How to Store Mezcal: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Store Mezcal: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a fan of mezcal, the smoky, distilled Mexican spirit made from agave, you know that its unique flavor is something to be savored. But did you know that how you store your mezcal can significantly impact its taste? Let’s dive into the world of mezcal storage and why it’s so important.

The Proper Way to Store Mezcal

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how should you store your mezcal to ensure it stays as flavorful as possible? Here are some key tips:

  1. Keep it upright: Mezcal should be stored upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A liquor cabinet is a great place to keep the hard liquor.
  2. Seal it tight: Make sure the lid is on tightly, especially for an open bottle of mezcal. This prevents air from getting in and starting the oxidation process.
  3. Avoid heat and sunlight: Direct heat and sunlight can degrade the quality of your mezcal over time. Try to store your bottles in a place that stays consistently cool and dark.
  4. Consider the vessel: While the original bottle is usually the best storage vessel, traditional clay or ceramic bottles can also be used. These were the traditional ways of storing mezcal and can add a touch of authenticity to your storage.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Proper storage of mezcal is crucial to preserving its vibrant, complex flavors. Mezcal is known for its distinctive smoky flavor, with subtly sweet, fruity, and earthy notes that shine through when sipped slowly. However, improper storage can lead to a loss of these intense

How Long Can You Store Mezcal?

An unopened bottle of mezcal can last indefinitely, thanks to its high alcohol content. As long as you leave the bottle closed and store it properly, the mezcal will age slowly, potentially developing new flavors over time.

Once opened, a bottle of mezcal can still last for years. However, its flavor profile will likely begin changing after a year due to oxidation. To ensure you’re enjoying your mezcal at its best, aim to finish an opened bottle within a year.

In conclusion, storing your mezcal properly is key to preserving its unique, vibrant flavors. By following these storage tips, you can ensure that every sip of mezcal you take is as enjoyable as the last. So, here’s to good storage practices and even better mezcal!
flavors, leaving you with a spirit that’s a shadow of its former self.

What Happens If You Don’t Store Mezcal Properly?

If you don’t store your mezcal properly, it can lose its vibrant flavor profile. While mezcal doesn’t spoil due to its high alcohol content, it can dull in flavor and aroma over time. This is especially true if the bottle has been opened, as exposure to air can lead to oxidation, which can alter the spirit’s color, aroma, and most importantly, its flavor.

How to Tell When Mezcal Has Gone Bad

While mezcal doesn’t technically spoil, it can go “bad” in the sense that its taste and aroma can degrade over time. If your mezcal has a funky smell, bad taste, or off-putting color, it’s best to pour it down the drain and get yourself a new bottle. Remember, mezcal is meant to be enjoyed, and if it’s not giving you the pleasure it should, it’s not worth keeping.

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MezcAlex
Alex
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    Since 2018, Alex keeps coming back to Oaxaca to to enjoy the food and the agave spirits of this wonderful state. Favorite: Tepeztate.