How long will an opened bottle of whiskey last?

[Rob G]

I don't drink a lot, so a bottle of whiskey can last a long time. In fact, I have one bottle that is at least three years old. I've always thought that whiskey lasts basically forever, as long as it is stored properly and the lid is placed back on. But I read somewhere recently that whiskey is only good for 8 months once the bottle has been opened. I'm hoping one of you experts can set me straight. Thanks.

[gumby]

I am far from an expert on this, but I had some whisky from college back when I worked at a liquor store (can you say GREAT college job?!) that we carted across the country and didn't revisit for over 20 years. I noticed no difference in them from current release of the same.

[Rob G]

Originally Posted by gumby

I am far from an expert on this, but I had some whisky from college back when I worked at a liquor store (can you say GREAT college job?!) that we carted across the country and didn't revisit for over 20 years. I noticed no difference in them from current release of the same.

Were those sealed bottles or had they been opened previously?

[Ted]

Originally Posted by Rob G

How long will an opened bottle of whiskey last?

It will last until someone pours out the final shot.

I've read where base liquor (whiskey, rum, vodka, gin, tequila, etc.) will store indefinitely while in sealed bottles. After opening, there may be some minor loss of flavor and possible evaporation over time. Personally, my palate is not sensitive enough to notice any flavor differences over years of storage. (I've consumed bottles gradually over 10 years.)

[Briandg]

Rob, for your purposes, booze can last until hell freezes over without losing quality. real connoisseurs will find degradation after a few months to years if oxygen is allowed in and evaporation occurs between openings.

Archaeologists dug whiskey (bitters) out of the hold of a sunken steamboat and it was still "drinkable." (ick)

I am of the thought that an ordinary bottle of liquor, for an ordinary person, would have to be left half empty for many years before it would start losing character to the point that it would be noticed. It's not like wine, which will spoil, it's only a matter of some components evaporating and others oxidizing over time.

[Rob G]

This is what I have always thought. But I wanted to make sure. I don't consume a lot of alcohol. I have an occasional glass of whiskey, either neat or on the rocks. Because of this, I wanted to make sure that anything I bought would still be good years from now. Thanks for confirming that my understanding is correct.

[alfa]

I've always heard 6 mo until the alcohol begins to oxidize.

Big difference between an opened bottle of whiskey and a sealed one.

[Rob G]

Originally Posted by alfa

I've always heard 6 mo until the alcohol begins to oxidize.

Big difference between an opened bottle of whiskey and a sealed one.

Now I don't know what to believe.

[flipflop]

Originally Posted by alfa

I've always heard 6 mo until the alcohol begins to oxidize.

Big difference between an opened bottle of whiskey and a sealed one.

Fairly accurate.

After 6-8 months the aroma has changed a bit but the booze is still quite drinkable. Just keep it tightly sealed between uses. I've kept a bottle of Lagavulin Distillers Edition in my bar for up to two years and it was still good to the last drop.

[scubadoo97]

Originally Posted by Rob G

I don't drink a lot, so a bottle of whiskey can last a long time. In fact, I have one bottle that is at least three years old. I've always thought that whiskey lasts basically forever, as long as it is stored properly and the lid is placed back on. But I read somewhere recently that whiskey is only good for 8 months once the bottle has been opened. I'm hoping one of you experts can set me straight. Thanks.

This is certainly not true. If the spirit is oxidized then yes it's no good. Found an open bottle of Old Taylor from the early 70s in my FILs liquor cabinet that was in good shape. Excellent and full of butterscotch flavors. Was sipping some the other day. Great find and great whiskey.

So take your time and don't feel like you have to finish a bottle unless you want do. 8 months is nothing. Many of my open bottles have been open for a few years and taste as good if not better than the day I opened them