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
Berry Bros & Rudd
Tamdhu 2008
BERRY BROS & RUDD
ABV: 61.9%
Style: Single Malt
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle:
Bottling: Independent
Availability: Worldwide
Bethany
Nose: Fresh orange notes, notably peel oils, and raw fruitcake batter. Oatcake and soft goat cheese. Soft herbs, like basil and parsley. Hints of ground clove, golden syrup, and sweet cinnamon cereal.
Palate: Medium. The orange notes turn to orange wine gum, with peach fruit-and-barley cordial. A hint of milk loaf. Weak black tea with honey. Eventually, very subtle bitter herbs and crème fraîche.
Finish: Medium-short. Warm and drying, with orange and aniseed notes.
7.8
Comments: Opens nicely with water, revealing caramel and nuttiness.
Christopher
Nose: Raspberry fromage frais, blossom honey, cut grass, popcorn, and lemon zest. Some prickly, peppery ginger beer heat.
Palate: Full bodied, with some heat! Spicy gingerbread with walnuts and almonds. Slightly sour pineapple chunks, lemon sherbet, and green tea.
Finish: The sweet-and-sour citrus lingers as the nuttiness fades.
8.0
Comments: A citrussy zinger. A little hot, but it works!
Benromach
Contrasts: Air Dried Oak
GORDON & MACPHAIL
