> Personal score

• [+9.5] — Wow! Exactly what I’m looking for (S+)

• [9] — I love it! Truly enjoyable. A favorite (S)

• [8.5] — Amazing. It really hits the spot (A+)

• [8] — Very good. I genuinely like it (A)

• [7.5] — Good. It clicks with me (B)

• [7] — Fine. Competent enough (C)

------------------UNINERESTING-----------------

• [6] — Meh. Drinkable, but flawed (D)

• [5] — Barely acceptable. It tests my limits (E)

• [4] — Not my cup of tea. Too many flaws (F)

• [3] — Offensive. Bafflingly unpleasant (F-)

• [2] — Gross! No redeeming qualities (WTF)

• [1] — ℭursed

---

My completely subjective rating system or Personal affinity with this bottle’s organoleptic profile [autistic version]

[+95] ------> I ADORE it! / Glorious / Excellent (S+)

[94 - 90] --> I love it! / Delicious / Great (S)

[89 - 85] --> I like it a lot / Enjoyable / Very Good (A+)

[84 - 80] --> I like it! / Very pleasant / Good (A)

[79 - 75] --> I like it a little / Pleasant / Nice (B+)

[74 - 70] --> I almost like it / Agreeable / Fine (B)

[69 - 60] --> I think it's OK / Acceptable / Decent (C+)

[59 - 50] --> I can tolerate it / Passable / Mediocre (C)

[49 - 35] --> I don't like it / Unpleasant / Bad

[34 - 16] --> I don't like it at all / Undrinkable / Very Bad

[15 - 2] ---> I hate it! / Disgusting / Terrible

[1] --------> F̶̮̮̀ǎ̵̢͝s̸̡͒̔c̷͎̠̚i̵̬̊̑ň̸̬a̵͎̫̿ť̶̳̇i̶̙̟̽n̷̼͋͝g̷͍̻̚ ̸̼̎a̴͎̜͋̓b̵̝̥̃͐ỏ̷ͅm̴͍̍̈ĩ̶͚̅͜ṇ̴̋a̴͈̎t̷͙͙̍͠ȉ̶͉͖̕o̸̙͐̊n̶̖͊̀s

(59 or less = I regret paying for it / 69 or less = Finishing the bottle wasn't particularly enjoyable / 74 or less = Most probably won't buy again / 85 or more = Serious business / 90 or more = Absolutely subjective personal favorites / 95 or more = I probably enjoyed it a little bit too much)

---

2025

About my "high scores": My average score is 7.3, which seems reasonable as an average rating for something I am supposed to engage with because I like it. (Some people seem to engage with whisky as an annoying job more than a hobby here in this sub.) It just feels right to give a 9 to anything I truly love and a 9.5 to my absolute favorites, independently of what the consensus is, what the WB average rating is, or what damn Serge cryptically wrote about it.They’re highly subjective valuations meant more for my future self than anything else. Sharing them is mainly about guiding beginners or suggesting interesting bottles to those who share a similar palate. If you find my seemingly random, super-high scores off-putting, just remember that I’m only human and, as such, I sometimes love and even adore certain random bottles due to my personal taste.

Favorite distilleries: Laphroaig, Highland Park, Glengyle (Kilkerran). Also interested in: Ardbeg, Raasay, Edradour/Ballechin and Bladnoch. 

---

2024

Favorites ATM:

1. Absolute favorite: Laphroaig.

2. Favorite island peated whiskies: Raasay, Lagg, Lagavulin, Kilchoman, Highland Park, Ardbeg, and Ledaig.

3. Favorite mainland peated whiskies: Old Ballantruan, Ballechin, Inchmoan, Kilkerran, Longrow, and Meikle Tòir.

4. Favorite sherried whiskies: Edradour, Glenrothes, Glendronach, and Glengoyne.

5. Favorite ex-bourbon whiskies: Bladnoch, Hazelburn, Springbank, Oban, and Tobermory.

About me (as a Scotch reviewer)

· First of all, I'm Spanish. Sorry for my bad English. I sometimes use Google Translate and ChatGPT to make sure that what I write makes sense, but not always, and this method has its flaws anyway.

