Is Scotch changing over time?

Is a scotched bottled twenty or thirty years ago different than the exact same brand bottled today? I am directing this question to all scotches, blended and single malts. It just seems like there are too many variables and slight changes accumulate over long periods of time to create distinctive differences in taste and character.

Oh, maybe a really peaty or smokey single malt will still be very peaty or smokey, but because of changes in the environment, water, world temperatures, quality of barrels, frequency of opening and testing (tasting), or quality of ingredients that go into the makings............ it seems almost impossible to maintain the exact same flavor.

Even blenders change or die and new ones come in with their own preconceived notions. Has there been any definitive work done on this? I am thinking if there is a current bottling I really like, that I might buy a lifetimes supply and put it into my treasure room. Even blends.... what happens when there just isn't any more of that special single that was used as the base on which the flavor was constructed?

Jimmy

Reply to
Jimmy Smith
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  1. Better stock up on cans of Dinty Moore Beef Stew as well, before the formula changes.
  2. Define "lifetime."

  1. That's why distilleries have master tasters who do their blending.

  2. For a self-proclaimed newbie, Jim, you worry about a lot of pointless minutiae. Why not concentrate your energies on experiencing and enjoying the broad spectrum of whiskies available to you from all sources, and worry about disasters when they occur?

-- Larry

Reply to
pltrgyst

From the way he's been demolishing his '05 catch, it appears to me that Jimmy's definitely experiencing and enjoying the broad spectrum of whiskies available to him.

Reply to
n_cramerSPAM

Isn't that part of the joy? New adventures in trying new bottleings? It is for me anyway. Drink and enjoy and find the delights and diappointments then share what you learn with your friends.

Reply to
Merry D

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