Date of distillation

Distillation date refers to the specific date on which the whiskey was distilled. On many bottles this is not stated, and it is not mandatory in label standards. When stated, it typically appears as 'Distilled on March 12, 2010' or as a year (e.g., 2010).

Significance and use: - Indicates the start of aging and can provide insight into batch structure and the origin of the raw materials. - Helps in understanding age statements, especially in products that consist of whiskey from multiple distillation runs or blends, where multiple distillation dates may be included in a bottle. - Is particularly relevant for single cask or batch releases, where each distillation can contribute differently to the flavor profile.

Labeling and practice: - Not all bottles show the distillation date; if present, it may be formatted as 'Distilled on 12-06-2010' or as a year (e.g., 2010). - In some markets, the age statement is the primary indicator of the product's aging, and the distillation date is an additional data point. - Regulation and practice vary between countries and producers; the distillation date can be particularly useful for historical interest and for those who track batches closely.

Example: - 'Distilled on 12.06.2010; bottled in 2018; age statement (if present) refers to the youngest component in the blend.'

Relation to age and aging: - Age calculations are normally based on the time in wood from distillation to bottling; the distillation date explains why the age may be higher or lower than expected. - In blends, different distillation dates can exist, and the label may reflect this through batch- or distillation-specific information.