Tips to Keep Scotch Bottles in Good Condition

@SquidgyAsh

On an aside, while going through the Glenlivet blog link, I stumbled across this: uk.theglenlivet.com/blog/…

Smells like something to look out for.

I used to turn my bottles every 6 months or so but I'm rethinking it now.

It's really humid in summer and I don't have a temperature controlled storage environment - I think the alcohol / water vapours would keep the cork moist in my situation.

Also, as someone else pointed out, some corks are rather loose fitting - like some of my Bruichladdich bottles - I might be doing more harm than good by wetting the cork and allowing liquid to get in around the cork in the bottle neck.

From what I've seen with antique bottles, it's possible that they'll last several decades if otherwise kept in good condition anyhow. The only thing I MIGHT do with bottles I don't plan on opening any time soon is to cover the tops with some kind of plastic film to prevent the very slow evaporation that would occur naturally with these corks that are only protected by a flimsy piece of coloured aluminium foil!

Interesting feedback. I've transported bottles in check in luggage and most of these remain unopened. I wondered if I was playing a bit of Russian roulette. Seems not by some of the feedback here.

@systemdown, I think what you said about the humidity is very interesting. It is very much the same here in Japan, the summers are very hot and humid. After reading some of the feedback and links which were posted, I actually put many of my bottles on their sides for a few minutes the other night.

Now I'm beginning to think though, was it necessary? As I've already written, my biggest concern is the summer heat and the effect it could have on my whiskies. Having no air conditioning and living in a country with rather hot summers, I'm more than a little worried about what could happen to bottles I hold on to for an extended period of time!

Yes and what of the problem that setting bottles on sides can create? (Sticky corks with dried scotch that can make them hard to remove in tact when one wishes to open a bottle , even for the first time). I read some links given in this discussion and there was conflicting advice. It's surprising how little info is avail for collectors about preserving long term investments

@CanadianNinja Your situation sounds exactly like mine - humid summers and no aircon. I'm happy to not exacerbate the situation and just leave all my bottles upgright from now on UNLESS they end up in a humidity and temperature controlled environment some day (unlikely).

I'm thankful for this discussion because I never really questioned it before - I just used to lay them down every 6 months for a bit because I heard it was a good idea.

@systemdown - I was about to go home and turn my bottles on their side until I read your follow-up. Interesting discussion indeed.

Plastic film, hmm.... Has anyone tried good ole candle wax?

@vanPelt

I did toy with the idea once, bought the sealing wax beads from the local alco supply store with some wine bottle shrink wrap capsules, all ready to give it a go, then it just fizzled off. Just a little too messy for my liking plus it sort off alters the condition and appearance of the bottle.

I think an a'Bunadh with it's wax seal, upright in the cool dark would keep a very long time and in 'showroom condition'. Half bottles (and smaller) make for excellent safe storage. 'Works for me!

Slainte!

Most of my bottles have the tinfoil on top. I'm going to get the lab film tape for the ones that won't be opened any time soon

Anyone know where to get cheap Parafilm online?