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
Bladnoch
The Casks Iteration III
BLADNOCH DISTILLERY
ABV: 49.9%
Style: Single Malt
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Price per bottle:
Bottling: Distillery
Availability: Australia, UK, selected markets in Europe and Asia
Bethany
Nose:
Toffee apple and hints of sultana. Rice pudding with strawberry jam. Creamy orange and lemon notes, with a hint of orange liqueur. A dusting of baking spices. Chocolate-chip brioche.
Palate: Medium-full bodied. Date, black cherry, and a tropical hint of pineapple juice. Creamy porridge, orange peel, and sandalwood. Milk chocolate and hazelnut praline. A lovely caramel sweetness envelops it, with a crunchy hint of caramel biscuit.
Finish: Long. Baking spices and caramel.
Comments: So gentle, but with delicious depths that I could keep plumbing.
8.5
Christopher
Nose: Very, very ripe orchard and tropical fruit: apricots, oranges, apples, mango, and pineapples. Golden syrup drizzled over banana fritters.
Palate: Medium-full bodied and ‘effervescent’. The fizzy zing of lemon sherbet is joined by Fanta (orange soda), caramel shortbread, and a little white chocolate. Mixed bitter citrus peels.
Finish: The lemon subsides, leaving the sweetness of icing sugar.
Comments: Hear me out… I want to try this in a White Lady cocktail.
7.7
Blackwater Distillery
Starburst Spicebag
BLACKWATER DISTILLERY
ABV: 50%
Style: Rye
