Scale

NYT Restaurant Stars Inspired Scale

0 Stars - Poor to Fine: I would not specifically choose to drink this

1 Star - Good whiskey: I would choose to drink this over readily available whiskies

2 Stars - Very good whiskey: I would want to have a bottle

3 Stars - Excellent whiskey: I would be willing to hunt down a bottle

4 Stars - Extraordinary whiskey: An all time favorite

Old 1 to 10 Scale

My new review scale has moved quality and value to separate axes and now includes examples! I am working through the archive to update everything to the new scale, starting with the examples.

Quality

10 - an all time favorite, must buy/hunt - Old Rip Van Winkle 2018

9 - a favorite I always try to keep on my shelf - EH Taylor Barrel Proof 2019

8 - an excellent bottle I’d like to have at home - Blanton’s

7 - a great whiskey I’d order at a bar - Rare Breed

6 - a good whiskey I’m still happy to drink - 1792 Small Batch

5 - a whiskey with notable strengths but also held back by some flaws - High West Campfire

4 - a fine whiskey that does not standout in either direction - Evan Williams Black Label

3 - Better than not drinking whiskey but just barely - Crown Royal Deluxe

2 - Mixer only - Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye

1 - Pouring out the bottle, Coke Zero deserves better - Hazmat MGP Light Whiskey

Value

Great - A great deal, I’d buy it again - Eagle Rare, 1792 Small Batch

Fair - Worth the money, happy with my purchase - Rare Breed, A Mid Winter Night’s Dram

Poor - Overpriced, not worth the money - Kentucky Owl Confiscated, Heaven’s Door 10 year