Why is “older” whiskey generally considered better than “newer” whiskey? And does this apply to all alcohol?
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Spirit industry expert:
Whiskey is aged in oak barrels or used barrels from rums, beers, or wines. These barrels will impart flavors to the whiskey as it ages. Now as whiskey ages in barrels you will also loose a portion to evaporation. This is called the angels share, part of the price is the distillery is still taxed for the lost amount. Now all whiskey is blended unless specified, so if you see an aged whiskey this is the minimum age and can contain much older whiskey. Usually there is a maximum age before whiskey starts tasting bad. Once a spirit is bottled the aging process stops. So drink your booze, and having a improperly cared for old bottle may actually taste bad or worse if it starts to evaporate. I’ve never had a whiskey or whisky I didn’t like but definitely have a ranking on my mind. From cheap stuff to Macallan M to beyond.
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