Greetings to all whiskey lovers out there! Do you happen to own an expensive bottle of whiskey that you want to preserve and enjoy over time? Or are you interested in creating your own whiskey collection at home? If your answer is yes, then you must know some essential tips that will help you keep your whiskeys fresh and exciting. Whether you are an experienced whiskey enthusiast or just starting out, it’s easy to miss some crucial details. So, let’s explore and learn something new or refresh our knowledge.
Where and how to store whiskey bottles?
The first thing you need to consider is where to store your precious whiskey bottles. It’s very important to keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Don’t place your whiskey near the kitchen, window, bathroom (I know some people can get creative), fireplace, or trash bin. These places can expose your whiskey to light, heat, moisture, and odours, which can spoil its quality and flavor. One way to store your whiskey bottles is to design a bar closet that keeps them away from these “dangers”. Only open the closet when you have guests or during a tasting night. This is one example of how you can store your bottles, but the main thing is to remember that your whiskey is happy when it’s in a dark and cool place.
You are halfway there to keep your bottle safe from going bad. However, you also need to know how to handle it right. Don’t keep your whiskey on its side or leave it open. Unlike wine, whiskey does not benefit from being in contact with the cork or the air. In fact, whiskey can damage the cork causing it to crumble or leak, or the cork can contaminate the whiskey and alter its flavor.
Whiskey’s exposure to air.
To keep your whiskey’s flavor intact, it’s best to avoid letting too much air into the bottle. Oxidation can occur when oxygen interacts with the various compounds in the whiskey, including alcohol, esters, phenols, and aldehydes. This chemical reaction can lead to changes in taste over time, but the effects can vary depending on personal preference, type of whiskey, strength, age, and style.
To control the oxidation process, you can use smaller containers with an airtight seal made of cork or silicone. These bottles limit air exposure and reduce the amount of space for air in the bottle, which helps preserve the whiskey’s flavour and quality. Alternatively, you can use decanters with loose stoppers made of glass or crystal to enhance the presentation of the whiskey. Decanters are larger than the original bottle and can also hide the brand and price of the whiskey.
Remember, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to how much oxidation you prefer in your whiskey. But with the above tips, you can control its exposure to air and enjoy the whiskey just the way you like it.
Decanting can be more bad than good.
Now, let’s talk about decanting your whiskey. Decanters can be a great way to showcase your whiskies and add a touch of elegance to your home bar. However, you should also be aware that decanting can expose your whiskey to more air, which can affect its flavor profile. Decanters are not usually airtight, and they can expose the whiskey to more oxygen and light, which can cause oxidation and evaporation.
I have tried it; I wrote about it in one of my blog posts, and I thought that it was a good way to store them as well because as a young whiskey enthusiast, you can’t learn everything overnight. So I admit that I was wrong and for long-term storage, I have ordered some regular glass bottles for my precious whiskeys.
If you still want to add an elegant touch to your home bar, then the best decanter to use for whiskey is one that is made of glass, not crystal, and that has a tight-fitting stopper, preferably made of cork or silicone. Glass decanters are safer and more durable than crystal decanters made of lead crystal. Lead crystal contains lead oxide, which can leach into the whiskey and contaminate it, and it can also affect your health.
Of course, this happens if you plan to store them for a longer period but if you just want to add a touch of elegance for a party or something then there is no harm in doing that. Just make sure you don’t leave your whiskey in the decanter for too long, and enjoy it while it’s at its best.
Conclusion.
And there you have it, folks – an easy guide to storing, decanting, and enjoying your whiskey at home! By following these simple tips, you can keep your spirits in top-notch condition and enjoy every sip to the fullest. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass, and raise a toast to the wonderful world of whiskey. Cheers!
DiamondWhiskey 