Why Bourbon Needs To Stand Upright At All Times (Or Else)

Many a home bar is anchored by a showpiece bottle of bourbon. Not only do these often unique and investment-worthy bottles draw in the eye and attract the envy of guests, bourbon also mixes easily with everything from coffee to lemonade, making a wide range of cocktails a snap. But, stored incorrectly, that prized bottle (or two) is not going to taste as good as it could.

While some alcoholic beverages like wine are commonly and preferably stored on their sides, the high alcohol content of bourbon makes that unwise. The intensity of the alcohol can erode the bourbon cork over time, compromising the integrity of this precious spirit. You may have experienced this issue first hand if you've opened a bottle and the cork splits or breaks off. Bourbon is a type of whiskey, as are rye and scotch, and all of these fermented grain elixirs are best stored standing up so that their high-alcohol contents are not continually in contact with the cork.

What's more, a further side effect of storing bourbon on its side not only damages the cork over time, it impacts its ability to create a tight seal. This can ultimately let air into the bottle and unintentionally cause the prized and pricey liquid to oxidize, affecting its taste. Instead, store the bottles standing up and at attention, and if you are so inclined, you can turn them on their side occasionally to wet the cork to help maintain its integrity.

Bourbon, and all whiskey for that matter, is best stored in a cool, dry space out of direct sunlight. The less air the bourbon is exposed to the better, in terms of protecting its flavor. So, as you enjoy your tipple, some people advocate transferring the remaining bourbon to a smaller, air-tight, and ideally darker glass bottle so that the bourbon is protected. A closed cabinet may be best for storing bourbon so that it is not impacted by to too much light, but that may alter your bar's focal point. At the very least, make sure your bourbon is upright as it enjoys center stage bar placement so that your last drink tastes just as special as the first.