Does whisky ever go off?
Technically whisky doesn’t go off or expire. Stored correctly, unopened whisky can last indefinitely; there’s a reason why so many rare whisky types and aged bottles are worth a bomb decades later! Unlike wine, whisky does not mature or change its flavour in the bottle over time.
How long does whisky last once opened?
But, once you open the bottle, you have a timeline before it goes bad. Store in proper conditions and you can expect your whisky to last a couple of years.
The shelf life of open bottles of whisky is influenced by factors such as exposure to air, light, and temperature. Over time, the whisky may undergo gradual oxidation, which can alter its flavour profile. However, this process usually takes a long time, and many people find that the changes are minimal over the first few years.
However, you should try to finish half-empty bottles within 6 months. This is because when there is less whisky in the bottle, there is a larger surface area of whisky exposed to the air. The increased air-to-liquid ratio allows more oxygen to come into contact with the whisky, accelerating the oxidation process.
How to tell if your whisky has gone bad
Whisky doesn’t go bad or become unsafe to consume in the same way that other liquids, like milk, do. However, over time, it can undergo changes that can put a dampener on your dram:
Unpleasant aroma and/or taste: If the whisky has a foul or off-putting odour, or if it tastes significantly different from its original state, it may have undergone changes that affect its quality.
Cloudiness: While whisky is generally a clear spirit, certain circumstances, such as extreme temperature changes or exposure to light and air, can cause cloudiness. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the whisky is spoiled; it might just be an aesthetic change.
Sediment: Sediment or floating particles in the whisky could indicate a breakdown of compounds over time or that naturally occurring lipids have precipitated out of the solution due to cold storage temperatures. This is more common in older or cask-strength whiskies, and especially in non-chill filtered whisky.
Leaking or deteriorated seal: If the bottle has a damaged or deteriorated seal, it may allow air to enter the bottle, leading to increased oxidation and potential flavour changes. This doesn’t mean that the whisky cannot be consumed but its character may not be the same as when originally bottled.
Evaporation: If a bottle has been partially consumed over an extended period, there may be a noticeable decrease in the liquid level due to evaporation. This can concentrate the remaining whisky, potentially affecting its flavour.
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s a good idea to sample the whisky and assess whether you still enjoy its flavour. If in doubt, trust your senses, and if the whisky no longer meets your taste preferences, don’t drink it!