Does Older Whiskey Taste Better?

Ask a proper whiskey connoisseur, and they will tell you that as a whiskey ages, the taste becomes much more complex and better than the less mature version.

That being said, the taste is very much a subjective matter, and something that tastes good to you may not necessarily taste good to someone else. 

There are many best-quality whiskeys or rare bourbon online at bottlebroz or at many other whiskey stores. Some whiskeys tend to indicate that it has aged or even evaporated in the air as time passes. 

The storage of the whiskeys also has an important impact. Several distilleries store their whiskey barrels from all temperature fluctuations in a climate-controlled room. 

While we are on the topic of whiskey, you can also give Drambuie or any of its substitutes a try! Well, let’s see what the research says.

What The Research Says?

However, with certainty, what can be said is that an 18-year-old whisky will provide more flavor than one that has only aged for just a couple of years. 

The scientific research that has been conducted shows that as much as seventy percent of the flavor in a wood-stored whiskey comes from the wood.

For the liquid to start to absorb the flavors of the wood, it must be in constant contact with it for a minimum of two to three years.

The great thing about aging whiskey in wooden barrels is that the stronger flavors become smoother and more mellow over time. 

In contrast, the flavors that characterize whiskey, such as spices, fruits, and grasses, grow much stronger over time. 

Those true whiskey connoisseurs look for drinks that have mellowed out and contain sweet or smoky flavors infused with cherry, oak, and honey undertones. 

This comes from the older, more mature whiskeys that are not quite as sharp but have subtle and long-lasting flavors. 

The Point Of Maturity

It is important to remember that different types of whiskeys reach maturity at different stages. 

Whereas as some of them build up a complex combination of flavors over the years that they mature, others, in contrast, can grow to become much too woody with a bitter aftertaste.

 The process of getting this balance right comes down to the master distillers, who are in charge of aging the drink to that perfect point. 

For anyone who does not regularly drink whiskey, it can be difficult to pick up on which whiskeys are well-aged and which ones are not. 

Most will not be able to notice the difference between a thirty year aged single malt and something that has only been aged for a couple of years that has been picked up from the store. 

The optimum way of experiencing the different flavors that various types and brands of whiskey offer is by taking part in a tasting session where you get the opportunity to try drinks of a range of different ages. 

After doing so, you will be able to appreciate the flavors and tell the difference between 12-year-old, 18-year-old, 20-year-old, or even 30-year-old whiskey. If you want to take your love for Scotch Whiskey to next level you can check out whisky tours in Scotland with a bespoke whisky itinerary. You’re sure to find something you’ll like and that’s tasty and authentic whiskey. 

Evaporation Of The Whiskey

Whiskey goes through the evaporation process as it ages. This happens due to the impact of several factors such as container size, year of storage, and the climatic condition over there. 

The whiskey loses 40% of its flavor during its aging process. The whiskey drinkers may not particularly enjoy this taste as it is beyond convention. 

Over-Oaking Of Whiskey

Oaking of whiskey will make it taste bitter. It has to age until the optimal time to reach the best flavor. When it comes to aging, the ideal time is only between three to five years. 

If it is Bourbon or Scotch whiskey, it takes about 10 to 15 years. The lower temperature of Scotland makes it last longer. 

In moist and hot climates, the aging process is faster and is quite sooner with an extremely visible taste. 

How Long Should It Be Aged?

Normal straight whiskey age is around two years and more than that. It depends on the climatic condition of the region. 

Cooler places generally aid the whiskey in prolonging its shelf life longer. Some distilleries age whiskey for 10 to 20 years. 

Whiskey drinkers will take note of the fact that the spice and appearance of the whiskey as it ages. How it is distilled also affects the whiskey.

Keeping it in a barrel will help the whiskey get mature properly. The measure of optimal aging of the whiskey determines how distilled it is. 

Will Whiskey Age When Stored In A Bottle?

Aging the whiskey in a barrel is the best way to do it. However, if you store it in a bottle, the aging process just ceases without any improvement. 

If the bottle is preserved for 12 years, the age of the whiskey would still be 12 years and not a single minute more. 

Whiskey should be stored properly in order to be aged properly. If the storage is not perfect, its quality will deteriorate as it ages. A corked bottle can prolong its shelf life. 

If the cork is loose or is half functional, then there is every chance that the oxygen in the air could get meddled with the whiskey to tamper with its sanctity. 

Does Whiskey Expire?

An unopened bottle of whisky never expires. It lasts longer than 2 years. 

However, if you have used or opened it, there is a high chance that the whiskey must have been through the process of spoilage. 

If you have had whiskey, you must make sure you use the original bottle. The gap you give to the bottle is the space for the oxygen to meddle and spoil the whiskey. 

Conclusion

Whiskey is a tricky beverage that actually has a longer shelf life. Typically, the older that whiskey is, the more expensive it is. 

This is kind of obvious given the fact that a thirty-year-old whiskey has taken longer and required more man-hours and resources to be produced than a three-year-old whiskey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)