Standard Ranking Vs. Unique Scoring

It’s standard practice in the bourbon, whiskey and spirit review world to use a numerical ranking. Numbers are easy to understand. The scoring makes sense. The higher the number, the higher the score. 1 to 5 is simple, but it leaves little room for variation. 1 to 10 is more widely accepted, as it allows for more variation. Some reviewers even use decimals to further increase the variation. However, the important thing to remember is that all scoring is subjective, and how does one separate a 5 from a 6? On the other hand, uniqueness creates excitement. It encourages debate and independent thought.

Our Unique Scoring Criteria

At Bourbon Roxx, we try to be different. Of course, we’re going to give you complex, educated reviews from our vast experience sampling bourbons, whiskies and other spirits. However, we want you to enjoy the experience as much as we do. We have no plans to give you boring reviews. We have no desire to act as though we are better than you. This is not Reddit. We are not stale and we are not snobby. Just as we pair each spirit with an appropriate hard rock or heavy metal song, we developed our own unique scoring criteria to grade each spirit, in addition to a numerical ranking.

Ace

The best of the best. Only a privileged few will have the opportunity to enjoy this beverage without paying a fortune. If you can find it, drop another luxury from your life and buy this instead.

King

A king is a leader of men. This king is a leader of liquors. It reigns as a sovereign in the world of alcoholic beverages. You will be a leader in your community, if you share this with your friends.

Queen

Every king needs a queen to rule in his stead, when he is unavailable. Every liquor cabinet needs an impressive beverage to serve neat, when you don’t want to reach for the top shelf.

Jack

A jack of all trades. This is a daily drinker. It is a workhorse liquor than can easily be served neat or used as the base for an excellent cocktail. Keep a duplicate in the back of your cabinet.

Deuce

This one is a wild card. It depends on your mood. Some days, it might be good. Some days, it might be bad. Definitely a mixer. Don’t try to drink this one neat. Use it in a cheap cocktail.

Joker

Did they actually distill this liquor as a joke? Come on, really? This one is awful. This is the kind of liquor purchased by inexperienced college kids whose palates have yet to hit puberty.