Have you ever visited a friend or family member who bragged about proudly opening the lid of a bottle of vintage wine or liquor? They proudly state the age of the bottle and go on to explain the history of this particular bottle and the company behind the name. Unfortunately, some people don’t realize that not all types of alcohol get better with age. There are some important alcohol ageing guidelines to keep in mind for enjoying that expensive bottle at the right time. One bottle will peak and sadly it’s all downhill from there.

 

Peak years for whiskey

Now the first important alcohol ageing rule to remember is that there are no rules that apply to all types of alcohol. In general, experts advise that a rye whiskey (rather than other grains or corn) is best consumed between the ages of 9 and 11. Bourbon, which is made with corn as the main ingredient, should be opened and consumed between 6 and 10 years of age. A bottle of scotch will depend on its type but, for the most part, they peak in their 20s.

 

Wood aged spirits

The guidelines mentioned above apply primarily to barrel-aged spirits. The type of wood and variety of alcohol will play a part in the ageing process. For example, bourbon is aged in new barrels, which means it can absorb the flavours of the wood easily and quickly. That means it will also peak soon. Scotch whiskey is aged in used casks which means it will take longer for the right flavour to be absorbed from the wood which is why it peaks later.

 

Higher alcohol content

In general, a bottle of 80 proof alcohol stored safely in a glass bottle probably won’t change much for several years. So once your bottle is safely stored in the cupboard or cellar, you don’t need to worry too much about this type of alcohol ageing poorly. That said, when you visit your local liquor store or bar, you might want to think twice before spending a hefty sum on a bottle of 40-year-old whisky. If you’re shopping for a whiskey gift or even a whiskey basket, you should definitely consider the age of the bottle if you’re trying to impress the recipient.

Finally, don’t forget that it’s always important to ensure that you store each bottle properly. Light, temperature and humidity are important when it comes to ensuring beneficial alcohol ageing. When a bottle is properly stored, it will keep that much better and longer. This varies depending on the type of alcohol so make sure that you research the bottle you have before choosing the right spot to allow it to age.