· I discovered Scotch in 2019 and fell in love with it in 2020, so I'm just starting out. I'm just the average whisky nerd: a lot of passion, but broke, and probably borderline alcoholic. As a hobby, Scotch whisky is completely vacuous, inconsequential, and decadent, as well as economically questionable, unhealthy, and morally pernicious. It is just perfect for a nihilist like me.

· I have around 100 opened bottles of Scotch at any given time, and all the unopened ones I have are for future drinking. Most of my bottles are "cheap" (40-100€).

· I am a peathead. My favorite distilleries are Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Kilchoman. I also love Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Raasay and Ledaig. I like sherry whisky too, especially Glendronach, Glenrothes and Edradour. But I am constantly trying new bottles, so this will probably change soon.

· I don't feel the need to be objective when I rate Scotch. If I like something, I'll give it 80 or more points; if I love it, I'll give it 90 or more. If I think it's just fine, I'll give it around 70 points; if I think it's at least decent, I'll give it around 60. If I don't like it, I'll give it 49 or less.

· Sometimes I don't use the traditional nose/taste/finish reviews, as I think those only make sense when there are significant differences between the nose and the taste. Sometimes I prefer to distinguish between dominant and secondary notes. I think this is more useful for most bottles.

· I've been lurking on r/Scotch and WB for years. Now, I want to post a review of every bottle of Scotch I empty, no exceptions. Let's see if I can do it.

· Posting on Reddit and WB is not easy for me. I'm trying to learn and I’m very new at this, so I welcome any advice.

· My whisky philosophy can be summed up in two ideas: (A) What Scotch needs to be is good. Attributes like old age, high strength, complexity, non-chill filtration, and natural color might help or be desirable, but they aren’t essential. (B) The only way to truly know a whisky is by buying the whole bottle and revisiting it dozens of times over the months or years. A whisky is like a person; you only really get to know them through many interactions, in various situations, over a long period. I don’t like samples or tastings because they don’t really let you get familiar with the whisky’s full profile. There are many bottles I love now but would have disliked if I hadn’t given them many chances to understand them. Conversely, there are bottles I would have initially loved just because they made a good first impression, but they turned out to lack depth or reliability upon closer inspection.

· Currently, in my Whisky Journey™, I'm focusing on getting familiar with at least one accessible and representative bottle from every open Scottish distillery (82 out of 95 at the moment). I'm only interested in the "old" ones, so newer 21st-century distilleries are not a priority. Additionally, I'm trying to find and taste the most heavily peated versions from each distillery, and also taste as many older Scotch bottles as I can (18+ years). I try to keep up with the new distilleries too. However, these goals are secondary.

· Finally, please, don't take me too serious. As I said, my reviews are absolutely subjective and factor everything, like the price I paid for the bottle, my particular mood at this point in my life, my current taste, my ideas and opinions about the whisky culture and market, previous experiences with other bottles, other people’s reviews, etc.

---

2023: The only way to know a whisky is by buying the whole bottle and going back to it dozens of times over the months or years. I don't like samples or tastings because of this, they don't really let you get familiar with the organoleptic profile. A whisky is like a person, you only really get to know him (her?) over many interactions, in many situations, over a long time.

I like Ardbeg, Aultmore, Ben Nevis, BenRiach, Bladnoch, Caol Ila, Cardhu, Cragganmore, Dailuaine, Deanston, Dufftown, Edradour, Fettercairn, Glencadam, Glendronach, Glendullan, Glengoyne, Glengyle, Glen Ord, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Lagg, Laphroaig, Lochlea, Mannochmore, Mortlach, Oban, Raasay, Royal Brackla, Royal Lochnagar, Springbank, Tobermory, and Torabhaig distilleries, so far.

The secondary rating system of “objective” qualities:

>>Intensity:

[0/5] --> Tasteless/ Vodka-like

[1/5] --> Very subtle / Very gentle / Almost flavorless

[2/5] --> Subtle/ Gentle / Weak

[3/5] --> Adequate

[4/5] --> Intense

[5/5] --> Explosive

[6/5]--> Unmanageable

>>Complexity:

[1/5] --> One dimensional / Very austere

[2/5] --> Simple / Minimalist

[3/5] --> Adequate

[4/5] --> Complex

[5/5] --> Very rich and deep

[6/5]--> Excessively saturated

>>Originality and challengingness:

