Already common among blended Scotches, single malts are increasingly not listing ages on their labels. Laphroaig Quarter Cask, for example, mixes five- and 10-year-old whiskies to gloriously smoky effect. Similarly, The Macallan Rare Cask blends single malts of various ages in one bottle.

“Whisky obviously has an age, we just don’t publicize it here,” says Stuart MacPherson, Macallan’s “master of wood.” (Yes, that’s his actual job title—he’s a barrel expert.)

“We’re saying this isn’t about the age, it’s about what the consumer wants and the skills of the whisky maker.”

Some producers say this puts more emphasis on the flavor rather than age. Others take a more pragmatic approach, noting that as availability of casks shifts from year to year, this provides blenders with much-needed flexibility. The Glenlivet’s Nàdurra (“Natural” in Gaelic) range includes two Scotches—Oloroso and First Fill Selection—without specific age indications.

“It’s an umbrella name for small parcels of whiskies, and so it changes over time,” says Ian Logan, a representative for the brand. Can’t handle such ambiguity? Opt for the Nàdurra 16-year-old bottling.