"Artistry in Oak, the 85-year-old single-malt Scotch distilled at The Glenlivet and released by independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, sat on a pedestal covered by a velvet cloth. Behind it, a dramatic video showed storm clouds moving across a darkened sky. When the cloth was whisked off, the room burst into deferential applause. I opened the small box in front of me, which contained a tiny sample of the liquid and an acorn made from reclaimed wood. I felt nervous just handling the glassware."
"Most whisky has an age statement, particularly in the world of single-malt Scotch. Core brand lineups usually range from 10 or 12 years up to 25 or 30. Occasionally, brands release high-end special whiskies bottled at 40 or 50 years old. However, as any whisky drinker who has spent some time learning about the category should knowand this is importantage is not necessarily a marker of high-quality flavor. In fact, sometimes it's the opposite. Take Kentucky bourbon. When that kind of whiskey reaches around 20 years old, it can taste like sucking on wet, tobacco-soaked wood."
An 85-year-old single-malt Scotch called Artistry in Oak was presented at a tasting at Christie's in New York, displayed on a pedestal with theatrical presentation. Attendees received tiny samples and tactile keepsakes while some felt nervous handling the precious glassware. The experience raised the question of whether extreme age equates to superior taste. Typical single-malt age statements range from about 10–30 years, with special releases older. Age alone does not ensure better flavor; environmental factors and cask interaction can make very old whiskies develop undesirable notes, illustrated by aged Kentucky bourbon examples.
Read at www.esquire.com
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