[1/5] -> Archetypal / Very generic / Intranscendental

[2/5]--> Orthodox / Generic / Undemanding

[3/5]--> It has personality

[4/5]--> Unorthodox / Unique / Challenging

[5/5]--> Very unorthodox / WTF / Very challenging

[6/5]--> Indomitable

>>Density and oiliness:

[1/5]--> Very watery

[2/5]--> Slightly watery

[3/5]--> Adequate/ Has consistency/ Silky

[4/5]--> Dense and oily

[5/5]--> Thick and robust

[6/5]--> Too dense / PX-like

>>Value for money:

[0/5]--> Wealth display / For collectors

[1/5]--> Scam

[2/5]--> Not worth

[3/5]--> Adequate price

[4/5]--> Good price

[5/5]--> Bargain

> Perceived Peat Intensity Scale

[0/5] Totally unpeated: No detectable peat whatsoever [Glenlivet 12, Glenmorangie 10, Glencadam 10, anCnoc 12, Old Pulteney 12, Glenkinchie 12, Ben Nevis 10, Clynelish 14, Balblair 12, ]

[0.5/5] Traces of peat: The peat barely crosses the threshold of perception, so it keeps you second-guessing yourself [Cragganmore 12, Cardhu 12, Oban 14, Teaninich 10, Bunnahabhain 12 and 12 CS, Tobermory 12, Glen Scotia 15, Classic Laddie, Scapa Skiren, Craigellachie 13, Glenfiddich 12, Glendronach 12, Knockando 12, Glenfarclas 15, Glen Ord, Glenrothes, Glengoyne]

[1/5] Slightly peated: Discreetly present, a subtle, faint, yet pervasive peaty undertone [Ardmore, BenRomach 10, Springbank 10 and 15, Highland Park 12 and Whitlaw, Machrie Moor, Loch Lomond 12, Jura 12, JW12, Bowmore 12, Spey Fumare, Hazelburn 10]

[2/5] Low peated: The delicate peat is noticeable but serves a secondary role [Ardnamurchan, (old label) Talisker 10/ DE, Octomore 11.1, Port Charlotte Scottish Barley, Kilkerran Heavily Peated, The Hearach, Ben Nevis Peated]

[3/5] Medium peated: An evident but balanced presence of peat, acting as one of the main flavors [Benriach 12, Caol Ila 12, Inchmoan 12, Port Charlotte 10, Kilkerran 12, Lagavulin 16, Raasay, Glenglassaugh Portsoy, Glen Moray Peated, (new label) Laphroaig CQ]

[4/5] High peated: The peat is dominant but competes with other strong flavor/s, masking the peat to some degree. [Peated Raasay, Meikle Tòir, Ardnahoe, (old label) Laphroaig CQ/ Sherry Oak/ PX, Kilchoman Sanaig and Long Morn, Lagg Corriecravie, Ardbeg An Oa and Uigeadail, Longrow Red, Ledaig Rioja]

[5/5] Heavily peated: The explosive peat is completely upfront, totally dominating with almost no counterbalance [Ardbeg 10 and Corryvreckan, Lagavulin 8 and 12, Ballechin 10, Ledaig 10, Laphroaig 10/ 10 CS/ An Cuan Mòr, Old Ballantruan NAS/ 10, Longrow NAS, Torabhaig Allt Gleann/ AG CS, Kilchoman Machir Bay and CS, Moine/Staoisha, Lagg Kilmory]

I try to “objectively” rate intensity, complexity, originality and oiliness separately just for people to know what to expect. Quality/price is relative to my economic level, so it is not objective, but in my experience most whisky nerds buy bottles in the 50-200€/USD range like me, so I thought it might be useful. These ratings don't influence my completely subjective rating necessarily, and most of the times don't influence it at all. They are mostly an afterthought. A whisky is not better (or, should I say, I'm not gonna automatically like a whisky more) just because those “objective” scores are higher. I might not like a 5/5 very intense whisky, and its intensity actually works against it (like Loch Lomond 18). A whisky might score 1/5 in originality (archetypal) and still be very much to my liking (like Glencadam 10). Same with the rest.

