Whisky evolution around the world has been complex, diverse and revolutionary in all its dimensions. With new and independent bottlers coming up today and higher variety and quality available there are also proponents of traditional form of whisky. Critics point out that older Scotches were more characterful due to longer cask maturation and less focus on mass production. Modern whisky lovers highlight craft distilleries adding exciting new dimensions to the scene. Comparing whiskies across decades is a tricky and delicate topic but here are some of the changes across borders and time zones.
It is apparent that changes in barley varieties, cask types, production methods, and consumer preferences have made direct comparisons difficult. Such differences have added to more subjectivity ; what one might find harsh or unbalanced, others might find it to be smoother and taste worthy. Today’s whisky offerings have something for everyone with a broader range of palates and budgets. Back in the 1980s, there wasn’t much demand leading to lesser production but later in the 2000s, the market went through drastic changes, with a booming industry and more investment in better barrels and advanced equipment.
Today, it costs a fortune to buy whisky due to prices skyrocketing. Production and maturation is done differently today while back in the day, only the best barrels were used for single malts. More technology means less human touch and more consistency which might lead to a decrease in quality. On the other hand, there has been a shift from sherry casks to only American oak that gives the whisky a unique flavour profile. Aficionados miss the old-school flavours but at the same time, some wait eagerly for wider variety, new innovations and diverse flavour palates.
Having said that, for some, whisky might be worse than it was 20 years ago, for many distilleries haven’t been able to maintain their legacies. On the contrary, there has been tremendous improvement in terms of cask-strength and non-chill filtered whiskies. Along with plenty of options, there are far more options for whisky drinkers in general. The Internet boom has indeed played an essential role in educating whisky-makers about consumer feedback, likes and dislikes, what goes into production and how distilleries function. There’s no doubt whisky is diversifying with time and surely helps one raise the glass and appreciate the nuances of the same.
