Does Whisky Go Bad?
We've put together this handy guide to help you make sure that you're storing your whisky in a way that will keep it in the best condition possible. Read on to find out how to keep your collection in tip-top shape.
How to store whisky
Whisky is best kept stored in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard, drinks cabinet, or wine cellar, if you have one. You could also keep your whisky in the fridge if you have enough space, however, this isn't a particularly feasible option if you have a vast collection.
Wherever you decide to keep the whisky, it should be somewhere that the temperature is lower than room temperature. The colder the space is, the less whisky will evaporate from the bottle. Whisky should also be kept away from direct sunlight as the rays will strip the colour from the liquid over time. Too much sunlight can also have a negative impact on the flavours inside the bottle, so be sure to keep your whisky tucked away in a dark corner!
You also need to ensure that the storage space is dry and free from humidity. If there is any kind of damp in your storage space, it can cause the labels on bottles to go mouldy. While this may not bother those who are simply storing their whisky before drinking it later, you should avoid this if you are trying to form a profitable collection. If your plan is to sell your whisky on at any point, a mould-infested label will hinder your chances of earning big bucks at auction. If you have no option but to store your whiskies in a damp space (e.g. a basement) then try putting your whiskies in airtight plastic bags to stop the humidity from damaging any labels.
Every bottle should be stored upright. This is to prevent the whisky from disintegrating the stopper - you don't want little pieces of cork floating around in that precious nectar, do you?
You can read more about how to store whisky here.
Does whisky go bad in heat?
It is safe to drink a whisky that has been left in heat. However, the flavours will be affected. Whilst this may not necessarily make the whisky taste bad, it will not taste how it should. If you want your dram to maintain the flavour profile that you purchased it for, be sure to store your whisky in a cool environment.
Does whisky get older the longer you leave it?
No. Unopened bottles do not continue to age. Regardless of the gap between purchasing a whisky and opening it, the age statement on it does not change. The flavour of a dram only matures whilst it is in its oak cask, therefore it stops ageing as soon as it is bottled. Stored correctly, the flavours of a whisky will not change over time, regardless of how long it remains unopened.
Can whisky go off once you open it?
Not really. While the flavours may change slightly, whiskies don't go off the way other alcohol does. Once new air reacts with the liquid in the bottle, it begins to oxidise the whisky. However, this doesn't mean the flavour will be hindered straightaway. Over time, the dram will began to lose its original flavour and colour, however, this is a relatively slow process. However, if you continue to store the bottle properly, it can still taste great for several years after opening it.
After opening the bottle, make sure you reseal it very tightly before putting it back into storage. This helps prevent the rate at which the dram evaporates as well as protecting it from oxidisation. If this is a bottle that you only bring out for special occasions, be sure to still tighten it semi-regularly, too, as caps tend to loosen over time.
If you have consumed over half a bottle, we would recommend decanting the remaining whisky into a smaller bottle. This means that there is less air in the bottle and therefore slows down the oxidisation process. This is the best way to retain the original flavour of your dram for as long as possible as the more air that is in a bottle, the faster the whisky will oxidise.
How to tell if whisky does go bad
The chances of whisky going bad are very slim. While the taste might change over time, whisky doesn't technically go off. After a point, you may decide that a bottle has been opened for too many years and it tastes too different from what it originally was and consequently get rid of the remaining contents.
On the off chance that a bottle has a mouldy cork or the whisky has an unusual taste or smell, we would recommend getting rid of it. However, it is pretty rare for this to happen.
What happens if you drink bad whisky?
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. However, it is highly unlikely that drinking whisky that's been opened for a while will actually do you any harm.
Now you have a better idea of how to properly preserve your whisky, go and check up on your collection! Make sure everything is in perfect condition and follows our guidelines listed above. Why not have a tasting session to help clear out what whiskies you feel have passed their prime? Any excuse for a dram!