A 10-year-old whisky truly exemplifies the virtue of patience and the mastery of the distillation craft. Over a decade, the spirit matures, balancing youthful vigour with the smoothness that comes with age. Each year adds unique and indelible characteristics to the 10-year-old whisky, underscoring the transformative power of time.
Belgium, traditionally celebrated for its exceptional beer, has more recently made its mark in the whisky distilling world. Beginning in earnest in the early 2000s, this new venture reflects the country’s longstanding passion for fermentation and distillation, previously manifested in their globally acclaimed beer. The mild maritime climate of Belgium, especially in regions like the Ardennes, provides an ideal setting for the 10-year-old whisky to mature gracefully, absorbing subtle flavours from the casks. This results in a refined character that ranges from delicately fruity to intriguingly spicy, depending on the methods used in production.
Distinctive in its approach, Belgian whisky is deeply tied to the country’s rich brewing heritage. It is not uncommon to find distilleries using malted barley, usually reserved for beer, introducing unique fermentation characteristics and indigenous yeast profiles to the 10-year-old whisky. This marriage of beer malts and whisky distillation results in a spirit uniquely Belgian, blending the nation’s brewing traditions with its burgeoning whisky craft.
The flavour profiles of Belgian whiskies are remarkably diverse, spanning from light, floral varieties reminiscent of Scotch from the Lowlands to richer, more complex types. This diversity is further enriched by innovative cask usage, with former sherry, wine, or iconic Belgian ale barrels all contributing additional flavour dimensions to the 10-year-old whisky. At the heart of Belgian whisky production lies a commitment to innovation. Distillers embrace a variety of grains, including barley, rye, and spelt, each bringing their own flavour nuances to the whisky. The adventurous cask selection, including local oak varieties, provides a spectrum of tannic influences and tasting notes, setting Belgian 10-year-old whisky apart.
Although the Belgian whisky industry is still in its infancy, it is swiftly gaining international acclaim, with exports on the rise and several whiskies receiving prestigious awards. Belgian 10-year-old whisky stands as a testament to the country’s rich brewing heritage, seamlessly blended with an innovative approach to spirit production, yielding a whisky category that is complex, distinctive, and thoroughly Belgian.