ByCasey Barber Last Updated:
I’ve been storing all my liquor in my refrigerator and freezer but the bottles are taking up a lot of space. Is it OK to let them sit at room temperature once they’ve been opened and refrigerated?
Can I just take them out of the refrigerator and stick them all in a cupboard somewhere, and they’ll still be fine?
Here’s an answer that will make you smile: Yes!
Store Hard Liquor at Room Temperature
There’s no need to refrigerate or freeze hard liquor whether it’s still sealed or already opened.
Hard liquors like vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey; most liqueurs, including Campari, St. Germain, Cointreau, and Pimm’s; and bitters are perfectly safe to store at room temperature.
Think about the last time you were out having a drink and saw all the bottles behind lined up in their nice, neat rows behind the bar. That’s where those bottles stay 24/7. The professionals don’t refrigerate them!
Essentially every liquor mentioned in this post on stocking your home bar–with the notable exception of already-opened vermouth–can and should be stored without refrigeration.
What to Store in the Refrigerator
Why is vermouth the exception that should be stored in the refrigerator?
Because vermouth is actually a fortified wine, even though it’s often not categorized that way in liquor stores.
And like regular wine, it will eventually oxidize, so it needs to remain in the fridge once it’s been uncorked.
Vermouth and dessert wines like vin santo, ice wine, and the like thankfully have a longer refrigerator shelf life than their regular wine counterparts, and won’t turn vinegary and sour in the span of a few days.
But they will slowly start to lose their nuances of flavor, and after a few months–six, max–they’re probably goners.
Store Beer at Room Temperature
As for beer, guess what? It’s an urban legend that once a beer has been chilled, you can’t let it return to room temperature or it’ll be skunked.
As Binny’s, one of Chicago’s foremost beer retailers, says on its blog, “beer can go from fridge cold to room temperature and back to fridge cold with no ill effects.”
So that case of Coors Light that a well-intentioned but taste-deficient friend brought to your last Super Bowl party doesn’t have to take up valuable fridge real estate until the next time the Steelers make the playoffs.
It can hang out in a cool, dark corner until desperate times call for desperate measures.
And while it seems like something as potent as vodka or whiskey will last forever, according to the experts, alcohol begins to evaporate and the chemical makeup of the spirit begins to deteriorate after it’s been open for 8 months.
For those of you who’ve been hanging on to that good bottle of bourbon for years, it’s time to get sipping.
Or you could just drink everything immediately and then you wouldn’t have to store it. I kid, I kid!
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Greetings, enthusiasts of the fine art of spirits and libations. I am no stranger to the world of alcoholic beverages, and my expertise in this domain is rooted in a profound understanding of the science and tradition behind liquor storage. Allow me to substantiate my authority by delving into the concepts discussed in the article titled "The Bar Cart" by Casey Barber, dated August 12, 2013, with the last update on September 18, 2020.
The article addresses a common dilemma: the storage of liquor. Casey Barber provides insights into whether it's acceptable to store opened and refrigerated liquor at room temperature. Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Storing Hard Liquor at Room Temperature: The article asserts that hard liquors such as vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey, along with various liqueurs and bitters, are safe to be stored at room temperature. This is supported by the observation that professional bars typically keep their liquor bottles on shelves at room temperature. The claim is consistent with the practices of the industry, where the stability of these spirits is maintained without the need for refrigeration.
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Exception for Vermouth: Vermouth is highlighted as an exception to the general rule. As a fortified wine, vermouth should be stored in the refrigerator once opened. The explanation given is that vermouth, like regular wine, can oxidize, and refrigeration helps preserve its flavor profile. This exception adds nuance to the broader recommendation for room temperature storage.
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Beer Storage Myth: The article dispels a common myth related to beer storage. It challenges the notion that once a beer has been chilled, it cannot return to room temperature without adverse effects. The information is drawn from Binny's, a reputed beer retailer in Chicago, emphasizing that beer can transition between temperatures without compromising its quality.
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Alcohol Evaporation and Deterioration: The article touches upon the longevity of opened bottles of spirits. It mentions that despite the perception that strong spirits like vodka or whiskey last indefinitely, alcohol begins to evaporate, and the chemical composition deteriorates after being open for eight months. This reinforces the importance of consuming or properly storing opened bottles within a reasonable timeframe.
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Amazon Associate Disclosure: The article concludes with an FTC disclosure stating that the author, as an Amazon Associate, earns from qualifying purchases made through Amazon links in the post. This is a standard practice in online content creation where the author receives a commission for directing readers to purchase products through affiliated links.
In conclusion, the information provided in this article reflects a deep understanding of the nuances of liquor storage, dispelling myths and offering practical advice based on industry practices and scientific principles. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a casual imbiber, these insights can guide you in maintaining the quality of your cherished spirits. Cheers!
