Taster biographies
Bradley Weir
After studying at the University of Gloucestershire, Bradley first started writing about film before moving into spirits. He joined Whisky Magazine as tastings co-ordinator in 2022 and is now serving as its interim deputy editor, and as interim editor of sister publication American Whiskey.
Steven Shand
Steven has worked in multiple roles within the Scottish spirits industry that have had various focuses, from recipe development and quality control to packaging design and brand communications. He now works freelance in events, branding, and spirits consultancy.
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
Bankhall
British Malts
HALEWOOD ARTISANAL SPIRITS
ABV: 46%
Style: Blended
Country: UK
Region: N/A
Price per bottle:
Bottling: Distillery
Availability: Worldwide
Bradley
Nose: Opens up with a trickle of golden syrup, along with earthiness, nutmeg, and almonds. Then, reminiscent of haystacks in an open field.
Palate: Almonds at the forefront, followed by a slight sweetness of honey. Golden syrup, fresh-out-of-the-oven croissants, and rich milk chocolate. Showing decent complexity.
Finish: Surprisingly soft and short. Has no urge to stick around long.
Comments: If you like devouring pastries at your local bakery, I see no reason why you wouldn’t enjoy this, either.
7.9
Steven
Nose: Initial straw aromas with gentle biscuit and baked notes of peanut brittle, brandy snaps, and almond frangipane with clotted cream. Fresh cherries and blackcurrant. Much more floral with water, giving geranium and violets.
Palate: Honey sweetness, cinder toffee, caramel sauce, jaffa cake, blueberry sauce, and unctuous elegant woody tannins reminiscent of coffee cream.
Finish: Gentle, medium finish. Hints of cigar smoke.
Comments: Almost brandy-like in its softness and approachability. An elegant and nuanced whisky.
8.6
Akashi
Meïsei
EIGASHIMA DISTILLERY
ABV: 40%
Style: Blended
Country: Japan
Region: N/A
Price per bottle:
Bottling: Distillery
Availability: Worldwide
Bradley
Nose: Like ripping open a fresh bag of toffee popcorn. Caramel begins to show, with a hint of peanut and hazelnut.
Palate: Impressively smooth and expectedly soft. Reminiscent of a block of
