Much like a child matures over time, whiskey, brandy, and other aged alcohols become more refined as they spend years resting in a barrel. The aging process is vital to many styles of liquor as it gives them the color and flavor we expect.
Pot distilled spirits, on the other hand, retain more innate funk and character through the distilling process, and generally benefit from some aging—think Scotch, brandy, mezcal. There are exceptions, of course. (Bourbon is column distilled but very effectively aged.)
How to Tell the Age of Alcohol
Not all distilled spirits are aged and some must meet minimum requirements to be placed within a certain class. For example:
- Single malt scotch and Irish whiskeys must all be aged for a minimum of 3 years.
- Añejo tequila must be aged for at least 1 year but no more than 3 years (after 3 years, it is considered an extra añejo).
- Other spirits, such as rum, have no requirements for aging.
- Vodkas and gins are typically unaged.
Many times, especially in the case of whiskey, the label will indicate the liquors age. This is particularly true when the brand wants to show off how old the bottling is.
Other labels do not indicate the age at all. This is often because the distiller relies on a general aging time, and will fine-tune it according to taste. A fine example of this is Makers Mark, which is aged for nearly 6 years. At that mark, it is tested and aged further if needed or, according to the brand, “until it is fully matured.”
What Effect Aging Has on Liquor
When an alcohol enters the barrel it is clear and relatively flavorless, much like vodka. During its time in the barrel, it will pick up flavors and colors from the wood and become the dark spirit we are familiar with in the bottle.
First, you will notice that aged liquor is darker than unaged liquor. Think about it: whiskey has an amber or golden brown color while vodka is clear. This is because (most) whiskey is aged and vodka is not.
There are exceptions to this and in the world of whiskey; moonshine is a perfect example because it is unaged whiskey. Pisco is another example as this brandy cannot, by law, be aged in wood. Both moonshine and pisco are clear and colorless.
Thinking About Drinking Alcohol? 3 Things You Need to Know First | AAP
FAQ
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How much alcohol should a 65 year old drink?
One 12-ounce can or bottle of regular beer or wine cooler. One 5-ounce glass of wine. One 1.5-ounce shot glass of liquor at 80 proof or less. According to the National Institute on Aging, a healthy person age 65 or older should drink no more than seven alcoholic drinks in a week, with at most one drink for women and two for men on any given day.
What are some healthy drinks to take?
There are several healthy drink options that you can have. Some options include water flavored with fruits and herbs, coconut water, iced tea, iced coffee and natural juice. These drinks are great for maintaining hydration and providing important nutrients to the body.
How often do older adults drink?
Among the two-thirds of older adults who drank at least occasionally, key findings included: 42% drank once a month or less. About equal proportions (roughly 20% each) drank two to four times a month, two to three times weekly or at least four times weekly. 77% consumed one or two drinks on a typical day of drinking.
Can You moderate alcohol intake as you age?
Learn about the risks and potential solutions for moderating alcohol intake as you age. This article is based on reporting that features expert sources. As you get older, alcohol’s effects can catch up with you. Decades of heavy drinking may take a toll on the liver and brain and leave telltale signs on the skin.