Should You Freeze Whiskey?
Whiskey is a complex drink with many variables that affect the flavor. One of the most common questions about whiskey is whether or not it will freeze — and should you freeze whiskey? The answer to the first question: No – whiskey will not freeze in a regular freezer.
Because whiskey has a lower freezing point than the recommended temperature in the United States, it will not freeze in a standard freezer. However, while keeping whiskey in the freezer will not damage it, icy temperatures will impact the liquid within the bottle.
Should I Keep Whiskey in The Freezer?
You’ve probably heard that the best way to store your liquor is in the freezer, and for many spirits, keeping them in the freezer is entirely kosher, like vodka, for instance.
However, this is a common misconception when it comes to whiskey. In fact, cold temperatures dull the flavors of whiskey, so if you pour a glass of whiskey that’s been in the freezer, the flavors will be dulled. Generally speaking, it’s ideal to keep alcohol at a constant cool temperature away from direct sunlight.Drinking at room temperature is the best way to experience all the flavor that whiskey has.
If you prefer to drink whiskey cold, it is better to drop in an ice cube or two rather than freeze the entire bottle. Adding ice or a drop of water to the whiskey will enhance its flavor but not entirely eliminate it, as freezing the bottle would.
Why Freeze Whiskey?
Even though freezing whiskey is not advised, many people still store their whiskey in the freezer for several reasons.
When someone is new to whiskey, the Alcohol by Volume (ABV) in whiskey can be pretty high compared to what they’re typically used to drinking, since whiskey is bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. This may be too strong for some individuals, who would therefore prefer to drink it cold, so as to dull the taste.
Chilling reduces the alcohol concentration and makes it more palatable for first-time drinkers. Many people also find that freezing whiskey helps to remove its “poor taste.” The drink is less likely to have an unpleasant or burning aftertaste when served cold.
It’s not advised to freeze whiskey, but it can be a beneficial tool for individuals who don’t want to be overwhelmed by the drink’s intensity.
Long-Term Effects of Freezing whiskey
There are advantages and disadvantages to stashing any spirit in the freezer. As temperatures drop, the liquid’s viscosity (thickness) rises. However, There’s no proof that keeping alcohol at sub-freezing temperatures has any long-term impact on the liquid in the bottle.
So, if you’re looking to achieve that perfect pour, you might want to take your whiskey out of the freezer a few minutes before you plan on drinking it. If you’re planning on drinking your whiskey neat, it’s possible that the liquid will become hazy once it’s been poured into your glass.
The truth is that if you’re determined to freeze your drink, no one will stop you, and the alcohol won’t freeze over. But don’t expect your neat pour to be as enjoyable as it would be had you not frozen it.
If you’re trying to discover the most effective technique to store your whiskey, consider storing it in a cold, dry place and keeping it away from intense light.
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FAQs
So unlike vodka or even gin, you cannot store whiskey in the fridge or the freezer! The second golden rule of storing sealed bottles is never, ever, store bottles horizontally.
Should you freeze bourbon? ›
Don't Freeze It
Keeping any spirit in the freezer won't permanently harm it, but it will dull the flavors if you pull the bottle out and immediately pour a glass.
Is it okay to keep Jack Daniel's in the freezer? ›
It's best not to store whiskey in the freezer for an extended period, as it can alter the taste and texture of the whiskey. If you need to chill your whiskey quickly, store it in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
Should you keep rum in the freezer? ›
Pure Rum shouldn't freeze until the temperature falls to minus 27 C (-17 F), so it is safe in your freezer. Rum liqueurs have a lower ABV and therefore freeze more easily. However, keeping Rum in the freezer is rare, as you typically want to be tasting it at its full potency and complexity, especially if drinking neat.
Should I chill my whiskey? ›
Some people may prefer their whiskey chilled, while others may enjoy it at room temperature or with a drop of water. The key is to experiment with different temperatures, chilling methods, and glassware to discover your own unique whiskey preferences and enhance your overall whiskey experience.
Does whiskey go bad if not refrigerated? ›
Whiskey will never truly spoil — as in you will not get ill because you consumed whiskey that has been stored in poor conditions. However, the flavor notes will start to deteriorate, as well as the color in less than ideal conditions.
Can cold ruin bourbon? ›
You should keep your bourbon at room temperature, which is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're going to drink it within a few days, you can place your container in the fridge. However, leaving bourbon in the cold for a long period of time can alter the flavors.
Is it OK to chill bourbon? ›
Traditionally, bourbon neat is served at room temperature. That said, bourbon generally tastes best at a relatively cool room temperature of around 60-65 degrees, so if your room is especially warm, feel free to put that bottle in the fridge for a few minutes to cool it down a bit.
Should I put whiskey in the fridge? ›
You want the temperature to be cool but not too cold (as this can make the whisky cloudy or evaporate). You shouldn't store whisky in the fridge or freezer. The ideal temperature is between 15 to 20°C. If whisky gets hot it can expand the bottle and damage the cork seal.
Why does Jack Daniels not freeze? ›
No, Jack Daniels will not likely freeze in a freezer.
Since a bottle of Jack Daniels is 70 proof, your freezer would have to be set to below 0°F for the bottle to freeze. However, you should still make sure to keep it from being stored there for an extended length of time.
Whiskey is meant to be enjoyed over time, but once you open a bottle, the clock starts ticking. Most scientists believe that if your bottle is at least half full, it can last one to two years, but if it's almost empty, with a quarter or less whiskey left, it'll expire in about six months.
How to properly store whiskey? ›
6 tips to protect your whiskey collection
- Store bottles of whiskey upright and monitor the condition of the cork. ...
- Keep it dark. ...
- Keep the collection consistently cool, but not too cold. ...
- Maintain consistent temperature and humidity. ...
- Protect the bottle and label condition. ...
- Prepare them to be transported.
In general, liquor will not freeze though beer and wine will, though it's not always guaranteed.
Why should you not put alcohol in the freezer? ›
But some volatiles — like those that develop due to time spent aging in barrels — add desirable character to a dram of whiskey or Scotch, and freezing those spirits can dull all the aroma and flavor they offer.
Does Kahlua go bad? ›
For Kahlúa Original, we recommend a shelf life of 4 years. Actually, the product will be good for many more years, but the coffee impact fades over time so it won't give you the full flavor impact. Also, if you were to receive an old bottle of Kahlúa, you have to make sure it has never been opened or tampered with.
What's the best way to store whiskey? ›
6 tips to protect your whiskey collection
- Store bottles of whiskey upright and monitor the condition of the cork. ...
- Keep it dark. ...
- Keep the collection consistently cool, but not too cold. ...
- Maintain consistent temperature and humidity. ...
- Protect the bottle and label condition. ...
- Prepare them to be transported.
For bourbon and whiskies which are generally 40% alcohol (80 proof) and higher, you don't have to worry about freezing the bottle solid, even if stored in the freezer at home. Freezers at home generally bottom out at -17F (-27C).
Can cold ruin whiskey? ›
Keep the collection consistently cool, but not too cold.
If a collection becomes too cold, it can cause the liquid to become cloudy. Experts recommend storing whiskey at a temperature of 59-68°F.
Will watered down whiskey freeze? ›
Alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, which freezes at 0°C or 32°F. Therefore, the higher the alcohol content, the lower the freezing point. The common consensus among whisky enthusiasts is that whisky will not freeze in a typical household freezer (unless, of course, using an extreme temperature setup).
