Technically, it only takes a few days to make a barrel of whisky, but it takes time for that golden beverage’s taste to mature. Although you could drink it straight away, it wouldn’t be the peaty, rich liquor that whiskey fans typically relish. So what transpires in the months, years or even decades that a whiskey is left to age?
When whisky is first distilled and sealed up in its barrel, it’s more like moonshine than what you’d expect from a spirit like scotch or bourbon. Instead of golden-brown, brand-new whisky is perfectly clear and tastes a lot like the malted barley it’s made from. But as soon as it goes into a wooden barrel, things start getting interesting. Continue reading
