What alcohol ages in the bottle?

Well, well, well! Look who wants to know the ins and outs of aging alcohol in a bottle. Are you trying to impress your friends with some fancy wine knowledge? Or maybe you just want to impress yourself with how cultured and sophisticated you are. Either way, I’ve got your back.

Before we get started though, let’s clarify one thing: aging alcohol does not mean letting it sit on a shelf for years until it turns into vinegar or drain cleaner. No no no my friend, that is not how this works.

Now that we’ve cleared up any misconceptions let’s dive right into what actually happens when certain types of alcoholic beverages are aged in a bottle.

Let’s Talk About Wine

Ah, yes. The nectar of the gods. But did you know that only certain types of wines should be aged? That’s right folks – some bottles should be opened immediately while others can mature over time, creating richer flavors and aromas.

Red Wines

Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah have high levels of tannins (compounds from grape skins) which act as natural preservatives allowing them to age gracefully without spoiling (yes that was an intended pun) over several decades even!

As red wine ages these tannins soften up resulting in smoother mouthfeel with rounded-out flavours like hints black cherry and oak undertones for instance toastiness vanilla notes- exciting stuff really!

When decanting old red wines remember: sediment is totally ok so don’t freak out if some appear towards bottom after standing upright for awhile- simply pour off gently leaving behind precipitate before serving within reasonable time frame 30 minutes – couple hours tops depending on vintage & specific taste preference!

White Wines

On other side Chardonnay’ more delicate fruit tastier white-varietals ages not are wonderful also can a-sit while high suggesting doesn’t good it because usually not is but too much done to how about all? ^(#confusing)

Better stick to ageing these beauties in oak barrels or bonded stainless steel tanks rather than bottles, which will alter the original flavour.

The Spirit of Spirits

Unlike wine, most spirits don’t change their flavours when stored in a bottle and unless it has special instructions (like whiskies) straight outta barrel then being bottled for drinking as such wouldn’t benefit from further aging- hence why we drink them neat or mix into cocktails right off-the-bat.

Whisky & Bourbon

However, on some occasions whisky makers do choose to age varieties like Scotch single malts or bourbon outside of barrels instead transfering their liquid gold onto wooden casks rumoured previously housing red wines sherry apple brandy blends called solera systems order encourage blending effects that give different taste complexity depth by batch-to-batch creations!

Tequila and Mezcal

Tequila aficionados might be aware that true tequilas (“100% agave”) get aged in oak casks no more than 2 months unlike mezcal “aged-in-oak” offering its signature smokiness once again confirming-wine-barrels-used-tequilas-don’t-exactly-count-as-aged-alcohol-yet-nevertheless-vital-information!

Don’t forget that Mezcal goes through an even less known production process where pulque (underdeveloped sap extracted from the heart Agave plants) gets fermented before distilled giving complex flavors ranging faintly sour earthy-noses! So Happy Exploration 🌵🥳

Beer Not Always Best Aged

Guess what folks – some beers shouldn’t be aged at all! Unlike wine which gradually gains character with extended storage time, beer does not follow suit; hoppy bitterness fades away and carbonation decreases over time resulting in less satisfying quaffs- high-alcohol ones specifically done fermenting or spontaneous bottle conditioning/funky cellar types considered exceptions though!

The Verdict

So there you have it – a guide to which alcohol should and should not be aged. Just remember folks, aging your liquor is like storing food in the fridge; some items get better with time and develop richer flavors…while others just grow moldy.

Cheers!

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