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
- Samples receiving scores of 16.5+ receive a
- award
Chief’s Son
5 Years Old
THAT BOUTIQUE-Y WHISKY COMPANY
ABV: 60.72%
Style: Single Malt
Country: AUSTRALIA
Region: N/A
Price per bottle:
Bottling: Independent
Availability: Worldwide
Bethany
Nose: Like walking through a field of uncut barley. Dry grass, popcorn kernels, and spicy cinnamon. Charred oak. Fresh red apple, ground clove, and caramel sauce. Touches of leather and tamarind.
Palate: Light bodied. Raspberry and apple cordial. Crème de cassis, syrupy prunes, iced cinnamon buns, and caramel macchiato coffee. Hints of grilled mushroom, old leather, and sappy pine.
Finish: Medium, on prunes and sticky toffee sauce.
Comments: A well-tempered whisky with some pleasant mature characteristics.
8.3
Christopher
Nose: Milk chocolate, malted milk powder, whey powder, blackberry jam, caramelised pear, dried cranberry, and rum-raisin ice cream.
Palate: Medium. Grippy black tea tannin and concentrated red fruits: barberry, blackberry, and cranberry. Espresso made from fruity unwashed arabica. Toffee and passionfruit. Water opens it up nicely.
Finish: Short and drying. Ends with sweet black Ceylon tea.
Comments: Hot and feisty, but complex and pretty well
