This kind of comparison holds true for Bourbon here in the States. The OLD Weller whisky is far superior to the current Weller, which is made by Buffalo Trace. They have mostly preserved the labels, but it's a very different product.
Not bad compared to McAllister Reserve.. Anyone else tried it? smells like the alcohol used to sterilize your skin before you get an injection, probably has a similar taste.
Hi Ralfy love your work. There are a few early 1960's bottles of White Horse/Dewars/Langs (750ml) being sold at a reputable site called Isle of Wine on Ebay here in Australia. They're selling for apprx $180 aus (120pound). Just wondering your thoughts, if you've had any similar ones, as I'm very tempted...!
Mr Ralfy. I understand how this particular whisky could decrease in taste over time. But can you, or are you at liberty to name any whisky, that in your opinion has improved as decades have gone by?
I found a fairly old bottle of J&B Rare at a friends house, unopened. Probably bought in the 80's, so I guess it was distilled in the 70s some time. I always thought J&B was a lower end whiskey, but it actually tasted pretty good. Must be the same principle here.
I am no whisky expert at all I just like drinking it, and Red Label was one of the few that I actually really didn´t like at all....I will never ever waste my money on a Red Label again.
Hi Ralfy. As an avid whisky drinker I'm very much enjoying your videos. I can't always afford to buy single malts, particularly those that are more difficult to find or generically expensive such as Laphroaig etc, although I'd like too!. I've recently developed a taste for Johnnie Walker Black, Teachers is excellent also. Will you be reviewing Black Grouse any time soon, I'm rather impressed by that blend? Famous Grouse is average, rather like the taste of Johnnie Walker Red in my opinion!
Being kinda new to this whole whiskey thing, would it be fair to say that if I tuck my Johnnie Walker Red (that I just bought today) in a cabinet somewhere for 40 years or so, it might improve the flavor a bit? :) I find it to be a bit disappointing, so it's either that or go to the store and pick up some Coke. lol
imho, now a day the only good thing that johnie walker can do is their marketing.
all of their products are either overated or overprice.
gold, green, blue label are still very good and oustanding whiskey. but according to that price, you could find something else as good and half price. (of each label of course)
@R0YB0T For the same price or even cheaper than JW Red I can get much better whiskies...Red is just overpriced because of the weight carried by the brand name. I'll admit it's good for mixing with coke, but generally when I drink whisky I like to sip and enjoy it...
@R0YB0T Where I live, just 750 ml of JWR is $30. For about the same price I can get single malts like McClellands Islay or blended whiskies like Ballantine's. I'd even vastly prefer a Canadian whisky like Wiser's Small Batch or something American like Gentleman Jack over JWR.
@R0YB0T You can sometimes find a nice bottle of Talisker 10 year (a single malt) for $30, average of $40 USD. This is a fantastic introduction single-malt that I would recommend to anyone. Red is absolutely atrocious in comparison. Do yourself a favor and try it.
very interesting, I do love the black label, the red one not so much, I have yet to drink the gold label, I will do it sometime during Christmas this year, the swing also.
where can one find vintage whiskeys like the one here? I am interested in tracking down some older gems you just cant go to the store today and buy...
OK Jessmo312. I am not going to have these childish confrontational you tube comments with you. I have much better things in my life to do, rather to listen to your comments about me. I am totally indifferent about what you say about me or my comments. I DONT CARE, say every bad thing in the book about me. I actually think your comment was so funny. Iam laughing at you, rather than getting mad at you. Have a nice day.
Idk why, but i prefer the taste of the modern red label more than about any whisky, still i love all of them.. but i just seem to like it XD anyways, you got some nice video's!!! very imformative and loads to learn from!
I dont Care what people say Johnnie Walker Red Label is a piece of Shit. I know someone who died from it. Now what does that tell you guys. If your broke Get either JOhnnie Walker Black Label (any size) or Chivas Regal 12 (in the pint size bottle only) The 750 ML bottle is sweet Rubbing Alcohol aged oak. LOL.
