Taster biographies
Bethany Whymark
After studying English literature at university, Bethany worked as a journalist for regional newspaper groups before moving to the spirits industry. She was appointed as editor of Whisky Magazine in 2022, having previously edited its sister titles Gin and Rum. She is also editor of annual publications Travelux and Scotch Whisky.
Christopher Coates
A member of the team since 2013 and a keen whisky drinker long before that, Christopher served as Whisky Magazine’s Scotch whisky editor before being appointed as editor in 2020. In 2022, he was named editor-at-large and now writes a regular column for this title, in addition to his role as a blind taster. He is also chair of judges for the World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky competitions.
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
Benriach
The Sixteen
BENRIACH
ABV: 43.0%
Style: Single Malt
Country: SCOTLAND
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle:
Bottling: Distillery
Availability: Worldwide
Bethany
Nose: Sweet French toast with caramelised bananas and apples, and shaved coconut. Peanut brittle. Cinnamon and raisin pastries. A dash of white pepper and sandalwood.
Palate: Medium bodied. Smooth, savoury peanut butter. Golden syrup over pancakes. Cinnamon and toasted coconut. Bay leaf. Brown-sugar latte. Finish: Medium. Apple and peanut flapjack, with some peppery warmth.
8.0
Comments: A well-balanced little number that reminds me of sweet, home-baked afternoon treats.
Christopher
Nose: Russian honey cake (rye cake, cream, burnt honey, golden syrup, cinnamon) and Horlicks malt drink. Vanilla custard, tinned mandarin and peach, and baked banana with hazelnut spread.
Palate: Medium bodied. Fruit flan (ripe strawberry, pear, kiwi, blueberry) with whipped cream and syrup glaze. Chewy sultanas, dried apple pieces, honey-glazed granola and milk chocolate shavings. Cinnamon-dusted almonds. Subtle allspice.
8.3
Finish: Medium. The fruit flan fades to banana and vanilla.
Comments: Complex, balanced, moreish.
Angels’ Nectar
Oloroso Sherry Cask Edition
HIGHFERN LIMITED
ABV: 57.9%
Style: Single Malt
Country: SCOTLAND
Region: Highland
Price per
