
It’s one of the most persistent assumptions in the scotch whisky world: the older, the better. A 25-year-old single malt must surely be smoother, richer, and more valuable than anything half its age, right? Not necessarily.
While age can bring depth and refinement, it does not guarantee better flavor or value. Many younger whiskies, including those with no age statement, regularly outperform older expressions in blind tastings. So, how much does age actually matter when you are choosing a bottle?
Let’s look at what age really tells you, what experts say, and which whiskies offer the best balance of quality and price.
The Myth of “Older Is Better”
For years, scotch whisky marketing has used age as a signifier of quality. Numbers like 18, 21, and 30 suggest luxury. But whisky makers and critics alike have long warned that this thinking is outdated.
As whisky expert Dave Broom puts it: “Age just tells you how long the whisky has been in a cask, not how good it is.” It’s a number, not a verdict.
While aging can certainly round out rough edges and introduce subtle oak-driven complexity, older isn’t always better. Some whiskies left too long in wood become flat, overly tannic, or lose the character of the spirit entirely. And some casks, especially tired, overused barrels, may add little to no benefit with time. In those cases, more years simply mean more cost, not more quality.
What Experts and Distillers Say
Across the industry, there’s growing agreement: age is just one piece of the puzzle.
Anthony Wills, founder of Kilchoman Distillery on Islay, is blunt about it. “It’s rubbish to suggest a whisky has to be ten years of age before it’s ready,” he told one interviewer. His young, smoky malts, often just five or six years old, have won fans for their vibrancy and depth, proving that quality doesn’t always take decades to achieve.
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Blending houses like Compass Box echo the sentiment. They’ve built a reputation on transparency and flavor-first thinking, often using younger components in their award-winning releases. For them, the cask type, the balance of flavors, and the final profile matter far more than the number on the label.
This can also be seen in the sheer number of NAS releases from distilleries across Scotland. The Macallan, for example, has introduced a huge number of NAS releases in recent years (though still overpriced for many). Ardbeg, too, makes a point of keeping NAS releases in its core range.
Award-Winning Whiskies at All Ages
If age guaranteed quality, whisky competitions would be dominated by the oldest bottles. In reality, younger whiskies win top honors every year.
At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Ardbeg 10, Glen Grant 12, and even budget blends like Black & White have taken Double Gold medals. In 2025, GlenAllachie’s 12 Year Old was named World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards, beating older entries from around the world.
Older whiskies can still shine, and do. Tomatin 36 took Best in Show in 2023. And this article is certainly not to take away from the achievements of older scotch whiskies. But overall, great whisky can appear at any age.
Where Age Equals Value
While older whisky often comes with a steep price tag, some distilleries still deliver age and quality without breaking the bank.
Take Glenfarclas 25 Year Old, a rich, sherried single malt regularly priced around $200-$300. That’s a fraction of what you’ll pay for Macallan 25, which can reach $3,000 or more. Glenfarclas offers exceptional maturity and character at a far more accessible price.
The same goes for Tamdhu 15, Speyburn 18, and similar high-age releases from less-hyped names. These bottlings show that age doesn’t always have to come with a luxury markup, especially when the distillery prioritizes craft over branding.
If you’re drawn to older scotch, look beyond the prestige names. There are excellent 18- to 25-year-old whiskies out there offering both depth and value. You just have to know where to look.
Younger Whiskies to Know
Younger scotch can be just as impressive as its older counterparts. Some of the most awarded whiskies are under 12 years old.
Ardbeg 10 is a bold Islay classic that regularly earns top scores. Glen Grant 12 is lighter in style but equally respected. Aberlour A’bunadh, usually around 5 to 8 years old, is a cask-strength favorite with rich sherry character.
Johnnie Walker Black Label, aged 12 years, remains a benchmark for blended scotch. Compass Box’s range, often made with younger components, shows how thoughtful blending can produce excellent results.
So, What Age Scotch Should You Buy?
The honest answer? It depends on what you like, and what you’re buying it for.
If you’re just getting into scotch, start with a good 10 to 12-year-old expression. You’ll find plenty of character, and the price won’t sting. Want something richer or more complex? Aim for the 15- to 18-year range, often the sweet spot for balancing flavor, polish, and price.
If you’re buying a gift or looking for something special, older whiskies can deliver elegance and nuance, but be sure to check reviews. A 25-year-old label might look impressive, but taste and value don’t always scale with age.
Not Better, Just Different
Older whisky isn’t necessarily better, it’s just different. Age can bring depth and refinement, but great flavor doesn’t require decades in a barrel. Some of the most celebrated whiskies in the world are young, bold, and full of character, while others earn their reputation through maturity and restraint.
For buyers, the smart move is to think beyond the number on the label. Look at the distillery, the cask type, the reviews, and most importantly, trust your own taste.
Whether it’s a fiery 8-year-old Islay or a velvety 25-year-old Speyside, the right whisky isn’t the oldest, it’s the one you enjoy the most.