Can Whiskey Be Stored In Fridge- A Guide To Understanding
Whiskey lovers, we hear ya! How important is it to find the right place and conditions to store whisky so it doesn’t lose its valuable qualities? What options do you have if your home doesn’t have ideal storage? The good news is, the fridge can be an option! But before you settle on storing whiskey in the fridge, let’s have a look at the right way to store it and the things to avoid.
Contrary to popular opinion, there’s no need to store whisk(e)y in a cool place. In fact, it’s the warm places that are the best! If you want to step up your whisky game, you should invest in a wine cooler that stores your bottle between 10°C and 18 °C. Why? This temperature range allows the whisky to retain its flavor and aroma.
So can you store whisky in the fridge? Well, yes you can. But remember to take it out shortly after you open the fridge, and store it on a more consistent temperature. Done right, keeping the whisky in the fridge won’t overpower the other flavors in the bottle. But don’t overdo it by keeping it for too long.
The Effects Of Storing Whisky In The Fridge
The biggest drawback of storing whisky in the fridge is that it will likely lose its flavor and aroma. Not to mention, the chill makes it a bit stronger and harsher. As a result, you may find it too strong to sip.
Many whiskey connoisseurs would beg you not to make a habit of storing it in the fridge as it will adversely affect its smoothness, complexity and character. The chill will also cause the whisky’s flavour components to solidify, meaning its taste will become one-dimensional.
The Alternatives To Storing Whiskey In Fridge
As mentioned, the ideal place to store alcoholic drinks, including whisky, is at a temperature of 12°C. However, this isn’t always practical. In this case, the second best thing is to store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
As for temperature, the ideal temperature for storing whisky would be on the slightly cooler side, like 10℃ to 18℃. But if this isn’t possible, just remember to store whisk(e)y away from extremes of temperatures, both hot and cold.
For the best results, you cannot store whisky in the cupboard, but it is perfectly fine to keep it on a countertop. Placing it in a whiskey glass or other reusable cup will keep it away from light and heat. Also, invest in a good whiskey carafe or decanter, which will protect the whiskey from air and light exposure, and keep it at the ideal temperature.
Tips On Choosing The Right Receptacle For Storing Whisky
Storing whisky in a decorative carafe or decanter can help protect your whisky. But for the best results, go for a carafe that’s made from lightproof glass such as crystal or dark-coloured ceramic. You should avoid glass that has been stained, or coloured, as light will be able to pass through.
Also, opt for carafes or decanters with stoppers that fit snugly. This will help keep the whisky airtight, and the seals will help ensure no air or light gets in. Plus, these receptacles will also help preserve the whisky’s flavor and aroma over time.
Corked Bottles Are Good For Storing Whisky
When it comes to storing whisky, corked bottles are better than screw-top bottles as they reduce the chances of air and light getting in and influencing the taste. If you’re using a whisky glass, consider sealing the top to keep air and light out of the glass.
Corked bottles can also defend the whisky from external odours and accelerated oxidation. It’s worth noting that some whisky bottles come with corks, while with some, you’ll be required to buy cork stoppers that are specifically designed for whisky storage.
Keep in mind, whatever you do, you should avoid using plastic stoppers, as they won’t offer any protection against oxidation or air contamination.
Conclusion
Storing whisky isn’t rocket science, but if you want to preserve your whisky’s flavor and aroma for as long as possible, you’ll need to invest in a good storage room, or wine cooler, to make sure the bottle is kept away from extremes of temperatures, away from light and air.
At the same time, invest in a carafe or decanter, as they will protect the whisky from air and light exposure. Corked bottles are your best bet for long-term storage, as they’ll help regulate oxidation and reduce air and light exposure. When all else fails, you can always use the fridge, but remember to take the whisky out of the fridge shortly after you pull it out, and store it on a more consistent temperature.
