As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had extensive experience with storing various spirits, including gin. When it comes to choosing the right container for storing gin, it is important to consider the permeability factor. Plastic bottles, although widely used for packaging beverages, are not as impermeable as glass bottles.
One of the main concerns with storing gin in a plastic bottle is its permeability to air and gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. Plastic is more porous compared to glass, which means it allows a certain amount of air and gases to pass through its walls. This can have a detrimental effect on the quality and flavor of the gin over time.
Oxygen is one of the biggest enemies when it comes to preserving the integrity of spirits like gin. It can react with the compounds in the gin, leading to oxidation and ultimately affecting the taste and aroma. Glass bottles, on the other hand, are impermeable to oxygen, providing a better barrier and preserving the gin's quality for a longer duration.
Another factor to consider is the potential for plastic bottles to absorb and retain odors. Gin has delicate botanical flavors and aromas, and it is important to store it in a container that won't alter or absorb any unwanted smells. Plastic bottles are more likely to absorb odors from the environment, which can then transfer to the gin and affect its taste.
In my personal experience, I once stored gin in a plastic bottle for a prolonged period, and when I eventually opened it, I noticed a slight off-flavor and a loss of the gin's original vibrancy. This confirmed my belief that plastic is not the ideal material for storing gin.
To summarize the reasons why glass is a better choice for storing gin:
1. Impermeability: Glass bottles provide a better barrier against oxygen and other gases, preserving the quality and flavors of the gin for a longer duration.
2. Odor absorption: Plastic bottles are more likely to absorb and retain odors from the environment, which can then affect the taste and aroma of the gin.
3. Preserving botanical flavors: Gin often contains a variety of botanicals that contribute to its unique taste. Glass bottles do not alter or interfere with these delicate flavors.
4. Longevity: With its impermeability and ability to preserve the gin's quality, glass bottles allow for longer storage without compromising the taste.
While it may be tempting to store gin in a plastic bottle for convenience or cost-saving reasons, it is not the best choice when it comes to preserving the quality and flavors of the spirit. Opting for glass bottles ensures a better storage environment, allowing the gin to maintain its original characteristics for a longer duration.