Editorial standards and review methodology
Whisky Saga is an independent, ad-free whisky publication founded by Thomas Øhrbom in January 2012. The site publishes whisky reviews, tasting notes, distillery features, interviews, industry news, and related spirits content.
This page explains how reviews are produced, how products are scored, how samples and industry relationships are handled, and how Whisky Saga works to maintain accuracy, independence and transparency.
Editorial independence
All reviews and editorial conclusions published by Whisky Saga represent the independent judgment of the author.
Producers, importers, distributors, retailers and other industry participants do not approve reviews before publication and do not determine the score, wording, timing or conclusion of a review.
Whisky Saga does not accept payment in return for a favorable review, a particular score or guaranteed editorial coverage.
A product being supplied as a review sample does not guarantee that it will be reviewed. It also does not guarantee prominent coverage or a positive assessment.
Commercial relationships, hospitality, samples or access to events do not override the obligation to give readers an honest opinion.
Review samples and purchased products
Whiskies reviewed by Whisky Saga may come from several sources:
Bottles or samples purchased by the author
Samples shared privately by other whisky enthusiasts
Samples supplied by producers, importers, distributors or retailers
Tastings attended at festivals, distilleries, launches or other events
Where the source of a sample is relevant, Whisky Saga aims to disclose it in the review.
Regardless of source, the same scoring principles and editorial standards apply.
Receipt of a free sample does not constitute payment for coverage. A supplied sample is assessed in the same independent manner as a whisky purchased by the author.
Subjectivity and reliability
Whisky tasting is inherently subjective. A review does not establish an objective or universal truth about a whisky.
Individual perception can be affected by experience, personal preference, tasting environment, sample condition and natural variation between batches or bottles.
The purpose of Whisky Saga is therefore not to claim absolute objectivity. It is to provide:
Consistent tasting notes
A clearly explained scoring system
Comparisons based on extensive tasting experience
Relevant factual information
An independent personal assessment
Reliability in this context means applying a consistent method, being transparent about limitations, separating facts from opinion and correcting material errors when identified.
How whiskies are tasted
Reviews are based on the aroma, taste, finish and overall impression of the whisky.
The whisky is given appropriate time in the glass, and water may be added when this is considered useful. The tasting notes describe the sensory impressions experienced during the review.
Whisky Saga does not claim that every review is conducted under identical laboratory conditions. Reviews are nevertheless approached systematically and with reference to previous tasting experience and comparable whiskies.
Most reviews should not be interpreted as blind tastings unless the review specifically states that the whisky was tasted blind.
The following factors may be considered:
Aroma and development in the glass
Flavor, texture and intensity
Length and character of the finish
Balance and complexity
Integration of alcohol
Cask influence
Distinctiveness
Overall drinking experience
Price may be discussed separately, but the quality score is intended primarily to reflect the whisky itself rather than its retail price.
The Whisky Saga scoring system
Whisky Saga uses a 100-point scale, as introduced by Robert Parker. The score provides a concise summary of the overall assessment and makes it possible to compare reviews published over an extended period. It does not replace the tasting notes, which provide the context behind the number.
The scale is broadly interpreted as follows:
00–50: Seriously flawed or unpleasant
51–64: Very poor
65–69: Uninteresting or clearly below average
70–74: Acceptable, but with significant limitations
75–79: Average to good
80–84: Good and worth remembering
85–89: Very good to excellent
90–93: Outstanding
94–97: Exceptional
98–100: Virtually perfect
Scores are not calculated through a rigid mathematical formula. They represent an informed overall judgment based on aroma, taste, finish, balance and total experience.
A difference of one or two points should not be treated as scientifically precise. The tasting notes and the broader score range are usually more important than a very small numerical difference.
For more background on why Whisky Saga uses scores and how the system was developed, see:
Consistency over time
Whisky Saga has published reviews since 2012 and draws on experience from tasting thousands of whiskies and other spirits.
Consistency is supported by:
Using the same general review structure
Applying the same broad scoring scale
Comparing new tastings with previous experience
Maintaining an extensive archive of tasting notes and scores
Reviewing whiskies from many countries, styles, producers and price categories
Palates and preferences can develop over time. A historical score therefore reflects the assessment made when that whisky was reviewed. Whisky Saga does not routinely rewrite old reviews to make them conform to later preferences.
Where a whisky is tasted again, a new review or updated observation may be published.
Facts, opinions and sources
Whisky Saga distinguishes between factual information and subjective tasting impressions.
Product facts may be obtained from:
Official producer information
Bottle labels and packaging
Importers and distributors
Distillery representatives
Public regulatory or company information
Reputable specialist sources
Whisky Saga seeks to verify important factual claims where reasonably possible. Information supplied by a producer may be identified as producer information when it cannot be independently confirmed.
Tasting notes, scores and conclusions are the author’s own opinions.
Errors and corrections
Whisky Saga aims to publish accurate information.
Readers, producers and other affected parties are welcome to report possible factual errors. Material errors will be reviewed and corrected when appropriate.
Corrections may be made directly in the article. Where the correction substantially changes the meaning of the original publication, an explanatory note may be added.
Requests to change a subjective assessment or score will not normally result in a correction unless the original review was based on incorrect product identification, a defective sample or another material error.
Corrections can be submitted through the Whisky Saga contact page.
Reviews, advertising and sponsored content
Whisky Saga is an ad-free publication.
Editorial reviews are not paid placements. Whisky Saga does not sell positive reviews or predetermined scores.
Should sponsored, paid or otherwise commercially commissioned content ever be published, it will be clearly identified so that readers can distinguish it from independent editorial material.
Affiliate relationships, if introduced, will be disclosed clearly and will not determine review scores or editorial conclusions.
Industry relationships and hospitality
Operating a specialist whisky publication involves contact with producers, distillers, brand representatives, importers, retailers, event organisers and other members of the whisky industry.
Whisky Saga may receive:
Product samples
Invitations to tastings
Access to launches and festivals
Distillery visits
Interviews
Travel, meals or hospitality connected with editorial activity
Such access can provide useful information and improve the quality of coverage. It can also create potential conflicts of interest.
Whisky Saga manages this by maintaining editorial control, giving honest assessments and disclosing relevant relationships or support where they could reasonably affect a reader’s evaluation of the content.
Hospitality or access does not guarantee coverage or a favorable conclusion.
Copyright and attribution
Whisky Saga respects copyright and aims to publish original content.
Material from other sources is attributed where appropriate. Press material, official product information and content distributed specifically for publicity may be used when its origin and purpose are clear.
Images are published on the basis of ownership, permission, license, fair use where applicable, or their provision for editorial and publicity purposes.
Anyone who believes their intellectual property has been used incorrectly may contact Whisky Saga for review.
Author and ownership
Whisky Saga was founded and is edited by Thomas Øhrbom, a Norwegian whisky writer who has published whisky-related content since 2012.
The publication covers Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, bourbon, rye, Nordic whisky and whiskies from around the world, together with selected reviews of other spirits.
Whisky Saga, including the brand, domain, website content and associated applications, is owned by The Dram Whisky Consulting AS, a registered Norwegian company.
Reader responsibility
Whisky Saga reviews are intended as information and personal opinion.
Taste preferences differ, and a positive review cannot guarantee that another person will enjoy the same whisky. Readers should consider several sources, their own preferences, availability, and price before making a purchase.
Whisky Saga encourages responsible enjoyment of alcohol. Reviews are intended for adults of legal drinking age.
Contact
Questions about these standards, factual corrections or potential conflicts of interest can be submitted through the Whisky Saga contact page.
Last updated: August 2026