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 (March 2026)
Berry Bros. & Rudd Irish Reserve
Irish single malt whiskey
The folks at indie bottler Berry Bros. & Rudd have a knack for picking out a good whisky – and deciding the right time to bottle it. This splendid Irish single malt is no exception, selected and bottled for The Classic Range, it's brimming with creamy custard, soft fruit, and gentle zest.
"March rolls in, everyone’s a little Irish. Fine. Do it properly. Swap the green beer for this green labelled dram, a whiskey that's silky with orchard fruit and vanilla, perfect for a St Patrick’s Day toast."
Adam O'Connell
Whisky nerd and certified mate of Ainsley Harriott
Tasting notes
Vanilla custard and whipped cream lead the way, followed by soft orchard fruits, lemon zest, and a touch of honeyed malt.
Creamy custard, baked apple, pear drops, and sweet malt biscuits, backed up by light citrus oils and a sprinkle of white pepper.
Vanilla fudge, gentle spice, and lingering lemon peel.
Brother's Bond Bottled in Bond 7yo
American straight bourbon
Distilled from a mash bill of 51% corn, 39% rye, and 10% malted rye, this straight bourbon was treated to a generous seven years minimum maturing in deep charred barrels, and bottled without chill filtration. Created by long-time friends Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, who starred beside each other for over a decade in The Vampire Diaries, this bourbon has been crushing it in America with 98 and 97 point Double Golds in consecutive San Francisco World Spirits Competition blind tastings (2024 & 2025).
"An older bottled-in-bond bourbon at 50% ABV stands a good chance of charming me. This one certainly did. The founders can pick 'em. You could probably wean a vampire off blood by feeding them this."
Adam O'Connell
Whisky nerd and certified mate of Ainsley Harriott
Tasting notes
Candied plums and boozy dark cherries join rich oak char, burnt brown sugar, floral honey, and dried herbs.
Jammy dark fruits, with notes of figs and raisins, butterscotch, and maple syrup. Herbaceous spice gathers beneath, with hints of cinnamon warmth and mint.
Rich oak char, vanilla, and a hint of leather linger.
