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I'll Drink to That! What is your favorite beverage to have with a cigar? Juice? Cola? Beer? Port? Single Malt Scotch? This room is for the discussion of beverages, especially alcoholic beverages that go well with cigars!

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Old 01-26-2014, 04:10 PM   #1
Rob G
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How long will an opened bottle of whiskey last?

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.
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Old 01-26-2014, 04:49 PM   #2
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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.
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Old 01-26-2014, 06:10 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gumby View Post
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?
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Old 01-26-2014, 08:16 PM   #4
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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.)
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Old 01-26-2014, 09:05 PM   #5
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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.
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Old 01-27-2014, 03:37 AM   #6
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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.
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Old 01-27-2014, 03:56 AM   #7
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I've always heard 6 mo until the alcohol begins to oxidize.

Big difference between an opened bottle of whiskey and a sealed one.
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Old 01-27-2014, 03:59 AM   #8
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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.
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Old 01-27-2014, 04:04 AM   #9
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here is a consensus that they will last indefinitely
http://askville.amazon.com/shelf-lif...uestId=9612153

An observation from drinking neat rums at Jacks house in the San Antonio herf - these bottles had been opened two years. After two years they were all better - the subtleties - sweetness, orange, vanilla, caramel - were all enhanced, most likely by evaporation

a more detailed answer
http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2012/0...outh-last.html

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Old 01-27-2014, 04:16 AM   #10
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Now I feel better again.
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