What’s Important About Aging Liquor?
In our last post, we discussed how Maker’s Mark is planning to release a new bourbon that is aged for a more prolonged period in special wooden barrels. Maker’s is one of several whiskeys and bourbons that are experimenting with the aging process.
But what is important about the aging process, and how can variations in aging technique have different effects on the flavor of the liquor? Paul Clarke of Serious Drinks posted a good summary of the topic in December, check it out.
Link: http://tinyurl.com/yh9jg9a
In short, the aging process mellows the harsh edge of the alcohol and lets the liquor absorb some characteristics from the wood, including the color and flavors like vanilla, caramel, and chocolate. Different types of wood can add different flavors or textures to the spirit.
