Tastings Latest

SCOTLAND

USA

REST OF WORLD

Bottle price guide:

£11-25 (US$17-40)

£26-70 (US$40-110)

£71-120 (US$110-190)

£121-180 (US$190-280)

£181 plus (US$280 plus)

Taster biographies

Phoebe Calver

As editor of American Whiskey Magazine and deputy editor of Whisky Magazine, Phoebe splits her focus between the US and ‘global’ whisky scenes. She is also co-host of Whisky Live TV and a global whisky taster for this title.

Christopher Coates

A member of the team since 2013 and a keen whisky drinker long before that, Christopher was appointed as editor of Whisky Magazine in 2020. Beyond this, he is a keen photographer and chair of judges for the World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky.

THE PROCESS

• All samples are blind tasted, with ABV, country/region and style the only information disclosed

• Samples are tasted individually over a two-week period

• Tasters work to tasting and scoring guidelines in order to assess samples consistently

• The top-scoring sample is awarded Editor’s Choice

• Samples receiving scores of 16.5+ receive a Recommended award

Berry Bros. & Rudd

A Secret Speyside 2007 Vintage – Abbey Whisky Exclusive

BERRY BROS. & RUDD

ABV: 61.5%

Style: Single Malt

Region: Speyside

Price per bottle:

SCOTLAND

Phoebe

Nose: A deep and rich treat, like a cinnamondusted slice of fruit loaf, packed with raisins, orange peel, almonds and a good glug of sherry.

Palate: Things dry out a little here, getting more oaky, with that fiery cinnamon spice, chopped raisins, cherries and more chopped almonds. Just a hint of old armchair, with worn leather seats.

Finish: A lovely lingering finish, leaving you with a spicy sherry tang.

Comments: Lovely and complex – it’s a classic with a twist and would be fun to play with in a Manhattan.

8.6

Christopher

Nose: Concentrated demerara. Lotus Biscoff biscuits, spun sugar, cinder toffee chunks with milk chocolate. Freshly varnished oak and hints of pine sap.

Palate: Light bodied and stunningly drinkable despite the ABV, with decadent salted caramel and Biscoff. Caramel coated peanuts and crunchy nut cereal. Fruit character is oxidised and rancio-like, with white port flavours.

Finish: Sweet succulence with a mousse-like fizz of gentle wood spices.

Comments: Delicious caramelised sugars and sophisticated fruit.

9.2

AnCnoc

2009 Vintage

INVER HOUSE DISTILLERS

ABV: 46.0%

Style: Single Malt

Region: Highland

Price per bottle:

SCOTLAND

Phoebe

Nose: An interesting mix of clear and crisp herbal