Yes, PNS bacteria are extremely stable in the bottle and generally have long shelf lives (Jack is correct, these are facultatively anaerobic). However, as they are non-spore forming, they cannot be offered in a dry form. The odor Jack speaks of (in the product he used) doesn't come from the bacteria but rather from their culture medium, likely from rotten yeast extract (which is commonly added to supply B vitamins). And yeah, some products smell bad. But the product in question (PNS ProBio) is made entirely from a particular plant extract and does not smell nearly as bad as others do. Actually, it just has a faint kombucha smell that quickly fades. And yes, it consumes nitrate--quite effectively, actually.
