Introduction
I’m a big fan of keeping a well-curated liquor collection, but I know that most people don’t have the room or the money to keep their favorite bottles on full display. Let’s face it: your liquor collection is going to age better if you store it properly—and that means more than just hiding it in your pantry. But how can you tell if your bottle has gone bad? The smell alone won’t tell you much since many spirits will have a natural “off” odor when stored improperly. Here are some tips for proper storage of your favorite bottles so they last as long as possible:
Know Your Liquor
- Know Your Liquor
- The first step to storing your liquor collection properly is knowing what you have. Once you know what you have, the next thing to do is determine the best storage conditions for those bottles. Then once those have been determined, it’s time to think about how each bottle should be stored so that it stays preserved and safe.
Check the Temperature
Temperature is a key factor in the quality of your liquor collection. It’s also important for its preservation and shelf life, so make sure you keep your bottles at the right temperature before they start to go bad. The ideal temperature range for most liquors is between 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit (10-18 degrees Celsius), although this can vary depending on whether you’re storing red wine or Scotch whisky.
If you have an old collection that needs to be reorganized and stored properly, check out our guide on how to do it here!
Store in a Cool and Dark Place
Liquor is best stored in a cool and dark place. When left in the light, the color of your liquor will fade over time. This process accelerates if you’re storing it on top shelf of your liquor cabinet. The same thing goes for heat—if you keep your liquor collection on top shelf of your closet or anywhere it’s going to be exposed to extreme temperatures, it will change flavor as well. The best way to ensure that you get the most out of your collection is by keeping it at an appropriate temperature and out of direct sunlight.
Keep Away from Light
The next step is to keep your collection away from light. Most people don’t realize that light can cause alcohol to evaporate and completely change the color of your liquor. The best way to store liquor is in a cabinet or drawer that’s not near any windows or exterior walls of your house, which will ensure that every bottle gets plenty of darkness. If you’re looking for an even more secure storage option, consider investing in a wine cellar or bar cabinet with built-in lighting that won’t affect the flavor of your liquors over time.
Never store your liquor in the fridge.
Storing your liquor collection in the fridge is a common mistake people make. Most people assume that storing their prized bottles in the refrigerator will keep them cool, but the opposite is actually true: refrigerators are designed to keep things at around 38 degrees Fahrenheit, which means they can cause the alcohol to become cloudy and ruin it. The other issue with putting your bottles in the fridge is that as soon as you open it, warm air from inside will be released into your collection. This can also lead to evaporated flavors and smells that may change over time—not something you want for such precious items!
Instead of placing them in a cold place like this one, make sure to store all of your fine spirits somewhere dark and cool (ideally 55-60 degrees F). This will help preserve their color and prevent any unwanted changes from occurring over time. The best places for keeping these treasures are on shelves or cabinets built specifically for holding liquor collections; however, any dark nook or cranny where there isn’t much light will do just fine!
Properly storing your liquor collection is important.
Properly storing your liquor collection is important for the quality of the product. Liquor can be stored in a number of ways, but it’s important to consider how you want to enjoy your spirits when choosing where to store them. If you’re planning on drinking the contents right away and don’t mind if they “flow” a bit (due to a corked bottle), then you’ll probably want to store them upright on their side or with their original labels facing outwards. If you have higher standards for presentation, then perhaps consider using museum-quality cases with glass slides or other protective materials.
Your liquor collection will last longer if you take good care of it and store it properly
Properly storing your liquor collection will help maintain the quality of your bottles. The shelf life of each type of liquor differs greatly, so some liquors can last up to 50 years if they are stored properly. However, it’s important to note that different types of liquors require different storage methods. For example, tequila should be stored in a cool place at room temperature because the heat from a refrigerator would dry out the agave plant used to make tequila during fermentation. If you take good care of your collection and store it properly, it will last longer!
Conclusion
Here at 925 Liquors we hope we’ve given you all the tips you need to keep your liquor collection in great condition! Remember, it’s not just about storing your liquor properly—it’s also about how much you drink and what kind of drinks you prefer. If you’d to learn more about different types of liquor and their benefits check out some of our blog posts and if your looking to expand your collection come visit us at 2795 Old Washington Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601 or call us at (301) 374-2028.
