Any rules of thumb for buying whisky to keep for 20+ years?

Yes. Don't.

Keep it upright. Out of the light. Preferably in a wine fridge/cellar.

 

The issue will be keeping the cork moist so expect it to be dry and crumbly when finally opened.

It's not going to get any better in the bottle. Just drink it.

It's for a gift for a child to open on their 21st...

It's not going to get any better in the bottle. Just drink it.

No, but it might appreciate in value. Particularly if it is a limited edition like the Glenfarclas 175.

I opened a bottle a few weeks back given to me as a gift and the cork was practically saw dust when i went to crack it open for the first time. This particular bottle had been stored upright in a hot humid cupboard (Singapore) for 20 years.

 

After straining it a few times to take out the lumps   it was surprisingly still intact and not particularly effected by its harsh conditions.

Make sure they already enjoy whisky by the time they are 21 or it will be a waste!

It's for a gift for a child to open on their 21st...

I have a bottle of 21 year old Whyte & Mackay (blended unfortunately) that was given to me on my 21st birthday (some 33 years ago). As I wasn't much of a whiskey drinker back then, it went into the cupboard.

The plan is to open it on the birth of my first grandson. My daughter asked "what if it's a girl"? I replied "well, it will stay unopened!". You should of seen the look on her face (I was only kidding).

I have a bottle of 21 year old Whyte & Mackay (blended unfortunately) that was given to me on my 21st birthday (some 33 years ago).

 

That old W&M would be no slouch and would give some high end single malts a run for the money IMO. Should be an amazing experience when shes finally opened.

Don't store on the side for extended periods as the spirit will eat up the cork. On the other hand storing it upright will dry out the cork...

 

It's a problem isn't it?

 

I recommend drinking even the expensive ones and replacing them with even more expensive ones. I recommend storing upright in one's tummy.

Yes. Don't.

 

I agree. My understanding is that Whisky is aged by the distiller in a barrel, not by the owner in a bottle. Wine is very different and can, and often should, be aged in the bottle. Whisky? Drink it 

 

DS