@wesleytaylorviadomus hahahaha really? im going to quote you here (Walker Red Label is a piece of Shit. I know someone who died from it. Now what does that tell you) thats fucking funny its alcohol the second largest killer in the world behind tobacco. your so educated im not picking on the fact that you dont like it i havent had it so i cant say but your reasoning is just stupid.
If I were to buy a whisky today and taste it in 40 years - bearing in mind that I hope to buy the corresponding bottle in a significant amount of years - which one would you recommend?
I love your reviews I just have to be honest you're tempting me to open a bottle of wisky and have a drink with every video of yours I see ha ha ha!Liked and subscibed keep those reviews coming!
Love your reviews Ralfy, told Bill Carroll who's a major talk show host in Los Angeles radio KFI, originally from Scotland about your great reviews. I was wondering- I thought I heard that whisky can't age in the bottle (as opposed to when it's in the cask), but the flavour does change somehow after so many years?
whisky will very slowly mature/change once bottled but this takes a long time .... with whisky drinkable even after 200 years. I met someone who did just that.
@ralfystuff Thanks Ralfy! One more question. I have a friend (that I don't often hear from, since he is now a very famous drummer in a very famous rock trio from Canada), whom I used to play in a couple of bands with. Anyway, he adores The Macallan, but will only drink it "on the rocks." Isn't that just plain wrong?
of course, rock stars are expected to drink whisky and do 'plain wrong' things. Personally speaking, some Macallans are now so mediocre, they need ice ! (and are prestige-marketed with ice-ball-serves) which is a load of flannel. You can tell your friend that savvy rock stars are now buying private casks from Indi Distilleries like Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Glenglassaugh and Glenfarclas so as to get a tailor-made authentic artisan Malt ! (ice is optional)
@ralfystuff Thanks again Ralfy! I'm lucky to hear from him once or twice a year- it's Neil Peart, if you're familiar with him, but I'll pass on that info!
I have a few Rush Albums ('Signals' is very emotive) and have seen him bash the drums in Glasgow's SCC a few years back.
When you see him, let him know that Macallan is not so good now and he should look out for Aberlour A'bunadh to go with his ice. Not that ice is doing the intrinsic flavour any good !
So would you consider it worth it to buy a few bottles of a favorite whiskey and store them for a few decades? Also I may have a change to buy some Crown Royal from a family member who had stored them well and forgotten about them for almost 40 years. What kind of price would be fair do you think?
@ThankYouMrAcavano jack daniels is a bourbon rather than a scotch whisky. if i am not wrong made mainly from corn rather than barley. kind of apples and oranges. but i much much prefer scotch whiskys
I love this stuff. It's not that expensive, but it's the first scotch whiskey that I began drinking on a semi-regular basis. I like it on the rocks, personally.
@ralfystuff how about the other labels like green, blue, black, and gold? I'm more of a rum person; do you fancy rum or do you just prefer your blended whiskies?
You're correct on the density of the glass, Ralfy. Diageo switched to a lighter glass in recent years so the old bottle should feel heavier. Read that in a post on WhiskyWhiskyWhisky.
I have a question ralfystuff. How does the flavour of the whisky change once it has been removed from the barrel and bottled? And does this vary from one whisky to another?
the state of change varies a lot due to processing and dilution, which causes the original flavour in the cask to 'round-off' and lose a little naturalness
The real question- in 40 years, will a "modern" bottle of Red Label be just as good as the 1960s? I don't know, and personally I don't drink red label.
There is a bottle fo green label with my name on it...$80 USD...so I might get it ... a bit pricey...
@paclovesu One story says he's turning his back on the distillers and walking away in the mordern incarnation. I think it might be closer to the mark to consider it two fingers to UK and government as JW removed their international trading arm overseas so as to reduce their tax liability. This follows on from them not being permitted to market at different rates throughout the European Economic Community (or common market) and so the withdrawal of the brand from UK.
