Whisky Forum - Storing Scotch Malt Whisky

PK88 · Member Joined: 20 Feb 2011 Posts: 6

Hi all, I am starting to accumulate a small collection of Scotch Malt Whisky and i have been reading up on ways to store the whisky long term.

One thing which i have read in a few places is that you should turn your whisky every so often to moisten the cork, stopping it drying out, not sure if this is a good practice or not. Just wondered what others opinions was on this as i have a few pound invested and want to make sure i am looking after it properly.

Paul

Keith · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 3:46 pm Post subject:

Hi Paul

I have also read in a couple of places about turning the bottle to wet the cork but personally i would say that you should not do this. Whisky and corks are not supposed to come into contact with each other, over time the whisky will damage the cork.

Innes · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 4:48 pm Post subject:

No need to wet the cork every so often the alcohol vapour will keep the cork moist enough and stop it drying out. I believe turning the bottle will eventually start breaking the cork down and the whisky on the cork will dry out and evapourate hence reducing the level in the bottle.

Blakey · Master Of Malts Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 263

I think if you keep wetting the cork with alcohol of this strength it will eventually crumble.

Kenny M · Master Of Malts Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 860

DO NOT TURN THE BOTTLE TO MOISTEN THE CORK
Continually doing it will eventually break down the cork and either spoil your whisky or it will evapourate due to a poor seal or the cork will break up when the bottle is opened.

Alastair · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 9:20 pm Post subject:

No need to turn the bottle it will have a bad effect in the long run and NEVER store abottle on its side always store it upright.

Calder · Master Of Malts Joined: 13 Nov 2008 Posts: 688

I had read this advice in a couple of places but thought it must be wrong as it doesnt make any sense. It would mean the likes of big whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange would have someone going through there store turning bottles throughout the year and i am pretty sure they dont employ a bottle turner. Anyway i certainly wont be turning my bottles, except too pour them Laughing

PK88 · Member Joined: 20 Feb 2011 Posts: 6

Thanks just what i wanted to hear. Thats a good point Calder, i couldnt see whisky shops periodically turning their bottles.