The video says this is a review of Corryvreckan. But it seems he is actually testing Airigh Nam Beist and he leaves Corryvreckan unopen on the other side of the table.
It's shit. Ok, not that, but certainly far behind anything else in the modern Ardbeg range (discounting Blasda...never tried). It's really quite, "yay, young Islay". If you want to pay too much for an underage Scotch, at least go the charity route and buy a port charlotte. Once you get past paying two times too much, it's actually quite original. Or skip both and buy something that is bottled at a strength designed for persons who don't have a penchant for alcoholism.
I've read on the whiskey forums a story of someone giving his wife a sip of Ardbeg Supernova at a party. She then spent the rest of the evening like the dog who was given peanut butter.
Got myself a bottle of Corryvreckan recently. Ralfy is spot on. Attacks the tongue! Really good stuff. 10 y/o : Salty, Uigeadail: Creamy, Corryvreckan: Raisin / meaty. My entire collection consists of these 3 and Lahproaig's 10 y/o and Cask Strength. That's it. Smoke/Peat Central. :)
this whisky is divine, anyone will love it - alltho it does say "the corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted". It's amazing abit costy, but well worth it. BUY IT!
@ralfystuff : "I don't review what I would not recommend." Does that mean you would no recommend Laphroaig 10 Year Old standard? Over 200 reviews, you haven't done that one yet. Or is Cask Strength similar enough?
Hey Ralfy, I have since re-visited the Corryvreckan - this time without the expectations of the first time - and realize that I might have been a bit hasty with my critique. Actually, it is quite striking stuff, perhaps a point or two below the Uigeadail, but still...striking nonetheless! Haven't come across Kilchoman or Port Charlotte yet, but I'm eye-balling a bottle of Bruichladdich 12 - thoughts?
Hi Ralfy, with all the respect, I believe you underestimated the Corryvreckan. I've been a peathead for long now and always enjoyed the 'TEN' and the 'Uigeadail' (till now my best), I also liked the 'Beist' (the most botanic), 'Rollercoaster' (the most salty) and 'Still Young' (unbelievable creaminess) and was amazed by the ;Rennaissance' but the other day I opened my Corry bottle with great anticipation.
I have to say this is the best Ardbeg I've ever smelled and tasted. It's huge.
@ralfystuff is there a way to tell how strong a whiskey will be when choosing what to buy for example i recently bought a macallan and absolutely love it, but also have an open talisker 10 yr old at the moment but find it a bit much, so im looking to work my way up to the talisker in strength (or whatever the correct whisky term is) but dont know how to get there
Hey Ralfy, I'd been sitting on a bottle of the Corryvreckan for about a year and decided to finally pop the top and try it. First off, I love Ardbeg. The Uigeadail is the best stuff I've ever had and the ten year is what I normally drink. So needless to say I was looking forward to trying this for the first time. After trying it, I felt it lacked the depth and full flavor of the others. Possibly due to it being chill-filtered? (Why?) In sum, good stuff, but I was a little disappointed.
Ardbeg have enjoyed a tremendous run of popularity recently which in my opinion they will find harder and harder to maintain due to a dwindling supply of excellent Ardbeg replaced by average Ardbeg. (the supply and demand thing)
Time for you to explore Kilchoman and Port Charlotte.
They sell the 10 yo for 30 quid in Britain?! In Bulgaria Diageo/Avendi sell it for the equivalent of 34 pounds and the average sallary here is 310 Euros per month. This is quite unfair pricing...
Hello! I've just ordered the Ardbeg SN2010 for my dad hoping it will make a fine birthday gift. I understand you are slightly disappointed of the Corryvreckan, giving it only 90 points, but is the supernova perhaps a more cheerful experience or a letdown as well?
Hey Ralfy, ive managed to find some of Ardbegs "collectible" bottlings (supernover, corryvreckan, cadenheads authentic 14yr old cask/st) I personally find it to be a bit of a joke and would probably never drink one.
Although, would you say buying a few bottles and storing them away for 5 - 10 years (maybe even longer) would be a wise investment, or would it not be worth the time and effort?
I tried this at the SF whiskey fest. I heard soooo many good things about it. How muscular it is with it's peat and how flavorful it was. It's nothing short of motor oil in my opinion and prefer the Laphroaig cask strength 10 yo.
Believe Ralfy about the 90/100. I got this last week and let's say I was just a bit underwhelmed. Doesn't hold a candle to the Oggie or the ANB '08 bottling. To describe this malt appropriately would require profanity! 90/100 is fair. IMHO, 89/100. Thanks Ralfy!
