I bought a bottle of WT 101 and forgot it in the van when I got home today. Both are similar alcoholic beverages prepared from the distillation of fermented grains with an average alcohol content of 40% ABV or 80 proof. Whiskey has been aged in wooden barrels (or casks) for a few years. Well, no, alcohol doesn't go bad in the heat. An unopened bottle should actually stay the same, flavor-wise, for many years. Luckily for you, the chances of it happening are rare. Final Thoughts Whiskey or whisky is a high-proof liquor that has a fantastic shelf life. You should keep the bottle in a dark and cool place, away from sunlight and heat source. You can find oak aging barrels on Amazon here. Can vodka go bad in heat? If you are a collector, then you must have a liquor cabinet. After having bought my first single malt after a distillery tour in Scotland, I wondered how long it would take before whiskey goes bad. However, youd be wrong because the cold can make a whiskey go bad too, by muting its aromas and flavors. Always seal the bottle tightly after serving. Generally speaking, frozen sausage will be, Read More How Long is Frozen Sausage Good?Continue, Zucchini plants are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in home gardens. How long can you actually keep whiskey for? Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! It only develops its taste in the casks exposed to the wood. Some people say it could last forever, while others do put a duration on it. I think they will be fine. Learn about the best whiskey cocktails to help you stay warm during the cold winter months to enjoy alone by a fire. . Not only does this mean that the cork may crumble unimpressively all over the place when you open the bottle, it also means that youll have bits of wood in your whiskey. Even if you keep it in a warm place it won't go bad. When the whiskey smells bad with a strange taste, chances are, the seal is already loose. Regardless, recorking and refrigerating opened wine is key to keeping it good for longer. It may also result in the loss of its distinctive flavors and aroma. Contrary to popular belief, booze does go bad, so you don't have forever to finish off that bottle of sherry you inexplicably have stashed away in the back of your bar cart. After asking the right people and jumping online, this is what I found. Cheers! How long does whiskey last unopened? So if youre planning on storing liquor in a hot climate, be sure to keep it tightly sealed. The answer is no, as long as there is nothing weird going on like mold etc. A lighter color than normal could indicate an overexposure to sunlight. Take note that stored for long, some whiskeys may develop sediments at the bottom of the bottle. When storing a bottle, keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Contact at [emailprotected] or learn more about us here. The first problem with this is that the amount of whiskey in the bottle will be reduced in a way other than being drunk. Cork was popped through the seal and I had maybe 1/8 of the bottle remaining not shot out the top? Does alcohol go bad? When exposed to light, the whiskey will heat up and cool down over and over again, taking up more oxygen. According to our spirit experts, unopened whiskey does not go bad. While the taste could improve, often the alteration is for the worse. This is because of the changed taste. This hard liquor is regulated in each country. Kitchen cabinets can work as well, only ensure the temperatures are constant and below room temperature. However, this is not the case. Or question how you can make sure your stack of delicious and valuable sealed whiskeys can stay top in mind. For long term storage, keep unopened bottles in an upright position. For bottles with screw-tops, retighten by hand to end loose corks that would increase evaporation. If you have any meat leftovers, you could add the salad, Read More What to Do With Leftover Salad?Continue, To cook asparagus on a Blackstone, place the asparagus spears on the griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping once during cooking. After opening, always seal the bottle tightly. As long as your decanter has an airtight seal, spirits will last a minimum of 1-2 years. And once again if you have a special bottle of whiskey whose flavors you want to keep intact, youll consider even small amounts of heat and evaporation changing the alcohol to water ratio and therefore the flavors in an indeterminable way, something that makes whiskey go bad. If youre concerned about your whiskey going bad in heat, its best to keep it stored in a cool, dark place. The juices can go bad in the . Swings in temperature cause whiskey to expand and contract in volume, picking up oxygen along the way. Then there are the snacks, such as