by Mike » Fri Mar 01, 2013 8:35 pm
Like Joe, I think this is a worthwhile question............. my suggestion is that you try an experiment.......... over several days (this assumes that you are intersested enough in the question to do this). Try the same whiskey at different times in the glass over several days and see if you note any differences. A single day, given all the variables (which includes attitude) is not enough.
Like Joe, I think that beyond 20 minutes or so, we are entering a time period (baring accidents) that is not really useful.............
As I understand it, the 'breathing' period (no more that 20 minutes) for whiskey is to allow the initial intense alcohol vapors to leave the scene so that the complex organic aromas have a chance to develop. It is also important to have a small sip of water prior to sipping whiskey so that the tongue is moist and not so effected by the immediate evaporation of the alcohol in the whiskey...... which can cause its own 'alcohol burn' (which destroys the palate's ability to distinguish subtle flavors..... never gulp whiskey.... always sip).
But, remember that your palate does vary from day to day (in small, but significant, degrees)..... so I suggest that, if you do this experiment, you do so with a very good whiskey, e.g. Knob Creek, Rock Hills Farm, Hancock Reserve, Ridgemont Reserve 1792, Evan Williams Single Barrel or their equivalents.
This experiment, if you love and are interested in the flavors of whiskey will be no burden, but will be fun........ if it holds no interest for you.......... drink indescriminately and enjoy as it comes to you.....
No one is your judge either way.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - Dylan Thomas