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 publication Scotch Whisky and chair of judges for the Icons of 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.
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
Ardbeg
Anamorphic
LVMH
ABV: 48.2%
Style: Single Malt
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Price per bottle:
Bottling: Distillery
Availability: Worldwide
Bethany
Nose: Pork ribs and barbeque sauce. Soy, garlic, and honey marinade. Creamy hazelnut praline. A freshness, like lemon zest and pine. Charcoal and canvas. Salted caramel. Apple cider vinegar.
Palate: Medium-full. Herbal fennel, dill, thyme, and oregano, surrounded by gentle smoke. Warm hay. Wheat cereal biscuits. A little applesauce. Caramel shortbread. Cream cracker and smoked cheese.
Finish: Herbal, slightly ashy smoke takes over for the medium-length finish.
Comments: There are beautiful flavours weaved into the smoke.
8.3
Christopher
Nose: Smoking log embers, paper just off the photocopier, and very delicate white damson plum notes. Sourdough, pre-bake. Birthday balloons. White grape juice and elderflower wine. A flinty, mineral note, as one might find in wine.
Palate: Full. An explosion of sweet, fruity smoke, like drinking vanilla mead and eating a ripe peach while smoking a light cigar. Hazelnuts, toffee pennies, milk chocolate, and candied orange. Foam banana candies and very ripe cantaloupe.
Finish: Long, on sweet smoke.
Comments: I could drink this all day.
8.6
Adnams
Explorer Series 9 Years Old
ADNAMS
ABV: 55%
Style: Single Malt
Country: England
Region: N/A
