Nice article about whisky storage
Unlike wine, whisky "prefers" standing than lying down. It suits it better too. Always store whisky bottles in a vertical position.The reason for that is whisky's high concentration of alcohol (40% Vol+), which means that if the cork comes into contact with the whisky it will decay and gradually disintegrate, allowing oxygen to enter the bottle and oxidise its content, thus affectingits taste.
http://www.singlemaltlodge.com/blog/ite ... ore-whisky