Easy question...new to Whisky

[medic2872]

Hello, I have recently learned of my love for scotch. I have a bottle of 12 yr. MaCallans currently. Here is my question: I store it in it's leather bag, in a kitchen cabinet (away from all light), in a room that gets no warmer at times than 72 degrees. But, it only tastes like new for a week or so before I notice a change. After a month or two it no longer resembles its original taste. Why does this happen? Any ideas / suggestions?

[Jojo]

After such a short time, the taste of your Macallan - as long as it's properly sealed - should not change so incredibly quickly. Perhaps it's your palate? Actually, the first time I had Macallan 18 yo, it was so amazing, I bought a bottle that week. The second time I had it, it tasted so differently - it was much better the first time at the restaurant. I soon came to realize it was my palate - definitely not The Macallan. Try complementing your scotch with different foods and you'll see how the taste can change. Let us know how it goes.

[medic2872]

Ok thanks! I will try and see what happens. I usually enjoy it at night, without food, so I just found it odd that I noticed such a drastic change. Do you have any optimal storage tips? Also, how long after being opened should a properly stored bottle last?

[Jonathan D.]

Being a distilled spirit, scotch tends to be pretty stable once it's in the bottle, if anything it would be exposure to air that could impact the flavors, but as long as the cap/cork is on tight you should be OK.

As Jojo mentions, this is more likely a result of your palate because you mentioned you are new to scotch. When you are new to a particular spirit, it may take some time for you to notice various subtleties that you would not have picked up on at first.

Gaining an experienced palate in regards to whisky or other spirits is often a good thing, since it can allow you to more fully appreciate the craft of making a particular spirit, or recognize some very subtle flavors you were searching for based on tasting notes. But for someone new to scotch, those distinctions can be much more difficult.

The flip side is that as you gain experience in tasting whisky, you will come to find that you don't like some brands as much as you initially did because you began to pick up on flavor characteristics that you don't find as pleasant. This can be unfortunate, and it can also become quite costly as you begin to move up the price ladder to find a whisky that better fits your rapidly sensitizing palate!

Good luck, it may be a bit pricey, but it's fun :D

[Jojo]

medic2872 - Jonathan D. is exactly right from A-Z. Another example I have is Glengoyne 10 year old. My husband found it for a great price and bought a bottle. The first time I tried it I thought it was just OK and pretty much summed it up to 'oh, just a light summer scotch'. Not sure how much time had passed before the second time I tried it, but it was like a whole new experience and definitely not just a light scotch- but one that still today remains one of my favorites.

Have fun in your adventure in trying new scotches. Check with your local liquor stores to see if there are any upcoming scotch events (although you'll likely have to wait for fall and winter when tastings are usually held). You can also start your own scotch club and everyone brings a bottle - this way you get the opportunity to try different scotches without having to buy the whole bottle. Also, as for tastings, they can be a bit pricey too, however, the ones we have here include dinner and not just apps and for me, it's always a wonderful night out.

[medic2872]

Thank you all for the great info & replies!!