How Long Will Unopened Bottles of Scotch Stay Good?

The question of how long an unopened bottle of Scotch will stay good is a common one among whisky enthusiasts. While the law mandates that old alcohol and liquor eventually become poisonous, the specifics of Scotch storage can be quite intriguing.

Legal Considerations and Safety

According to the law, old alcohol and liquor will eventually become poisonous as they age. For this reason, it is important to never drink opened or old alcohol. Consuming such alcohol can lead to illness or even death, which is clearly categorized as suicide. This is a belief shared by many cultures, including Muslim beliefs.

Factors Affecting Unopened Bottles of Scotch

Assuming the bottle is resealed properly, an unopened bottle of Scotch can last for decades. However, improper sealing can lead to evaporation, which degrades the quality of the whisky.

Exposure to Light, Air, and Temperature Fluctuations

Once a bottle of whisky, including Scotch, is opened, it begins to interact with light, air, and temperature changes. These factors can significantly alter its flavor over time. Initially, this can be a positive change for the palate, as the flavors can develop and become more complex. However, as the whisky gets lower in the bottle, the increased exposure to air leads to faster degradation.

Oxidation and Alcohol Evaporation

The primary concerns with an opened bottle of Scotch are oxidation and the evaporation of alcohol. If the bottle is still mostly full, it will likely last indefinitely. However, as the whisky level decreases, the bottle will start to taste different faster. This process can take a few months as you near the end of the bottle.

It is important to note that although the whisky can deteriorate in taste and flavor, it will never go bad. It will simply taste different.

Storage Tips for Unopened Bottles of Scotch

To maintain the quality of an unopened bottle of Scotch, proper storage is essential. An unopened bottle of 20-year-old Scotch will taste the same as it did on the day it was bottled, provided it is stored correctly.

Proper Sealing and Storage Conditions

Proper sealing of the bottle is crucial. If the bottle is not resealed tightly, the whisky can evaporate and degrade in flavor. A damp environment can help preserve the cork, although it is not always foolproof. In some bottles, the cork can dry up even when the bottle is lying flat.

For example, in 1986, the author purchased a bottle of 30-year-old Ballantine in a fancy cloth-lined box. They stored it on its side to keep the cork wet. However, the author recently opened a bottle of Bunnahabain 18, which had a dried-up cork. Despite this, the whisky was still perfectly drinkable after transferring it to another bottle.

Conclusion

While unopened bottles of Scotch can last for many years if stored properly, it is important to be mindful of the storage conditions. An unopened bottle of whisky, including Scotch, will retain its original flavor and quality. However, once opened, the whisky may change in taste and flavor over time due to oxidation and alcohol evaporation.