I have found an unopened bottle of Uchibori Rice Vinegar with a best before date 17.1.12 lurking in the pantry, would this be safe to use? The ingredients label says it contains water, rice, alcohol.

Kaye I can remember coming across a bottle of rice vinegar at the back of the pantry cupboard which was well beyond it's use-by date. I already had a current bottle in use in the cupboard and when I looked at the colour of the old compared to the more recent bottle the old bottle's contents was a yellowing in colour and the fresh bottle was clear. So I tossed the dated bottle out. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dawn.

Thanks Dawn, I had purchased a new bottle before I realised I had the old one. They are the same brand and the old bottle is only very slightly darker than the new one which isn't clear either.

I would open and taste it, if it still tastes good I sure it will be fine. You have the new bottle to compare the taste to if you're not sure. I'm certain I've had other vinegar's like malt sitting in the pantry for years and still used them (wouldn't have even looked for a use by), also just look and check it is still clear without sediment.
Having said that I am notoriously blase about that sort of thing and consider use by dates as a guide line

Do bear in mind that sediment in vinegar is normal and not a sign of being unfit for use!

Quote

Because of its acid nature, vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration. White distilled vinegar will remain virtually unchanged over an extended period of time. And, while some changes can be observed in other types of vinegars, such as color changes or the development of a haze or sediment, this is only an aesthetic change. The product can still be used and enjoyed with confidence.

[www.thekitchn.com]

There you go Should be good

Thanks for your help, I have used it and we are all still here :-)