Drinking a whisky that was opened years ago will not make you unwell. It is down to what your taste preference is more than anything else. If a whisky noticeably no longer tastes as good as it once did, then it’s probably time to dispose of the bottle.
Does Whiskey Expire? Whether you’re serious about starting a whiskey collection or just dusting off an old bottle from your liquor cabinet, you may be wondering: does whiskey go bad? Some alcohol, like wine, gets better in the bottle over time, but this isn’t true for all types of booze, including whiskey. Unopened whiskey can last indefinitely, but a bottle that has been opened will eventually expire due to oxidation.
Want to avoid having your favorite bottle of whiskey go bad faster than it should? These tips for properly storing your whiskey will help preserve its taste longer than if it wasn’t stored properly.
- Stash in a dark place. Light is the enemy of alcohol, so avoid putting your whiskey bottles on display on a bar cart by a window and opt for a pantry, wine cellar, or liquor cabinet that doesn’t get direct sunlight instead.
- Keep your bottles cool. Whiskey lasts best below room temperature, but if you don’t have a cool place to store your bottles, room temperature storage will suffice. Just avoid excessive heat or sudden changes in temperature.
- Store upright. Never store a corked whiskey bottle on its side. Whiskey corks don’t seal as tightly as wine corks and can leak or lead to more evaporation over time.
- Retighten regularly. Corks and even screw caps can loosen over time, so make sure to go into your collection and keep the seal tight every now and again.
- Redistribute opened bottles. Extend the shelf life of opened whiskey by pouring it into smaller bottles. The smaller the bottle, the less room for oxygen and the slower the oxidation process.
What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Whiskey Every Night?
FAQ
What happens if you drink bad Scotch?
Can old whiskey make you ill?
Can bacteria grow in Scotch?
Does old Scotch go bad?
Can you get sick from drinking old whiskey?
If you found an old bottle of whiskey in the back of a liquor cabinet and want to give it a try, have no fear: In general, old liquor will not make you sick like other expired items. The only risk it poses is delivering a dull taste and underwhelming drinking experience.
What are the disadvantages of having whiskey?
Highest percentage of alcohol in whiskey makes people lose track while drinking it, which lead to alcohol poisoning, which can induce difficulties in breathing, acid reflux and elevated heart rate. People under the influence of alcohol often make rash, risky or illogical decisions that makes them impaired while judging things. Constant abuse of whiskey can lead to damage in metabolism. The prolonged intake of whiskey leads to cirrhosis of liver. Large intake during pregnancy cause spontaneous abortion and mental or physical disabilities for the fetus. Large and regular intake of whiskey can cause stroke, serious injuries of heart muscle, and in some cases death.
Is Scotch bad for your health?
The word whiskey comes from a Gaelic phrase meaning “water of life,” and the potential health benefits of whiskey might back up this promising origin at first. However, Scotch can be bad for your health if you drink too much of it. Are There Any Health Benefits Of Scotch? Most potential health benefits of whiskey only apply to moderate drinking.
Does Scotch whiskey go bad?
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. Read on if you want to learn more about the shelf life of scotch whiskey and tips about its proper storage.