Post #536003 by Chip and Andy on Sun, Jun 13, 2010 3:16 PM

Basic storage rules for booze:

Store in cool dark places like under the bar or in a cabinet. Don't let your product get hot, or cycle through hot and cold and hot and cold like you would get on the outside bar.

Sealed containers should be OK for a good long time. Plastic caps, so far, have stored as well as cork. In some cases the plastic will outlast the cork.

Opened containers have a clock and the alcohol content will dictate how long it will be 'good.' The higher the Proof, the longer it should be OK.

Once opened, the ingredients start to oxidize which will alter the taste (eventually) and evaporation starts which begins to reduce the alcohol content further shortening the shelf-life. Mostly Full bottles will last longer than Mostly Empty bottles.

As for corks and their care, follow the rules of wine makers and drinkers. For long term storage, place corked bottles on their side so the corks stay wet. This prevents them from drying out and shrinking allowing air in to corrupt the ingredients. It also prevents anything in/on/around the cork from growing and corrupting the product inside. Even with that, corks are really only good for about 10 or so years (average).

You can ask the internets for specifics on how and when to replace corks in bottles, but the basic senses will tell you what needs to be done. If the cork looks bad, replace it. If it smells bad, replace it and check the bottle contents. As to where to get them, again you ask the internets for reliable sources and sizes.

As with all things bar and bar related, your mileage will vary. Here in South Florida we have to add a humidity concern to most storage evaluations that most in the desert never will.