As a sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that unopened Scotch does not get better with age. The aging process of Scotch whisky occurs while it is maturing in the cask, and once it is bottled and sealed, the flavors and characteristics of the whisky remain unchanged.
The taste profile of a whisky is primarily influenced by the wood in which it matures. During the aging process, the whisky interacts with the oak barrels, absorbing flavors and compounds from the wood. These interactions contribute to the development of flavors such as vanilla, caramel, and spices, as well as the smoothness and complexity of the whisky.
Once a whisky is bottled, the aging process stops. The flavors and aromas that have been developed during maturation are preserved in the bottle. Therefore, whether a whisky spends one year or thirty years on the shelf without being opened, it will still be the same whisky with the same taste profile it had when it was bottled.
There are several reasons why an unopened Scotch whisky does not change with age. Firstly, the whisky is sealed in a bottle, preventing any further interaction with the environment. Unlike wine, which can undergo subtle changes due to exposure to oxygen, whisky is not affected by air once it is bottled.
Additionally, the alcohol content of whisky acts as a preservative, helping to maintain its flavor and quality over time. The high alcohol content inhibits the growth of bacteria or other microorganisms that could cause spoilage or degradation of the whisky.
I have personally experienced the consistency of unopened Scotch whisky over time. I have had the opportunity to taste whiskies that have been stored for many years without being opened, and the flavor profiles have remained consistent with what was expected based on their age. This further reinforces the fact that the taste of whisky does not change while it remains unopened.
It is worth noting that although unopened Scotch whisky does not improve with age, it can still be affected by improper storage conditions. Exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, or fluctuations in temperature can potentially impact the quality of the whisky. Therefore, it is essential to store unopened bottles in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor and integrity.
The taste profile of Scotch whisky does not change if it remains unopened, regardless of the length of time it spends on the shelf. The flavors and characteristics of the whisky are developed during the maturation process in the cask, and once bottled, they are preserved until the bottle is opened. So, if you come across a bottle of three-year-old Scotch whisky that has been sitting unopened for decades, rest assured that it will still be a three-year-old whisky with its original flavor profile.