Ralfy I couldn't help but see you use choc wrappers for the marks cards, would there be any chance of a review about which chocolate goes with which whisky? I heard they can go together quite well.
Please folks, don't focus on points. I don't think that is Ralfys main point. The corry has some negative points, as he said, it's getting slightly (not easy to notice) spoapy, very slightly metallic and has got a rather sharp (not just heavy, which is good) alcohol. Besides these little offnotes, it's a very good whisky. And come on, 90 is very good! For excellence, it's got to be a little bit older. Just a few years and a few less "soapier" casks would do.
@bishop131313 I wholeheartedly agree with you. The Corry is just too young and brash. It reminds me of Bruichladdich. Let's see some age statements. How about an OB Ardbeg 15 46% non-chillled :-) I think people would buy it up faster than fast.
I'm a little surprised you only gave it a 90, Ralfy. It avoids any point deductions with its trifecta of non-chill-f, over 46% & no-caramel, This expression tastes just about as refined as the Airigh Nam Beist, Uigeadail or Supernova -- and yet I couldn't imagine you giving those only a 90. Nor could I see you giving the one-notch-down 10 yr less than a 90. You must be factoring price value in your score, no? Otherwise, what do you say upon further reflection there: 92, maybe?
@MrSamDeeds 90 it is ..... I don't let myself get swayed by any Malts general 'stardom' amongst whisky-fans and this one is not without it's blemishes i.e. hints of soap and ash.
I hope ardbeg dont go into the pitfalls of mass production vs reduction in quality. i have many versions of ardbeg ( arry namm beisht, uigedal, lord of the isles, still young ) but the 10 year old ardbeg is the one i will always champion. i began my oddesy into peated malts with the ardbeg 10, ands its always the one peated malt i will recommend. its the most bang for your buck you can get.
About the availability of the Ardbeg 1oyr, I was looking for a bottle of it in Lexington, Kentucky and couldn't find it in any or the big liquor stores. I did see a bottle of what I believe to be Corryvreckan it was around $70.
Wow, "just" 90. I had high hopes that this cracker might land somewhere in the 93/100 area, since it's bottled at cask strength (and the standard bottling already got 90 from you). Wish you told a bit more about the origin of this bottling. I mean: Uigedail is Arbeg TEN + Sherry finish, but what about this one? Ardbeg themself only give blurry hints on their page...
Ardbeg 10 year old at various web shops in Australia ranged from about AU$80-100. I would hate to think what any of the special premium releases of Ardbeg would cost here.
I wish I had a review like this to prepare me for the bottle of 1978 Limited Edition Ardbeg I was given 10 years ago. I'll have to give this newer Ardbeg a try.
BTW, why no Knappogue Castle among your review of Irish whiskies?
I wish I was able to watch a video to prepare me for the bottle of 1978 Limited Edition Ardbeg I received over 10 years ago, but this helps me get an idea of what to expect, thanks!
RE; the Irish whiskies you reviewed, why no Knappogue?
"now, the whisky. Airgh Nam Beist" I thought you were reviewing Corryvreckan ;)
I love this whisky! The best Ardbeg I have ever tasted was a cask sample that Mickey Heads brought with him to an Ardbeg masterclass. Brilliant Stuff! Good work on the reviews!
Another great review ralfy! Still sceptical about the different namings ardbeg puts out.....hmmm......lets hope quality remains in the ardbeg fold. Anyways....you will never be stuck for a drink as over your shoulder I spy a nice bottle of blackbush!!!!!! Go'wan the Ulstermen :P
I have to say, I'm very glad we're back to the single malt scotches. I appreciate world whiskies, but my preference is definitely for single malts from the home of the drink.
... worth mentioning is that a Distiller can 'finish' a Whisky in a second, third, or however many casks they wish and not mention this in the presentation.
Usually this is done simply to beef-up or round-off a Whisky.
The video says this is a review of Corryvreckan. But it seems he is actually testing Airigh Nam Beist and he leaves Corryvreckan unopen on the other side of the table.
tspnyc 2 days ago
8:52-9:02-It's like he got overtaken by a poltergiest-Additionally I am a singer and I use "it attacks your tongue" as a vocal warmup technique.
jonathanbarshaul 2 months ago
0.50 God bless you Ralfy
jonathanbarshaul 2 months ago
Have you tested the supernova?
zalmanusa 4 months ago
@zalmanusa
yes, decent, not great, and expensive too.
ralfystuff 4 months ago
@ralfystuff disappointed ey? kinda like the tripple wood of the ardbeg range for you or something? :p
zalmanusa 4 months ago
@zalmanusa
It's shit. Ok, not that, but certainly far behind anything else in the modern Ardbeg range (discounting Blasda...never tried). It's really quite, "yay, young Islay". If you want to pay too much for an underage Scotch, at least go the charity route and buy a port charlotte. Once you get past paying two times too much, it's actually quite original. Or skip both and buy something that is bottled at a strength designed for persons who don't have a penchant for alcoholism.
