How to Store a Hard Liquor Cork

Every cork in a collections serves as a reminder of an experience.

Storing a hard liquor cork in the right environment will keep it from drying out and becoming brittle. Once the seal of a hard liquor bottle has been breached it is best to either pour the liquor into a sealing decanter or replace the cork with a rubber stopper. Resealing the bottle of hard liquor air-tight prevents alcohol from evaporating and lowering the potency of the beverage. Hold onto the hard liquor corks to start a collection and remember your favorite varieties.

Things You'll Need

• Dark air-tight glass or plastic container
• Masking tape
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Allow the hard liquor cork to sit out on the counter overnight so that any absorbed alcohol evaporates. The concentrated levels of alcohol in hard liquor damage cork cells. Limit contact by storing unopened bottles upright.

2. Lower the hard liquor cork into a small, dark, air-tight container and replace the lid to achieve a secure seal. Dark containers prevent sunlight from fading the natural inks often used to print on cork.

3. Tear off a 2-inch strip of masking tape and press it onto the front center of the sealed container. Write "cork collection" or "hard liquor corks" on the masking tape label with permanent ink.

4. Place the sealed container with the label facing out in a cool, dark and dry area of the house like a wine cellar or pantry. Open the container as rarely as possible to extend the shelf-life of the cork beyond 20 years.

Tips & Warnings

• Many hard liquor corks are designed to be simply twisted out by hand. Avoid using a corkscrew if at all possible to reduce the damage to a hard liquor cork.

References

• The Kitchn: Does Liquor Ever Expire?
• Beekman Wines & Liquors: Corks