whisky review 48 - Recommended Single Malts

[peterm3964]

I just bought a 15 year old Glenfiddich solera . Not worth the extra money . Wish I had bought the Aberlough abenadh . Oh Ralphy, Ask the King of Scotland to get the Shackleton Mckinlays back from the Englishmen . and try a dramm for us all will ye

[Hamporkcheese]

just bought a bottle of old Pulteney 12 Year for  $30 with 2 Glencairn glasses!!!

[Hamporkcheese]

i havent found your review of old pulteney 12 : ( love the reviews!!!! keep up the malty work!!

[ralfystuff]

@Hamporkcheese

to be reviewed soon.

[Bumblemire]

Thanks to your recommendations Ralfy, I've been a happy, long time Old Pulteney 12 buyer. Gotten many a friend started on Scotch with this one as well. Now I see on OP's website that it's bottled at 40% abv. They've brought it DOWN from 43% (but they DID make the package more colorful). Had to go check my old bottle to be sure. I'm afraid to buy 40% version. New Coke anyone? ...perhaps it's just a type-o on the website.

[reveal331]

Just watched some of your videos

Great channel you have here.

[mrbubetube]

You are absolutely right on your recommendation for newcomers to start with a lighter whisky. It's like riding motorcycles. Everyone should start with a smaller lighter motorcycle before they gradually work up to riding the bigger heavier motorcycles.

[bobivd6688]

Ralfy I only recently discovered your amazing channel and I must say you've got me hooked. I'm not a big whisky man because in my country it's pretty expensive to drink it on a regular basis. I drink blends of which Teacher's and Grant's are probably my favourite (I realise they're quite different from one another). I wish to get into single malts and I've tried Cardhu which I enjoyed. I'm thinking of buying Glenfiddich 12 for Christmas and want to know would you recommend it?

[ralfystuff]

@bobivd6688

yes, first the Glen'f 12yo then try Highland PArk 12yo, then Springbank 12yo.

[mrbubetube]

@bobivd6688 Yes, I too started with the Glenfiddich 12 based on ralphy's advice and found he was absolutely RIGHT! Years ago I tried other scotch whiskys and decided I hated scotch and didn't touch it for 10 years or more. Then I found ralphy's videos tried his recommendations and now I'm LOVING it! The man knows what he's talking about and says it better than anyone else on the subject.

[mrbubetube]

@mrbubetube whoops, I keep misspelling his name like a stupid american, hahahaha.  sorry about that ralfy!

[MuntjacMan]

Hi Ralfy, Have you done a review of 12 year old Singleton? I love your reviews mate and log on daily, keep up the good work.

Have you got a Facebook page that we 'Malty Maltsters' can log on to?

Many thanks!

[ralfystuff]

@MuntjacMan

no 'singleton' reviews yet !



[Cr4Lx]

Can someone please tell me what # batch that is he got on his table with the Aberlour? The only one widely available is the Aberlour 12Yo Double Cask Matured, is that any different? Not that it wont stop me from buying, I just tought there was a price differnce since this seems a differnt variety.

[ralfystuff]

@Cr4Lx

As far as I can remember Batch 18

[Webofscience]

My recommendations for cheap-but-great malts:

1. Talisker 10. Amazing quality, often at reduced prices in supermarkets

2. Glencadam. All great value. 21yo is under £60 online. 15 yo is sensational

3. Big Peat. Extremely well crafted blended Islay malt. Better than many single malts

4. Glendronach 12yo. Massive sherried quality at bargain price

5. Springbank 12 cask strength. It's springbank, so it'll be great.

[hazyscrat]

hello i'm from belgium. and i want to know what the good belgian whiskey's are. thanx

[ralfystuff]

@hazyscrat

I don't know the Belgian Whiskies yet, but there should be some decent malt-moments to be had in a few years.

[ralfystuff]

@boostergold95

OP 12 review next year as part of an OP series.

