How Long Does Whiskey Last?

Found a half-open bottle of whiskey in your cupboard and need clarification on whether you should drink it? You might also have other related questions! Is it expired? How long does whisky last? Is it spoiled? Well, this article is here to clarify doubts about whiskey’s shelf life. 

An unopened bottle of whiskey can last for an undefined period. Once the whiskey is opened, it can last for a limited time. A half-opened bottle of whiskey can last up to 1 to 2 years. In addition, if the bottle has a quarter or less quantity of whiskey, it can last up to six months. 

Whiskey is a hard liquor with nutty, warm, and woodsy flavors with spice undertones. Whiskey fanatics love to fill their bar with different varieties of whiskey. That’s why it becomes important to know how long it lasts.

This article is here to provide you with all the information regarding the shelf life of the whiskey, so next time you find a bottle of the whisky, you know what to do. 

How long does whiskey last?

Do you know the best part? If you store whiskey properly, it can stay forever. An unopened bottle of whiskey can stay for an undefined period. But once it is opened, it starts losing its flavor and taste. 

Once the whiskey is opened, it can last for a limited time. A half-open bottle of whiskey can last up to 1 to 2 years. In addition, if the bottle has a quarter or less quantity of whiskey, it can last up to six months. 

To ensure the long shelf life of the whiskey, you need to focus on its storage. Make sure you place it in dry and dark areas and away from direct sunlight. 

Properly seal the bottle to avoid contact with air. Thus, how you store whiskey plays an important role in the shelf life of the whiskey.

Does Whiskey Go Bad Or Spoiled?

Well, the spoilage of whiskey depends on a few factors. An unopened bottle of whiskey can stay forever. As long as you store the bottle properly and it remains sealed, a whiskey bottle can last for decades. 

But once it opens, it can last only for a limited period. An opened bottle of whiskey can stay in use for about two years, and some even get spoiled within six months. 

Whiskey goes bad when not stored properly and exposed to air, moisture, sunlight, and extreme temperature. These conditions can alter its taste and flavors. 

How To Tell If Whiskey Is Bad?

Do you want to know whether an old bottle of whiskey placed in the cupboard is good for use? Here are some signs of spoilage that you must consider to check whether whiskey is apt for further use. 

1. Change in taste 

We all know that whiskey is known for its taste and has some woodsy, warm, spicy, and nutty flavors. But if you experience that the taste of whiskey has changed and has a sour or bitter one, you must discard it.

The change in taste shows that it must not be further used, and you must throw it away. 

2. Change in color

The most common way to tell whether the whiskey has gone bad is by checking its color. The whiskey is generally present in amber to a copper-brown color, but if it becomes extremely dark, it is the right time to throw it away. The color change clearly shows the whiskey has home bad or spoiled. 

3. Presence of molds

Another way to find out whether the whiskey has gone bad is to check its texture. If you notice any mold or clumps, you must discard them as soon as possible.

The molds show that there are bacteria in the whiskey, and it is of no use now. The molds make the whiskey unfit for consumption. 

4. Unpleasant smell

Who does not admire the aroma of whiskey? It has pleasant woodsy, fruity, and grainy notes with undertones of caramel and grass.

But if it smells bad and has an unpleasant sour smell, it is the right time to discard it. If you notice that whiskey smells like vinegar, it is no better to use. 

How To Store Whiskey To Extend Its Shelf Life?

If you want to extend the shelf life of whiskey, then you must focus on its shelf life. Here are some ways to store whiskey. 

1. Away from direct sunlight

Exposure to heat and sunlight can easily destroy the quality of the whiskey. So, you must not place it on the shelf or in light-prone areas. It is suggested to store the whiskey bottles in cool areas to avoid sunlight and heat. Displaying them in the bar is not a great idea; you must store them in the pantry, wine cellar, or liquor cabinet. 

2. Dark and cool areas

You can extend the life of the whiskey by keeping it in a dry and cool area. It is best to store whiskey at a generally lower temperature than room temperature. Try to store it in a place with no temperature fluctuations. 

3. Store upright

You must store the bottle of whiskey upright. This will make sure that the whiskey does not evaporate much easily. The whiskey cork is not properly sealed compared to the wine bottles. Thus you must avoid placing it on the side.

4. Retighten regularly

Well, corks and screw caps can lose with the passage of time. So if you want to save it from getting spoiled, make sure you check your bottles of collection and retighten the seal now and again. 

5. Redistribute opened bottle

Another effective way to save whiskey from getting spoiled is by pouring it into other smaller bottles. This method is quite effective as there is less room for oxygen in the small bottle, which really helps reduce the oxidation process. 

6. Avoid placing whiskey in the kitchen

Kitchen is a place where the temperature can not stay constant. Thus, it is surely not the best option to store whiskey. The temperature keeps changing, adversely affecting the quality of the whiskey. 

Tips to extend the shelf life of the whiskey

Want to know some extra tips to extend the shelf life of whiskey? Here they are! Let’s zone in and get to know them. 

• Store the bottle of whiskey upright, and make sure you keep it away from the sunlight.
• You can keep it on the bottom shelf of the pantry, or you can also use a wine cellar.
• To maintain its shelf life, you need to store it in cool and dry areas.
• Keep it away from the air and moisture to avoid the oxidation process. 

Conclusion

Well, whiskey is admired for its taste and aroma. It is a hard liquor with a warm, woodsy, and fruit taste. So it is important to store it properly to avoid its early spoilage. 

Make sure you store it in a dark and cool area and away from the sunlight, and you are good to go. So grab your glass of whiskey and enjoy it with your friends!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)