Whisky Knowledge: Non-Chill Filtration
I wonder if you have noticed that when you buy whiskey, many wine labels will be specially marked with such a word - non-condensation filtration.
In today's whiskey world, this word has been used more and more widely, and many brands will use it as a selling point, but I believe that many people actually don't know what non-condensation filtration means. Does it represent higher quality whiskey? Today we will give you an in-depth analysis and recommend several non-condensation filtered whiskeys.
What is non-condensation filtration?
To understand non-condensation filtration, we must first know that whiskey is a distilled liquor. The distillate is fermented from boiled mash. The steam generated during the boiling process will condense into liquid, and then age in oak barrels to eventually become whiskey.
There will be some chemical reactions in this process, which will not be elaborated here. Everyone just needs to know that under normal circumstances, whiskey will appear in some turbid state in the changes of temperature and dilution.
This problem is not acceptable to everyone in the early stages of whiskey development. On the one hand, it affects the appearance, and on the other hand, it will also make consumers confused about whether there is a problem with the quality of whiskey. Condensation filtration technology has also come into being.
To put it simply, this technology is to cool the whiskey to a low temperature and then filter out the turbidity, which is a way to improve the appearance of the liquor.
Non-chill filtration is whiskey that has not been chill filtered. In other words, it is a natural product that has not been further processed or adjusted, at least in terms of appearance.
If you are pursuing the original whiskey, then non-chill filtered products will definitely be your first choice, but if you are pursuing the perfect whiskey without turbidity, then you may have to look at those chill filtered products. But one thing is certain, filtering will still affect the flavor of whiskey to a certain extent.
In his 1997 book "The Complete Guide to Whisky", whiskey writer Jim Murray pointed out that the characteristics of Laphroaig whiskey were seriously damaged by chill filtration. The 40% alcohol chill filtered Laphroaig whiskey is significantly different in flavor and texture from the non-chill filtered original cask strength 10-year-old bottled whiskey released in 1995.
Non-chill filtered whiskey brand recommendation
After understanding the difference between non-chill filtration and chill filtration, let us introduce to you a brand that has always insisted on non-chill filtration. If you want to taste the original whisky, they might be the right choice.
Tobermory
Founded in 1798, the distillery has had a troubled history. When the current owner, Burn Stewart, bought the distillery in 1993, Tobermory had only produced 8 years of whisky in the previous 60 years! All the equipment in the distillery is from a major overhaul and renovation in 1972.
They produce two types of whisky: the unpeated Tobermory and the heavily peated Ledaig.
Tobermory 10yo: A wonderful nose that is marine and salty, but also fruity and floral. Very gentle and complex.
Tobermory 15yo: Obviously shares some elements with the 10yo, but is larger and drier. Nice aromas of mince pies and fruitcake in the nose.
Ledaig 10yo: Softly peaty, light-bodied, coastal island style with a hint of smoke and earthiness.
Craigagh
Located on the main road of the village of Craigagh, Craigagh has been known and admired by whisky connoisseurs for many years.
In 2014, Craigagh officially began to launch its own single malt products, breaking away from the traditional concept of 12, 18 and 25 years of whisky, and launched 13, 17, 19, 23 and 31 years of whisky.
All of these wines are uncooled and have an alcohol content of 46%. They have won various awards in various spirits and whisky competitions, so they are still worth a try.
Highly recommend their 23 years, which smells like flowers, honey, and fruits, followed by oak and Craigagh's unique pineapple flavor.
It is very smooth and textured, with the citrus fruit flavor leading the way, which is sour, sweet, and chewy, and the spices and menthol flavors appear one after another, and the burnt pineapple flavor is stronger.
Ardbeg
I believe everyone is familiar with Ardbeg. As a well-known whisky distillery on Islay, it has always been the representative of "beast appearance, sweet heart".
What many people don't know is that both Ardbeg's vintage wines and NAS non-vintage wines are actually non-condensation filtered products.
I recommend trying Ardbeg's Traigh Bhan series. This series means white beach in ancient Gaelic, referring to a beach on the southern coast of Islay, Scotland. The sand on this beach makes a rustling sound when you step on it, and every time the sea breeze blows, it makes a singing-like sound, so the locals also call this white beach Singing Sands, which means singing sand.
At present, this series has launched 5 versions, and the 6th version has been announced by Ardbeg Distillery, which is still worth looking forward to.
If you can't wait for the new version, you can buy the fifth version to try. It smells very strong with the aroma of mango and guava, and the fresh green pepper and grilled bacon are fully blended, as if you are at a beach barbecue party. The rich smoky flavor blends with the flavors of spices such as fennel and chives. The aftertaste is long and full of vitality, with a warm and soft scent like toffee lingering on the taste buds, and the aroma of cream is memorable.
