Database guidelines for correct entries

Whiskybase grows because members add new bottles, brands, distilleries, and photos every day. The whisky world changes constantly. New distilleries open, brands appear or disappear, and forgotten bottles are rediscovered. 

Because of this, we use guidelines rather than strict rules to help keep the database accurate, consistent, and enjoyable for everyone.

These guidelines apply to all members contributing information to Whiskybase.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. Basic Guidelines
• 2. Adding Information to Whiskybase
• 3. Brands
• 4. Distilleries
• 5. Photo Guidelines
  • 5.1 Accepted photos
  • 5.2 Not accepted photos

1. Basic Guidelines

Before adding or editing information:

• Always have the exact bottle or a clear photo of it in front of you.

• Only enter information that you can confirm from a trustworthy source such as the label, packaging, an official website, or a reliable retailer.

• Use the search bar to check for brand name variations and avoid duplicate entries.

• Follow the Quick Start Guide when making your first submissions.

• If you are unsure, visit the Advanced Guidelines for Adding and Editing Bottles on Whiskybase.

• You can ask specialists or use the help forum when you need assistance. Treat all members politely and respectfully.

2. Adding Information to Whiskybase

Members can add or edit information about bottles, brands, distilleries, and photos.
Accurate entries help the entire whisky community learn and explore with confidence.

Only add information when you can verify every detail.

3. Brands

A brand is the name under which a whisky is sold. It is usually printed clearly on the label.

Brands are important because they:

• Form the foundation of naming in Whiskybase

• Help users recognize bottles quickly

• Do not always match the name of the distillery

A distillery and brand can be the same, but they are not always identical.
When naming a bottle, always use the brand name printed on the label.

4. Distilleries

A distillery is the place where whisky is made. It produces the raw spirit known as “new make,” which becomes whisky after ageing in a cask.

Whiskybase tracks distillery information such as:

• Production details (stills, washbacks, style)

• A timeline of historical events including rebuilds, closures, and ownership changes

Only enter a distillery in a bottle entry when it is printed on the label.
If you know the distillery from other sources, you may add this as a note but not as official data.

5. Photo Guidelines

Photos help members identify bottles clearly and support consistent entries across the database. To maintain quality, we follow these guidelines.

5.1 Accepted photos

Full bottle photos

• The entire bottle is visible.

• The label is readable.

• No box or tube covers the bottle in this type of image.

Label photos

• A close up of the label when important details cannot be read in the main bottle photo.

• Can be the front or back label.

Bottle with packaging photos

• Accepted when they show what the complete package contains.

• Useful for identifying tubes, boxes, tins, or additional items.

5.2 Not accepted photos

• Multiple photos of the same bottle from almost the same angle

• Blurry or unreadable photos

• Photos where the bottle is partly hidden by packaging in the main image

Only the highest quality photo is kept. If another member submits a clearer image, it may replace an older one.

Every accurate detail you add helps whisky lovers worldwide explore new bottles, learn more about distilleries and brands, and build their own whisky journey. Your contributions strengthen the community and help Whiskybase grow for everyone.