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
Cù Bòcan 12 Years Old
TOMATIN
ABV: 46%
Style: Single Malt
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Price per bottle:
Bottling: Distillery
Availability: Worldwide
Bethany
Nose: Lemon and lime soda, which becomes lemon and lime cheesecake. Chewy sour apple-flavoured candy. Subtle pencil eraser. Cornish wafer cracker. Later, gentle florals and clotted-cream ice cream.
Palate: Medium. Iced gems, a little clotted cream, and tinned pear at first. Then rye bread, a little balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and hints of oyster mushroom and soy sauce. Finally, blackcurrant jam.
Finish: Long. Dark chocolate with lime and sea salt before woody tannins assert themselves.
Comments: Vibrant and nicely balanced.
7.9
Christopher
Nose: White grape and elderflower cordial. Calendula and jasmine. Honeydew melon and peach. Ripe banana and flapjack.
Palate: Medium. Candied orange, lemon icing, sultanas, and golden syrup. Blossom honey, granola, dried apple, and cashew. Apple crumble with lots of brown sugar.
Finish: Medium, on applesauce.
Comments: Easy-drinking with lots of fruit – an everyday sipper.
7.9
Benrinnes Ruthrie the Wanderer…in Bordeaux
BRAVE NEW SPIRITS
ABV: 57.2%
Style: Single Malt
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle:
Bottling: Independent
Availability: Worldwide
Bethany
Nose: Unsweetened applesauce, wheat cereal biscuits, golden syrup, and