[obesejim]

Hwisky

[kawaihui]

I've got the Old Pulteney 12 year old, I loved it a lot. Thanks for the recommendation. I wondering if I should give the Old Pulteney 17 year old, is it worth for the extra cost?

[ralfystuff]

@kawaihui

yes, the 17yo is excellent.

[keepcalmycarryon]

@ralfystuff @ralfystuff Dear sir,

Would you deign to consider, whilst indoors, (a privilege, it would seem upon appraisal of your dilapidated domicile, to be a temporary one) removing your hat?

I shudder at the impropriety. Good day.

[ralfystuff]

@keepcalmycarryon

the hat is stuck due to a magic spell.

[reece32100]

@ralfystuff How's the 21? It's extreemly well priced for it's age but It's still over budget. I'm thining about it...

[cigarspipeswhisky]

I tried Old Pulteney but, for me, its too salty on the palate!

[Armydicked]

I'm a bourbon man; I know NOTHING about Scotch Whiskeys. Bourbon is to whiskeys like Cognac is to brandies=they are both Appelications (laws). A [Kentucky] Straight Bourbon Whiskey can be made anywhere (New York, CA, Idaho) so long as one follows the laws. Cognac must be made in Grande/Petete Champaigne. I know little about Scotch but 1. I WONT drink blended 2.I'm a value for the money kind of guy. Example: Woodford Reserve Bourbon costs $30.00 US and will cream any sub $100.00 US bourbon.

[shizoid123]

Would you say these are good "entry level" single malts? And are they readily available in the States?

[ralfystuff]

@shizoid123

yes they are and many should be available !

[RobertoWatchin]

I bought all of those.. and nnow i cann see wwhy all thopse disctiilerries hvae a mentionn

[pouryourpoison]

Great Review! Cant wait to watch more! hahaha "Thats why your not just guzzling vodka"

[manchewl]

@ralfystuff  oh i see, thn what would you recommend??

[ralfystuff]

@manchewl

Glenfarclas 12yo, Glendronach 13yo, Old Pulteney 12yo, Springbank 12yo + 15yo, Benromach 10yo ... and then go lfw.co.uk and 'search' the word ACE. All results are worth looking-up.

[manchewl]

@ralfystuff mr. ralfy , i plan to buy a btl of dalmore 12...would you recommend it??

[ralfystuff]

@manchewl

expensive for what you get. Too much colourant too.

[kc2188]

Hi, Ralfy! I really enjoy your informative and entertaining reviews. I'm a wine drinker who is fairly new to Scotch, but I find that I like it almost just as much. I've noticed that I tend to drift towards single malts that remind me of wine in flavor and delicacy- like Dalwhinnie- rather than peaty ones like Lagavulin. It might also be a matter of inexperience. Can you recommend single malts for the wine lover? (I also prefer single malts over blends). Thanks.

[ralfystuff]

@kc2188

Malts for wine lovers ...

3 - Springbank 12yo

2 - Old Pulteney 12yo

1 - Aberlour a'bunadh

[limezy2]

so if you are new to single malts start at polkney , glenfiddich ben nevis ect and move up to the hardy pete laphroig and stuff ??

[ralfystuff]

@limezy2

yes.

[xsv75]

I would think so, candian whisky taste like syrup with alcohol lol thanks Ralfy!

[xsv75]

Ralfy what do you think of Michael Collins 10year? I'm looking for something like crown royal, where its kind of sweet

[ralfystuff]

@xsv75

the Irish style will suit you, but it's not as sweet as Canadian !

[daniel121212121212]

I've bought a crystal spirit decanter for my whisky. Though, I heard that the whisky's flavour might be adversely affected . Are decanters a NO for whisky?

[ralfystuff]

@daniel121212121212

decanters can be a yes for whisky, it all depends on the quality of the decanter.

Go for it !  ... it will help 'open up' your whisky in the short term but is not for long term storage.

