2007-11-13 16:34:44 · 3 answers · asked by dkharvie 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Beer, Wine & Spirits
Most whiskeys are "blended whiskeys" where they combine a number of different vintages (production years) to achieve some uniformity in taste from year to year.
Scotch Whisky (without the "e") - are mostly single malts - which means they are produced with a select variety of grains and do not blend year to year. Scottish Law dicates that anything advertised as Scotch must be distilled in Scotland and aged for a certain amount of years. The number of years aged means that more characteristics of the wood barrels and area climate are imparted on the Scotch.
2007-11-13 16:46:08 · answer #1 · answered by nate o 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It matters for all whiskies, including Canadian and American. In addition, all brandies and wines benefit from the aging process.
The purpose of aging whiskies is to soften them, give them some color and take on certain characteristics of the barrel either oak or sherry casks.
2007-11-14 07:44:16 · answer #2 · answered by liorio1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The number of years aged is not exclusive to scotch. There is also rule for bourbon whiskey.
More specifically, for a bourbon to be called 'straight bourbon' it must have been aged for at least two years in new charred oak.
Many years ago, I got to tour Makers Mark distillery. I highly recommend it. I only wish they let us have taste testing at the end of the tour.
Edit: As to the root of your question: The reason for aging is to allow the contents to mellow or for it's flavor to change (or as stated on wkikpedia "mature").
2007-11-14 00:40:27 · answer #3 · answered by David M 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