The Whiskey Wash is an independent whisky news and information website committed to upholding high editorial standards amidst the influential spirits industry. Our dedication to these principles is guided by the Drink Blog Code established in 2007 by leading drink bloggers, which includes the following commitments:
To maintain transparency regarding our funding, we disclose potential revenue sources, which do not influence our editorial choices:
In our whisky reviews, we either purchase bottles or obtain samples from distilleries, always disclosing the source and retaining impartial editorial control.
Recognising the subjective nature of taste, our reviews aim to provide well-informed opinions, allowing readers to make their own purchasing decisions based on our insights.
The new Whiskey Wash review guidelines aim to help you discover new and classic whiskies in a more intuitive framework. A whiskey that scores 5 is still absolutely fine, while 10 is one of the most perfect whiskies the reviewer has ever tasted (the stuff that dreams are made of), and then we have a more graduated curve between those two. Whiskies that score 4 or below are generally lacking in some intrinsic way.
We have tried to provide as much consistency for you as possible, but please remember: reviews are subjective. You might disagree with a score or example, but remember whiskey is a story to be experienced individually as well as together. All whiskey is good whiskey if you are enjoying it. And remember, we love your comments and feedback, and so do other readers! So feel free to jump in below any review with your own personal experience and tasting notes.
Score | Definition | Explanation |
1 | Undrinkable | An inherently flawed whiskey. To be avoided. |
2 | Disgusting | This is one step away from the sink. Proceed with caution. |
3 | Subpar | The bottle you pull out when you want to scare off your friends. |
4 | Reasonable | It is likely decent to consume as a last-resort bottle if you have nothing else on your shelf. |
5 | Fine | Not Groundbreaking. An approachable starting point for those who enjoy whiskey without overthinking it. They lack the complexity or depth that a more experienced whiskey fan might search for in terms of nose, palate and/or finish. These are entry level whiskies that will tend to perform best in a cocktail or with a mixer. Examples: JW Red Label / Haig Club / Ballantine’s Finest / Benchmark Old No.8 / Johnny Cree Single Malt |
6 | Good | Improving complexity To step up to a 6 a whiskey should deliver a more complex tasting experience and will begin to shine on its own. It may be a small factor on one aspect of the tasting experience (nose, palate or finish) that elevates it from a 5. These are reliable or new classics that balance cost and complexity and begin to tell a story. Examples: Chivas Regal 12 / Monkey Shoulder / Famous Grouse Smoky Black / Evan Williams Black Label / Ezra Brooks Green Label |
| 7 | Great | Complex & Balanced To be rated 7 a whiskey should be very well-crafted and offer building complexity and balance across on the nose, palate and finish. At this point the whiskey should shine on its own and offer an experience through the taste and story behind the whiskey. At this level drinkers will be able to begin exploring more nuanced flavour in their whiskey that has been well crafted and balanced by the whiskey maker. Examples: Glenturret 12 Year Old / Macallan 12 Double Cask / Sir Davis Rye / Wild Turkey 81 / Glenlivet 15 Year Old / Johnnie Walker Double Black |
8 | Excellent | Layered Experience The Whiskey Wash Silver Award Level To achieve an 8 a whiskey should be excellent across the nose, palate and finish, offering complexity, depth and balance that can be appreciated in each sip. There is some room for improvement if you are drinking with the sole intention of dissecting each level of the drink, but an eight should offer an excellent whiskey experience for whiskey fans of all levels. These are whiskies that have a rich flavour and story and are on—or deserve to be on—whiskey lovers “must try” list. Examples: Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 / Blanton’s Single Barrel / Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old / JW Blue Label / Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak |
9 | Exceptional | Lasting Impression The Whiskey Wash Gold Level Whiskies that score 9 masterfully deliver bold and memorable flavours across nose, palate, finish and the experience of drinking (the whiskey’s background, bottle design, packaging etc). To all but the most critical of palates this would be the perfect whiskey and it should leave a lasting impression thanks to its depth, balance, and confidence. Examples: W.L.Weller 12 Year Old / Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old / Ledaig 10 Year Old Hebridean Moon / Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Cask / |
10 | Monumental | Perfection In A Glass The Whiskey Wash Double Gold Level A 10 rated whiskey represents the pinnacle of what whiskey can be and is one of the best whiskies experienced by our reviewers. These bottles deliver unforgettable experiences, whether through richness, remarkable subtlety, or flawless execution. Sometimes they come at a premium, sometimes they surprise with accessibility, but they always leave a lasting mark. A 10 is more than just a great whiskey, it’s a defining moment for any whiskey lover, the kind of bottle you’ll never forget and always want to have. Examples: Kilchoman Port Cask 2024 / Meikle Toir Turbo 5 Year Old / Lagavulin 12 Year Old 2017 / Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old / Timourous Beastie 40 Year Old |
