You’ve put a lot of time, money, and love into your whisky collection. Cheers! But as your collection grows, you may wonder—what is the best way to store whisky? Lucky for you, we’ve got answers and seven tips to ensure you’re storing your whisky right.
Is whisky storage important? You bet! Proper storage conditions can keep your whisky pristine until the last dram. Let’s get to it!
Proper whisky storage helps to maintain its color, quality, and flavors over time. How long can whisky last, you ask? Properly stored, a top-shelf whisky can last indefinitely without losing its character.
Your everyday whiskies should be consumed within a couple of years of opening. However, they can last indefinitely if stored well and not exposed to light, vibration, or temperature fluctuations. Vibrations can cause the whiskey to shake and swirl, resulting in a reduction of its flavor and aroma.
The three biggest culprits affecting the quality of your whisky are heat, sunlight, and oxygen. Over-exposure to any of these elements will start to break the whisky down, resulting in a loss of flavor and aroma. Storing your whisky in optimum conditions will ensure you can enjoy your collection for many years to come.
Depending on how extensive your collection is, you may need different short-term and long-term storage strategies. For example, you probably have a favorite whisky you purchase and consume more frequently, so you may not have to be as meticulous. Rare bottles, however, require great care to ensure they stay in top condition.
Unlike wine, the spirit does not need to be in contact with the cork. In fact, storing your whisky on its side will degrade the cork. Over time, tiny bits of cork will break off, causing the bottle will leak. Store bottles upright—and read the following tip to ensure your corks stay healthy.
Corks can dry out or oxidate, which can cause the cork to shrink and allow oxygen into the bottle. To avoid this, flip your bottles to wet the cork every couple of months.
Sunlight is one of the most significant factors that can degrade a whisky. Direct sunlight over a prolonged time will break down the molecules responsible for the whisky’s aromas and flavors. So keep your back bar area dark or store whisky in a cabinet away from the window.
Keep your whisky in cool (not cold) conditions. If it’s too cold, the whisky will become cloudy. The best temperature to store whisky is 55-60˚ Fahrenheit. If you also have a wine collection, it’s best to keep your whisky separate as optimal temperatures for wine may be a bit cooler than what’s best for whisky.
Water, moisture, and scuffing can damage whisky labels and reduce the bottle’s value. Maintain consistent humidity and avoid contact with water or rough treatment when moving the bottle around.
Whisky decanters can make a striking statement on the back bar or at the table, but there is no real quality advantage to using one. The stoppers do not always seal well and can accelerate oxidation. They may not be great for storage but don’t be afraid to use them for your everyday whisky or at a party.
