Many connoisseurs have numerous Whisky bottles in their bar. The shelf life of Whisky depends on whether the bottle is opened or unopened.
While whiskey doesn’t necessarily expire, it does start to lose flavor and elements after it is opened. An unopened bottle of whiskey will last indefinitely if stored in proper condition. After opening a bottle of whiskey, you have as long as two years or as few as six months or less to drink it before it goes bad.
How does open Whisky changes its taste?
Opened Whisky behaves differently. The taste changes. However, it takes much longer than with wine, which must be consumed within few days. Opened Whisky has a shelf life of between six months and two years. What happens in the bottle during that time?
First alcohol evaporates and the taste of the Whisky becomes smoother. Furthermore, the air in the bottle contains active gases that slowly react with the flavour substances of the Whisky. How the taste changes cant be predicted. Sometimes it becomes better, but also often worse.
To prevent these changes, reduce the air contact of the Whisky by filling it into a smaller bottle. But please dont use a decanter. We dont know of any high-quality decanter that is truly tight over a longer period of time. The decanter must have a plastic seal or a ground glass joint.
However, it’s best not have too many Whisky bottles open and to drink those you open within a few months.
How to store unopened Whisky
Whisky is stored upright. In contrast to Wine, however, Whisky in unopened bottles doesnt become better (or worse) during storage. Whisky only matures in the cask when it has contact to the oak wood. The bottles must be stored upright, since the cork doesnt close as tightly as a Wine cork. Whisky corks are designed for multiple uses, whereas Wine corks are disposable.
Whisky mustnt be exposed to direct sunlight, since the ultraviolet rays bleach out the colour pigments over time. A bar cabinet or a package protect the Whisky from light. That way its possible to store Whisky for more than ten years. However, since tiny amounts of liquid evaporate through the cork, the filling level will decrease over time. You can monitor the liquid level of a bottle by marking the neck on the back with a felt pen.
If youre a collector and want to store Whisky for a longer period of time, you have to give more thought to it. First of all, the temperature should be lower than room temperature. The lower the temperature, the less Whisky evaporates. An additional cap on top of the cork can also help, but take care that the cap doesnt soil or damage the original sleeve. This would reduce the value of the bottle, as would sealing wax.
Bottles with screw-tops must be retightened by hand regularly, since they always loosen on their own, which leads to increased evaporation.
When you store bottles in the basement, you should also protect them from humidity. In a damp basement the label starts to mould easily. A thin plastic bag is ideal to pack the Whisky airtight. But beware! The plastic bag mustnt contain any plasticisers or other chemicals. They could bleach out the label and affect the bottle contents through the cork.
Will Whisky Go Bad? – How Long Does Whisky Last Once Opened?
FAQ
How long will Scotch last after opening?
How can you tell if Scotch has gone bad?
Is it OK to drink old Scotch?
Does opened whiskey lose its alcohol content?
Does an opened bottle of Scotch go bad?
An opened bottle of Scotch won’t necessarily go bad, but over time, the flavor and aroma can begin to deteriorate. 2. How long can I keep an opened bottle of Scotch? With proper storage, you can keep an opened bottle of Scotch fresh for a few years. 3. Can I store my opened bottle of Scotch in the fridge?
Does Scotch go bad?
This article will answer all your questions. Yes, scotch goes bad. It can last up to 2 years if the opened bottle is airtight and half full. While an unopened scotch can last for decades if appropriately sealed, stored at the right temperature, and kept away from light and humidity.
Does Scotch Whisky go bad after opening?
The flavors and aromas of the whisky may change over time, and it is best enjoyed when it is still at its peak freshness. In conclusion, Scotch whisky does not go bad after opening in the same way that perishable food items do. However, it can undergo changes in flavor and aroma over time due to oxidation.
Can you shake an open bottle of Scotch?
It’s not recommended to shake an opened bottle of Scotch before serving, as it can cause the whisky to become cloudy and affect the flavor. Simply give the bottle a gentle swirl to mix the contents. Home » Learn » How Long Does Scotch Last – Opened or Unopened Bottle?