How much credibility do you give whiskey reviews?

[Flyfish]

Some of them are good for a laugh.

One reviewer, long since forgotten, noted that Old Crow must be among the finest whiskey in the world because that is what General Grant drank.

[BourbonGuy]

Kdding aside I've given some thought to the thread title. If I were to write a review on something, say Old Grand Dad, and it was good enough to be published the magazine would get a through, honest review and I would pick up a piece of change. It would be my best effort and if the magazine contacted me few years later for a similar review I couldn't change what I originally said.

Those who write about spirits for the revenue stream can't just sell the same review over and over, they have to jazz things up a bit. I'm reminded of a comment made by the late Jack O'Conner, longtime field editor for Outdoor Life magazine, who when speaking about hunting stories said "we all shoot the same deer over and over again in different stories, we just change the time, place and species".

I do not envy those who have to meet publishing deadlines. Mozart wrote great music but had to keep writing to make a living.

I have a question: If you were contacted a few year later, is it possible your review might change? Your tastes many have change or (more likely) the bourbon may have changed. Maybe it is me, but I have noticed the same bourbon change over time.

[squire]

Dr. Crow's Bourbon was also favored by Mark Twain and other notables of the day. Doubt either he or Grant would choose it today.

[smokinjoe]

How could we forget THAT reviewer?!?! His face is plastered all over pennies and $5 bills!!

[Flyfish]

I have a question: If you were contacted a few year later, is it possible your review might change? Your tastes many have change or (more likely) the bourbon may have changed. Maybe it is me, but I have noticed the same bourbon change over time.

[squire]

I have a question: If you were contacted a few year later, is it possible your review might change? Your tastes many have change or (more likely) the bourbon may have changed. . . .

Point in fact the Bourbons have changed, particularly over the last 40 years. That aside if I'd written a review of, say, Old Grand Dad five years ago I would say much the same thing about it today.

I expect if I were beginning to explore the World of Bourbon, Malts or Belgian Ales, to list just a few, what I liked initially would change as my knowledge base grew and appreciation level increased. At this point in the journey though I'm pretty much on auto pilot and less inclined to pursue a new taste sensation when I can simply savor what I know I'll enjoy. It's still great fun though and I reserve the right to change my mind anytime.

[smokinjoe]

I only trust reviews of professionals who have a catchy look. An ascot. A fedora. Or, Panama hat, seersucker, and nifty pipe. Now, if somebody would start working the brocade dickey, beret, and one of those long thin cigarette holders...

[Paddy]

I only trust reviews of professionals who have a catchy look. An ascot. A fedora. Or, Panama hat, seersucker, and nifty pipe. Now, if somebody would start working the brocade dickey, beret, and one of those long thin cigarette holders...

I find that a more simplistic approach works for me. This is my guy...

[flahute]

^^^^Seems pretty legit.

[smokinjoe]

I find that a more simplistic approach works for me. This is my guy...

Yes. Obviously, a worthy whiskey reviewer. Note his effective use of air quotes while pointing out that the Templeton Rye he is reviewing shows "produced" by Templeton on the label...

[squire]

I would certainly take his advice on where to find the best prices.

[Paddy]

Yes. Obviously, a worthy whiskey reviewer. Note his effective use of air quotes while pointing out that the Templeton Rye he is reviewing shows "produced" by Templeton on the label...

Well...he certainly is a quantity over quality kind of guy! But as Squire pointed out, he knows a great deal (noting the 2 for 1 sign he is making)!

[El Vino]

I think it is Ralfy's American cousin!

[starhopper]

If I had gone by almost all of the early reviews for "Stagg Jr" (batches 1and 2), I would have never bought a bottle. But, I took a chance with batch 4, and it was delicious. So for me, I like to read the reviews as a simple guideline, but I keep in mind that the bottle (batch, proof, etc) they reviewed may not be the same bottle that I'm looking at on the shelves.

I REALLY do enjoy ralfy.com!

Edited November 4, 2015 by starhopper

[GaryT]

So . . . was just confronted with an opportunity to buy one bottle (luggage space limitation!) amongst many I had never tried. Enter the whiskey reviews

Sitting on a shelf was a nice lineup from Compass Box, including Peat Monster 10th Anniversary, The Lost Blend, Flaming Heart Limited Edition Aug 2012, and Hedonism Quindecimus. The first three were all the same price ($99), and I'd only tried the PM10th once before - and couldn't recall thinking I liked it enough to pay that much. The Hedonism was a bit out of my budget, but I didn't cast it out immediately. I opted to go online and read some reviews and see what folks had to say - and based on that, I left with the Flaming Heart LE.

Why? It sounded like the one I'd enjoy the most (some peat, intense flavor over something more delicate).

Might I have liked the others better? Possibly, but without trying them for myself - who knows.

Am I going to lose sleep over what might have been? Nope. It isn't like I don't have enough whiskey I enjoy!

