In a blind tasting, our expert panel of nine judges, including whisky writers, industry representatives and specialist retailers, selected two finalists from each Whisky Awards category.

Justine Hazlehurst

Justine Hazlehurst

Justine Hazlehurst is the founder of Kask Whisky, a whisky events company based in Edinburgh. As a proud citizen of Leith, she recently started the Leith Whisky Trail – walking tours, focusing on the history of the brokers, blenders and bottlers of what was once a thriving whisky district, which culminate in a tasting of some ‘blast from the past’ drams all linked to the area.

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Ian Wisniewski

Ian Wisniewski

An unexpected assignment from a drinks magazine when he was starting out in journalism steered Ian Wisniewski into the industry where he has remained. His first visit to a malt whisky distillery was a turning point: he found it so fascinating that he decided he had to learn as much about Scotch whisky as he could, and he is still learning, visiting distilleries as often as possible and constantly asking questions.

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Ronnie Routledge

Ronnie Routledge

Ronnie Routledge's love of whisky has kept him working in the industry for 35 years in various roles for a number of well-known Independent bottlers and distilleries.

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Rosalind Erskine

Rosalind Erskine

Rosalind is a Glasgow-based magazine editor turned digital editor, content creator and broadcaster who has plied her trade in some of the biggest cities in the world. After three years in London working in magazine publishing with big brands such as Hearst, Time Inc and Conde Nast, she spent three and a half years as editor of Emirates Home in Dubai where she led the complete re-design. Currently Rosalind writes about all things Scottish food and drink for the Scotsman. As well as this she co-created, co-produces and hosts the newspaper’s successful and award-nominated podcast Scran. Guests on this food and drink focused podcast include Outlander star Sam Heughan, Bake Off winner Peter Sawkins, celebrity chef Michel Roux Junior and master blender Dr Rachel Barrie.

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Adam O'Connell

Adam O'Connell

Adam O'Connell

Adam O'Connell has been writing for Master of Malt for over five years, contributing over 500 articles to its award-winning online blog, and tasting all kinds of whiskies, gins, rums, Tequilas, mezcals, brandies, vodkas, wines, beers, and cocktails along the way.

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Karen Somerville

Karen Somerville

Karen Somerville is a Co-Director of The Fife Whisky Festival, with Justine Hazlehurst, the first female lead whisky Festival of its kind.

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Robert Anderson

Robert Anderson

Robert Anderson took up an accounting position with Tomatin in 1988, two years after the formation of the new company at the distillery. He progressed to company secretary and in 2009 was appointed MD of J & W Hardie Ltd, the company formed to progress the branded side of Tomatin’s business.

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John Boyle

John Boyle

John Boyle is Head of Drinks Division for Scottish Field Magazine, Cask & Still Magazine and The Cask & Still App. Scottish Field magazine has covered Scotland's luxury heritage for over 100 years, reviewing the latest and greatest lifestyle choices available in Scotland. Some of the regular features include Scottish fine dining, interior designs of the great Scottish manor houses, outdoor activities across the highlands and travel advice for those looking to discover the true and stunning beauty of Scotland.

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Euan Duguid

Euan Duguid

Euan Duguid is the whisky writer for The Scots Magazine, the oldest magazine in the world.

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