[pelletiert]

Ralfy, greetings from Canada!

I've watched almost all of your videos, including your personal whiskey collection. I cant help but wonder, where is the Oban 14yr?

any reasons, or have you just not got around to it?

thanks alot! keep the videos coming!

[ralfystuff]

@pelletiert

Oban 13yo review later this year.

[vigil12348]

Hi Ralfy, one question - have you tasted TAMDHU single malt (no age stated). There's a bottle available in the liquor shop, seems pretty rare, I'm wondering is it worth it? Thanks in advance.

[ralfystuff]

@vigil12348

I have ! ... it's not rare, and it's 'pleasent & light' as a Malt but there can be some very good versions of older Tamdhu

[wesleytaylorviadomus]

Hello Ralfy, I have some questions regarding single malts? I am 23 years old now, and I have been drinking scotch for almost 4 years. Me having Scottish heritage and me preferring only blended scotch over single malts, I get hounded that i am not drinking the true scotch whiskey. here are my like list: johnnie walker's black, green, gold, and blue, and chivas 18, glenlivet 12. Dislike list: Glenlivet 15, glenfiddich 12, and mixed on the Maccallens. I like smooth scotch. got any suggestions?

[ralfystuff]

@wesleytaylorviadomus

JWGreen is a mix of Malts ! ... look out for Auchentoshan 12yo and Strathisla 12yo, good luck !

[Monscent]

Hey, I'm just gettin into the whole whisky thing after tasting some (to me) fine fine tasting old Laphroaig, by pure chance at a student bar.

I dont have a whole lot of money, but I want to start my collection now. I was thinking of these three to start off with:

Glenfiddich Solera 15 years

Laphroaig Quarter Cask

Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength (mostly want to hear your thoughts about this one, as I have already watched your reviews of the other 2)

What do you think?

[ralfystuff]

@Monscent

good start, you have variety there !

[degmar]

If you were going to stock a whisky cabinet - 6 or 8 bottles - so that you'd have something no matter what your mood was, what would you recommend?

I came up with - Caol Ila cask strength, Aberlour A'bundah cask strength, Bunnahabhain 12, Highland Park 12, Johnnie Walker Black, Black Bottle and ...................? Maybe a Spring Bank and a Yamazaki?

Thoughts?

[ralfystuff]

@degmar

good selection, I'd go for a Springbank 12yo.

[joshv002]

could you tell me or direct me to the ep # where you have your highest rated single malt?? thanks!

[ralfystuff]

@joshv002

WhiskyReview 24

[utdyftfll]

Keep up the good work Ralfy!! I've been looking for a review of Old Pulteney 12yo but as far as i've seen you haven't reviewed it. I hope it's on the list this year.

[utdyftfll]

Hey Ralfy! You've mentioned Old Pulteney a few times in your reviews but as far as i can find, you haven't reviewed the 12 year yet. I bought a bottle a while ago and was very impressed, but i can't seem to figure out the subtle notes in the nose. I hope you will review it this year. Keep up the good work!!

[ralfystuff]

@utdyftfll

Series of Pulteney reviews coming along later this year.

[fuckyou334]

whiskey rules

[drumminghunter]

No Oban 14? Priced in the Abalour range....exceptional! Have you tried Oban?

[ralfystuff]

@drumminghunter

it's on the List !

[kobain06]

@drumminghunter Oban 14 is amazing! Hands down. It was Oban 14 that got me into the single malt world.

[mariusroyal]

@drumminghunter I have Oban 14 and I find it disappointing to tell you the truth. I also think it lacks complexity especially for the price tag (US$70.00).

[drumminghunter]

@mariusroyal Ha! Funny that you made this comment because I am halfway through another bottle of it and I was beginning to think the same thing. Maybe my tastebuds have become numb? I dont know what has happened, but it does not seem as enjoyable as the first bottle I drank. Can you recommend another to try?

