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My impression is that there's more variability between bottles of the same whisky these days than in the past - though i've no real evidence to back it up. I've kind of assumed that the majority of distilleries are increasing production, which results in some differences. I may just be making this up in my head though...
cookiemonster-
I don't think my palatte is good enough to notice that level of variability from bottling to bottling to be honest. The only major change would be a new still, but they only do that every 30 years and even the most have more than one to dilute the imoact. You may be right BTW, but how you perceive taste depends on a number of factors. It's possible that there is a variable you may not have considered.
For something like an annual seasonal release with no age statement they have the freedom to change it without lots of complaints. If they messed with the 15 it would be noticed.
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Nope def with you on this. Compared two bottles of bunnahabhain 12 recently. One black label, 1 red, both opened by myself recently. One notably more astringent with a bitter woody finish, the other felt it had a higher sherry influence. Both same abv, non chill filtered, non coloured etc. I like both, but no doubt they taste different.
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There has always been cycles where consistency suffers as a result of increased demand, the last 10 years have seen a huge increase in demand from China which has put pressure on the distilleries to increase production. Some distilleries are better at dealing with this than others, Glenlivet and Glenmorangie are notoriously bad at having any sort of consistency for their 12 year olds no matter what the demand is but Arberlour are an excellent example of a big distillery that always delivers what you expect.
Aroogah
jupiz
Gewürzt
That is really unlikely. More that they have changed the blend for this year. Sorry. "Changed the expression" in whisky bollocks language.
Also - thanks for reminding me that i have half a bottle left from last year in my freezer. Cheers!