Our reviews are written from the perspective of the everyday drinker. We’re not here to dissect every molecule in the glass, we’re here to tell you whether a whiskey is worth your money and your time. Think of our scores less as a critic’s verdict and more as honest advice from a knowledgeable friend.
We rate on a scale of 1 to 10. In practice, most whiskies we feature fall between 5 and 10; if a bottle scores below a 5, it’s rarely one we’d recommend for your shelf.
5 — Fine | These are accessible, easy-drinking whiskies that work best with a mixer or in a cocktail. Examples: Johnnie Walker Red Label, Haig Club, Ballantine’s Finest, Benchmark Old No.8.
6 — Good | A step up in complexity and character, beginning to hold their own in the glass. Examples: Chivas Regal 12, Monkey Shoulder, Famous Grouse Smoky Black, Evan Williams Black Label.
7 — Great | Well-crafted and balanced across nose, palate and finish. These whiskies earn their place neat. Examples: Glenturret 12 Year Old, Macallan 12 Double Cask, Wild Turkey 81, Glenlivet 15 Year Old.
8 — Excellent (Silver Award) | Rich, layered and rewarding for drinkers of all levels. A must-try list staple. Examples: Blanton’s Single Barrel, Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak.
9 — Exceptional (Gold Award) | Memorable in every sense. Bold, confident and hard to forget. 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 (Double Gold Award) | The pinnacle. A bottle that leaves a mark. Examples: Kilchoman Port Cask 2024, Meikle Toir Turbo 5 Year Old, Lagavulin 12 Year Old 2017, Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old, Timorous Beastie 40 Year Old.
While we collaborate with commercial partners on specific projects, we uphold a strict separation between our independent editorial output and our partner content. We aim to provide an authoritative record of the whiskey world that respects the intelligence of our readers. For us, the story is always driven by the facts, ensuring our journalism remains as reliable as it is insightful.
Editor In Chief
Mark Littler is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of The Whiskey Wash, a Spears 500 Whiskey Advisor, prominent whisky and antiques broker, and a regular contributor to Forbes.com, known for his expertise in the global whisky market.
Deputy Editor
Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash and a graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme. With over half a decade of industry experience, she is passionate about writing stories that highlight innovation, diversity, and sustainability across the global whisky landscape.
Head Of UK Reviews
Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant with over a decade of experience in whisky retail and online whisky education. Best known for hosting Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, he is dedicated to making whisky accessible and enjoyable by cutting through jargon and complexity.
Head Of US Reviews
Charles Steele is a Portland-based attorney and freelance writer whose legal background brings an analytical approach to whiskey and other aged spirits. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he writes for The Whiskey Wash and has a particular interest in whiskey, whiskey-based cocktails, and unconventional spirits.
Senior In House Writer
Hannah Thompson is a whisky educator specialising in the secondary whisky market, with a focus on helping consumers make informed, education-led cask decisions. She has worked in the sector since 2019 and combines a background in research and creative writing with practical market insight.
Reviewer
Mark Bostock has been part of the Mark Littler Ltd content writing team since 2019 and brings a strong passion for whisky, particularly independent bottlings. A meticulous researcher with a keen interest in the history of Scotch whisky, he combines growing expertise with genuine enthusiasm.
Reviewer
Pete “Jeff Whisky” Jeffery is a South West–based whisky reviewer known for his irreverent approach and a refusal to take the spirit too seriously. The creative force behind the Jeff Whisky YouTube channel, he has been featured in the Malt Whisky Yearbook and has contributed to a range of whisky platforms.
Reviewer
Ed Leigh is a London-based authority on independent bottlers and artisan scotch whisky. He is the founder of TopWhiskies.com, a specialist retailer focused on small-batch releases, and holds wine and spirits certifications from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