[mariusroyal]

@drumminghunter To tell you the truth I've had much better for a lot less money around $50-$60 range such as; Old Pulteney, Glenkinchie 12, Aberlour 12, Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Glenlivet Nadurra 16, Talisker 10... Those are a few of the ones I enjoy... One blend that should never be over looked is ISLE OF SKYE 8. This is a great cheap malt (under US$30). I like it better than some single malts...

[drumminghunter]

@mariusroyal ...hmmmm thank you for that! The only one in your list that I have enjoyed is the Aberlour 12. Seems that anything coming from Aberlour is enjoyable! Anyway, I will set out to try the Glenlivet Nadurra 16 as my next experience. The Isle of Skye sounds interesting as a blend that is compared to single malts, I think to attempt that as well! Thanks again foir the information!

[mariusroyal]

@drumminghunter

Yeah no problem good luck and have fun. If you happen to run into a good malt or blend let me know about it.

[gorak142]

What do you think of The Singleton of Glendullan?

[ralfystuff]

@gorak142

never tasted it, but it should be OK from what iv'e heard.

[fmpassos123]

Hey Ralfy, I´m starting on the single malts journey, but was I live in Brazil it´s very hard to get them here. Anyway, recently I had the chance to visit a proper retail and based on my budget, what was available and your tips I got the following bottles:

Caol Ila 12, Glenmorangie Original, Ben Nevis 10, Ardbeg 10, anCon 12, Glengoyne 12 and Aberlour A´bunahd.

Do you think was a good choive? In what order should I try them?

Cheers

[ralfystuff]

@fmpassos123 you are certainly spending here ... and all good stuff, I will put them in order of lighest to heavyest in flavour profile. Glengoyne 12 ... lightest Glenmorangie Orig AnCnoc 12 Ben Nevis 10 A'bunadh cask Caol Ila 12 Ardbeg 10 ... heavyest. ... good luck. ... and take your time !

[netando]

Is that orange can I see from a bottle of Yellow Submarine? Love your reviews, keep up the great reviews! My first real Scotch was a bottle of Laphroaig Quarter Cask, as I try to tell my wife Scotch is fine art in a bottle!

[ralfystuff]

@netando

... don't know about oronge notes in Yellow Sub, which was really a Bruichladdich gimmick with a short attention span as the Malt in the bottle was less-excellent.

.... and yes, Malts are Art-in-bottle.

[ralfystuff]

@Romyrome1000

... aw thanks ! .... plenty more Malt-school in 2011

[SOUTHPARKFOREVER240]

Glenmorangie "The Original" is a great single malt, especially for the price, i have been smoking cigars for a while and decided to pair them with single malt whiskys. and as I am an avid Romeo y Julieta "Short Churchill" smoker, pairing it with Glenmorangie has been a success. Thanks for your vlogs ralfystuff, It has helped me sway away from wasting hundreds of dollars on over produced scotch.

[keegan1728]

Hi Ralfy, love the vlog!!

Im a malt minnow from Trinidad. Not too many single malts down here, mostly blends. Fortunately there's some single malts for sale for only one day by a distributor. The only single malts I've tried are Glenlivit 12 and Glenfiddich 12. The available malts are Caol Ila 12, Talisker 10, and Glenmorangie 10. But I can only afford one. Which one would you suggest to a single malt newbie like me ?? Thanks Ralfy.

[ralfystuff]

@keegan1728

your in luck, ... all three are good.

The Glenmorangie is closest to the other 'glens' in terms of flavour but if you want to try a 'peat' malt, Caol Ila or Talisker will do fine.

Toss a coin twice ....

2 heads Caol Ila

2 tails Talisker

1 head/tail Glenmorangie.

... good luck. .... and don't forget to mix your Trinidad Rum with Whisky, one third rum to two thirds Whisky. Hybrids can be great !

[Ungart404]

Ralfy, have you tried Springbank 10 (regular, not 100 proof) at all since they've updated their packaging to the black box? Would you say it's better, worse, or about the same compared to the older incarnations?