NeverendingRobRada 3 months ago
I've read on the whiskey forums a story of someone giving his wife a sip of Ardbeg Supernova at a party. She then spent the rest of the evening like the dog who was given peanut butter.
shuboy05 5 months ago
Got myself a bottle of Corryvreckan recently. Ralfy is spot on. Attacks the tongue! Really good stuff. 10 y/o : Salty, Uigeadail: Creamy, Corryvreckan: Raisin / meaty. My entire collection consists of these 3 and Lahproaig's 10 y/o and Cask Strength. That's it. Smoke/Peat Central. :)
Gregrg7 5 months ago
this whisky is divine, anyone will love it - alltho it does say "the corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted". It's amazing abit costy, but well worth it. BUY IT!
poorks 6 months ago
Hey Ralfy, love your reviews, keep em goin :)
One question, what do you do with the remaining whiskey post review?
riteshnayak80 6 months ago
@riteshnayak80
drink it later and/or with friends.
ralfystuff 5 months ago
Nice review, I would like to see you do Blasda, even though its not that good
dk2853 6 months ago
@dk2853
I don't review what I would not recommend.
ralfystuff 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@ralfystuff : "I don't review what I would not recommend." Does that mean you would no recommend Laphroaig 10 Year Old standard? Over 200 reviews, you haven't done that one yet. Or is Cask Strength similar enough?
Gregrg7 6 months ago
@Gregrg7
still to be reviewed, ... and on the List.
ralfystuff 5 months ago
@dk2853
not happening (it's not that good)
ralfystuff 5 months ago
@ralfystuff I understand, although I have heard good reviews of it as well. I guess I'll hold off on that one until I've tried a few other Ardbeg's
dk2853 5 months ago
Hey Ralfy, I have since re-visited the Corryvreckan - this time without the expectations of the first time - and realize that I might have been a bit hasty with my critique. Actually, it is quite striking stuff, perhaps a point or two below the Uigeadail, but still...striking nonetheless! Haven't come across Kilchoman or Port Charlotte yet, but I'm eye-balling a bottle of Bruichladdich 12 - thoughts?
Herbster1970 7 months ago
@Herbster1970
Caol Ila 12yo, Kilchoman then Bruichladdich 12yo. ... all good stuff.
ralfystuff 7 months ago
Hi Ralfy, with all the respect, I believe you underestimated the Corryvreckan. I've been a peathead for long now and always enjoyed the 'TEN' and the 'Uigeadail' (till now my best), I also liked the 'Beist' (the most botanic), 'Rollercoaster' (the most salty) and 'Still Young' (unbelievable creaminess) and was amazed by the ;Rennaissance' but the other day I opened my Corry bottle with great anticipation.
I have to say this is the best Ardbeg I've ever smelled and tasted. It's huge.
dirladas 8 months ago
@dirladas
good stuff, I like to hear about good Malts being appreciated !
ralfystuff 8 months ago
@ralfystuff is there a way to tell how strong a whiskey will be when choosing what to buy for example i recently bought a macallan and absolutely love it, but also have an open talisker 10 yr old at the moment but find it a bit much, so im looking to work my way up to the talisker in strength (or whatever the correct whisky term is) but dont know how to get there
ozstriker1984 5 months ago
@ozstriker1984
google "single malt flavour map"
ralfystuff 5 months ago
Hey Ralfy, I'd been sitting on a bottle of the Corryvreckan for about a year and decided to finally pop the top and try it. First off, I love Ardbeg. The Uigeadail is the best stuff I've ever had and the ten year is what I normally drink. So needless to say I was looking forward to trying this for the first time. After trying it, I felt it lacked the depth and full flavor of the others. Possibly due to it being chill-filtered? (Why?) In sum, good stuff, but I was a little disappointed.
