For years, whisky lovers have equated age statements with quality. A 12, 15, or 18-year-old bottle seems safer, more premium, and more desirable. But is that number on the label truly the best way to judge what’s inside the bottle?
The debate between age-statement whiskies and non-age-statement (NAS) whiskies continues to divide the whisky world. The answer is far more nuanced than many think.
What Is an Age Statement?
An age statement tells you the youngest whisky in the bottle. A 12-year-old scotch might contain older spirit, but never anything younger. It’s a legal guarantee, offering a sense of transparency and, for many, a shorthand for quality.
For some distilleries, age statements are a badge of honor. Maintaining a core range of age-stated expressions signals consistency and commitment to tradition. That’s why iconic bottles like The Glenlivet 12 or Redbreast 12 enjoy such loyal followings.
Why NAS Whiskies Exist – and Succeed
Not every great whisky wears its age on its sleeve. NAS whiskies partly arose from necessity, especially in Japan, where booming demand rapidly outpaced supply. Initially met with skepticism, these NAS releases have gone on to include some outstanding expressions.
Hibiki Harmony, introduced after Suntory paused its aged range, is a blend that showcases the artistry of Japanese whisky-making. In Scotland, Ardbeg Uigeadail – a peated NAS expression – has earned global acclaim for its deep complexity.
The absence of a number doesn’t mean the absence of quality. Master blenders often craft NAS whiskies by marrying younger, vibrant spirits with older, richer ones to achieve a flavor profile that age-stated bottlings can’t always replicate.
Regional Differences in Age Philosophy
Attitudes to age vary across regions, shaped by climate, regulation, and tradition.
- Scotland: Age has long been a marker of prestige, particularly in single malts. Yet it’s widely accepted that many scotch whiskies peak between 10–18 years. Beyond that, oak can begin to overpower distillery character. However, NAS scotch whiskies exist widely and thrive in the global market.
- Ireland: A mix of legacy and innovation. Redbreast and other heritage brands champion age statements, while many younger distillers start with NAS releases and grow into age-stated ranges.
- Japan: Following the Japanese whisky boom in recent years, the industry has shifted toward NAS to meet demand, without sacrificing quality.
- America: Bourbon operates under different rules. Kentucky’s hot summers and cold winters accelerate maturation. A six-year-old bourbon can be just as complex as a 12-year-old scotch.
It’s Not Just About Time
Maturation is about transformation, not just time.
Barrel type matters. Freshly charred new oak barrels impart flavor much faster than reused casks, which is why bourbon develops quicker than many scotches. Climate also plays a role: in Kentucky, rapid seasonal shifts speed up the spirit’s interaction with the wood, while Scotland’s cooler temperatures slow the process down.
That’s why a four-year-old bourbon can be bold and balanced, while a 12-year-old scotch might still be relatively gentle. As such, many bourbon brands do not display age statements on their products – there is no need. Bourbon drinkers are aware of what they can expect from just a few years of maturation.
Transparency, Trust, and Taste
Not all distilleries, blenders, and brands view age the same way. Some see age statements as a tool of transparency; others favor flexibility.
I recently travelled to Grasmere Distillery in the Lake District, UK. As an incredibly small, craft operation, founder Paul Abbott does not see the need to put age statements on upcoming releases. Aware of the intense competition in the industry, he knows that he can never compete with bigger brands in terms of age. He would rather let the flavor do the talking.
Contrastingly, Chris Pateman, Commercial Manager at Lancaster Spirits Co., is excited at the prospect of adding age statements to future releases, aiming to use them as a tool of transparency and trust-building with consumers.
The transparency debate isn’t limited to small producers. In 2015, Compass Box clashed with regulators after disclosing the exact ages of whiskies in two of its blends. EU rules allow only the youngest age to appear on labels, sparking a wider industry conversation about whether full disclosure or tradition should prevail. Some brands proudly state their age; others let flavor speak for itself. In the end, it’s up to consumers to decide which approach they value more.
Collectibility vs Drinkability
A clear divide is emerging in the whisky world: bottles bought to drink, and bottles bought to invest, often linked to high age statements. Ultra-aged whiskies – 25, 30, even 50 years old – frequently fetch astronomical prices. This has reinforced the public perception that age-stated whiskies are superior – they must be, because they are more expensive. However, these whiskies are not always expensive purely because they’re enjoyable, but increasingly because they are rare, collectible, and more brand-driven than flavor-driven.
We are also seeing the rise of premium NAS whiskies such as The Macallan Art is the Flower. These whiskies, whether they are designed to be consumed or not, are increasingly appealing to collectors. This creates an interesting dynamic within the collecting market in which NAS whiskies are becoming more common, challenging the idea that only age-stated single malts can be collectible. This, however, might be a conversation for another day.
The Best Way to Decide? Taste Both
Age isn’t a guarantee of quality, and neither is the lack of it. Some of the world’s most respected whiskies today are NAS expressions crafted by blenders with total creative freedom.
Some NAS whiskies – like The Glendronach Cask Strength or Hibiki Harmony – have earned cult followings and high praise due to their richness and consistency. Others, like The Macallan’s NAS releases (most recently Art is the Flower from the Tree of Life Collection), prove that rarity, branding, and a good story can command prices once reserved for age-statement single malts.
Final Word: There’s No “Best” — Only What’s Best for You
Both age-stated and NAS whiskies can be exceptional. Whether you’re drawn to the tradition and clarity of a 12-year-old single malt or appreciate the innovation behind a bold NAS bourbon, the best choice is the one that feels right for you.
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If transparency speaks to you, embrace it. If you’re loyal to age-marked classics, that’s valid too. The real joy of whisky lies in exploration — so stay curious, and don’t let the label decide for you.
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