As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that the age of a Scotch whisky is determined by the number of years it spends maturing in oak barrels. Once the whisky is transferred from the barrel to the bottle, the aging process essentially halts. This means that the 12-year-old Scotch whisky you discovered in your grandparent's house is indeed still just 12 years old.
To understand why this is the case, let's delve into the process of whisky aging. After distillation, whisky is typically aged in oak barrels, which impart flavors and characteristics to the spirit over time. During this maturation period, the whisky interacts with the wood, absorbing compounds such as tannins and lignins, which contribute to its flavor, color, and aroma.
The aging process is influenced by various factors, including the type of oak used, the size of the barrel, the climate of the maturation warehouse, and even the location within the warehouse where the barrels are stored. Over the years, the whisky undergoes chemical reactions that result in the development of complex flavors and the mellowing of harsh notes.
However, once the whisky is bottled, it is essentially removed from this aging environment. The bottle provides a stable and sealed container, protecting the whisky from further interaction with the outside world. While the flavors may continue to evolve subtly over time due to slow oxidation and changes in temperature, these changes are minimal compared to the transformative aging process that occurs in the barrel.
In fact, aging whisky in the bottle is often referred to as “stagnation” since the spirit no longer develops any new characteristics. This is why distilleries proudly state the age of their whiskies on the bottles, as it represents the time the spirit spent maturing in the cask.
It's important to note that the age statement on a bottle of whisky refers to the youngest whisky contained within it. For example, a bottle labeled “12 years old” will contain whisky that has been aged for at least 12 years, but it may also include older whiskies blended together to achieve a desired flavor profile.
While finding a bottle of 12-year-old Scotch whisky from your grandparent's house may not mean it's been aging for decades, it still holds its value and significance. It represents a snapshot of the whisky's age at the time of bottling and can provide a glimpse into the flavors and characteristics that have developed during its maturation.
The age of a whisky refers to the time it spent aging in oak barrels, and once bottled, it ceases to age further. So that 12-year-old Scotch whisky you uncovered is indeed 12 years old, and while it may not have additional aging, it still holds the craftsmanship and flavor profile that make Scotch whisky so revered.