---

2022: I'm just the average noob whisky nerd. A lot of passion, but broke, and probably borderline alcoholic. I discovered whisky around 2019 – 2020. I like spending time with my bottles by myself, at evening while reading or at night while watching stuff. Right now, in my Whisky Journey™ I'm just trying to spend time and getting familiar with at least one accessible and representative whisky of every (currently open) Scottish distillery (around 80/144 atm). But I don't mind trying non-Scottish whiskys.

---

2021 

A) I don't know why you keep reading, but now that you are here, let's talk about my favorite kind of whisky. It has all or most of these characteristics: 

1- Cask Strength (55% ABV at least)

2- Heavily Peated and heavy maritime notes

3- Young (10 or NAS)

4- Non chillfiltered and natural color (almost transparent)

5- Accesible (less than 100€)

At the moment, the only whiskies I found that meet all or most requirements are: Port Askaig 100º, Mac-Talla Mara, Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Uigeadail, Kilchoman Machir Bay CS, Laphroaig 10 CS, Port Charlotte 10, Classic of Islay, Finlaggan CS and The Ileach CS, Rock Oyster CS. I don't really like Octomore tho. Wanna spend time with any OB CS Talisker, Caol Ila, Ledaig, Kilkerran, Laga or Ardmore. God knows how. 

B) The other type of whisky I like is hard to describe. Peppery, savory, lemony, sweet whiskies, i guess. In this weird group we can find Oban 14, Cragganmore 12, Clynelish 14, The Deveron and apparently anything produced by Mannochmore, Glen Ord, Dufftown, Glendullan and Mortlach.

C) I have a softspot for Campbelltown (Glen Scotia, Springbank, Kilkerran, Longrow, Hazelburn), some sherried bois (Aberlour, Edradour, Glendronach, Benromach), some islanders (Jura, Torabhaig, Scapa, Arran), some lemony/flowery ones (Glencadam, anCnoc, Glenmorangie, Glenlivet, BenRiach, Tomatin, Deanston, Glenkinchie, Miltonduff, Kingsbarns). I also love anything Cardhu and Macduff produce, for some reason. 

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Random and VERY OLD distillery/bottlings/brands ratings:

1             --> Fascinating abominations (Canovel and Guillon Champenois)

2   - 15   --> I hate it (Jack Daniel's, Robert Burns, John Cor, Four Roses)

16 - 39 --> I dont like it at all (Bowmore, Bushmills, Millstone, Ballantine's, Sir Edward's, Cutty Sark)

40 - 49 --> I don't like it (Loch Lomond, Glengarry, Aerstone, 100 Pipers, Glen Moray, Jim Beam, Willett Pot)

50 - 59 --> I can tolerate it (Mellow Corn, JW, J&B, DYC, Tamnavulin, West Cork, Peat's Beast, Marker's Mark, Estremeñu)

60 - 69 --> I think its OK/ interesting (Penderyn, Jameson, Auchentoshan, Ardmore, High Commisioner, The Famous Grouse, Bell's, Teacher's, Paddy, Knob Creek, Tullibardine, Tomintoul, Buchanan's, Chivas Regal, Teeling, Platte Valley, Connemara)

70 - 79 --> I like it, but not too much (Glenffidich, Aberfeldy, Old Pulteney, Highland Park, Macallan, Amrut, Abasolo, Dewar's, Kilbeggan, Glen Grant, Nomad, Knockando, Ballechin, Spice Tree, Glen Spey, Bruichladdich, Bulleit, Haran, )

80 - 84 --> I like it (Glenrothes, Bunnahabhain, Glenlivet, Dalwhinnie, Glenallachie, Glenmorangie, Edradour, Deveron, Tomatin, Kavalan, Jura, Mackmyra, Speyburn, Bain's Cape, Woodford Reserve, Inchgower, Finlaggan, Smokehead, Glenlossie, Teaninich, Miltonduff)

85 - 89 --> I like it a lot (Glenkinchie, Benromach, anCnoc, Cardhu, Kingsbarns, Arran, Tamdhu, Dufftown, Glen Garioch, Redbreast, Glendullan, Glen Ord, Glenfarclas, Whitlaw, Glen Elgin, Glenburgie, Longmorn, Machrie Moor)