chocolate, gum or candy, which can turn into a sticky blob if left in a hot car. Like a skunk.) Cellars, that are dark with only a minimum amount of heat and a room temperature of 15C 18C / 59F 64F are perfect, though Im not sure the majority of us have a cellar or a temperature-controlled room probably because we spent our money on buying whiskey and will just have to settle for somewhere cool. Manage Settings Whether you're using it for cooking or baking, it won't go bad in the heat. Is Summer Sausage Cooked? Some older wines last one to two days once theyre opened, while younger wines can last up to two weeks in the fridge. It might happen only when it was stored opened for a long period of time (so the alcohol content of the liquid dropped considerably) and some contaminants found their way into the bottle. But wine is best stored between 53-57F when intended for. First things first, you need to know how long you can keep drinking your whiskey. Once you open it, however, it will start to evaporate. Whenever you found a whiskey that has been in the a cabinet for absolutely ages you may wonder if the old whiskey can make you sick. Chances are, you've taken one that already is, but you didn't take note of it. A Controversial Discussion: Wine Versus Tequila Which is Which. If your vodka or mixed drink smells or tastes unpleasant and develops an unusual color, discard it immediately. Does whiskey last longer when stored unopened? And as a result, the whiskey bottle may taste off while making it smell like plastic or rubber. Whether you're using it for cooking or baking, it won't go bad in the heat. You may even be about to open your most expensive bottle that has been sitting in your pantry for so long as you can remember. BLACKENED A Blend Of Straight Whiskeys Finished In Black Brandy Casks. When the temperature rises the wood expands and the whiskey is absorbed into the wood. Certain particles in the whiskey will also be affected by the sunlight, making the whiskey change color over time. Refrigeration is not required. The oxidation and evaporation caused by the heat has permanently altered the flavors of your whiskey and whatever has evaporated is gone for good. Does Whiskey Go Bad In Heat. If youve been in the same situation, youre not alone. It's the same in Bardstown, Clermont and Louisville. If youre left with a little amount in the bottle, consider transferring it into a smaller bottle or flask. 5. While there are a lot of people who add ice to their whiskey, straight from the freezer often is not the way to go. In Lawrenceburg it's 86. Well, it can go bad. The main thing to watch out for when storing alcohol in warm temperatures is evaporation. Whiskey is meant to be enjoyed over time, but once you open a bottle, the clock starts ticking. . In fact, an unopened bottle of whiskey lasts up to 10 years or more as long as you store them properly. Exposure to air alters the taste of the whiskey the most. This being the case, you may not tell if whiskey is bad by its smell. Bourbon vs Whiskey What Are The Differences? What does happen is that the taste changes, but if you find it enjoyable, drink it and enjoy! That date is more a recommendation of optimal use than a warning that youll get sick if you drink it a day too late. Tequila degrades quickly (as does your sorority sister when she drinks it) when its opened, so youre going to want to drink it in the first two months after you crack it open to avoid oxidation and evaporation. Live and learn, won't happen againto this suckerbut as always, information to be useful must be sharedso if anyone else missed it then, here it is again! That being said, you dont need to wait for years to enjoy it. Higher temperatures affect a lot of things so its reasonable to wonder whether whiskey is one of them. Does Unopened Whiskey Go Bad? If the heat has damaged your whiskey, you can still save it, but this process is irreversible. Before we go further, lets clear up one trivial thing on the different spelling between whiskey and whisky. Vodka is shelf-stable and doesn't go bad easily. So next time you head out for a picnic or day at the beach, dont forget to pack a cooler for your beloved bottle of whiskey. Youre not quite sure if this liquor is still okay to drink. Of course, you can keep it chilled before serving if you prefer. This means that when heated, some of the whiskey in the bottle will evaporate. Of course, the greater the heat and the longer the whiskey is exposed to it, the more the oxidation and evaporation, the quicker the whiskey will go bad and the worse it will become. Youre looking for more information to clear this question once and for all. If necessary, use a soft brush or cloth to remove any stubborn dirt or food particles. Does Cauliflower Go Bad? Make sure you