Bottle and glass of whiskey next to barrel
How Long Does The Flavor Of Opened Bourbon Last?

NEWS

By ANDREW AMELINCKX
Hand grabbing a bottle of alcohol out of a cellar
When asked about the lifespan of an open bottle of bourbon, Robyn Smith, a whiskey expert, told us it can last for years if β€œit's sealed tightly and kept out of heat and sunlight.”
Decanter and glass of bourbon
"Bourbon is high-proof and shelf-stable,” she said. However, if you're drinking a bottle too slowly, you may start seeing signs of oxidation once you're halfway through, per Smith.
Two glasses of bourbon in front of an open bourbon bottle
Indicators of oxidation include irreversible cloudiness and off-flavors. There could be a hint of sourness, or the spirit's original flavors and aromas may become toned down.