It’s important to recognize the influence that temperature and oxidation have on the taste of whiskey. Just as wine should not be stored atop a refrigerator due to heat, whiskey is also sensitive to these factors. The best way to preserve whiskey’s flavor is to keep it unopened. If for some reason that isn’t feasible, it’s crucial to leave it in its original bottle to avoid oxidation’s detrimental effects.

Experts, such as Matt Klette from Proximo Spirits, caution against transferring whiskey into other containers, like decanters. Unless a decanter is completely airtight, it won’t provide any advantage over the original bottle. Moreover, the original packaging of many premium whiskeys often reflects the craftsmanship that goes into their creation, making it worth displaying rather than hiding away.

Regarding whiskey’s longevity, Klette explains that whiskey doesn’t spoil, even when opened. As long as it’s stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, it remains drinkable. While oxidation may cause flavors to become less pronounced over time—especially after ten years—it does not render the drink bad. The change is subtle and mainly evident to those who are discerning when it comes to tasting fine whiskeys.

Interestingly, Klette reassures that whiskey does not age or improve in the bottle in the manner that wine does. Therefore, there’s no need to hesitate to enjoy an unopened bottle; it will taste just as good now as it will in the future.

For further insights on whiskey and its storage, you can read more here.