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
Aberfeldy
25 Years Old Sherry Cask Finish
JOHN DEWAR & SONS
ABV: 46%
Style: Single Malt
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Price per bottle: UK £475 / US $596
Bottling: Distillery
Availability: UK, US, EU
This limited-edition 25-year-old bottling from Aberfeldy has been packaged in an exclusive collector’s pack to mark 125 years of the distillery and celebrate its heritage. Opened in 1898, the Aberfeldy Distillery was designed by renowned architect Charles Doig and was the first and only built by John Alexander Dewar, with a focus on bringing the Highland style into the 20th century. Today, the distillery has gone to great lengths to build a more sustainable future, including reducing its carbon footprint and improving its water efficiency. This 25-year-old was finished in first-fill oloroso sherry casks, providing the signature soft character of an Aberfeldy whisky.
Bethany
Nose: Lime drizzle cake and candied lemon
