Demystifying the water of life. Master the basics, explore regional styles, and learn the history behind the bottle.
The Whiskey Wash is dedicated to demystifying the “Water of Life.” Whether you are a curious beginner asking “What is Bourbon?” or a seasoned connoisseur researching the nuances of peat smoke and cask finishing, our Ultimate Whiskey Guides are your roadmap.
We believe that to truly appreciate whiskey, you must understand its story. That is why our team—including historians, distillers, and industry veterans—goes beyond the tasting notes. We produce deep dives into production methods, distillery history, and global legislation, covering every major region from the Scottish Highlands to the foothills of the Himalayas.
From our Beginner’s Guides that break down the basics of tasting, to Collector’s Insights on investment-grade bottles, our educational content is rigorously researched and fact-checked. We are independent and unbought; our goal is simply to empower you with the knowledge to drink better and explore further.
Editor In Chief
Mark Littler is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of The Whiskey Wash, a Spears 500 Whiskey Advisor, prominent whisky and antiques broker, and a regular contributor to Forbes.com, known for his expertise in the global whisky market.
Deputy Editor
Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash and a graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme. With over half a decade of industry experience, she is passionate about writing stories that highlight innovation, diversity, and sustainability across the global whisky landscape.
Head Of UK Reviews
Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant with over a decade of experience in whisky retail and online whisky education. Best known for hosting Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, he is dedicated to making whisky accessible and enjoyable by cutting through jargon and complexity.
Head Of US Reviews
Charles Steele is a Portland-based attorney and freelance writer whose legal background brings an analytical approach to whiskey and other aged spirits. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he writes for The Whiskey Wash and has a particular interest in whiskey, whiskey-based cocktails, and unconventional spirits.
Senior In House Writer
Hannah Thompson is a whisky educator specialising in the secondary whisky market, with a focus on helping consumers make informed, education-led cask decisions. She has worked in the sector since 2019 and combines a background in research and creative writing with practical market insight.
Reviewer
Mark Bostock has been part of the Mark Littler Ltd content writing team since 2019 and brings a strong passion for whisky, particularly independent bottlings. A meticulous researcher with a keen interest in the history of Scotch whisky, he combines growing expertise with genuine enthusiasm.
Reviewer
Pete “Jeff Whisky” Jeffery is a South West–based whisky reviewer known for his irreverent approach and a refusal to take the spirit too seriously. The creative force behind the Jeff Whisky YouTube channel, he has been featured in the Malt Whisky Yearbook and has contributed to a range of whisky platforms.
Reviewer
Ed Leigh is a London-based authority on independent bottlers and artisan scotch whisky. He is the founder of TopWhiskies.com, a specialist retailer focused on small-batch releases, and holds wine and spirits certifications from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
It generally comes down to geography. As a rule of thumb, countries with an "E" in their name (United States, Ireland) use Whiskey, while countries without it (Scotland, Japan, Canada, India) use Whisky. However, there are exceptions (like Maker's Mark). Our Ultimate Whiskey Guides dive deeper into the history and naming conventions of each region.
Yes. We believe everyone starts somewhere. Our Beginner's Whiskey section is designed to strip away the snobbery and explain the basics—from understanding labels and age statements to learning how to nose and taste a dram properly.
All Bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is Bourbon. To be legally classified as Bourbon, the spirit must be produced in the USA from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers. Our Bourbon Whiskey Guide breaks down these legal requirements and explains how they create that signature sweet, vanilla-forward profile.
Not necessarily. While age can add complexity and depth, it can also lead to an "over-oaked" or dry taste if left too long. Many non-age-statement (NAS) whiskies are masterfully blended for flavor rather than a number. Our Collector's Whiskey articles explore how to evaluate a bottle's quality beyond just the number on the label.
The world of whisky has expanded far beyond Scotland and Kentucky. Japanese Whisky is renowned for its precision, balance, and affinity with Scotch production methods. Meanwhile, Indian Whisky is rapidly gaining acclaim for its bold, fruity profiles accelerated by the intense heat of the Asian subcontinent. We have dedicated guides for both regions to help you explore these booming categories.
The best way is however you enjoy it. However, if you want to analyze a spirit, we recommend drinking it neat (no ice) in a tulip-shaped glass. Adding a few drops of water can also "open up" the whiskey, releasing hidden aromas. Check our How To Whisk(ey) section for tutorials on tasting techniques, glassware, and serving suggestions.
A Single Malt must come from a single distillery and be made from 100% malted barley. A Blended Whisky combines malt and grain whiskies from multiple distilleries. While Single Malts are often prized for their unique character, Blends are celebrated for their consistency and smoothness. Our Scotch Whisky Guide offers a comprehensive look at these styles.
Whiskey investment is a growing field, but it carries risks. Successful collecting requires knowledge of market trends, scarcity, and provenance. Our Collector's Whiskey column offers insights into auction trends, limited releases, and what to look for if you are buying bottles for the long haul.
