If you’ve ever wondered if whiskey can go bad, the answer is affirmative – whiskey can go bad. There’s one more thing worth knowing – it’s extremely unlikely that it will actually go bad. If you will store it properly, it will be fine for many many years.
Even after opening the bottle it still can be stored for a long time and will remain safe to drink. Would you like to know more about storing whiskey? Read along.
How to store whiskey
Whiskey should be stored in a similar way you store other liqors – the bottle sealed tightly and kept in a dark place. Therefore, the pantry seems to be the best place to store whiskey.
You have probably noticed that in many movies characters keep an half-full bottle of whiskey on a cabinet, often in sunlight. That’s fine as long as you plan to drink that whiskey within a couple of months.
Storing it in such conditions for a longer period of time will cause quality loss and even though the liquor will be safe to consume, chances are its taste won’t be that good.
All in all, make sure your bottle of whiskey is stored in a dark place or in a cardboard box, so sunlight won’t be able to reach it.
As long as the bottle is unopened, you only need to remember to keep whiskey in a dark place. Once the bottle have been opened, you should also remember that it has to be sealed tightly when not in use.
If you’re using some kind of pourer to pour the alcohol, make sure to remove it and seal the bottle after using. When the bottle is opened and usealed, the alcohol is exposed to oxygen, which causes change of taste and, therefore, loss of quality.
The more oxygen in the bottle, the faster the loss of quality. Therefore, if you have a half full bottle of whiskey and you’re pretty sure you won’t use its contents in the nearest future, pouring the alcohol into a smaller bottle is good idea. It’s probably the easiest way to help alcohol in an opened bottle remain of great quality for longer.
Another way of pushing the level of alcohol in the bottle up is using marbles. If you’ll store an opened bottle of whiskey for a longer period of time, follow oneo f the methods to be sure the alcohol remains in great quality for longer.
When whiskey goes bad
As mentioned in the beginning of the article, whiskey can go bad, but it’s very unlikely to happen. It might happen only when it was stored opened for a long period of time (so the alcohol content of the liquid dropped considerably) and some contaminants found their way into the bottle.
Whiskey is a high proof alcohol, so its extremely difficult for bacteria or modl to develop in that environment. That’s why a lower alcohol content is needed to bacteria or mold to develop and that lower alcohol content might be caused by storing the bottle unsealed for a long period of time.
All in all, if you will keep the bottle of whiskey where it belongs and remember to seal it after opening, it won’t go bad. Plain and simple.
Summary
As you should know by now, whiskey can go bad, but that only happens in some contaminants find their way into the bottle and the alcohol will be exposed to air for a long period of time.
If you have a bottle of whiskey that was opened a few years ago and it was kept sealed in the pantry for this time, the alcohol will be fine. It might not taste the best (especially if the bottle is half empty), but it will be safe to consume.
I'm a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of alcoholic beverages, particularly whiskey. Over the years, I've delved into the intricacies of whiskey production, storage, and consumption, accumulating a wealth of knowledge on the subject. My expertise is rooted in firsthand experiences, extensive research, and a passion for the finer nuances of this complex spirit.
Now, let's break down the key concepts presented in the article by Marcin Skrzypiec regarding the storage and potential deterioration of whiskey:
Storing Whiskey Properly:
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Sealed and Dark Storage:
- Whiskey should be stored similar to other liquors, with the bottle sealed tightly and kept in a dark place, such as a pantry.
- Sunlight exposure over an extended period can lead to a loss of quality, affecting the taste of the whiskey.
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Unopened Bottles:
- Unopened bottles need dark storage to maintain their quality.
- No need for additional precautions beyond keeping it in a dark place.
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Opened Bottles:
- Once opened, a bottle of whiskey should be sealed tightly when not in use to prevent exposure to oxygen.
- Oxygen exposure can alter the taste and lead to a decline in quality.
Methods to Preserve Quality:
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Pouring and Sealing:
- When using a pourer, it's essential to remove it and seal the bottle after pouring to minimize oxygen exposure.
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Transfer to Smaller Bottles:
- For partially consumed bottles, transferring the whiskey to a smaller container can reduce the oxygen content, preserving quality for a more extended period.
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Use of Marbles:
- Another method involves using marbles to raise the liquid level in the bottle, minimizing the air space and slowing down the oxidation process.
Whiskey Going Bad:
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Unlikely Scenario:
- Whiskey is highly resistant to going bad due to its high alcohol content, making it an inhospitable environment for bacteria or mold development.
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Conditions for Deterioration:
- The article suggests that whiskey may only go bad if stored opened for an extended period, causing a considerable drop in alcohol content, coupled with contaminants entering the bottle.
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Preventive Measures:
- Proper storage practices, including sealing the bottle after opening, significantly reduce the risk of whiskey going bad.
Summary:
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Overall Risk:
- Whiskey can go bad, but the likelihood is minimal under proper storage conditions.
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Contaminants and Oxygen Exposure:
- The key factors contributing to potential deterioration are contaminants entering the bottle and prolonged exposure to oxygen.
In conclusion, a well-stored and sealed bottle of whiskey, whether opened or unopened, is likely to maintain its quality over an extended period. The article provides practical tips to ensure that whiskey enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite spirit without compromising its taste and safety.
