Adam O'Connell
Adam O'Connell, drinks writer
Adam has been writing for Master of Malt for seven years now. He’s visited distilleries, wineries, and breweries across the world, reviewed a variety of whiskies, gins, rums, Tequilas, mezcals, brandies, vodkas, wines, beers, and cocktails, and contributed all kinds of words in all sorts of places, including over 650 articles to Master of Malt's award-winning online blog, and many of the handy drinks guides too. He’s even jammed with Kiefer Sutherland AND dined with Ainsley Harriott. Not at the same time.
Adam's whiskies of the month (December 2025)
Bomberger's Declaration 2025
Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey
Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon (2025 Release) pays tribute to the historic distillery once known as Bomberger’s in the 1800s, later becoming Michter’s in the 20th century. For 2025, the whiskey was matured in Chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) barrels seasoned for varying durations — 18 months, three, four, and five years — before being toasted and charred to Michter’s custom specifications. The variation in wood seasoning brings a dynamic balance of flavour, and layers of richness, spice, and complexity.
"The kind of bourbon that converts Scotch purists. Michter’s process blends passion and precision in a way that charms us whiskey people. Chinquapin oak barrels are the key for this edition here."
Adam O'Connell
Whisky nerd and certified mate of Ainsley Harriott
Tasting notes
Bright fruit, roasted nuts, and salted caramel with hints of dark chocolate and oak.
A bold, multi-dimensional experience, opening with floral and jammy sweetness, moving into salted caramel and chocolate, before finishing with baking spice and berry compote.
Long, rich, and complex, with lingering spice and silky sweetness.
Scapa 10 Year Old
Scotch single malt whisky, Islands
Scapa is back. It has a new core range, which includes 10, 16, and 21-year-old releases, and new fancy bottles. Matured in American oak, Scapa 10 Year Old is rich with layers of vanilla, pineapple and honeyed sweetness for a vibrant, characterful sipper.
"The reborn Scapa is bright, luscious, and tropical in tone, while retaining its island roots. It's an underrated number worth tasting. Or gifting, I guess. That time of year, isn't it?"
Adam O'Connell
Whisky nerd and certified mate of Ainsley Harriott
Tasting notes
A tropical welcome with oaken vanilla and toffee, joined by heaps of candied pineapple, dried mango, spiced banana bread, and citrus.
Honeyed fruits lead with a combo of the tropical varieties from the nose, alongside zesty citrus and crisp orchard fruits. Creamy coconut and chocolate balance woody spices beneath.
Buttery Tarte Tatin, beurre noisette, and vanilla fudge are backed by a touch of nutmeg and sweet baking spice.
