How to Store Tequila

Despite what you’ve heard, Cinco de Mayo is not actually Mexican Independence Day (that actually happened long before the event that the 5th of May is linked with). In Mexico, the date actually commemorates an important 1862 battle in which the Mexican army defeated French troops during the Franco-Mexican War. In the US, however, Cinco de Mayo is just a pretty good excuse to eat guacamole, throw wild parties and of course, drink unfathomable amounts of tequila.

If you’re looking to store tequila inside something besides your own body, self storage can help. Here’s how to keep the famed Mexican spirit safe in your storage unit without spilling a drop.

Understanding Tequila

Tequila gets kind of a bad rap. We grimace when we take shots of it. We tell stories about the crazy things it’s made us do. We give each other knowing looks when someone takes a bottle of it out of the liquor cabinet as if to say I didn’t know it was going to be this kind of a party.

But the truth is, tequila can be just a refined as an elegant glass of scotch and just as worthy of proper storage as your wine collection is.

Tequila gets its name from the city it is made in and around. It is distilled from the Blue Agave plant. Higher quality tequila contains more than 51% Blue Agave.

Tequila is sold in five categories, ranging from the swill you regret taking shots of to fine sipping tequila, which is often enjoyed after a nice meal. There’s Blanco Tequila, which is unaged, Joven Tequila, which is pretty much the same with the exception of the addition of caramel-colored syrup. There’s Reposado Tequila, which is aged for 2-12 months, Anejo Tequila, which is aged for 1-3 years and finally Extra-Anejo Tequila which is aged for more than 3 years.

The longer a tequila is aged as well as the barrel in which it is aged will affect the nuances of flavor and smoothness in a way that is not dissimilar to wine.

In other words, having a storage unit full of tequila actually makes you sophisticated and worldly. You heard it here first.

Packing Tequila

When packing up your tequila collection, use boxes from your liquor store. Ideally, you’ll want something like this box that prevents bottles from shifting around. Snug is the name of the game, so if there are any gaps between bottles, fill the space with newspaper or tissue paper.

Climate Control

Like most of us during a 6th of May hangover, tequila prefers a cool, dark setting.

Choose a storage unit with climate control, especially if you’re storing long term. Heat will change the flavor of the alcohol and humidity will ruin the labels on the bottle, which is something that you might want to keep intact if you have a collectible tequila.

Don’t Store Open Bottles

Like wine, the quality of tequila will degrade (albeit at a slower rate) if you have an open, unfinished bottle for a long period of time. Open bottles of tequila may also have some of that sticky, liquor residue on them which will attract pests to your storage unit.

Be Gentle

Don’t stack boxes of tequila on top of each other—or for that matter, on top of anything. They should always be placed on the floor of your storage unit, towards the back.

Get Permission

Obviously, if you’re under 21, don’t store tequila in your storage unit.

It’s also worthwhile to ask your storage facility whether or not they’re cool with you storing alcohol. In most cases, they’ll be fine with it, but it’s smart to check just in case.

Once you’ve gotten the go-ahead, packed up the goods, you’re all set to store your tequila. We’ll have the chips and salsa waiting when it’s time to take it out again.