[ralfystuff]

@Ungart404

... better, younger Whisky. Less 'old' influence but generally better casks.

[goldenyama]

Hey Ralfy - I recently had a miniature of Ben Nevis 10 and loved it! Amazing flavours (a touch of Irish about it with the fudge and spice) if the finish is a little rough. I have ordered a bottle of it. Anyway - why don't you give us a full review of this little known but brilliant highlander? Would be much appreciated!

[ralfystuff]

@goldenyama

... your right, BN10 is a great wee/big Malt and will be reviewed next year as part of a series.

[goldenyama]

@ralfystuff Thats great!! By the way, have you tried Glenlivet Nadurra 16yr old cask strength? I ordered a bottle of that too and it was the only one in my order that I haven't either tasted or seen you recommend.

[ralfystuff]

@goldenyama

.... I will be reviewing Nadurra next year, .... it's good !

[goldenyama]

@ralfystuff Thanks again, good news!!

[SacredSobek]

Howdo Ralfy!

As you are aware, the Christmas holidays are coming up, giving Scotch Drinkers like ourselves a chance to pick up a bargain price for a good Whisky.

My father recently expressed his interest in Scotch Whisky, and although he's has never tried it, would love to get his hands on a good bottle fit for begginers. I would like to get your opinion on a good Whisky to get my father for Christmas, one that isn't going to overpower the palate, one that'll give him a 'gentle hug' .

Thanks.

[ralfystuff]

@SacredSobek "gentle hugs" supplied by .... Old Pulteney 12yo Glenfiddich 12yo Strathisla 12yo Cragganmore 12yo Scapa 14yo Auchentoshan 12yo Bladnoch 12yo .... good luck !

[SacredSobek]

@ralfystuff Thank you so very much, Ralfy. One thing more(if I may)...would you have tried the Glenfiddich 12yo Caoran Reserve? I understand that there are many arguments about this Whisky and how 'smokey' it truly is.

Be good to get your opinion on it, my friend.

All the best :)

[ralfystuff]

@SacredSobek

Was never impressed by Caoran !

[j2ndcaptain]

I found OP 12y ROCK FIRM,FIZZY,REEKED and went straight to HEAD. I could not drink. I sold it off for measly $12. The guy seemed to relish it.

I'm going to learn more this week. Color cart Huge. ISFIRM cold wood and sherry make it FIZZY not CREMEY (my preference) . A brucladdish was not like that. It ran down my tonsils good. I need a cheapy this week that is pure TASTY. Is BALLINTINE FINIST - Mouth filling barley, soft, tasty cough syrupy, warming, smokey, Leather?. JW B NO.

[ispyaspy]

when i get home from work i like to drink

[aphasia2]

woooow how i love this aberlour a bunah amazing whisky.its on my top three list together with ardbeg ugedail and laphroaig cask strenght.but ralfy have you tast other aberlour whiskys.can you recommended other.how is the 10year

[ralfystuff]

@aphasia2

... I would probably go for the 12yo over all the other Aberlours. .... but the a'bunadh is hard to beat !!!

[petuloz]

The Ben Nevis distillery is located close to the town of Fort William in the western Highlands.

[americanpublichouse]

Oh you are SO right about the overpowering peatiness of Laphroaig. I remember years back having snifters of it at my local British-themed pub here in the USA and can recall its peatiness being so strong it nearly made my hair curl. I think my favorite single malt is probably the Islay's Lagavulin, which is now (ouch!) 100 dollars a bottle where I live.

[markiek101]

Hi Ralfy, what do you think about Glenkinchie 12 yr? Will you be reviewing this?

[FedraSalonica]

Hello ralfy, I've become a big fan of your reviews! I found them very interesting, very insightful and helpful. I wonder If you plan to review Cardhu, Singleton and Glenffidich 12yo Caoran Reserve any time soon. I'd be interested to see your opinion on those too!

