Kitchen design
Storing and Displaying Whisky at Home: A St Andrew's Day Guide
Whisky keeps for years if you store it right, and lying it down is the classic mistake. How to keep a bottle at its best, and show off a collection.
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On St Andrew's Day many Scots raise a dram. Unlike wine, whisky does not improve in the bottle, but stored well it keeps its character for a very long time.
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How to store whisky
| Do | Why |
|---|---|
| Store bottles upright | High-strength spirit can damage a cork over time |
| Keep away from sunlight and heat | Light and warmth change the flavour |
| Keep the cap or cork tight | Limits evaporation |
| Decant a nearly empty bottle into a smaller one | Less air in the bottle slows oxidation |
Displaying a collection
- A dresser shelf or glazed cabinet keeps dust off: see glass-fronted cabinets.
- Avoid sunny windowsills and shelves above the cooker.
- Group by region or distillery, with the glasses alongside.
Pour it into a proper whisky glass, and celebrate with haggis, neeps and tatties.
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Frequently asked questions
Should whisky bottles be stored upright or lying down?
Upright. Lying down lets the strong spirit sit against the cork, which can damage it over time.
How long does an opened bottle of whisky last?
A long time, if tightly closed and kept out of light and heat. When a bottle is under about a third full, the extra air slowly dulls the flavour.
Does whisky improve in the bottle?
No. Unlike wine, whisky stops ageing once bottled.