Preserving the flavor of opened whiskey can be challenging without the right approach. Small mistakes can quickly impact its quality and leave you with a disappointing pour. Knowing how to store and handle your bottle ensures every sip remains as enjoyable as the first. Here are ten ways you can do that.
Store Bottles Upright
Storing whiskey bottles upright prevents the liquid from contacting the cork, which can degrade over time due to high alcohol content. This practice maintains the seal’s integrity by ensuring the whiskey remains uncontaminated and preserves its intended flavor profile.
Limit Air Exposure
As you consume whiskey, the increasing air-to-liquid ratio in the bottle accelerates oxidation, altering its flavor. To mitigate this, transfer the remaining whiskey into smaller, airtight containers so as to reduce air contact and preserve the spirit’s original character.
Use Inert Gas Preservation
Applying inert gases like argon or nitrogen into the bottle before sealing creates a protective layer over the whiskey, preventing oxidation. While this method is expensive compared to other methods, it effectively maintains the spirit’s flavor and aroma over extended periods.
Maintain Stable Temperatures
Temperature fluctuations can lead to the liquid expanding and contracting, which may weaken the seal and allow oxygen to enter, ultimately affecting the whiskey’s quality. For that reason, it should be stored at a consistent temperature between 59°F and 68°F.
Keep Corks Moist
While storing the bottles upright prevents cork degradation from alcohol contact, some experts recommend tilting bottles two to three times a year to keep corks moist. This helps prevent drying, though it’s controversial, as prolonged exposure to alcohol can weaken the cork.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Ultraviolet (UV) rays initiate chemical reactions that not only alter the flavor and aroma but also bleach the spirit’s rich color, leading to a paler appearance. To maintain its quality, keep whiskey in a cool, dark area like a basement or interior cabinet.
Minimize Bottle Movement
Frequent movement or agitation of whiskey bottles can increase the spirit’s exposure to air, accelerating oxidation. This process can alter the whiskey’s flavor profile and diminish its quality over time. For optimal preservation, store whiskey in a stable and undisturbed location to prevent unnecessary exposure to air.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Maintaining a humidity level of around 60-70% is essential for optimal whiskey storage. This range prevents cork shrinkage and oxidation. You can track humidity levels with a hygrometer and adjust them with dehumidifiers or humidifiers to keep the balance just right.
Keep Away From Strong Odours
Whiskey is highly susceptible to absorbing external odors, which can alter its flavor profile. To maintain the integrity of your whiskey, it’s essential to store bottles away from strong-smelling substances such as cleaning agents. Even unopened bottles can absorb nearby odors.
Apply Parafilm For Extra Sealing
Parafilm is a semi-transparent, flexible film composed of a proprietary combination of waxes and polyolefins, widely used in laboratories since its invention in 1936. It can stretch over 200% of its original length, allowing it to cling to and seal vessels of various shapes and materials.
