How to distinguish real whiskey from fake: experts give useful tips

Do you remember how the classics enjoyed a friendly conversation over a glass of simple but delicious whiskey? We will share how to choose the right drink and avoid fakes.

When choosing whiskey, you should pay attention to the bottle, the inscriptions on it, and the color of the drink. In addition, remember that cheap whiskey cannot be good. This is whatAlcomag writes about.

How to distinguish real whiskey from fake:

Visual inspection:

Bottle:

• The shape: Famous brands usually use a unique bottle shape that is difficult to copy. Compare the bottle with the images on the manufacturer's official website.
• Quality: The bottle should be made of thick glass without defects, and the seams should be smooth.

Label:

• Information: The label must clearly and legibly print all information about the product: name, manufacturer, country of origin, strength, composition, date of bottling.
• Excise stamp: The presence of an excise stamp is mandatory for legally sold alcohol.

Cork:

• Material: The cork must be made of cork, not plastic.
• Logo: The cork often has a brand logo on it.

Taste and flavor:

Color: Real whiskey has a rich color from light golden to dark amber. An unnaturally bright or cloudy color can be a sign of a fake.

Aroma: The whiskey should contain notes of malt, oak, fruit, smoke, and spices. A counterfeit may have an alcoholic odor or the smell of fusel oils.

Taste: The taste of whiskey should be mild, balanced, without harsh alcohol notes. The aftertaste should be long and pleasant.

Additional tips:

• Buy whiskey in trusted stores.
• Do not be fooled by too low prices.
• Before buying, study the information about the whiskey brand you choose.
• Use special mobile apps to check excise stamps.

How to tell if whiskey is spoiled:

Whiskey is a strong alcoholic beverage with a long shelf life. However, some factors can lead to its spoilage.

Signs of spoiled whiskey:

• Discoloration: Darkening or discoloration of whiskey can be a sign of spoilage.

• Cloudiness: Cloudiness or sedimentation in the whiskey indicates that it is unusable.
• Unpleasant odor: A rancid, sour, or alcoholic odor is a sign of spoilage.
• Change in flavor: A bitter, sour, or metallic taste of whiskey indicates that it has spoiled.

Factors that can lead to whiskey spoilage:

• Improper storage: Whiskey should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from heat and light sources.
• Contact with oxygen: After opening the bottle, the whiskey should be tightly closed to avoid contact with oxygen.
• Expiration date: Whiskey has no official expiration date, but its flavor may change over time.

How should whiskey taste?

The taste of whiskey depends on many factors:

Type of whiskey:

• Malt: fruity, floral, spicy, smoky.
• Blended: softer, more balanced, with notes

As a reminder, we have already written how to distinguish a branded item from a fake.

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