[ralfystuff]

@FedraSalonica

... Cardhu later this year ! ... the others,  no.

[ExternalLinks]

Hey Ralfy, I think this is an excellent line up. Especially, Old Pulteney my personal favorite. Having said that i have two questions. Lately there is a buzz in Scotland-according to what I have read so far- about a single malt whisky from India, called Amrut Fusion Single Malt, apparently it received 97 points from Jim Murray's 2010 Whisky Bible and the #3 overall Whisky of the Year. So have you tried this Fusion single malt from India? and what do you think of Jim Murray's rating?

Thanks Ralf

[ralfystuff]

@ExternalLinks

.... yes I have tried Fusion and will be reviewing it later this year.

Impressions so far are .... 88/100 !

[ExternalLinks]

@ralfystuff  Thanks a ton Ralfy! Fusion is trying to break into the US market at the moment. So I look forward to your review

[chasington89]

tasting whiskey is much the same as tasting whine or beer. Also, I see a bottle of Black Bottle over on the right (your left).

[Almlacher]

hey ralfy, what about another recommendation vlog covering some of the later reviews? cause review 47 & 48 gave me an awesome overview for the start into malts...:)

regards

[ralfystuff]

@Almlacher

... I will consider this !

[RamboSlice666]

Hi, Ralfy

Can you spell out the name of the fourth bottle you presented. I couldn't quite catch it.

Thanks

[ralfystuff]

@RamboSlice666 ... Aberlour A'bunadh !

[classyinkawasaki]

how does the glenmorangie 10yo compare with the standard bottling? the standard is considerably more expensive (nearly double in japan).

[ralfystuff]

@classyinkawasaki ... the same but different !!! The standard is the old version of the new 10yo ... and is twice the price because it is considered a "collectors item" !

[krustykarl]

Tasted a glass of Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban a few weeks back and was inspired to buy a bottle. Great stuff.

[ZiGGyMaidEN]

You haven't reviewed Pulteney yet. you say it's very complex and excellent ..

[dave6779]

@ZiGGyMaidEN i've tried puleney recently, it's very nice! Easy for a beginner, the liquor is nice too.

[TrojanDude26]

what are your views on balvenie 12, glenlivet 18, lagavulin 16?

[ralfystuff]

fine, not so good, & good.

[TrojanDude26]

balvenie 12 I have loved, glenlivet 18 haven't opened yet, and just had the lagavulin 16 for the first time. definitely more pungent and peaty. Can't say that I'm a fan though.

[Ichnos76]

@TrojanDude26 Yeah, it's the some problem for me. Maybe i'm more into sweet/light whiskies from Speyside/Highlands than the peated ones.

[massiveants]

hi Ralfy

You mention starting with 'lighter' flavours. As a whisky newby, can you tell me how I know which whisky's are considered lighter, and how I can tell by taste?

thanks

[ralfystuff]

... hello to you, .... with Whiskies, intense strongly flavoured Malts like Laphroaig will continue to flavour your senses after tasting, and any milder Malts like Glenfiddich will have the refined subtlties lost, so google " malt whisky flavour map " and this will show you how Malts taste character.

...good luck.

[massiveants]

thanks for the tip. I have checked it out and it's really helpful.

[ThunderAppeal]

"And thats why youre not just guzzling back vodka" ROFL!

Yeah, thats how we drink that.

[supafob120]

Thank you sir!

[supafob120]

Hi Ralfy,

Can you please write your recommendations on the comment section?

Thanks!

[ralfystuff]

1 - Old Pulteney 12yo

2 - Glenmorangie 10yo

3 - Ben Nevis 10yo

4 - Aberlour A'bunadh

5 - Ardbeg 10yo

[pradeepchandiramani]

@ralfystuff Thanks

[boxant]

Thanks a ton for the recommendations :)

I was thinking of picking up an Ardbeg before this, and now you've sealed the deal!