90 - 94 --> I love it (Port Charlotte, Mortlach, Glencadam, Aultmore, Longrow, Hazelburn, Dailuaine, Torabhaig, Cragganmore, Kilkerran, Glendronach, Glen Scotia, Clynelish, Talisker, Caol Ila, Mannochmore, Oban, Valdespino)

+95       --> I adore it: I might enjoy it a little too much (Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Ledaig, Lagavulin, Springbank, Aberlour, Port Askaig)

Distilleries I like: Aberlour, Ardbeg, Aultmore, Benromach, Caol Ila, Cardhu, Clynelish, Cragganmore, Dailuaine, Deanston, Dufftown, Edradour, Glendacam, Glendronach, Glendullan, Glenmorangie, Glengyle, Glen Ord, Glen Scotia, Jura, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Macduff, Mannochmore, Mortlach, Oban, Speyburn, Spingbank, Talisker, Tobermory, Torabhaig.

My OLD completely subjective rating system:

[+95] ------> I ADORE it / Made for me by the Whisky Gods / Admirable (S)

[94 - 90] --> I love it!! / Lovely / Excellent (S)

[89 - 85] --> I like it a lot! / Delicious / Great (A+)

[84 - 80] --> I like it! / Very enjoyable / Very Good (A)

[79 - 75] --> I like it a little / Enjoyable / Good (B+)

[74 - 70] --> I almost like it / Pleasant / Nice (B)

[69 - 60] --> I think it's OK / Agreeable / Decent (C+)

[59 - 50] --> I tolerate it / Mediocre / Acceptable (C)

[49 - 35] --> I don't like it / Unpleasant / Bad

[34 - 16] --> I don't like it at all / Almost undrinkable / Very Bad

[15 - 2] ---> I hate it / Undrinkable / Terrible

[1] ---------> F̶̮̮̀ǎ̵̢͝s̸̡͒̔c̷͎̠̚i̵̬̊̑ň̸̬a̵͎̫̿ť̶̳̇i̶̙̟̽n̷̼͋͝g̷͍̻̚ ̸̼̎a̴͎͋̓b̵̝̥̃͐ỏ̷ͅm̴͍̍̈ĩ̶͚̅͜ṇ̴̋a̴͈̎t̷͙͙̍͠ȉ̶͉͖̕o̸̙͐̊n̶̖͊̀s

---

OLD Add:

Bernal whisky de malta constitución 10 años 40%  oak barrel

Curavacas single grain 3 years destilleria sierra del oso sherry butts 40%

El bocoy de José Páez Blended, ex bourbon and sherry, 13 years, 40%

Hollyhock blend 40%

Sin john moore 

Sir john moore 10

Three scotish brothers

Buscavidas

DYC licor miniatura

---

OLD No picture:

Mannochmore 2010 (The Ultimate), 11 years, Cask 7617, 46%"" Opened bottle"

Berry Bros. & Rudd Orkney Islands 2002, 15 y.o. Cask 13, 57'3% Vol"" AKA ""Residence XV Anniversary""

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OLD TASKS:

-3/-2 to every rating

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OLD STUFF

Intensity: 0/5 (Tasteless/ Vodka-like); 1/5 (Almost tasteless/ flavorless); 2/5 (Subtle/ weak); 3/5 (Adequate); 4/5 (Intense); 5/5 (Explosive)

Complexity: 1/5 (One dimensional); 2/5 (Simple); 3/5 (Adequate); 4/5 (Complex); 5/5 (Very rich)

Originality / challengingness: 1/5 (Archetypal and generic); 2/5 (Orthodox and familiar); 3/5 (It has personality); 4/5 (Unorthodox / Unique / Challenging); 5/5 (Very unorthodox/ plain weird/ WTF / Very challenging)

Density/ Oiliness: 1/5 (Very watery); 2/5 (Slightly watery); 3/5 (Adequate/ Has consistency/ Silky); 4/5 (Dense and oily); 5/5 (Thick)

Value for money: 0/5 (Only for collecting and/or social status display); 1/5 (Scam); 2/5 (Not worth); 3/5 (Adequate price); 4/5 (Good price); 5/5 (Bargain)

Copypaste 1 OLD

Similar to:

Dominant notes:

Secondary notes:

Intensity: /5 ()

Complexity: /5 ()

Originality and challengingness: /5 ()

Density and oiliness: /5 ()

Quality/price ratio: /5 ()