At 7 years old, the character of the whisky begins to reveal itself with greater subtlety. The period spent in the cask has started to soften its harsher notes, imparting the spirit with faint touches of caramel, subtle fruity undertones, and a hint of spice. With each passing year, its complexity deepens, weaving a story that eloquently expresses its journey.
Whisky, or "whiskey" in certain regions, is a distilled alcoholic drink made from fermented grain mash. The grains used in whisky production may comprise barley, corn, rye, and wheat. The process of creating whisky is meticulous and laden with tradition. It starts with malting, where the grains are soaked and allowed to germinate, converting starches to fermentable sugars.
Following this, the grains are ground and mixed with water, forming a mash. This mash undergoes fermentation, typically with yeast added, transforming sugars into alcohol. The resultant liquid, referred to as “wash,” has a low alcohol content and is ready for distillation.
Distillation is conducted in large copper pot stills or column stills, where the wash is heated, its vapours rising, then cooled and condensed back into liquid, increasing alcohol content and removing impurities. The liquid, now a “new make spirit,” is placed in wooden barrels for maturation, spanning several years. This 7-year-old whisky’s flavour complexity, colour, and character develop during this ageing process as it interacts with the wood. The type of barrel, be it American oak, European oak, or the barrel’s previous contents, like bourbon or sherry, can influence the final taste of the whisky.
Globally, whisky is a beloved spirit among connoisseurs, and its widespread popularity has resulted in a variety of styles and flavours, each uniquely tied to its production region. Whisky can be enjoyed in various ways: neat, with a drop of water, or in a cocktail. Each serving of this 7-year-old whisky offers a timeless and refined experience, highlighting the spirit's maturity and the skill involved in its creation. Through its subtle complexities and rich history, this 7-year-old whisky stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of this sophisticated spirit.