Can whisky expire? How to store your scotch

How to store whisky

Storing whisky right isn’t complicated, but a few key rules will keep your bottle in prime condition—whether it’s a rare gem or your go-to favourite.

Keep it cool and in the dark

Whisky’s worst enemies? Heat and sunlight. Too much light can fade the label and mess with the colour, while heat can throw the flavour out of balance. 

Store your bottles in a cool, dark place—somewhere between 15 and 20°C is ideal. And for bottles with a cork, avoid extreme changes in temperature, which can make the cork expand or shrink.

Store it upright

Whisky bottles are meant to stand, not lie down like wine. This is more important for bottles with a cork, which shouldn’t be in constant contact with the liquid—it can degrade, crumble and even alter the taste of your whisky. 

Reseal it (or decant it)

Once you’ve opened a bottle, make sure the cap or cork is tightly sealed to keep oxygen out. For half-empty bottles, consider decanting the remaining whisky into a smaller bottle. Less air means less oxidation, which means your whisky’s flavour will last longer.

Properly stored, your whisky will stay as bold and beautiful as the day you bought it—whether it’s a bottle of Ballantine’s Finest or a limited release from our collection.

Does opening whisky change the taste?

The reality is, opening a bottle of whisky exposes it to air. And while a bit of air can help open up the flavours when you pour a glass, too much exposure over time leads to oxidation.

This process slowly breaks down the whisky’s flavour compounds. And the result can be a whisky that tastes flatter and less complex. The more air in the bottle (aka the less whisky you’ve got left), the faster this happens. For the best experience, aim to finish an opened bottle within 6 months to 2 years, depending on how much is left.

Can whisky expire?

So, can whisky go bad? The short answer: not exactly, but it can change—and not always for the better.

Unopened bottles

An unopened bottle of whisky is basically immortal if stored properly. Kept upright, in a cool, dark place, it can last indefinitely without losing quality.

Opened bottles

Once you’ve opened a bottle, the clock starts ticking. Oxidation will slowly affect the taste and aroma over time. Most experts recommend finishing a bottle within 3–6 months for peak flavour, but if it’s at least half full, you can stretch that window to up to 2 years.

When to throw whisky away

While whisky doesn’t spoil, there are a few signs that it’s time to say goodbye:

A moldy cork: If the cork is crumbling or moldy, it’s game over for your whisky.

Unusual taste or smell: If it smells or tastes “off”—think sour, musty, or overly metallic—it’s time to toss it.

Drastically different flavour: A subtle change in taste over time is normal, but if your whisky tastes nothing like it used to, it’s probably past its prime.

Pro tip: If your whisky is on the edge, don’t waste it—instead try using it for cooking, making marinades, or baking desserts with whisky.

Whisky doesn’t expire in the traditional sense, but it can lose its edge if you don’t treat it right. An unopened bottle can last a lifetime, but once you take a sip, the clock starts ticking. Store it properly, drink it in good time and enjoy every drop.

Got a bottle that needs using? Check out our collection of whisky cocktails to make at home.