Herbster1970 9 months ago
@Herbster1970
Ardbeg have enjoyed a tremendous run of popularity recently which in my opinion they will find harder and harder to maintain due to a dwindling supply of excellent Ardbeg replaced by average Ardbeg. (the supply and demand thing)
Time for you to explore Kilchoman and Port Charlotte.
ralfystuff 9 months ago
malt mark, written on a lindt chocolate carton :))
mihailofsx 9 months ago
They sell the 10 yo for 30 quid in Britain?! In Bulgaria Diageo/Avendi sell it for the equivalent of 34 pounds and the average sallary here is 310 Euros per month. This is quite unfair pricing...
vigil12348 9 months ago
Hello! I've just ordered the Ardbeg SN2010 for my dad hoping it will make a fine birthday gift. I understand you are slightly disappointed of the Corryvreckan, giving it only 90 points, but is the supernova perhaps a more cheerful experience or a letdown as well?
Greetings from Sweden, love your reviews!
SingleServingJohn 1 year ago
@SingleServingJohn
first edition Supernova was the best ! ... but most Ardbegs are generally fine ! .... for the moment.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@ralfystuff
For my dad's next birthday, I'll make sure to check with you first! Perhaps the Uigeadail would've been a better choice. Crap. Haha!
SingleServingJohn 1 year ago
Hey Ralfy, ive managed to find some of Ardbegs "collectible" bottlings (supernover, corryvreckan, cadenheads authentic 14yr old cask/st) I personally find it to be a bit of a joke and would probably never drink one.
Although, would you say buying a few bottles and storing them away for 5 - 10 years (maybe even longer) would be a wise investment, or would it not be worth the time and effort?
tomobrien91 1 year ago
@tomobrien91
problem is .... to many collectors collecting too many of the same collectables !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
I tried this at the SF whiskey fest. I heard soooo many good things about it. How muscular it is with it's peat and how flavorful it was. It's nothing short of motor oil in my opinion and prefer the Laphroaig cask strength 10 yo.
hyefi 1 year ago
Happy Holidays ralfy. I was wondering which do you recommend in the ardbeg range this whisky or uigeadail?
Temperdgrump 1 year ago
@Temperdgrump
10yo & Uigeadail !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
I feel discouraged about it....
kimi09082003 1 year ago
@kimi09082003
... have courage ! .... try Longrow 10yo from Springbank instead.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Ralfy: Any idea of the age of this peat monster? Roughly? On ralfy.com you said once it was 7... thanks!
anorak1977 1 year ago
@anorak1977
... around about 7, but Ardbeg arn't telling !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Believe Ralfy about the 90/100. I got this last week and let's say I was just a bit underwhelmed. Doesn't hold a candle to the Oggie or the ANB '08 bottling. To describe this malt appropriately would require profanity! 90/100 is fair. IMHO, 89/100. Thanks Ralfy!
anorak1977 1 year ago
check out bruichladdich peat amazing whisky
aphasia2 1 year ago
Ralfy I couldn't help but see you use choc wrappers for the marks cards, would there be any chance of a review about which chocolate goes with which whisky? I heard they can go together quite well.
chrish12345 1 year ago
@chrish12345
... OK .... coming up soon.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
"DAMP STUFF!" best flavor profile....EVER!
afinkeln 1 year ago
Finally another Ardbeg review. Awesome ralfy.
What do you think of the new supernova? the 2010 version..
Hope to see more and more ardbeg in the near future.
Keep up the good work rafly
AzzyFuzzeh 1 year ago
@AzzyFuzzeh .... no Supernova pending ! it's overpriced.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
I'm getting the feeling that I used the word point(s) a little inflationary. Hope you get my POINT though...
bishop131313 1 year ago
Please folks, don't focus on points. I don't think that is Ralfys main point. The corry has some negative points, as he said, it's getting slightly (not easy to notice) spoapy, very slightly metallic and has got a rather sharp (not just heavy, which is good) alcohol. Besides these little offnotes, it's a very good whisky. And come on, 90 is very good! For excellence, it's got to be a little bit older. Just a few years and a few less "soapier" casks would do.
bishop131313 1 year ago
@bishop131313 I wholeheartedly agree with you. The Corry is just too young and brash. It reminds me of Bruichladdich. Let's see some age statements. How about an OB Ardbeg 15 46% non-chillled :-) I think people would buy it up faster than fast.
anorak1977 1 year ago
I'm a little surprised you only gave it a 90, Ralfy. It avoids any point deductions with its trifecta of non-chill-f, over 46% & no-caramel, This expression tastes just about as refined as the Airigh Nam Beist, Uigeadail or Supernova -- and yet I couldn't imagine you giving those only a 90. Nor could I see you giving the one-notch-down 10 yr less than a 90. You must be factoring price value in your score, no? Otherwise, what do you say upon further reflection there: 92, maybe?
