The accepted opinion is that as the whisky is aged longer, it tastes better. Up to about, say 25 - 30 yrs. It's an old, established opinion. But is it still true today ? Consider Macallan, which I've tasted at 7, 10, 12, 18 and 25 years. The 7 and 10 are rough!. Something magical happens at 12 yrs old, and the improvement is there, but in my opinion, an element of blandness can creep in. Try Glenmorangie 10 and 18. Try Glenfarclas 10 yr old. It's got that speyside characteristic taste, but at 10 yrs it's aggressive. At 12, it's magic. At 15 it's smoother and morew complex, at 17 it's getting a little too smooth. Bowmore is the exception that I know about. "Legend" is undrinkable, the 12 yr old is so-so, at 17 its magic and at 21 it is glorious. Is the optimum age, nowadays, about 12 yrs old?