Alcohol is usually found in every home. They are not always purchased for drinking. Sometimes they are just stored just in case. And then the question arises of how much time they can lie on the table. Year? Two? Maybe the shelf life is generally endless? But this is only one side of the issue. Packaging is of great importance. Today we will talk about whether it is possible to store alcohol in a plastic bottle.
Shelf life
Usually it is indicated on the package. But sometimes manufacturers ignore this point or indicate that the time limit is unlimited. At the same time, it appears in small print on the package that the product must be consumed in 12 months. Therefore, on the one hand, we understand that there is nothing to deteriorate there. But on the other hand, everyone realizes how severe the consequences of alcohol poisoning can be. Therefore, perforce, they will be wary of looking at a transparent liquid.
In fact, everything has a shelf life. But in the case of alcohol, much will depend on external conditions. Let's take a closer look at the conditions that must be observed.
What you need to know
So, so that alcohol or vodka can be considered usable, you need to check the following characteristics: what the product consists of and how it is stored. Moreover, the first item does not apply to alcohol if it is clean.
- Only at first glance all vodka is the same. Simple consists of ethyl alcohol and purified water. It will be stored almost forever, because there are no additives in it. But the drink can be reproached for not having a very mild taste. With special vodka, the situation is somewhat different. The specific additives that are needed to improve the taste can go bad. It is best to use such a product within 6 months from the date of manufacture.
- The second point is the packaging. And here we come to the main question: "Is it possible to store alcohol in a plastic bottle?" In fact, there can only be one answer. Only containers that do not react with alcohol are suitable for storage. That is, glass is an ideal option.
Storage rules
In principle, there is no shortage of this product today. Therefore, you can go to the store at any time and buy a bottle of vodka or take alcohol in a specialized department. But sometimes it happens to stumble upon a wholesale outlet, which is located far from home. Most often, sellers do not burden themselves with the need to purchase containers for the sale of products, and plastic packaging can be bought at any nearby store. But you need to remember in time whether it is possible to store alcohol in a plastic bottle.
- For normal preservation of the product, it is better not to violate the integrity of the factory packaging.
- Plastic for storing alcoholic beverages is not suitable. It interacts with alcohol and eventually forms toxic compounds.
- It is very important to tightly close the bottle. Alcohol is very volatile and evaporates quickly. Therefore, if you want to maintain the degree of the product, then you need to check the quality of the cover.
- If a cloudy precipitate forms at the bottom of the bottle, it is strictly forbidden to drink this drink inside. He became a real poison. Most often this happens if the packaging reacts with the contents.
Can alcohol be stored in a plastic bottle? Only if you need to transfer it from one point to another, where you will immediately transfer it to glass containers. But it’s better not to do that.
Storage conditions
It would seem that vodka is in the glass, everything is done correctly, which means you can not worry about the safety of the product. In fact, it is very important where this package is. Everyone should know how to store alcohol properly in order to avoid negative consequences.
Vodka is extremely negative about sunlight. In addition, she does not like high temperatures. Therefore, it is best to store it in a cool and dark place. Pure alcohol can also be put in the freezer - it still will not freeze. Yes, and as we have already found out, it is not alcohol that spoils at all, but additives. But just they will freeze, and then precipitate.
Another important point is the humidity in the room. Do not rely on the fact that you have a container for alcohol that is impervious to external influences. How to store alcohol is prescribed in special instructions. Humidity in the room should not exceed 85%. Therefore, raw basements are far from the best choice.
Tare quality
Of course, glass bottles are not very convenient. They are heavy, easily beat, they are extremely inconvenient to transport. Therefore, so often the question arises as to whether vodka can be stored in a plastic container. The quality of the material itself should be taken into account here. And you must make sure that there are no sources of open flame nearby, since plastic is an easily flammable material. It is quite easy to find out what material the container is made of. To do this, just look at the bottom where the markings are affixed. But even if high-quality material is selected, do not leave alcohol in it for a long time. This container is designed for temporary storage of the drink, great for its transportation.
Alternatives
Let's look at other ways of packaging, because each owner himself chooses what to store alcohol.
- Oak Barrels. Alcohol in them can be contained almost indefinitely. But to maintain the original taste and aroma will not work. In this case, the drink acquires a pleasant shade and an incomparable aroma, which is more a plus than a minus. The barrel "breathes" and oxygen interacts with alcohol. This contributes to the oxidation processes, due to which the drink acquires a new taste.
- Stainless steel tanks. Usually they store alcohol in industrial enterprises. Food grade steel is safe because it does not react with alcohol.
Expert Reviews
Regardless of the packaging chosen, storage conditions must be observed. It is allowed to store alcohol in the refrigerator, but not in the freezer. It must be remembered that it is strictly forbidden to store alcohol in a container that is not intended for food products. In this case, the distillate can be irreparably damaged. A darkened, cool place is best for storage. A dry basement may be ideal. Here, alcohol can stand for a long time.