Grandad regularly sat at the piano with a bottle of JW and a packet of Embassy. There is a story attatched to the turning round of JW (to the right), but it's been so long I forget. My uncle was JWs Export manager at the time that sales were blocked in UK (the brand became John Barr here). So if you see John Barr bottles they are late 70's early 80's JW blend for UK.
I found this review delightful and not just for your critique, but, as with cooking shows, for example, you're also watching the persona of the presenter.
I've also checked out your website; it's truly delightful; keep up the good work!
I just polished off a 750 ml bottle of JW Red Label earlier this week.As an entry level blend it's just OK.I would put Teachers Highland Cream and Ballantines Finest far above it.What really kills it for me is the price.Almost $30.00 CDN for a bottle is'nt really justifiable when there are cheaper blends that are far superior.
I also detected a medicinelike,almost iodine aftertaste with it.It was there neat,with water,and mixed with Coke.
With JW Red,one is buying a brand and past legacy,and not a quality whiskey with good value.Red Label in Scotch is kinda like Jack Daniels Old No. 7 in Sourmash.Bottom shelf whiskey at mid-shelf prices...And not very good bottom shelf stuff,at that!
It's amazing to me that Diageo produces this stuff and the other JW offerings are so superior?You'd think they would try to improve it.I suppose that because it sells well they don't really have to?
I'm telling you Ralfy is 100% people and are grandfathers must of regular drank this then. I confirm this because I bought a 60's mini Walker Red in auction after watching this. Wonderful. Delightful sherry and spice. it hold together perfectly. It was brutal 10y ago and is just crap and bitter now. There should be a whisky law to forbid this. I also bough a mini 60s dewars + ballantine's finest. My new finest bottle is fine just not noticing that graininess + wood smoke hint i really loved.
Ralphy, this is so interesting! I recently bought a sample pack of JW, so I could sample the Blue Label. In the package they included the red label as well, which I did not have in 30 years (I used to like it then, but recently was not interested to purchase on its own). Anyway, in short, I didn't care for it - too rough.
So, having some Glenfarclas 21 yo and Glenfiddich 15 around, I added a little of each, maybe 20% in all. What a huge difference it made! The 20 cl bottle was emptied in short order. I thought it was interesting that you think the older Red Label must have had some Glenfarclas in it.
I was given a bottle of J.black that had not been opened from about the early 80s as well. when I opened it I was very disapointed from the nose and taste.. some excessive perfume like smell which I initially associated with the fact that I was unexperienced and I put the cap back on and put it away for a few weeks. After sampling many malts and blends, I re-opened it... unfortunately I still cannot get passed the lavender ish type of perfume smell on the nose.Keep up the great vlogs Ralfy.
@loeb82 No one believe me when I said a black I bought was off. Did it drop short in mouth like flat. That excessive smell was it spirity smell or natural perfumed or chemical like a nail polish remover. I said smell that with a good black to bad black to a non drinker. they notice. I sample a pour to a older big whisky drinker .they said its fine. maybe were more sensitive to this? Anyway I'm starting fresh and smart on whisky this year and it will workout good for me and you too.
@loeb82 well a few weeks later, I reopened the bottle of black.. I have no idea what happened.. wow! the taste and smell is very enjoyable. perfume effect has significantly subsided, and every couple nights I will have a taste and after about 30 minutes or so of being in my glass (thanks Ralfy) it becomes nicely sweet with a touch of spicyness on the toungue, but very little. A lot of the caramel is present now I find too, which is ok I guess. Ralfy thanks for the tips
I wonder, i you'd buy a bottle of red label right now, and let it sit for 40 years or so, would it improve in quality aswell, or do you recon the ingredients and the process back then were different?
There seems to be some consensus that JWR has changed over the years. Dominic Roskow (another whisky blogger) mentions that his father preferred Red Label during the '60s because it was less peaty which is quite the opposite to today's version.
