Our editorial mission
The Liquor Connoisseur® is an independent spirits education and editorial publication created to help Beginning, Intermediate and Expert Connoisseurs understand the stories, craft, context and sensory character of spirits. Our reporting, interviews and firsthand reviews emphasize accuracy, curiosity and responsible, intentional appreciation. Drink to Remember, Not to Forget.
Editorial standards
We distinguish facts, firsthand tasting impressions, analysis, and sponsored or affiliated material. Product claims and material historical or technical statements are checked against attributable sources. Where evidence is incomplete or disputed, we say so.
Independent opinions are those of the named reviewers. Crystal and Roger jointly approve editorial publication; each retains their individual tasting opinions. We do not alter an independent review to satisfy a brand, distributor or sponsor.
When a guest describes their own operation, awards, releases or methods, we present those statements as the guest’s account unless we have independently confirmed them.
Independence and disclosures
The Liquor Connoisseur and Perspection Spirits are separate legal businesses with common ownership. Coverage of Perspection Spirits is identified as affiliated-brand or founder content, not independent third-party evaluation.
We review bottles we purchase and bottles provided complimentary by industry participants. Each review identifies the source of the bottle. Complimentary samples do not guarantee positive coverage. Commercial relationships may exist, but sponsors, brands and distributors do not influence independent conclusions. Any paid placement or promotional partnership is labeled and kept separate from independent reviews.
Where an episode carried a paid promotional message at the time it was released, that sponsorship is disclosed on the episode, and it is not treated as a sponsor of any individual bottle review.
How we review
Crystal and Roger taste together with the bottle identity known. Each records and keeps an individual perspective; disagreement is shown rather than averaged away. We use descriptive language instead of numerical ratings or star scores. We consider aroma, palate, texture, balance, finish, style and production context, and we explain who may enjoy a spirit and why.
Every review states the tasting date, the method, how the bottle was acquired, who reviewed it, and any relevant affiliation. If one of us did not record a separate observation about a bottle, the review says so rather than implying agreement.
Beginning, Intermediate, Expert
We describe each spirit from three perspectives and may name the level it is most likely to suit. These labels describe familiarity and preference, never a person’s status or worth, and they are guidance rather than a guarantee of enjoyment.
| Perspective | What the review explains |
|---|---|
| Beginning Connoisseur | Approachability, intensity, recognizable flavors and helpful entry points |
| Intermediate Connoisseur | Complexity, structure, development and category comparisons |
| Expert Connoisseur | Integration, nuance, distinctive production traits and subtle comparisons |
Corrections
If you believe we have made a factual error, email [email protected]. We investigate material factual errors, correct confirmed errors promptly, and append an update note identifying the change and the date. Changes to tasting impressions are not presented as corrections unless the original wording was inaccurate.
Last updated October 18, 2026.