Lena Savoie
Alcohol is expensive, and proper storage is important to safeguard your investment and ensure the colours and flavours stay intact. The ideal temperature and humidity for storage depend on the type of alcohol. For example, fortified wines like vermouth, port, and sherry, as well as cream-based liqueurs, need to be kept cold. Distilled spirits like whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila can be kept at room temperature, although some experts recommend storing them at slightly lower temperatures, between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat and direct sunlight can degrade the contents, even when the bottle is unopened, and high temperatures can cause the alcohol to expand and evaporate more quickly. Spirits can be stored in a range of humidity, around 50-80% relative humidity, but too much humidity can lead to elevated alcohol loss and cause corks to swell and break.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Spirits are best stored at room temperature, typically defined as 68–77°F. However, some experts recommend a range of 55–60°F. Spirits can be stored in a wider range of temperatures, with one source claiming that "anything under 80°F should be fine". Spirits should be kept cool, as rising temperatures can cause the alcohol to expand and evaporate more quickly. |
| Humidity | Spirits can be stored in a range of humidity from 50–80% relative humidity. However, too much humidity can lead to increased alcohol loss and cause corks to swell and break. |
| Light | Spirits should be stored out of direct sunlight, as this can speed up the oxidation process and cause discolouration. |
| Position | Spirits should be stored in an upright position, unlike wine. |
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What You'll Learn
Spirits are best stored in cool, dry, dark places
Direct sunlight can cause spirits to lose their colour. Researchers from Bacardi found that after 15 days of exposure to sunlight, bourbon lost 10% of its colour, and a bottle of scotch lost 40%. Spirits should therefore be stored out of direct sunlight.
Spirits are also sensitive to humidity. Too much humidity can cause "an elevated level of alcohol loss", and can also cause corks to expand and break off. Spirits should therefore be stored in a dry place.
Spirits can be stored at a wide range of temperatures, but generally, room temperature is best. Spirits with high ABV (alcohol by volume) don't need to be refrigerated or stored in the freezer. However, some experts say the ideal temperature range is slightly lower than room temperature, between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Spirits should be kept in a relatively cool place to preserve them for longer. As temperatures rise, the alcohol begins to expand and can evaporate more quickly.
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Opened spirits can be stored at room temperature
For common distilled spirits such as whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila, it is recommended to store them at room temperature, with some experts suggesting an ideal range of 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit (12-15 degrees Celsius). This slightly cooler temperature range can help preserve the spirit for a longer period. However, it's worth noting that spirits can withstand a wider temperature range than wine and are generally more hardy.
When storing opened spirits, it is crucial to secure the cap or cork tightly to prevent evaporation and oxidation, which can affect the taste and quality of the spirit. Additionally, maintaining consistent humidity levels is important. While spirits can be stored in a range of humidity levels, extreme humidity can cause issues with the cork, leading to potential alcohol loss.
While storing opened spirits at room temperature is generally safe, some spirits, such as fortified wines and cream-based liqueurs, are exceptions and should be refrigerated. These spirits include vermouth, port, sherry, and Irish cream. By refrigerating these specific types of spirits, you can prolong their shelf life and maintain their optimal flavour and texture.
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Fortified wines and cream liqueurs need to be kept cold
Fortified wines, such as vermouth, port, and sherry, should be stored in the fridge. They are best kept at 55°F, with humidity levels of around 70%, away from sunlight, and lying flat with the labels facing up. Fortified wines can be stored in the kitchen refrigerator for a few months, after which a wine refrigerator should be used. Opened bottles of dessert wine should be refrigerated and consumed within two to four weeks.
Similarly, cream liqueurs like Baileys Irish Cream are best stored in the fridge. While refrigeration is not necessary, they taste better when chilled. They should be consumed within six to twelve months of opening. Exposure to air is the greatest storage problem for cream liqueurs, as oxygen will cause the liqueur to turn brown and may alter its texture.
It is worth noting that while most spirits have enough alcohol content to be stored at room temperature, keeping them in a relatively cool place preserves them for longer. As temperatures rise, the alcohol begins to expand and can evaporate more quickly. Direct sunlight should also be avoided, as it speeds up the oxidation process and can cause the liquor to lose its colour.
For liquors like whiskey, rum, tequila, and vodka, specific storage conditions are not required. However, it is recommended to store them at room temperature, with some experts suggesting an ideal range of 55 to 60 degrees.
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Wine bottles should be stored on their sides
Most spirits with high alcohol content can be stored at room temperature, although some experts recommend storing them between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping them in a cool, dark place preserves them for longer. As temperatures rise, the alcohol expands and can evaporate more quickly. Direct sunlight can also spoil liquor, as extended exposure to the sun speeds up the oxidation process.
Wine, on the other hand, is best stored on its side. This is because wine bottles stored upright may cause the cork to dry out and break the seal, allowing air to enter and oxidise the wine. Keeping the bottle on its side keeps the cork moist and prevents too much air from entering. This method also increases storage efficiency by maximising vertical storage capabilities. For those looking to control the ageing process over a longer period, storing wine horizontally is ideal.
Fortified wines, such as port and sherry, as well as cream-based liqueurs, need to be kept in the fridge. Whiskey, rum, tequila, and vodka do not require such meticulous storage conditions. If stored in poor conditions, such as fluctuating temperatures, excessive sunlight exposure, or a loosened cap, whiskey may develop an unpleasant taste or even become undrinkable.
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Spirits can be stored in a range of humidity levels
To maintain optimal humidity levels, some people use dehumidifiers or silica gel pads, especially in high-humidity environments. It is also recommended to store bottles out of their packaging and wrap them in cling film to protect the labels from potential damage caused by humidity.
While spirits can be stored in a range of humidity levels, it is important to keep the humidity constant. Fluctuations in humidity can cause the corks to expand and contract, affecting the seal.
In addition to humidity, other factors to consider when storing spirits include temperature and light exposure. Spirits are typically stored at room temperature or slightly below, with recommended ranges between 55°F and 77°F (10°C and 25°C). Keeping spirits in a relatively cool place can help preserve them longer, as rising temperatures can cause the alcohol to expand and evaporate more quickly.
Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can degrade the contents and affect the colour and flavour of the spirits. Spirits should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a basement, wine cellar, large cabinet, or dark storage room.
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Frequently asked questions
Wine should be stored at a temperature of 10–16°C. Wine is sensitive to temperature and light, and improper storage can ruin the taste.
Spirits can be stored in a range of humidity from 50-80% relative humidity. Too much humidity can lead to an elevated level of alcohol loss.
Beer should be stored in a cool, dry place, and any opened bottles should be refrigerated.
Spirits can be stored at room temperature, but some experts recommend storing them at a slightly lower temperature of 55-60°F.
Yes, spirits and wines should be kept out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can speed up the oxidation process and cause the alcohol to evaporate more quickly.
