Preserve Your Precious Pour

How to Store Whiskey

Storing your bottle of Jameson properly can mean being able to enjoy it for years to come—not that we think it’ll last that long. Here’s how the pros at Jameson keep their whiskey up to standard.

Preserving Your Whiskey’s Flavor

Unlike wine, whiskey’s flavor doesn’t change once it’s bottled. And, unlike wine, a bottle of whiskey doesn’t really “go bad” once it’s opened, though it can oxidize, and the flavor and color can change.

Storing your whiskey properly is essential for preserving the spirit’s character and flavor. Let’s look at three crucial elements—temperature, position, and light.

Keep it Cool

Store your whiskey in a cool place, ideally at a consistent temperature, between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. A stable temperature helps preserve the whiskey’s rich, complex flavors.

Avoid Sunlight

Direct sunlight can change whiskey’s flavor and color over time. Plus, light can cause your whiskey to evaporate. To keep this from happening, store your whiskey in a cool, dark place, like a cabinet or closet.

Store It Standing

Store your whiskey upright. This is particularly important for bottles with a cork seal. Whiskey is high in alcohol, and if the liquid is in contact with the cork, the cork can deteriorate over time and change the whiskey’s flavor. So, keep your bottles standing up straight to protect both the spirit and its cork.

If you plan on keeping your bottle for a while, occasionally tilting it can help keep the cork from drying out.

Enjoy Your Perfectly Preserved Pour

With these storage practices, your whiskey is primed for perfection. Serve it neat, on the rocks, with a mixer, or in a whiskey cocktail.

Whiskey Storage FAQs

How Should You Store an Open Bottle of Whiskey?

Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed after each use to minimize exposure to air and slow down oxidation. Consider transferring the whiskey to a smaller bottle to reduce air space if you’re not planning to consume it quickly.

Otherwise, the same rules apply—keep your whiskey upright in a cool, dark place.

What’s the Correct Way to Open a Whiskey Bottle?

To remove the cork, gently twist while pulling upwards, avoiding any abrupt motions that could damage the cork or spill the whiskey. When you close the bottle, make sure the seal is tight.

Remember that oxidation begins once the bottle is open, gradually dulling the whiskey’s complex flavors. It’s generally recommended to consume an open bottle within two months for optimal taste.

Should You Keep Your Whiskey in the Refrigerator?

We don’t recommend storing whiskey in the refrigerator. The cool, consistent environment of a fridge may seem like a good idea, but chilling whiskey can dull its rich flavors and aromas over time.

Where Should You Store Your Whiskey?

Whether you’re a dedicated aficionado or a casual sipper, there are plenty of whiskey storage options. Cabinets and racks offer versatile storage suited to many different spaces. A glass-fronted cabinet protects and proudly displays your collection.

While a cellar might seem like a good option because of its consistently cool temperature, it’s important to ensure it’s not too damp—excessive moisture can compromise the quality of your whiskey.

Does Whiskey Go Bad in the Heat?

Yes, whiskey can go bad if exposed to warmer temperatures. Heat can cause whiskey to turn cloudy—a sign that its quality and flavor are compromised.

Now that we’ve armed you with a barrel full of whiskey storage wisdom, why not put your knowledge to the tasting with Jameson Irish Whiskey?