Every review, article, and guide on Whiskeyful is written by our dedicated team of spirits journalists and industry experts. We taste, research, and write independently — our opinions are never for sale.
Joe Whitfield
Editor-in-Chief
Speciality: Bourbon, Scotch, Distillery Heritage, Industry Analysis, Spirits Editorial
Joe has spent over fifteen years immersed in the whiskey industry, beginning his career at a Speyside distillery before moving into drinks journalism. As Editor-in-Chief at Whiskeyful.com, he oversees all editorial output — from in-depth distillery profiles to tasting notes and industry analysis. He is passionate about preserving the craft traditions that define great whiskey while making whiskey journalism accessible to newcomers and connoisseurs alike. He holds a Diploma in Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and has judged at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Ash Carrington
Reviews Editor
Speciality: Japanese Whisky, World Whisky, Rye, Craft Distilling, Asian Spirits
Ash brings a global palate to the team, having spent five years based in Singapore and Tokyo exploring the rapidly evolving Asian whisky scene. As Reviews Editor at Whiskeyful.com, his reviews are known for their precision and accessibility — he believes a great review should help you decide whether a bottle belongs on your shelf. From Japanese precision to Taiwanese innovation and Indian boldness, Ash covers the world whisky beat. He previously wrote for several food and drink publications across Southeast Asia and holds a Level 3 Award in Spirits from WSET.
Bishop Mercer
News & Industry Editor
Speciality: Industry News, Awards Coverage, Market Trends, Spirits Business
Bishop covers the business side of whiskey with the curiosity of a journalist and the knowledge of an insider. Based in Edinburgh, he has built an extensive network of contacts across distillers worldwide, making him one of the first to report on new launches, acquisitions, and industry shifts. He handles all news and industry coverage at Whiskeyful.com. He previously worked in communications for Diageo before switching to editorial, and contributes to several trade publications.
David Thornton
Guides & Education Writer
Speciality: Cocktail Culture, Tasting Technique, Spirits Education, Mixology
David is a qualified bartender turned writer who believes the best way to appreciate whiskey is to understand it. His guides span every corner of the whiskey world — from beginner-friendly introductions through to advanced cocktail technique and distillation science. He ran the bar programme at a Michelin-starred restaurant in London for six years before dedicating himself to writing full-time at Whiskeyful.com. His first book, "The Spirit of Oak", is due for publication next year.
Walter Graves
Features & Culture Writer
Speciality: Spirits History, Travel, Distillery Profiles, Culture & Heritage
Walter writes long-form features that explore the stories behind whiskey — the people, places, and landscapes that give each bottle its character. A former travel journalist, he has visited over two hundred whiskey distilleries across thirty countries, from the peat bogs of Islay to the rickhouses of Kentucky. He contributes features and culture pieces at Whiskeyful.com. His writing has appeared in Condé Nast Traveller, Monocle, and The World of Fine Wine.
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