Taster biographies

Phoebe Calver

After studying English and Journalism at university, Phoebe has turned her hand to writing for the drinks industry. She splits her time between the UK and US as editor of American Whiskey Magazine and Gin Magazine’s sub-editor.

David T. Smith

David T. Smith is an independent spirits writer and consultant who specialises in gin. He is a chair judge for a number of spirits competitions and has written widely on the subject, incuding The Craft of Gin, Forgotten Spirits and Long Lost Liqueurs and Gin Tonica. He was winner of the 2016 Gin Communicator of the Year award.

THE PROCESS

• All samples are blind tasted, with ABV and style the only information disclosed.

• Samples are tasted individually over a two-week period.

• Tasters are provided tasting and scoring guidelines for consistency.

• The top scorer is awarded Editor’s Choice.

• Scores of 17+ receive a Recommended award.