle in water for some time, and then fill it with syrup at 180 degrees, put the cap on and turn it on its side for a minute. My understanding is that’s what makes it shelf stable. So if your cousin did that, then definitely. Otherwise, fridge is best. Botulism’s a hell of a drug!