Expiration & Storage Tips
When does whiskey expire?
Whiskey, unlike some spirits, will not improve or evolve further once it's been bottled. However, it is also a product that does not typically expire even when opened. That being said, for the best taste experience, it's advised to consume your whiskey within 1 to 2 years of opening the bottle. If it's unopened, a good quality whiskey can practically last forever with the potential to last for decades. Please note that for a homemade whiskey or moonshine, since there's no quality control, shelf life may be less predictable. Freezing whiskey is generally not recommended as it can affect its nuanced flavors.
How do you tell if whiskey is bad?
Although whiskey does not 'expire' in the typical sense, there are still signs to look for that suggest it may not be at its best. Firstly, you might notice that the aroma of the whiskey seems dull and flat. Its color might appear pale, cloudy, or cobweb-like filaments may be present inside the bottle due to excessive oxidation from exposure to air for a prolonged period. The most conclusive method, though, is to taste the whiskey. If it's lost its distinct flavors and becomes bland and unenjoyable, this suggests that your whiskey has 'gone bad'.
Tips for storing whiskey to extend shelf life
• Keep your whiskey in a cool, dark place to avoid rapid temperature fluctuations. A kitchen cabinet away from the stove or a pantry is usually a good choice.
• Store the bottle upright. The high alcohol content of whiskey can degrade the cork, which can then taint the spirit.
• Keep the bottle tightly sealed to prevent air from entering the bottle and oxidizing the whiskey.
• If the whiskey bottle is more than half empty, consider transferring it to a smaller bottle to limit the spirit's air exposure. There are specialized spirit storage bottles available for this purpose, but any clean, sealable glass bottle will work.
• Never freeze your whiskey. It doesn't need refrigeration to stay good and freezing it can dull its nuanced flavors.