The Tasters

Rob Allanson

Rob is editor of Whisky Magazine and formally held the position as a global brand ambassador for William Grant & Sons', whisky portfolio. His experience in the industry, which has seen him explore whiskies from around the world, has given him a keen and well-versed palate.

Sam Coyne

Sam is editor of Gin Magazine and Travelux, a writer for Whisky Magazine, and editor of Thedrinksreport.com. Through these roles, he has been well and truly immersed in the world of drinks. A literature graduate, Sam enjoys looking at the stories behind the brands.

Kate Packwood

Kate is an independent food and drinks writer and judge in the World Whiskies Awards. Her primary area of interest lies in food pairings. She previously owned and ran the multi-award-winning Wildflour Bakery, working with many drinks brands to design food and whisky pairings.

Christopher Coates

Christopher has been honing his palate as a member of the team at Whisky Magazine, this publication's sister title, since 2013. In 2017, he was named as Scotch whisky editor and in 2018 was elevated to the role of publisher and managing editor of Travelux.

Peter Holland

Peter’s journey started with Thefloatingrumshack.com, visiting producers, cramming in masterclasses and seminars. Now Peter is a full-time Sugarcane Spirits ambassador and brand ambassador, writer, consultant, and judge for a number of spirits competitions.

David T. Smith

David T Smith is an independent spirits writer and consultant who specialises in gin. He is involved in a number of spirits competitions and has written widely on the subject, incuding The Craft of Gin. He was winner of the 2016 Gin Communicator of the Year award.