Taster biographies
Bethany Brown
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
Ardray
Blended Scotch
BEAM SUNTORY
ABV: 48%
Style: Blended
Country: Scotland
Region: N/A
Price per bottle:
Bottling: Distillery
Availability: UK, US, China
Bethany
Nose: Lime cordial and toffee apple. Caramelised white chocolate and ripe white grape. Parsley and garlic butter. Hints of fabric plaster and smouldering coals.
Palate: Medium bodied. Gentle herbal peat notes come forward first, with hints of heather, olive oil, and rosemary focaccia. Then toffee apple, baked pear, pineapple juice, and almond frangipane.
Finish: Medium-long. Toasted almond, more pineapple juice, and very gentle peat.
Comments: There was more to this than met the eye.
7.8
Christopher
Nose: Raspberries, blackberries, peppermint leaf, and sawn oak, then Concorde grape. Macadamia nuts and cinnamon spice, with a little coffee cake.
Palate: Medium-full. Creamy and fruity, like a crème brûlée topped with candied apricots. Mandarin segments and toffee popcorn. A little candied lemon and tinned peach, too. Under it all, buttered wholemeal bread.
Finish: Medium, with lingering fruit and banana bread with vanilla icing.
Comments: A blend with enough going on to keep malt drinkers interested.
7.9
Ardbeg
The Harpy’s Tale
LVMH
ABV: 46%
Style: Single Malt
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
