Fast and Slow Aging Spirits

When it comes to aging spirits such as whiskey, brandy, and some tequilas, distillers have a couple of options. There is, of course, the traditional approach of aging in barrels (usually oak) for four, ten, or even twenty years.

But what about processes that artificially shorten that time to market?

Continue reading to find out more about fast aging vs slow aging spirits.

New Path For Entrance

Smaller distillers have recently put a lot of emphasis on trying to accelerate the aging process. For new distilleries, aging can be a huge barrier to entry that emerging technologies can help alleviate.

Pros and Cons

Of course, there are downsides to accelerated aging. It can be difficult to match a conventionally aged product to a fast aged product. This means there is likely little interest in established brands who don't want to alter their existing offerings or potentially jeopardize their brand.

For new brands who are in the process of developing their products, however, fast aging can provide an opportunity to be more responsive and ease cash flow issues.

Fast Aging Spirit Technology

There's one accelerated aging technology (which won't be named) whose inventor said, "I can make ten-year-old rum or new-make rum, but I can't get anything in the middle." So for them, the aging process just gives it that little something that tastes around ten years old.

Oregon State University is currently testing accelerated aging in the fermentation lab with wood and other botanicals like juniper and cardamom.