[#WhiskyPhTip]. Palate Training: Young vs. Old Whisky.

For this week’s project I want to compare “young” whiskies against the “older” whiskies that I have. Today’s lineup is an 8yo Miltonduff, 10yo laphroaig, 26yo Glenlossie and 34yo Girvan.

Save for the Laphroaig, the three other bottles I’m using are all single cask whiskies. This means that while the youngest component of the Laphroaig is 10yo, it could contain whiskies that were matured for longer.

In contrast, each of the other 3 bottles were matured in wooden barrels in exactly the same number of years as the age statement that appears in the bottle.

Clearly the younger whiskies are the Laphroaig and the Miltonduff, while the two #SMWS bottles are the older ones. Let’s see what we can gather by comparing these 4 side by side.

The younger whiskies are a little bit rougher along the edges. They tend to be sharper on both the nose and a bit harsher on the palate. They tend to be a little more simple and straightforward on the notes.

In contrast, the older whiskies, while still very hot (considering the high ABV) are a bit tamer. The pinch of the alcohol blends better with the emerging flavors. They’re also more complex, which means that if you can be patient with it there are more notes to be discovered.

The Miltonduff 8yo is a typical young whisky. Sharp, simple, a little off balance, though still interesting.

The Girvan 34yo is a typical old whisky. Dark, brooding, woody and delightfully complex. Maturing 34 years in a new hogshead cask helps develop this “old” character.

The Laphroaig 10yo is interesting. Drinking it side by side with older whiskies highlights some of those (salty bar table peanut tasting) impurities. Though they do say the peat character comes out better in younger whiskies.

The Glenlossie 24yo is here to break stereotypes. Light in color and not really woody, owing to being matured in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead. It has a clear and distinct flavor base of tropical citrus fruits and honeycombs.

Great drinks. Cheers!

Image Courtesy of @WhiskyPH

@WhiskyPH

At its core, whisky appreciation is an exercise in memory. Notes of a whisky enthusiast in the Philippines. 🥃🇵🇭