In September of 2023, I drove a van for a private golf and whisky tour in the Highlands and Speyside. I was able to tour a few places where I’d been before, as well as visit a few new places. And, although I could not drink during the day, I was able to bring back…

At the end of July and beginning of August 2023, my good friend Charles Grabitzky led a 10-day Rascal + Thorn whisky tour of Coastal Scotland. It was a spectacular trip. For the natural beauty and spiritual impact, my two favorite destinations were Orkney and The Isle of Skye. We began in Edinburgh; and upon arrival, I…

I’d been to Ireland numerous times over the past 20 years; however, I’d never been to Northern Ireland, nor to the northwest coast of County Donegal. On my various journeys, I’d visited family and friends, and, of course, distilleries. In July of 2023, I traveled with my partner, Maggie, along the Wild Atlantic Way, hiking,…

In March of 2023, my good friend Charles Grabitzky led a Rascal + Thorn whiskey adventure through Japan. In my previous trips, I’d only been to Tokyo and points north. On this trip, we ventured south. Our journey took us along this route: Tokyo – Chichibu (A) – Tokyo – Kyoto (B) – Yamazaki – Kyoto –…

When I started Whisk(e)yPoints a few years ago, pricing was somewhat stable. Recently, however, with rising popularity, inflation and international tariffs, some of my original value assessments may no longer be valid. So, I have updated the algorithm to correspond to today’s market prices (see chart below). For any whisky I have rated, the price…

Friends occasionally ask me what are my favorite whiskies. I have many favorites, depending upon my mood. Sometimes I want a bourbon, other times a smoky Islay malt, a spicy rye, a creamy Irish Single Pot Still, a sweet and fruity Speyside, a funky Campbeltown, a sherry-finished and mildly smoky Islands whisky, or a light…