How old should the best Scotch Whisky be?

It is not possible to lay down any precise age as being the best for a particular whisky. Generally speaking, Malt Whiskies require longer to mature fully than Grain Whiskies. The law insists that Scotch Whisky shall be at least three years old, and many overseas countries have similar provisos varying from three to five years. It is the practice of the trade to mature for substantially longer than the legal minimum. Malt Whiskies are normally matured for up to 15 years and sometimes even longer. When an age is quoted for a blended whisky, it is the age of the youngest single Malt or Grain Whisky in the blend, no matter how small the amount. It is never an average.

© SWA 1995