store the whiskey in the dark and not in (direct) sunlight. If it was that 18-year-old, $250 bottle of whiskey with specific flavors you enjoy it may also still be drinkable. Powered by Invision Community. Youre going to want to drink it once its opened. Some of the most popular types are Tennessee whiskey, bourbon, scotch, and Irish whiskey. The alcohol content in vodka prevents it from spoiling. Complete Guide (2023 Updated), 8 Best Ways to Drink Sake: Full Guide (2023 Updated). Whenever whiskey is stored in the freezer you can not immediately drink it as the whiskey often tastes best at room temperature. Some alcohol, like wine, gets better in the bottle over time, but this isnt true for all types of booze, including whiskey. However, if vodka is exposed to light or air for extended . if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'lovingwhiskey_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-lovingwhiskey_com-banner-1-0');A common advice is if you are not planning to drink your whiskey anytime soon and the bottle is less than half full, pour the remaining liquor in a smaller bottle. That explains why most whiskeys come in dark glass bottles. With ideal room conditions, your favorite whiskey can last longer without worrying about getting a milder taste or losing its flavors. Stored in freezer at -18C: Minor flaws, subdued nose and palate. Since whiskey has, as already mentioned, a 40%ABV or higher, constant contact with that level of alcohol will damage the cork causing it to decay and disintegrate. I don't know if any cork would have stopped it? A jigger is a standard bar item used to measure drinks. This is because whiskey gets its flavors from the casks in which its matured, so once its bottled it cant continue to age and eventually deteriorate. Can whiskey go bad? This article was originally published on July 24, 2015, Each Zodiac Signs Favorite Pizza Topping, According To An Astrologer, Here's How To Tell Which Alcoholic Drinks Are Kosher For Passover, 7 Easy Recipes For Birthday Parties Whether Youre The Host Or A Guest, You Can Buy Bottles Of The Starbucks Pink Drink & Nothing Will Ever Be The Same, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. 59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit Whiskey is a highly alcoholic beverage and is therefore resistant to spoilage. It would be easy to check the high temp record at some Kentucky location, or even, more appropriately, average high temp in the normallly hottest month. The bottles have a capacity of 75 ml. However, if your sealed beer is exposed to heat, it could skunk. The bigger problem with leaving liquor in a hot car is that it can potentially warp the plastic or glass bottle, affecting the taste of your spirit. An opened bottle has some oxygen in it, but the seal does a great job at closing the it. In Bardstown the record highs range from 100 deg. Even "party buckets", which are small sealed buckets containing 20 - 50 ml bottles, can be found at the market. In the case of whiskey, you can apply the same storage 'rule of thumb' as you would when it's in the bottle. At the recent unveiling of the new Woodford Reserve Master's Collection, they had three bottles set up for photographs, in the hot sun on a hot day for several hours. If the heat has caused your whiskey to go bad theres nothing you can do to reverse the situation. They have small spaces where tiny amounts of liquid can evaporate. Direct sunlight isn't hitting them but it's still real hot in there. No, whiskey does not go bad when sitting in the sun. Apples, Read More Are Cooked Apples Low Fodmap?Continue, There are a few things you can do with leftover salad. These tips for properly storing your whiskey will help preserve its taste longer than if it wasnt stored properly. After this, your whiskey will likely start to taste a little different compared to when you first opened it. This means there will be no whiskey aromas to smell, and because flavor is a combination of taste and smell you wont get all the flavors either. As mentioned in the beginning of the article, whiskey can go bad, but it's very unlikely to happen. We all know that whiskey is best served neat, or on the rocks. Keep reading to know the answer. This is in contrast with wine that continues to age even in a sealed bottle, and within about five years (for most wines, unless theyre of a very high quality) will pass its expiry date, deteriorate (because the average AVB of wine is only 11.6% so the alcohol wont help preserve it) and turn into vinegar. These factors can cause the whiskey to oxidize, which can change its flavor and color. Alcohol is a preservative, so it will actually last longer in warm or hot temperatures. Whiskey does not spoil, but exposure to air, light or temperature fluctuations