how long is an open bottle of bourbon good for?

[dons]

just wondering? I know with wine a bottle should be drunk within 24 hours before losing its quality. what is it for bourbon

[CrispyCritter]

Bourbon will last a long time. Oxidation can have an effect on it, though, and in some cases it's beneficial, other times it isn't. My rule of thumb is that once it's less than half full, it should be given a bit more attention, but it can still last for months. If you're really worried about it, you could always decant it into a 200 or 375 ml bottle.

I made a 40yo single-grain Scotch last for almost a year without decanting it, and the last pour was as superb as the first. My open '06 Stagg has been open since November 18 (hmmm, I ought to have an anniversary pour), and it hasn't shown any sign of deterioration. It's about one-third full or so right now.

[TimmyBoston]

It should last around 3 years give or take after opening. Unopened, don't even worry about it, it will last a looooooooooooooooooooooooooong time.

[Sycamore Tree]

I remember I left a 1/4 pint in my metal flask left over from hunting season. And when I got to it again 3 months later, it was filled with limestone rock and empty of whiskey. And the flask wasn't sealed completely tight but it wouldn't leak either. Ruined the flask!

[ILLfarmboy]

I remember I left a 1/4 pint in my metal flask left over from hunting season. And when I got to it again 3 months later, it was filled with limestone rock and empty of whiskey. And the flask wasn't sealed completely tight but it wouldn't leak either. Ruined the flask!

Had you cut the whiskey with hard water? I don't see how lime (calcium carbonate) or any mineral salts could have made it through the distillation process. besides, don't distilleries use de-ionized water?

[cowdery]

By "open bottle" people usually mean a partially-consumed bottle, but one with the top sealed by a cork or screw cap. What you're really talking about is open, as in exposed to the air, in this case not entirely, but you say the flask "wasn't sealed completely."

Obviously, I don't know the extent of the partial seal, but whiskey exposed to the air will deteriorate pretty quickly. How fast? An unfinished glass of whiskey, if it doesn't all evaporate, will be undrinkable the next day.

[jburlowski]

An unfinished glass of whiskey, if it doesn't all evaporate, will be undrinkable the next day.

I'm amazed that you know this... Did you like leave an unfinished glass?? (horrors!)

[The Boozer]

By "open bottle" people usually mean a partially-consumed bottle, but one with the top sealed by a cork or screw cap. What you're really talking about is open, as in exposed to the air, in this case not entirely, but you say the flask "wasn't sealed completely."

Obviously, I don't know the extent of the partial seal, but whiskey exposed to the air will deteriorate pretty quickly. How fast? An unfinished glass of whiskey, if it doesn't all evaporate, will be undrinkable the next day.

Want to make a bet!! It made not be as good as the night before but it certainly is drinkable. Never waste bourbon. It will definitely "wake you in the morning". Usually I have poured myself another glass, which I realy don't need, and end up falling asleep before I get to finish that nightcap.
TJ

[Slob]

Hooray for thread necromancy. I was getting worried about a few of my bottles. This thread calmed my nerves.

[Old Lamplighter]

I remember I left a 1/4 pint in my metal flask left over from hunting season. And when I got to it again 3 months later, it was filled with limestone rock and empty of whiskey........

Perhaps your bourbon and flask were the victims of foul play or mischief on the part of someone. Must have been some good bourbon is all I have to say!