Whiskey on its side

[TexanBrad]

So I was at an estate sale over the weekend, and apparently the gentleman who passed away was a fan of Bookers and had a couple unopened in his little wine fridge with a bit of wine. Since the folks were only asking $20 per, I scooped the pair up, but I did wonder if the side storage and high proof would have done damage to the cork by now. I inquired if the deceased had usually kept his whiskey that way, and apparently he had not. The kids had just put them in the wine fridge around thanksgiving to tidy them up after he had been forced to leave his home due to his failing health.

 

I plan to crack one to test soon, but was that too long to avoid damage? Or does to proof only start to wear on the seal after a longer period?

 

 

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[dcbt]

I don't know if I've ever seen a proof / time matrix for side storage to know for sure.  But I'd keep some coffee filters and strainers close by just in case...  I wonder if the fact it was chilled in a fridge would slow down the damaging process...  In any event, good luck, let us know how it turns out!

[Richnimrod]

Total WAG; but I assume given the cooler temp, and the weex (not years) of side storage your chances are pretty good that the Bourbon, and maybe the corks will be OK. 

Now, if these are Booker's bottles are from very many years ago, the corks will have aged some, and maybe dried out some, that may hasten damage under any adverse conditions.

dcbt's advice about the filters/strainers is good, and I'd add; if you have any spare corks or other closures... or even another seal-able container in which to decant your Bourbon, those may all be needed as well.

Good Luck!

[Harry in WashDC]

I don't remember which thread it was (but you can probably find it by searching for "cork" or "plastic"), but we did discuss upright vs. on-side storage and cork deterioration sometime in the last year or two.  A couple posts were by chemists (or florists ) and talked about how fast cork degrades in alcohol.  Hence, I think Rich's advice is sound.