Unlike wine, whiskey doesn't "age" once it's bottled. If stored properly, a tightly sealed bottle of whiskey can keep the taste of the drink the same for hundreds of years! Once you uncork the bottle, the whiskey will begin to oxidize, but you can still make the drink last longer by storing it in a tight container and keeping it away from light and heat.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Storing Unopened Whiskey Bottles
Step 1. Protect the bottle from direct light
Exposure to light – especially sunlight – can cause chemical reactions that can change the color and taste of whiskey. Store whiskey in a dark place, such as a closed wine cellar, cupboard, box, or kitchen shelf.
- If you are a collector or retailer looking to show off a bottle, keep in mind that exposure to light can cause the label on the bottle to fade.
- If you must display your whiskey bottle in direct light, place it behind an ultraviolet-protective window.
Step 2. Store the whiskey bottle in a cool and stable place
Changing temperatures, or exposure to heat, can damage the quality of your whiskey. When the whiskey is heated, the liquid expands inside the bottle, breaking the seal and allowing oxygen to enter. Keep your whiskey in a cool, stable place or container.
- Store whiskey in a place where the temperature is between 15 and 20°C.
- Storing whiskey in the refrigerator or freezer won't compromise its quality, but it will reduce the taste and aroma when it's cold.
Step 3. Store your bottle in an upright position
You should always store whiskey bottles in a vertical position. If stored horizontally or upside down, the whiskey will flow towards the cork of the bottle, making the item's condition worse. This can affect the taste of the whiskey and cause oxygen to enter the bottle.
Step 4. Turn the whiskey bottle occasionally to moisten the stopper
Whiskey should not hit the stopper continuously. However, dry bottle stoppers can wear off or break when you try to open them. Keep the stopper dry by inverting the bottle for a few seconds once a month.
Step 5. Keep the bottle away from moisture (optional)
If your whiskey bottle is tightly sealed, a damp room won't affect the quality of the whiskey. However, if you want the bottle to look good, it's best to store it in a low-humidity room. Air that is too humid can damage labels or cause bottles to get moldy.
Method 2 of 2: Keeping Whiskey Fresh After Opening
Step 1. Protect the whiskey from light and heat
Once the whiskey bottle is opened, you have to protect it from both elements. Store it in a cool, dark place, such as a wine cellar, kitchen shelf, cupboard, or special box.
Whiskey bottles that have been opened and still contain a lot of quality can last for one year if they are not exposed to heat and light
Step 2. Store the whiskey in a tight container
The biggest enemy of whiskey in an opened bottle is oxygen. The oxygen entering the bottle will react with the whiskey and spoil the taste. Keep the oxygen level in the whiskey low by keeping the bottle tightly closed.
If the original bottle cap isn't tight enough, you can purchase a special bottle cap that can create an airtight seal (such as a polyseal seal) or transfer the whiskey to a glass container that can be sealed tightly
Step 3. Transfer the whiskey to carafes, if desired
Unlike wine, whiskey stored in carafes does not benefit at all. However, this method won't compromise its quality, so carafes can make for an attractive whiskey storage area. Just make sure the container can be tightly closed, then store it in a cool place and the temperature is stable.
Avoid using lead carafes. Even if the container looks very unique and attractive, there is a chance that lead will leach into the whiskey if you use it for long-term storage
Step 4. Immediately finish the whiskey that is left in the bottle
The more free space in the whiskey bottle, the faster the drink will oxidize. In other words, whiskey in a bottle that is full is much more durable than whiskey in a bottle that is almost empty.
- A bottle of whiskey with a lot of content can last up to a year after opening, but a bottle with only a quarter of its contents will start to lose quality after a month. If the whiskey in the bottle is running low (say only a third of it is left), maybe you should invite some friends over for a drink!
- You can also make your whiskey last longer by transferring it to a smaller container to reduce the amount of free space.
Step 5. Make the whiskey last longer using a preservative spray
This spray is made of inert gases that are safe to consume (such as nitrogen and argon) and serve to create a boundary between the whiskey and the oxygen that normally collects in the empty space of the bottle. While this product is usually sold under the name “wine preservative spray,” you can also use it to preserve whiskey and other alcoholic beverages.
- Follow the directions on the package to find out how to use the spray properly.
- You can buy these products online or at the nearest liquor store.
