Scoring Breakdown

Below is a quick guide to how scoring works on The Whisky Study. As the overall quality of whiskies produced has gradually increased, the majority are rated between 80-89 with very few whiskies reach the 97+ level.

Today, very few whiskies today are truly awful. But scores are based on my palate, and your mileage may vary. Even if I don’t enjoy it, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it on your shelf!

98-100 points - Incredible: One of the best I’ve ever had
95-97 points - Fantastic: a whisky I would recommend to all my friends
90-94 points - Excellent: would try to have a bottle on the shelf at all times
85-89 points - Very good: a whisky with unique qualities
80-84 points - Solid: well-made whisky but unremarkable
75-79 - Mediocre: a drinkable whisky that has significant flaws
0-74 - Not recommended