Sometimes, life gets in the way, and we can’t enjoy our whiskey as soon as we crave it. The good news is that whiskey can last long, especially if it’s unopened.
How long whiskey lasts unopened depends on the type of whiskey. Bourbon and rye have a higher alcohol content than Scotch. Meaning they will last longer unopened. The storage conditions also affect how long your whiskey lasts. If you store your whiskey in a cool, dark place, it will last longer than if you keep it in warm.
Generally speaking, unopened whiskey will last for many years.
However, in this article, we will focus on the factors that will affect how long your whiskey lasts unopened, as well as some tips on storing it to make it last as long as possible and still taste great.
Factors That Influence the Shelf Life of an Unopened Whiskey
Several factors determine the shelf life of an unopened bottle of whiskey.
Type of Whiskey
The type of whiskey will have the most significant impact on its shelf life.
Bourbon and rye have a higher alcohol content than Scotch, for example. This means that they will last longer unopened.
On the other hand, Scotch has a lower alcohol content and thus a shorter shelf life. It is important to note that the age of the whiskey also plays a role in determining its shelf life.
Older whiskeys will last longer than younger ones, regardless of their type.
Alcohol Content
The alcohol content of the whiskey also affects its shelf life.
Whiskeys with a higher alcohol content will last longer unopened than those with lower alcohol content. This is because the higher alcohol content acts as a preservative and thus prevents the whiskey from going bad.
Storage Conditions
The storage conditions of the whiskey also play a role in determining its shelf life.
For example, if you store your whiskey in a cool, dark place, it will last longer than if you keep it in a warm, sunny place.
This is because the heat and light can cause the whiskey to deteriorate faster.
Seal
The seal on the bottle also plays a role in determining the shelf life of whiskey.
A good seal will prevent oxygen from getting into the bottle and thus prevent the whiskey from going bad.
Climate
The climate in which the whiskey is stored will also affect its shelf life. I
f the environment is too humid, the whiskey may absorb moisture from the air, which can cause it to go bad.
On the other hand, if the environment is too dry, the whiskey may become too dry and thus lose its flavor.
Tips for Storing Whiskey
Now that we’ve discussed the factors that influence whiskey’s shelf life let’s take a look at some tips for storing your whiskey to make it last as long as possible.
Room Temperature
The ideal storage temperature for whiskey is between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. This range of temperatures will prevent the whiskey from deteriorating too quickly.
Dark Place
Whiskey should be stored in a dark place, such as a cabinet or closet. This is because light can cause the whiskey to deteriorate faster.
Humidity
The humidity of the environment where the whiskey is stored should be between 50 and 70 percent. This humidity range will prevent the whiskey from becoming too dry or humid.
Avoid Extremes
It is also essential to avoid extreme temperatures and humidity levels. These extremes can cause the whiskey to deteriorate quickly.
Use a Whiskey Stone
If you want to store your whiskey for an extended period, you may want to consider using a whiskey stone. Whiskey stones are made of soapstone or stainless steel and are used to keep whiskey at a consistent temperature.
Use an Airtight Container
Another way to prevent oxygen from getting into the bottle and causing the whiskey to go bad is to store it in an airtight container. This could be a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a plastic container with a tight-sealing lid.
Takeaway
Now that you know the shelf life of whiskey, you can be sure to store it properly to make it last as long as possible.
Remember to keep it in a cool, dark place at a consistent temperature and humidity level, and use an airtight container if you plan on storing it for an extended period. Following these tips will help your whiskey last for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once opened, whiskey will last for about 6-8 weeks. This is because oxygen will start to oxidize the whiskey and cause it to lose its flavor. Whiskey, once opened, should be kept in an airtight container to avoid this problem.
No, you cannot get sick from drinking old whiskey. However, the flavor of the whiskey may change over time. This is because oxygen will start to oxidize the whiskey and cause it to lose its flavor. If you want to avoid this, keep your whiskey bottle in a tightly sealed bottle.
No, it is not safe to drink whiskey sitting in the sun. This is because the heat can cause the whiskey to evaporate, which will make it more concentrated and potentially dangerous to drink. If you must store your whiskey in a warm area, keep it in the dark place to avoid this from happening.
Yes, you can drink whiskey that has been frozen. However, it is essential to note that the flavor of the whiskey may change when it is frozen. This is because the freezing process will cause the water in the whiskey to expand and change the flavor. If you want to avoid this, make sure to thaw your whiskey slowly in the refrigerator.
