It is not uncommon for people to hold on to various bottles of alcohol for years before they decide to open it. While there are a number of types of alcohol that will age well and become better with time, this is not true for every bottle. Here are some alcohol facts to keep in mind when it comes to an aged bottle.

Ideal time frame

One of the most important alcohol facts to keep in mind is the fact that, even if a bottle ages well for a few years, there will come a time when it will all go downhill. Whisky made with rye should be enjoyed within 9 and 11 years. Bourbon made with corn should be consumed between 6 and 10 years. Scotch, on the other hand, can keep for up to 20 years.

Different barrels

With the above alcohol facts in mind, it is also important to consider the type of barrel used. The type of wood will affect the ageing process. In other words, bourbon aged in new barrels will absorb the flavours of the wood rather quickly. This means that it will peak earlier. Scotch which is aged in used barrels will take longer to absorb all those delicate flavours and this is why it will peak later.

Safe storage

An 80 proof bottle of alcohol stored in a glass bottle will not change much over a number of years. It is important to store any bottles you plan on keeping in a dry, cool and dark place. If you see an aged bottle on sale at a shop, make sure you think twice about paying a large sum of money since you never know if it was indeed properly stored.

 

With these alcohol facts in mind, you can shop for the perfect bottle and you can even allow it to age in a safe spot in your home. For example, you might like to buy a fancy bottle of whisky to celebrate the birth of your child which you can then open or present to them when they turn 18 or 21, depending on how long you want to wait.