OUR WHISKY REVIEWS EXPLAINED
Our whisky reviews are our own. Our goal is to also provide easy to consume feedback. Yes, we could create many dimensions of taste attributes but sometimes they can be overwhelming. We’ve stripped reviews back to three core areas, general information (INFO), primary taste dimensions (TASTE PROFILE) and our final ratings (S&S RATING). Below is more information on how our whisky reviews work:
INFO
TYPE
This refers to the umbrella type of whisky or whiskey whether that’s single malt, Bourbon, Rye, Irish, and so on.
AGE
Quite simply, how long has the spirit been in the cask. Not all distilleries disclose the age and some may be blends of different ages.
LOCATION
What is the provenance of the whisky? Some companies may also take products from other distilleries and re-cask them.
CASKS
What type of barrels have been used to finish a whisky during the maturation stage. ex-bourbon, sherry, European or American oak?
PRICE
How much is a bottle likely to set you back? Prices are indicative at time of writing and could be subject to change.
TASTE PROFILE
SMOKINESS
How peaty or smokey is the whisky? This can be a real marmite factor for many people.
FRUITINESS
How sweet is the whisky? You may be able to distinguish certain fruits or other flavours from the cask.
OAKINESS
Some whiskies have really ‘woody’ flavours compared to others. Oakiness really relates to how much can you taste the wood of choice coopers use for barrels.
SPICINESS
Does the whisky leave a bit of a peppery sensation when drinking it? Is there a bit of a kick that gets the taste senses going?
BOLDNESS
How much of a slap in the face does the whisky provide? Some whiskies are delicate and light while others have deep flavours.
S&S RATING
TASTE
What’s the overall ranking for the whisky’s taste? Is it good quality? Will it be memorable?
NOSE
Does the aroma of the whisky catch your attention before you have your first taste?
VALUE
Overall, are you getting good value for money? Remember, expensive doesn’t always mean good, it often reflects quantity available.