DuckDrams

So I didn’t last even a month until I decided to change up the scoring system again. But just a little bit.

I will replace Great Quality (⭐) with Worthwhile and enjoyable (✔️). The grounds on which I award the symbol hasn’t changed, but the label is clearer now. I actually vacillated in the past month of reviews between “great quality”, “enthusiast’s choice” and other variants, but they were all vague and unsatisfying. The idea really is that any whisky — regardless of providence and maturity — that one can spend a good time analysing and enjoying is definitionally great. Sure, there is still a gamut from great to sublime, but once a certain level of quality has been ascertained, so much of the rest is down to personal preference. The whiskies I have found the most amazing are anyways distinguished with a ❤️. Nonetheless, the bar for a ✔️ is actually quite high. But because I am very selective with what I try (rarely anything under €40 a bottle, and mostly exclusive single casks) the majority of contenders pass it. It then looks a little silly littering the review index with glorious golden stars. Instead I decided to reserve the star as a modifier to highlight whiskies that I think deserve some extra positive attention for any of a number of reasons. Without further ado, here is the new legend:

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❓— Inconclusive: a fair review was not possible, e.g. due to tainted sample.

❌— Bad. Really poor quality, or significantly flawed or underperforming for its category.

(no symbol) — Mediocre. Not without merit, but given the many superior alternatives, there is little reason for a whisky enthusiast to drink this. This is what I expect of most commercialized single malts and blends; and single cask bottlings that did not work out too well.

✔️— Worthwhile and enjoyable. A quality spirit that I think offers a rewarding tasting experience. Shortcomings, if present, are either forgivable or rather a matter of preference. This is the level I expect of official single malts with a focus on quality over marketing, and of most single casks offerings from reputable independent bottlers.

In addition to the I can add the following modifiers

✔️⭐— Special distinction. A badge of honour I award to draw some positive attention to a bottle. For example, for being a particularly fine representative of a certain style; offering exceptional value for money; being extra fun to review; marking a special occasion in my whisky journey. The review or a note in the index should clarify the reason.

✔️❤️— Personal favourite. A tasting experience that really connects with me. The hunt for these special drams is what the whisky hobby is all about.