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by John Hansell
Purpose
An increase in the number of alcoholic beverages makes it very exciting to be a drinker these days. However, it has also created the need to provide you, the consumer, with a guide to select a beverage you will enjoy.
Scope
All products available for purchase in the United States will be considered for evaluation. A special effort will be placed on reviewing new products and comparing them to established ones.
Procedure
Every attempt will be made to procure products that are in good condition and unadulterated. To insure this, brewers, distillers, importers, and wholesalers are encouraged to submit
samples for review.
The tasting notes and ratings published are those of John Hansell, publisher and editor of Malt Advocate magazine. Tastings are usually conducted blind in groupings from the same style for relative comparison. Then, every effort is made to re-sample products being reviewed under typical drinking conditions (e.g., using a 12 oz. pour for a beer or a 1.5 oz. pour for a whisky).
Tasting Notes, Ratings, & Prices
The tasting notes help readers decide if they will like or dislike a given product, based on their own personal preferences for specific aromas and flavors. The rating provides a relative comparison of quality with reference to competing products. This is important because some products achieve greater balance, character, and complexity than others.
Please note that we sample far too many products to publish reviews on all of them. The products listed in our Buyer’s Guide usually reflect our most positive experiences. However, we will also review products we don’t particularly like if there is a point we are trying to make.
Realize that the best way to learn is to taste them yourself and draw your own conclusions. For this, there is no substitute. We are merely providing a guide for you to reach this goal.
Unless otherwise noted, spirits prices are for a 750 ml bottle.
Rating Scheme
| Score | Description |
95-100 | A classic! All components are balanced appropriately, with the complexity and character expected in a classic. |
90-94 | Outstanding! One of the best for its style. Distinctive. |
80-89 | Good to very good. Plenty of character and no identifiable flaws. Worth seeking out. |
70-79 | Average. Enjoyable. No unique qualities. Minor flaws possible. |
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