An 85-year-old whisky speaks volumes of the passage of time, having matured over many decades. Its depths offer a glimpse into a distant past, having transformed over those 85 years. The interaction between the ageing wood and the spirit has led to a delicate balance, offering richness from the cask and freshness from the original spirit. To taste an 85-year-old whisky is to journey through time, appreciating the myriad of flavours and the history it has silently imbibed.
The term "whisky" signifies a distilled spirit crafted from fermented grain mash in British tradition. It can incorporate grains such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat. The production of an 85-year-old whisky starts with malting. During this process, the grains are soaked, prompting them to sprout and convert starch into sugars. These grains are then milled and merged with water to form a mash.
This mash, destined to become an 85-year-old whisky, undergoes fermentation. Yeast is introduced, converting sugars into alcohol, producing a basic low-alcohol wash. The next step is distillation, taking place in large copper stills. Here, the wash is heated, with the resultant vapour captured and condensed, thus enhancing the alcohol content and refining the spirit.
Following distillation, the spirit which will become the 85-year-old whisky is placed into wooden barrels to mature. This ageing process is vital, as the spirit interacts with the wood, developing in complexity and taking on colour. The choice of barrel, be it American or European oak, and its prior use, for instance, housing bourbon or sherry, directly influences the final flavour of the 85-year-old whisky.
Across the globe, whisky has earned admiration, with aficionados appreciating its vast styles and nuances. Whether enjoyed in its pure form, diluted or as part of a cocktail, the 85-year-old whisky is a testament to the art of distillation and ageing.