Online whisky shops in Hong Kong have lately been quite busy with catering to an increased demand of well-aged whiskies, with the summer season, Father’s Day and junk boat parties going around this month.
There has been a spurt of growth in alcohol delivery in Hong Kong and whisky connoisseurs are only happy with the promptness of services rendered by online liquor stores like Liquidz at their doorsteps. Those who relish whisky know that whisky aging matters and they like to acquire and taste as old a whisky as they can get their hands upon!
We share with you in this article some interesting information about the aging of whiskies. This article will illuminate how patiently this masterpiece called whisky is aged by the expert distillers over the world, before you order it from a Hong Kong whisky shop.
What Is Whisky Aging?
Simply stated, whisky aging is the process of its maturation while it is stored in oak casks, after its distillation process is complete. Usually, it is not even characterized as a whisky unless it is allowed to mature for a minimum period of 3 years. Although, the alcohol content in whisky gets reduced over the years.
Different countries have different norms to call a whisky, a ‘whisky’. For instance a scotch is called so only after it has matured for a minimum period of 3 years and a day.
What Is The Whisky Aging Process?
After the distillation process is finished, the resultant beverage is stored in oak casks and its maturation begins.
During its maturation, the whisky assumes the characteristics of its environment which is the wooden cask and the air from the surrounding area which seeps in through the porous wood.
Whisky breaks down the sugar in the wooden casks and pulls it in to transform its taste & texture. It imparts to the whisky its own unique flavor, color and aroma. The whisky you’re relishing in your glass right now has sat undisturbed for years in a wooden cask.
Some high-quality whisky makers specially ‘condition’ the oak casks before storing the distilled beverage for maturation. They air-dry the wood for a long time and sometimes toast the inside of casks to infuse a gorgeous, caramel color in the whisky.
Every year, approximately 2% of the alcohol content of the whisky gets evaporated. Consequently, there is lesser whisky to be bottled in older casks.
Does Whisky Age In An Unopened Bottle?
As long as the bottle remains unopened, the official line is that the whisky inside it won’t change. However, it all comes down to how the oxygen will affect the liquid in the bottle.
For instance, wine inside a bottle sealed with a cork will see some slow oxidation. A loose cork will allow more air to come into contact with the wine which, in turn, will adversely change its texture and taste, exceptions being some red and white wines.
Extending the same principle to the whisky, similar changes can be expected depending on what type of closure is sealing the bottle. If it is a cork, oxidation of the whisky is bound to occur up to some extent. On the other hand, a screw cap sealing will give a reductive effect to the wine.
However, as ethanol content in whisky is higher than that in wine, whisky will absorb oxygen, reducing oxidative effects & slowing the process further.
Why Does Whisky Aging Matter?
Aging imparts to the whisky its unique taste, texture and aroma. Differently aged whiskies have different taste and aroma. The quality of wooden cask is also a contributing factor.
Many high-end whiskies have ages ranging between 10 years to 20 years. For instance, whiskies like The Glenlivet & The Macallan available at Liquidz, the online whisky shop in Hong Kong, are aged 18 years each. Also, there have been whiskies in the world which were aged for over 70 years!
The longer whisky sits in its wooden cask, the more features of the wood and its environment it absorbs, shaping up the taste and aroma of the whisky. Some people prefer longer aged whiskies.
The geographic location of the whisky storage also affects its maturity. Many American whiskies are aged for a minimum of 5 years whereas the whiskies of the Scots and the Irish, having cooler climate, take longer to mature, usually at least 10 years.
If the whisky is allowed to mature for too long, it might acquire a bitter & unpleasant taste owing to the over aging of the alcohol in it. It would happen even if the quality of the cask is not good enough.
Liquidz, an online liquor store for alcohol delivery in Hong Kong, has a collection of wide raging well-aged whiskies from all over the world. We also deliver world renowned & award winning Japanese whiskies the likes of Hakushu, Hibiki & Yamazaki, in addition to the European varieties like The Macallan, The Glenlivet & Chivas Regal.
If you’re a whisky fan, we guarantee that your favorite malt is just few clicks away, no matter what. This Hong Kong whisky shop will even customize your order as per your personal taste & expectations if you look forward to gift a Scotch to someone special.
Feel free to explore our enticing collection of Liquidz including spirits, champagne, wine, beer, liqueur and whisky.