I had found a bottle of unopened jw red label not too long ago, after doing some research on labels and whatnot i found it was from the 80's. I opened it up and was so disappointed.. either it had gone bad somehow or the whiskey fairy took a vacation from the red label in the 80's. I ended up mixing it with coke... still it tasted off.. right through the coke. Oh well, I still have about half a bottle of jameson 12 year to lean on.
Lol Ralfy that cracked me up you were going to give an 84 , But after 2 shots you give an 86 Sort of like women 2 shots later the grading criteria gets a bit more laxed . No digs intended I really enjoy your posts
Why does quality Drop RALF (+ why not state on bottle) ? Is it population + developing world? ALSO what is the NAME of WHISKY (maybe Rum) Bottle that is ZEBRA like? Liquid very very Dark. In a 1975 sea movie and a 80's tv episode (they keep whisky in Fridge "ice box' in episode). The label is always hidden from camera. THANKS.
Free Johnny Walker is good stuff I was just given a bottle of Johnny black as a gift.If I buy a blended it's usually The Dimple Pinch but I'm a highland and Speyside fan and Glenfiddich 18 is a very special drink but in the price range as Johnny Black Glenfiddich 15 or Glen Livet 15 or MacAllan 10 would be the right road traveled.
I have always found Johnnie Walker to have an oilyness to it, almost like a Tequila quality, very unpleasant. It reminds me of what 'Victory Gin' would taste like {From Nineteen Eighty Four-the novel} Yuk.
@ralfystuff Hey ralfy. I got JW Red awhile back and couldn't down it because of this annoying metallic/plastic note going on. Do you pick that up from it? I find the best blend to be Ballentines Finest. I urge you to review it. Thanks.
@dave1122drum Ralfy commened Ballintines+ most of the blends (dewars, Hanky, etc) at his website in Whiskey MARKS sectiion. Check it out - Very good. Ballintines finist was my first bottle and had vivid recollection recently. I am putting it off as I'm unsure if quality is same or not. I may stick away from cheap blends if there not even 40% malt as I think the spirit makes my head spin. I can afford better just I allway by wrong thing for my liking. Is dewars custard like + high malt%?
Hi Ralfy, love your videos. I'm still somewhat new to the world of scotch whisky, but I think I must be tasteblind or something, because I can't seem to discern a difference between a Johnnie Walker Black and and the Red label, other than smoothness perhaps, but I think there's a very big difference between a Glennfidich 12 year old and the Glennfidich 15 Solera (single malts of course). Am I crazy or just inexperienced?
Dad has a bottle of Red Label in the closet from the early-60s. When I head back to the east coast (of the US) for Christmas, I make sure to have a glass or two. I agree with your assessment. All the sharp edges that makes Red Label hard to swallow are gone and you have a chance to enjoy some very subtle flavors. I wonder if some of the alcohol had evaporated over the years...
Just found your channel a few days ago thanks to Teacher's Highland Cream. Thanks again for all the reviews!
This kind of comparison holds true for Bourbon here in the States. The OLD Weller whisky is far superior to the current Weller, which is made by Buffalo Trace. They have mostly preserved the labels, but it's a very different product.
texlad04 2 hours ago
Not bad compared to McAllister Reserve.. Anyone else tried it? smells like the alcohol used to sterilize your skin before you get an injection, probably has a similar taste.
Ktotheane 9 hours ago
Hi Ralfy love your work. There are a few early 1960's bottles of White Horse/Dewars/Langs (750ml) being sold at a reputable site called Isle of Wine on Ebay here in Australia. They're selling for apprx $180 aus (120pound). Just wondering your thoughts, if you've had any similar ones, as I'm very tempted...!
1DeathWalkingTerror1 15 hours ago
@ralfystuff
Mr Ralfy. I understand how this particular whisky could decrease in taste over time. But can you, or are you at liberty to name any whisky, that in your opinion has improved as decades have gone by?