MrSamDeeds 1 year ago
@MrSamDeeds 90 it is ..... I don't let myself get swayed by any Malts general 'stardom' amongst whisky-fans and this one is not without it's blemishes i.e. hints of soap and ash.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
I hope ardbeg dont go into the pitfalls of mass production vs reduction in quality. i have many versions of ardbeg ( arry namm beisht, uigedal, lord of the isles, still young ) but the 10 year old ardbeg is the one i will always champion. i began my oddesy into peated malts with the ardbeg 10, ands its always the one peated malt i will recommend. its the most bang for your buck you can get.
mightyquaid1979 1 year ago
Sainsbury's whisky madness!! everything is 20% off including Ardbeg 10 which you can get for just under 24 quid!
non chill-filtered at 46% Fantastic!
LordGeorgeRodney 1 year ago
About the availability of the Ardbeg 1oyr, I was looking for a bottle of it in Lexington, Kentucky and couldn't find it in any or the big liquor stores. I did see a bottle of what I believe to be Corryvreckan it was around $70.
guyinhead 1 year ago
Wow, "just" 90. I had high hopes that this cracker might land somewhere in the 93/100 area, since it's bottled at cask strength (and the standard bottling already got 90 from you). Wish you told a bit more about the origin of this bottling. I mean: Uigedail is Arbeg TEN + Sherry finish, but what about this one? Ardbeg themself only give blurry hints on their page...
Otherwise great review as always!!
Tenkterian 1 year ago
@Tenkterian ... Ardbeg give blurry hints ! .. true, even to malty-mad anoraks like me.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Ardbeg 10 year old at various web shops in Australia ranged from about AU$80-100. I would hate to think what any of the special premium releases of Ardbeg would cost here.
Bektvel 1 year ago
Ardbeg 10 jumped from $77 to $99 in Ontario overnight...before I got a chance to buy.
Megawatt 1 year ago
@Megawatt
Thats absolutely crazy. Ardbeg 10 in Alberta goes for between $60-$70. Uigeadail and corryvreckan for for between $100-$120. Even that is insane.
Ralfy has said it in another video and he is right: this is discrimination and we should do something about it.
I guess we are just sinful people with sinful hobbys and we should be taxed at a higher rate to discourage such naughty behaviour.
Equity213 3 weeks ago
I wish I had a review like this to prepare me for the bottle of 1978 Limited Edition Ardbeg I was given 10 years ago. I'll have to give this newer Ardbeg a try.
BTW, why no Knappogue Castle among your review of Irish whiskies?
UisgE3 1 year ago
I wish I was able to watch a video to prepare me for the bottle of 1978 Limited Edition Ardbeg I received over 10 years ago, but this helps me get an idea of what to expect, thanks!
RE; the Irish whiskies you reviewed, why no Knappogue?
UisgE3 1 year ago
@UisgE3 .... Knappogue is not consistantly good. It's OK but further down my Irish list ....
ralfystuff 1 year ago
"now, the whisky. Airgh Nam Beist" I thought you were reviewing Corryvreckan ;)
I love this whisky! The best Ardbeg I have ever tasted was a cask sample that Mickey Heads brought with him to an Ardbeg masterclass. Brilliant Stuff! Good work on the reviews!
LLABCBBKP 1 year ago
Another great review ralfy! Still sceptical about the different namings ardbeg puts out.....hmmm......lets hope quality remains in the ardbeg fold. Anyways....you will never be stuck for a drink as over your shoulder I spy a nice bottle of blackbush!!!!!! Go'wan the Ulstermen :P
blackie005 1 year ago
hehe Seashell?
ZiGGyMaidEN 1 year ago
ardbeg cost to much here is AZ $80 a bottle for just a normal arbeg 10 year
Silky2dope 1 year ago
@Silky2dope total wine has Ardbeg 10 for around 52 usd if you have one near you. but yea anything over 50 is rather high in my book.
Tantrum777 1 year ago
@Tantrum777 many thanks i looked the store up and there is 1 not to far away :) thank you again
Silky2dope 1 year ago
9:50 till end::: EPIC
crse2010 1 year ago
PS Great review as always!
Burrisant 1 year ago
I have to say, I'm very glad we're back to the single malt scotches. I appreciate world whiskies, but my preference is definitely for single malts from the home of the drink.
Burrisant 1 year ago
... worth mentioning is that a Distiller can 'finish' a Whisky in a second, third, or however many casks they wish and not mention this in the presentation.
Usually this is done simply to beef-up or round-off a Whisky.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
hi ralfy, i love chili chocolate too 9:44
xcelldx 1 year ago
I'd love to try it but the availability over here is awful.
krakkajackson 1 year ago