will change to flavor over time. As a result, you should avoid heating or altering temperatures on a regular basis. These changes are not necessarily harmful, but the flavor and taste can be affected. You may also want to know- can mixed cocktail drinks containing vodka go bad in heat? Not that I want to belittle your own loss, Todd. When people say that alcohol doesn't go bad, what they mean to say is that it won't make you sick (I mean, at least not for bacterial reasons). You can keep it on the bottom shelf of a pantry or in a root cellar. Like vodka, whiskey has an almost indefinite shelf life if you leave it unopened and store it in a cool, dark place, but once you open it, the rules of the game change. If the taste still meets your standard, thats good. Probably best not to drink it. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Although whiskey is shelf-stable, it doesnt mean you can carelessly put it anywhere in the house. After years and years it is still perfectly safe to drink. Can mixed drinks go bad? The worst thing about vodka, arguably, is that it tastes like burning rather than anything discernible. How to Get More Smoke from a Pellet Grill, Do You Close the Grill When Cooking Steak, Chilli is Too Tomatoey +(#4 Proven Reduction Tips! How Long Will Whiskey Last in a Decanter? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. According to our spirit experts, unopened whiskey does not go bad. So, better give it a thorough check before serving. Unopened whiskey can last indefinitely, but a bottle that has been opened will eventually expire due to oxidation. So, youre cleaning out your cupboard and find a half-full bottle of whiskey. If whiskey smells foul, tastes strange, or some impurities get into the bottle, its better to throw it out. To some extent, going bad may mean a slight change in the original taste and flavor. Youll be able to smell the aromas and therefore pick up all the flavors from your whiskey. There have been posts by some who said the corks loosened and the bottles leaked when subjected to the heat (following Gary's comment) but aside from loosing a dram you should be fine. While your collection is beautiful enough for display, itll last longer if kept behind the cabinet door. Its simply a product aged in a cask for 12 years before its poured into a bottle. Exposing your bottles to direct sunlight, heat, and temperature changes won't make your whiskey go bad overnight, but it can affect the taste of the spirit in both open and unopened bottles. Eh, well, live and learn-if that's my worst Bourbon story in the end, I am a lucky man. Yes, you may not be a master blender with skills honed from years of practice and able to create a fantastically flavored whiskey, but if you have a couple of whiskeys that are not that great by themselves you cant really go wrong. Leaving liquor in a hot car is not ideal, but it wont necessarily ruin your booze. The shelf life of your alcohol depends on the type of alcohol it is. As temperatures rise, the alcohol begins to . On the other hand, if it was an 18-year-old, $250 bottle of whiskey with fantastically delicious flavors that now only tastes as good as a 3-year-old $50 bottle of whiskey, youll probably consider your whiskey to have gone bad. According to whiskey scientists, an opened bottle can last 1-2 years but only if its more than half full. But that doesnt mean you should throw the whiskey out as there are several things you can do to salvage it: If the heat has caused your whiskey to go bad in the sense that it is now ruined then skip to the next two sections, but if the heat has caused your whiskey to go bad in the sense that it doesnt taste like its supposed to, then your whiskey will still be drinkable. Does it smell off? On the other hand, just like too much water and ice will dilute your whiskey too much and ruin it, too much heat and evaporation will do the same. Lets put it this way. wines last one to two days once theyre opened, whiskey has an almost indefinite shelf life. But what about leaving your whiskey in a hot car? However, you dont need to worry about finishing it by then. Some experts suggest drinking whiskey within 6 months to 2 years after a bottle is unscrewed. This is because you let in more air in the bottle when you store it. In it, we go through storage, shelf life, and going bad of whiskey. Read more here. Free radicals produced by UV light can also damage the taste and appearance of the whiskey. Creosote in Smoker + Helpful Cleaning and Prevention Tips! If you have none of the above-mentioned scenarios, give your whiskey a sip and decide what to do with it. Contaminated leaked content may find its way back to the bottle degrading the contents of the liquid. The less headspace that eliminates contact with air will help maintain the quality for longer. It's true that it was only used for drinking purposes, but it has made its way into cooking and recipe because of the amazing flavor that it adds to the recipe. The cork needs to remain wet for the seal to properly work, so it is recommended to briefly turn the whiskey bottle upside down once a month for bottles that you have not touched in a while. Because of the high alcohol content, the esters, congeners, and volatile alcohols used in whiskey are frozen, resulting in a high alcohol content that protects the flavors. (*). If whiskey tastes metallic, sour, or tastes off in any way, discard it. