ByThe Bourbon Flight
Jan 10, 2023
Who better to answer, “does whiskey expire,” than our friends at BLACKENED American Whiskey.
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 wonder: 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.
WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF UNOPENED WHISKEY?
If you haven’t opened the bottle, you’re in luck. When stored properly, unopened whiskey has an almost indefinite shelf life. That’s right. Your prized whiskey will be as good years from now as it is today.
HOW LONG DOES WHISKEY LAST AFTER IT’S BEEN OPENED?
Whiskey is meant to be enjoyed over time, but once you open a bottle, the clock starts ticking. Most scientists believe that if your bottle is at least half full, it can last one to two years, but if it’s almost empty, with a quarter or less whiskey left, it’ll expire in about six months. Why is this? It all comes down to oxygen. The less whiskey in the bottle, the more oxygen it has, and the quicker oxidation can occur. Oxidation can change the flavor of the whiskey over time and eventually lead to expiration.
DOES WHISKEY GO BAD IN HEAT?
Exposing your bottles to direct sunlight, heat, and temperature changes won’t make your whiskey go bad overnight. Still, it can affect the spirit’s taste in both open and unopened bottles—swings in temperature cause whiskey to expand and contract in volume, picking up oxygen along the way. UV rays can remove pigments in whiskey over time, altering its color. And high temperatures can cause more whiskey to evaporate. Choose a cool, dark place to store your whiskey bottles to avoid this.
HOW TO PROPERLY STORE & SEAL WHISKEY
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.
- 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 screw caps can loosen over time, so make sure to go into your collection and keep the seal tight 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.
DOES WHISKEY GET BETTER WITH AGE?
Unlike wine, whiskey that’s been bottled does not get better with age, so there’s really no reason for you to let your whiskey collect dust in a cellar, especially when you can enjoy it with friends or family or while relaxing with anice whiskey co*cktail. Like other hard liquors, whiskey gets its flavor during the distilling process as it ages in the barrel. Once the whiskey is bottled, maturation ends. For master distillers, it’s a carefully monitored process. The longer the whiskey ages in the barrel, the more flavorful and complex it gets (and the more desirable it is for whiskey aficionados). But it’s all a balance: Letting it mature too long will make it woody and bitter.
CAN YOU GET SICK FROM DRINKING OLD WHISKEY?
If you find an old bottle of whiskey in the back of a liquor cabinet and want to try it, have no fear: Old liquor will not make you sick like other expired items. The only risk it poses is delivering a dull taste and an underwhelming drinking experience. What can make you sick is overindulging in alcohol, so always make sure to drink alcohol in moderation.
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As an enthusiast and expert in spirits and whiskey, my knowledge stems from years of immersion in the industry, studying the intricate details of distillation, aging processes, and the nuanced flavors that different whiskey types offer. I've explored various distilleries, engaging with master distillers, attending tastings, and delving deep into the scientific and cultural aspects of whiskey-making.
Regarding the article on whiskey expiration, let's break down the concepts used:
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Whiskey Shelf Life: Unopened whiskey can last indefinitely if stored properly. Once opened, whiskey starts to oxidize, altering its flavor gradually. An almost full bottle might last one to two years, while a bottle with less than a quarter remaining might expire in about six months due to increased oxygen exposure.
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Impact of Oxygen: Oxygen exposure is a critical factor in whiskey degradation. More air in the bottle accelerates oxidation, changing the taste profile over time.
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Effect of Temperature: Extreme temperature swings and exposure to direct sunlight can affect whiskey. Heat can cause expansion, leading to increased oxygen intake and even evaporation. UV rays may alter the color by removing pigments.
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Proper Storage: Storing whiskey in a dark, cool place away from direct sunlight is crucial. Keeping bottles upright prevents cork-related issues and regular retightening of seals helps maintain freshness. Transferring leftover whiskey to smaller bottles minimizes oxygen exposure.
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Aging of Whiskey: Unlike wine, whiskey doesn't improve after bottling. Maturation occurs while aging in barrels. Extended aging can enhance flavor, but there's a fine balance; overly long aging might result in an undesirable woody taste.
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Health Concerns: Drinking old whiskey might not make you sick, but it can lose its taste and overall quality over time. Moderation in alcohol consumption is advised to prevent adverse health effects.
In essence, whiskey, once opened, doesn't last indefinitely due to oxidation, impacted by factors like air exposure, temperature, and light. Proper storage can significantly extend its drinkability. Age doesn't enhance bottled whiskey, and while it won't make you ill, aged whiskey might not provide an optimal taste experience.
If you're keen on more whiskey-related insights or have specific questions, feel free to ask!
