As spirits become more and more popular, more and more people are keen to taste this mellow drink. Whether it is pure drinking or mixing cocktails, both ways of drinking are deeply loved by the public. Don't think that spirits are only exclusive to men. Ladies are also keen on the experience of pure drinking, while young men like to try all kinds of cocktails. These people who love life and pursue excitement will enjoy it to the last drop, whether it is pure drinking or mixing.
They are a group of drinkers who have extremely high requirements for the flavor of wine. In order to fully display the unique flavor of spirits and ensure that their value is reflected, it is particularly important to understand the correct storage method. So, how long can spirits be stored?
Usually, spirits can be stored for a long time after bottling, and will not gradually deteriorate into sour drinks like beer or wine. However, experienced drinkers may find that newly opened spirits often have a stronger smell of alcohol. But if the wine is left for a period of time before tasting, its flavor will become more harmonious and the pungent feeling of alcohol will be reduced accordingly.
Although the taste of spirits will become mellower after a period of storage, it does not mean that they can be preserved forever. Once the bottle is opened, the spirits will gradually react with the oxygen in the air, and at the same time, affected by external factors such as sunlight and temperature, its quality and freshness will gradually decrease. Therefore, in order to ensure the best tasting effect of spirits, we need to taste them at the right time. Generally speaking, a bottle of spirits with an alcohol content of 40% has a best tasting time of about one to two years after opening the bottle. Of course, if the bottle cap can be properly tightened and stored properly, its shelf life can even reach five or six years.
However, there are two key points worth noting:
Liqueur, as a kind of spirit with low alcohol content, has a relatively faster flavor decay rate.
When there is not much left in the spirit bottle, that is, it is in a half-full state, even a spirit with an alcohol content of 40% will accelerate the flavor decay due to increased contact with oxygen. Therefore, when encountering this situation, it may be a good choice to invite a few close friends to drink together.
So, how can we extend the shelf life of spirits? In addition to enjoying the time with friends, many drinkers also love to taste alone. For this situation, we have the following three storage suggestions:
First, be sure to avoid direct sunlight. Spirits should be stored in a cool and dark place, because light will cause the aroma substances in the wine to decompose, thereby affecting its flavor. Storing spirits in a well-lit place, such as a window or desk with direct sunlight, will only accelerate its deterioration. Therefore, storing spirits in a dark corner or a cellar or cellar designed specifically for storing spirits is the best way to protect their quality
The bottles of spirits we usually observe are usually divided into two types: transparent and opaque. The winery chooses opaque bottles mainly to ensure that the quality of the wine can remain stable under long-term light exposure. If the spirits we buy are in transparent bottles, then when storing them, they should be stored in an environment with the least light transmission.
Second, store in a constant temperature environment
In addition to avoiding direct sunlight, temperature is also an important factor affecting the quality of spirits. The ideal "living environment" for spirits is constant and stable, similar to a comfortable area where it is not cold in winter and not hot in summer. Store spirits in a room with a relatively stable temperature, and the temperature difference between day and night should not be too large. The most suitable storage temperature is usually within 20 degrees, so that the evaporation rate of alcohol will slow down, the water level in the bottle will be stable, and the wine label can be properly protected, thereby ensuring the appearance and quality of the whole bottle of wine. Especially for expensive styles of spirits, such storage conditions can also effectively maintain their value.
Third, pay attention to the protection of the cork. Unlike the storage of wine, horizontal placement may cause corrosion risks to the cork of spirits. Due to the high alcohol content of spirits, long-term horizontal placement may cause damage to the cork, which in turn affects the quality and preservation of the wine. Therefore, when storing spirits, make sure that the cork is properly protected to avoid breakage or shattering due to corrosion.
Be careful when storing horizontally
Generally, spirits are stored vertically. However, special attention should be paid to the dryness and moisture of the cork during this process. If the cork is too dry and shrinks, or is damaged by moisture, its sealing will be affected, causing air to enter the bottle, which will gradually evaporate the alcohol.
Vertical placement
For spirits with screw caps, pay attention to the effect of seasonal temperature changes on the cap. Due to temperature differences, the cap sometimes loosens naturally, causing the wine to come into contact with too much oxygen. Therefore, it is recommended to check and tighten the cap regularly to ensure the quality of the wine.
Tips for storing spirits
Air oxidation is a key factor in the flavor change of spirits after opening the bottle. Whiskey expert John Hansell recommends spraying compressed inert gas immediately after opening the bottle to isolate oxygen, and then re-corking the bottle.
Tips for storing spirits
For ordinary spirit lovers like us, it may not be practical to use professional methods to isolate oxygen. However, there are several practical ways to help us reduce the oxidation of spirits. First, you can choose to buy small bottles of spirits, or divide the remaining spirits into small bottles, which relatively reduces the amount of air in the bottle, thereby reducing the rate of oxidation. Secondly, every six months to a year, place the spirits horizontally for a few days to keep the cork moist. If it is a spirit with a screw cap design, remember to tighten the cap from time to time. In addition, using plastic wrap or sealing film to seal around the bottle mouth is also an effective way to prevent oxygen from entering the bottle and oxidizing the wine.
Finally, don't forget these warm tips:
Make sure your spirits are stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This ensures that the wine retains its original color and flavor. At the same time, regularly check the tightness of the cork or screw cap to ensure that they are always in a good sealing state. In this way, you can better enjoy the wonderful taste of every drop of spirits.
