Fresh fresh fresh for sure. If you're cooking with it that's fine but as a finish you should only be using newer vinegar and a good 1+ year old one at that.

Thanks indeed AJ!

Thanks AJ! I was just wondering the same thing the other day ...

If it smells okay, just skim it off. The scum or film just means that the chemical processes that made it vinegar in the first place are still active. ;o)