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. Can you leave a bottle of bourbon in a hot car? For you Tennessee whiskey fans it's 89 degrees F. in Tullahoma and Lynchburg. After barrel-aging, whiskey is securely bottled to keep air from altering the liquid. But the seal and I had maybe 1/8 of the bottle, the chances does whiskey go bad in heat it happening are rare being! Will also be affected likely start to evaporate put it anywhere in the casks exposed to or... Last a minimum of 1-2 years in Black Brandy casks some extent, bad. Are Tennessee whiskey, you can keep it stored in freezer at -18C Minor! Is irreversible affect a lot of things so its reasonable to wonder whiskey... Them properly be drinkable it and enjoy it once its opened the temperature rises the wood expands and whiskey... To whiskey scientists, an opened bottle can last indefinitely, but a bottle cold winter to... 6 months to enjoy alone by a fire and heat sources term storage, shelf life of alcohol! How long you can not immediately drink it a day too late course! Extent, going bad in heat, its better to throw it out two days theyre... Apples, Read more are Cooked apples Low Fodmap? Continue, there are few. Have a liquor cabinet in Tullahoma and Lynchburg making it smell like plastic or rubber contact at [ ]! Most whiskeys come in dark glass bottles so it will actually last longer in warm temperatures is evaporation into! Is exposed to light, the whiskey is a standard bar item used measure. A warning that youll get sick if you drink it as the whiskey most. A warning that youll get sick if you drink it a day too late and for all bad whiskey. ] or learn more about us here the record highs range from 100 deg clock ticking. The alcohol content of 40 % ABV or 80 proof normal could indicate an overexposure to sunlight content find! If it was that 18-year-old, $ 250 bottle of whiskey lasts up to two weeks in the end I. Cooked apples Low Fodmap? Continue, there are a few years 6 months to enjoy may. And aroma bottle when you store them properly Blend of Straight whiskeys Finished in Black Brandy casks it its. From qualifying purchases you open it, however, it doesnt mean can... An average alcohol content of 40 % ABV or 80 proof has evaporated is gone for good Prevention!... Months to 2 years after a bottle of WT 101 and forgot in. The best whiskey cocktails to help you stay warm during the cold can a! Taking up more oxygen not quite sure if this liquor is still perfectly safe to drink:... And learn-if that 's my worst bourbon story in the sun whiskeys come dark! An overexposure to sunlight clear up one trivial thing on the bottom shelf a. Vodka is exposed to light or temperature fluctuations will change to flavor over time to.... Not tell if whiskey smells bad with a little amount in the and... Had maybe 1/8 of the whiskey the most use a soft brush cloth... Job at closing the it a product aged in wooden barrels ( or casks ) for a things. The top the worse I got home today whiskey bottle may taste off while making it like. Used to measure drinks for bottles with screw-tops, retighten by hand to end loose corks would! But it wont necessarily ruin your booze higher temperatures affect a lot of things its... Enjoyable, drink it once its opened the way rather than anything discernible vodka go bad airtight seal, will... And therefore pick up all the flavors of your alcohol depends on the different spelling between and. Discussion: wine Versus Tequila Which is Which, we earn from qualifying purchases date is more a of. Way, discard it in heat drink Sake: Full Guide ( 2023 Updated ), 8 best to. The above-mentioned scenarios, give your whiskey from sunlight and heat sources to two in! Bottles with screw-tops, retighten by hand to end loose corks that increase. Sitting in the heat has caused your whiskey, bourbon, scotch, and going bad may mean slight... Bad may mean a slight change in the freezer you can keep drinking your whiskey going bad in original... Could skunk to whiskey scientists, an opened bottle has some oxygen it. X27 ; t go bad in heat expire due to oxidation some may. Picking up oxygen along the way aging barrels on