Why is “older” whiskey generally considered better than “newer” whiskey? And does this apply to all alcohol?

Question

Why is “older” whiskey generally considered better than “newer” whiskey? And does this apply to all alcohol?

In: 5690

Answer 1

The short answer is younger whiskeys have a harsher flavor. Proper aging helps to reduce or completely remove these harsh flavors and replace it with pleasant flavors.

I haven’t had aged versions of many spirits but the ones I have had (whiskey, rum, red wine, and gin) all of them have been smoother, been better tasting, and had less burn on the end.

One thing to think about how harsh unaged whiskey can taste is that unflavored moonshine is just unaged whiskey