Am I going to blame the reviewer if I think it tastes lousy? Probably not

[tanstaafl2]

So . . . was just confronted with an opportunity to buy one bottle (luggage space limitation!) amongst many I had never tried. Enter the whiskey reviews

Sitting on a shelf was a nice lineup from Compass Box, including Peat Monster 10th Anniversary, The Lost Blend, Flaming Heart Limited Edition Aug 2012, and Hedonism Quindecimus. The first three were all the same price ($99), and I'd only tried the PM10th once before - and couldn't recall thinking I liked it enough to pay that much. The Hedonism was a bit out of my budget, but I didn't cast it out immediately. I opted to go online and read some reviews and see what folks had to say - and based on that, I left with the Flaming Heart LE.

Why? It sounded like the one I'd enjoy the most (some peat, intense flavor over something more delicate).

Might I have liked the others better? Possibly, but without trying them for myself - who knows.

Am I going to lose sleep over what might have been? Nope. It isn't like I don't have enough whiskey I enjoy!

Am I going to blame the reviewer if I think it tastes lousy? Probably not

I suspect you made the right choice. Lost Blend shouldn't be all that hard to find locally still if you want it. Peat Monster is indeed VERY peat focused and while the tenth Anniversary Edition is a bit special the basic Peat Monster is a commonly available bottle and not that big a difference. You might even still find a Peat Monster 10th floating around locally. The Quiny is pricey and a limited edition and while I like it, it is probably not the best QPR among CB offerings. It is also newer and may still be findable locally.

But the Flaming Heart is a unique edition and essentially a dusty. Haven't seen one of those in recent times locally that I can recall or I probably would have bought it!

I think ya done good! And not just because that is the one I don't currently have and would most want to try... :cool:

[BigRich]

And you can come on over and have the other two at my place.

[GaryT]

I suspect you made the right choice. Lost Blend shouldn't be all that hard to find locally still if you want it. Peat Monster is indeed VERY peat focused and while the tenth Anniversary Edition is a bit special the basic Peat Monster is a commonly available bottle and not that big a difference. You might even still find a Peat Monster 10th floating around locally. The Quiny is pricey and a limited edition and while I like it, it is probably not the best QPR among CB offerings. It is also newer and may still be findable locally.

But the Flaming Heart is a unique edition and essentially a dusty. Haven't seen one of those in recent times locally that I can recall or I probably would have bought it!

I think ya done good! And not just because that is the one I don't currently have and would most want to try... :cool:

That was my recollection on the Peat Monster 10th (a bit better than standard PM, at least to my palate). This wasn't a local shop (and unfortunately it was the last Flaming Heart he had). I actually stopped in as during a past visit, he had several Macallan CS - and I only grabbed one at the time.

And you can come on over and have the other two at my place.

Will definitely have to do that!

Besides the notes on various reviews, I must admit that the "Must Buy" rating on my favorite whiskey blog weighed heavy, as I know that doesn't get used lightly

[zeeck]

I don't place much credibility in them, as most of my inspiration for going out and grabbing something new comes from the responses/reviews here and on Twitter.

I keep my own blog for all my reviews primarily as my own whiskey journal. I think the only people that read it are my dad and a couple good buddies (though my wife uses it when she's picking something out and she wants to get me something I haven't had before). My reviews are so subjective and based upon my own likes and preferences, unless you know me and know you like what I like, I don't know that it'd be a whole lot of use for someone else, nor do I consider myself any kind of expert. I kind of view other reviews more or less the same.

[bullitt]

Probably more credit than I should. I go by the reputation of the reviewers but keep in mind that it could be hyped. It comes down to who's tastes do you trust and agree with most.

[boneuphtoner]

I read most reviews for entertainment purposes as everyone's palates are different. But some are more similar to mine than others. For those couple of reviewers, if I'm on the fence about trying a new product, a very positive or negative review might sway me...but only if I'm on the fence.

[GaryT]

Just a follow up - got a chance to open and sample the Compass Box Flaming Heart 4th Edition I picked up last week (which was a purchase significantly influenced by what I read in some reviews). Very nice whiskey, and comparing to the tasting notes in at least one review - pretty close to what I imagined. Totally satisfied with this purchase!

[Flyfish]

I don't care so much about how reviewers rate bourbon. More interested in their notes on what it tastes like. Is a sweet bourbon better than one on the drier side? Is oaky bourbon better than one less oak forward. Is a 20 YO bourbon better than an 8 YO? Just tell me if it is sweet or dry, oaky or less so, old or young. I'll decide which I prefer. (At this stage in my life, however, I've pretty much already made up my mind.) There is a paradox: If I agree with the reviewer, I don't really need his opinion; if I disagree, well, that just shows he is ignorant.

[BourbonGuy]

If I agree with the reviewer, I don't really need his opinion; if I disagree, well, that just shows he is ignorant.

WOW! Ihave to remember that!