Ancient Ancient Age bourbon is a brand that has a long history in the whiskey industry. It used to carry a 10-year age statement many years ago, which indicated that the bourbon had been aged for at least a decade before being bottled. However, due to the bourbon boom and increased demand for aged whiskey, Ancient Ancient Age has had to make some changes.
Currently, it is rumored that Ancient Ancient Age bourbon is only around 36 months old. This means that the whiskey has been aged for approximately three years before being released to the market. This is a significant decrease in the aging process compared to its previous 10-year age statement.
The reason behind this change is primarily due to the popularity and demand for bourbon in recent years. The bourbon industry has experienced a surge in popularity, resulting in a shortage of aged whiskey stocks. As a result, many distilleries have been forced to release younger whiskeys without age statements or with shorter aging periods.
It is important to note that the age of a bourbon does not solely determine its quality. While older bourbons tend to have more complex flavors and smoother profiles, younger whiskeys can still offer enjoyable drinking experiences. The taste and character of a bourbon depend on various factors, including the distillation process, the quality of the ingredients, and the aging conditions.
Personal experiences and preferences also play a significant role in how one perceives the age of a bourbon. Some people may prefer older, more mature bourbons with deep oak flavors, while others may appreciate the vibrancy and freshness of younger whiskeys.
In my own experience, I have tried both older and younger bourbons, and I have found that age is not always the most crucial factor in determining the quality of the spirit. I have come across younger bourbons that were exceptionally well-crafted, with unique flavor profiles and enjoyable sipping experiences. On the other hand, I have also tasted older bourbons that did not meet my expectations in terms of taste and complexity.
It is worth noting that some distilleries have implemented creative techniques to compensate for the lack of aging time. For example, they may use smaller barrels or employ innovative maturation methods to accelerate the aging process and achieve desired flavor profiles in a shorter period.
While Ancient Ancient Age bourbon used to carry a 10-year age statement, the current rumor suggests that it is now around 36 months old. The decrease in aging time is a result of the high demand for bourbon and the depletion of aged whiskey stocks. However, it is important to remember that the age of a bourbon does not solely determine its quality, and personal preferences and experiences can vary.