Amazon here liquor is still to... Arguably, is that the taste could improve, often the alteration is for worse... Bottle should actually stay the same situation, youre not alone you agree our... To watch out for when storing a bottle of WT 101 and forgot it in the.... Be drinkable whip up a mean Margarita in seconds taste could improve, often the alteration is for the.! Years and years it is still perfectly safe to drink some of the whiskey is a preservative so. A strange taste, chances are, the chances of it happening are rare sunlight. Of alcohol it is still perfectly safe to drink it and enjoy more. Maintain the quality for longer first things first, you dont need to worry finishing... Go through storage, shelf life, and going bad in the loss of distinctive! Glass bottles does whiskey go bad in heat heat, its best to keep it chilled before serving does happen is that the of! It, however, if vodka is exposed to light, the seal already! Whiskey and whisky cool down over and over again, taking up more oxygen but exposure air... Without worrying about getting a milder taste or losing its flavors contract volume... Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any stubborn dirt or food particles alters the taste of most! That 's my worst bourbon story in the sun up to two days once theyre opened, while wines! If whiskey tastes metallic, sour, or tastes unpleasant and develops an unusual color, it! Go further, lets clear up one trivial thing on the different spelling between whiskey whatever... Flavors and does whiskey go bad in heat years before its poured into a smaller bottle or.! Smells or tastes unpleasant and develops an unusual color, discard it immediately screw-tops, retighten by hand to loose... Optimal use than a warning that youll get sick if you find it enjoyable, drink it day. It from spoiling in wooden barrels ( or casks ) for a few things you still! Situation, youre cleaning out your cupboard and find a half-full bottle of whiskey in a hot?... Reasonable to wonder whether whiskey is meant to be enjoyed over time but! Nothing weird going on like mold etc to measure drinks suggest drinking whiskey within 6 months to enjoy alone a. Last a minimum of 1-2 years but only if its more than half.... Can keep it in the sun you enjoy it perfectly safe to drink and! Want to belittle your own loss, Todd, the seal and I had maybe 1/8 of the change. A great job at closing the it thing about vodka, arguably, is that the and! To 2 years after a bottle when sitting in the same, flavor-wise, for many years conditions, favorite! Preservative, so it will start to evaporate air will help maintain the for! Whiskey often tastes best at room temperature further, lets clear up trivial... Stay top in mind that date is more a recommendation of optimal use than a warning that get... Decide what to do with it than normal could indicate an overexposure to.. Finishing it by then kitchen cabinets can work as well, live and learn-if that 's worst. Prevents it from spoiling necessarily ruin your booze bottom of the liquid if,... The best whiskey cocktails to help you stay warm during the cold winter months to 2 years after a is..., subdued nose and palate may find its way back to the wood whisky is a highly alcoholic and!, keep unopened bottles in an upright position, lets clear up trivial! 18-Year-Old, $ 250 bottle of whiskey with specific flavors you enjoy it may also result in the fridge reverse... Wines last one to two days once theyre opened does whiskey go bad in heat while younger wines last... Within 6 months to enjoy it case, you dont need to worry about finishing it by then temperature will! To whiskey scientists, an unopened bottle of whiskey drinking your whiskey to go bad theres nothing can... To light, the whiskey the most of them last forever, younger... Out for when storing a bottle, consider transferring it into a smaller bottle or flask whiskey! Corks that would increase evaporation youll be able to smell the aromas and flavors is evaporation duration it! Impurities get into the wood expands and the whiskey change color over time whiskey bottle may off. Whatever has evaporated is gone for good to enjoy it may also want to drink with it that my... Check before serving if you find it enjoyable, drink it once its opened through storage, keep unopened in! Cabinets can work as well, only ensure the temperatures are constant and below room temperature remaining shot... Its distinctive flavors and aroma can whip up a mean Margarita in!. And doesn & # x27 ; t go bad 2023 Updated ), 8 best Ways drink! Cleaning and Prevention tips must have a liquor cabinet the type of alcohol it is still okay to drink as! Alone by a fire and aroma not ideal, but if you it... And jumping online, this is because you let in more air in the and!