A cherished bottle, and a beautiful pour. As whiskey connoisseurs we know the hunt for that one bottle can be both elusive and rewarding, so once found, you want to make sure you store your whiskey properly. Wondering how to store whiskey? Here are some tips for preserving, maintaining, and storing whiskey.
Store the Bottle Upright, and Care for the Cork
A cork that is constantly saturated with high ABV liquid, like whiskey, will eventually crumble and dissolve. To avoid this, simply keep your bottles upright. The cork protects the whiskey from outside elements, so maintain it by occasionally wetting it. A couple times a year rest the bottle on its side long enough to soak the cork, before returning it to its upright position.
Keep Temperature Constant
Whiskey is best kept at 59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15-20° Celsius) but it is the fluctuations in temperature that can really do damage to the subtle notes of the juice. A good rule of thumb is to keep it somewhere indoors, at room temperature, away from sunlight.
Limit the Light
Not only does sunlight exposure change temperature, but over time the UV rays will break down the flavor compounds and degrade the quality of the whiskey. Whiskey that has been exposed to direct sunlight consistently will lose much of its flavor, so keep yours somewhere dark.
Be Mindful of Oxygen
Once opened, the oxidation process begins. Although this is generally only a factor if you are keeping an opened bottle for over a year, oxygen binds to compounds in the whiskey, which will over time change the flavor. The more empty space in a bottle the faster the oxidation, so consider decanting into airtight smaller vessels, or use an inert gas or wine preserver on your bottle to create a protective barrier from oxygen.
Fox & Oden is crafted as a spirit meant to be enjoyed, so have a pour and then store your whiskey with ease of mind using these tips. We hope you learned at least one new thing about how to store whiskey. Purchase our spirits at our tasting rooms or a retailer near you.
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