With the price of whisky ever increasing, ranging from $50 to $500 or more for a standard bottle to well into the thousands of dollars for rarer offerings, it is becoming more important to be sure that the whisky does not deteriorate after you purchase it.  There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when storing whisky; heat, evaporation and alcoholic content.

Rare collectable whiskies are best stored in a cold storage facility.  However, for most whiskies, storing it in a cool location in your house is often sufficient.  This will help to ensure that no evaporation occurs. 

Unlike wine, whisky bottles should be stored in an upright position. If a bottle is stored on its side, the high alcohol content will weaken the cork, resulting in the whisky leaking out of the bottle.  Be sure to keep an eye on the condition of the cork. Constant contact with the high strength alcohol can degrade the cork, causing it to disintegrate or transfer unpleasant flavours into the whisky. Turn the bottles upside down a couple times a year to help ensure the cork does not dry out or oxidate.

It’s best to keep the whisky in a consistently cool, but not cold location.  If the liquid becomes too cold, it can cause it to become cloudy. Experts recommend storing whisky at a temperature of between 15° and20° Celsius (59° to 68° Fahrenheit). If you’re collecting both whisky and wine, like I do, you may not want to store them together, as the ideal temperature for keeping whisky is higher than for wine, which is 13° to 14° Celsius (55° to 57° Fahrenheit).

Like wine, the bottles should be kept away from sunlight as the sun can affect the delicate flavours and desired colour of the spirit, as well as cause evaporation.   Darkness will also help preserve the labels from fading, maintaining them in mint condition.

It is important to maintain consistent temperature and humidity. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause the liquid to expand and contract, destabilizing it. Excess humidity can cause damage to the labels and degrade the cork.

Sláinte mhaith