Mar 30 2006
Rating Scotch
Have Ratings/Tasting Notes Gone Too Far?
…all ratings are relative - a whisky is scored relative to the mood you are in, the other whiskies you might be trying, where you are sitting as you try them, what you had for dinner, the time of day, the argument you had with your girlfriend the other day, if you know anyone at the distillery, what you perceive others think of the expression, etc.
The author (Kevin) then gives an excellent example of a bad, pompous, subjective review:
Nose: Butyric, peach air freshener and a queasy cakiness. Like some showdown between two gateaux: as if a Battenburg attempted to out-nancy a French fancy.
Right: what the fuck does that mean? Kevin writes:
I’m fine with tasting notes and recommendations - as long as they contain actionable, understandable information and advice.
I have a few comprehensive books with single-malt ratings, but I use them more as a reference than a guide; that is, if I see something new in a store, I’ll look it up in one of my books to get a basic impression: peaty, sweet, etc.
