A new standard for whisky evaluation
The core of the whiskyanalysis.com1 rating system lies in the categorization of whiskies into specific classes and clusters. Each whisky is placed into a class based on its style and flavor profile, and each class is further divided into subcategories or clusters. This multi-tiered system helps determine a whisky's metascore, which is based on its relative performance in its cluster and class compared to others.
By using this system, whisky lovers can get an accurate snapshot of how a whisky compares to others within the same class, whether it's a rich Scotch-like whisky or a smooth Bourbon-like offering.
The whisky classes
- Cluster A. Full-bodied, sweet, and pronounced sherry – with fruity, honey, and spicy notes.
- Cluster B. Full-bodied, sweet, with fruity, floral, and malty notes, along with hints of honey and spice.
- Cluster C. Full-bodied with a rich sherry influence – fruity, floral, nutty, and spicy, with occasional smoky notes.
- Cluster E. Medium-bodied, with fruity, honey, malty, and winey notes, as well as light smoky or spicy hints.
- Cluster F. Full-bodied with a malty sweetness, accented by fruity, spicy, and smoky flavors.
- Cluster G. Light-bodied and apéritif-style – with honey, floral, fruity, and spicy notes, but without the smoke.
- Cluster H. Very light-bodied, with malty, fruity, and floral notes, making it an easy, apéritif-style whisky.
- Cluster I. Medium-bodied with medium sweetness, smoky with medicinal notes, and hints of spice and fruit.
- Cluster J. Full-bodied and dry, with very smoky, pungent characteristics and medicinal notes, along with subtle fruity and spicy hints
Metascore. The heart of the rating system
The DramViewer metascore is more than just a number—it’s a smarter way to understand whisky.
By gathering data from multiple sources, we remove the bias of single opinions, giving you a clear, balanced view. Each whisky is rated within its class and cluster, ensuring fair and meaningful comparisons. A high metascore means a whisky stands out among its peers, but the top ten list alone won’t guarantee the perfect dram for you—it’s all about finding the right whisky in the right category.