Star12121 3 days ago
@Star12121
Glen Grant !
ralfystuff 2 days ago
Pretty sure Red Label was my first experience with whisky. Mixed with Coke or Pepsi.
legendofwayne 3 days ago
Well in 2050, if one would compare a 2010 red label and a 2050 red label, they would give a similar review..
ScreamingHunter 6 days ago
Taking JW red to mars.....
Star12121 1 week ago
Loved the review! Very imteresting
dang8z 2 weeks ago
I found a fairly old bottle of J&B Rare at a friends house, unopened. Probably bought in the 80's, so I guess it was distilled in the 70s some time. I always thought J&B was a lower end whiskey, but it actually tasted pretty good. Must be the same principle here.
gunterdak 2 weeks ago
I am no whisky expert at all I just like drinking it, and Red Label was one of the few that I actually really didn´t like at all....I will never ever waste my money on a Red Label again.
neuroleptika 3 weeks ago
Thank you! Very nice review!
cybie04 1 month ago
Hi Ralfy. As an avid whisky drinker I'm very much enjoying your videos. I can't always afford to buy single malts, particularly those that are more difficult to find or generically expensive such as Laphroaig etc, although I'd like too!. I've recently developed a taste for Johnnie Walker Black, Teachers is excellent also. Will you be reviewing Black Grouse any time soon, I'm rather impressed by that blend? Famous Grouse is average, rather like the taste of Johnnie Walker Red in my opinion!
Fetz17 1 month ago
@MattHundor
No I don't, I think you should find an old Red Label from 10 to 20 years ago which will be better quality !
ralfystuff 1 month ago
new was my first scotch turned me off completely on scotch for years. its terrible just my opinion
Havoc88x 1 month ago
tonight is new year... me against 0.7L red one
SheedaBihacC1 1 month ago
i'M A FRASER OF LOVAT AND I APROVE THIS MESSAGE
XBLACKYCHANX 1 month ago
i just like booze
DJSHIPTZZ 2 months ago
You can't compare different vintages like this.
How much of the score is due to extra storage rather than original quality?
Wouldn't the 60's label in it's original shape rate as low as the current one today?
0xMaster 2 months ago
Johnny Red always gives me headaches for some weird reason.
xdrdosx 2 months ago
Being kinda new to this whole whiskey thing, would it be fair to say that if I tuck my Johnnie Walker Red (that I just bought today) in a cabinet somewhere for 40 years or so, it might improve the flavor a bit? :) I find it to be a bit disappointing, so it's either that or go to the store and pick up some Coke. lol
EscpdFrmPsykward 2 months ago
@EscpdFrmPsykward
no, whisky does not get any better once it is bottled..better pick up the coke :D
fluffyman15 2 months ago
@fluffyman15 Thanks. Cheers. :)
EscpdFrmPsykward 2 months ago
funny... i did the same thing with the bottle i bought Red Label... lots of ice.... did not even save it.... worst thing i have ever tried...
Hamporkcheese 2 months ago
It's a fine day to day drinker. But nothing special
TheElroypornlab 2 months ago
imho, now a day the only good thing that johnie walker can do is their marketing.
all of their products are either overated or overprice.
gold, green, blue label are still very good and oustanding whiskey. but according to that price, you could find something else as good and half price. (of each label of course)
bonac123 2 months ago
bought some red label at the store today...distinct notes of...cardboard...very disappointing...
JmaJeremy514 2 months ago 2
@JmaJeremy514
I agree, that's why I wouldn't mark the new Red Label, old versions are so much better.
ralfystuff 2 months ago
@JmaJeremy514
3rd that.
draugtroll 2 months ago
@JmaJeremy514 agreed.... worst ive ever tried...
Hamporkcheese 2 months ago
@Hamporkcheese im saving it for making whisky & cokes for my non-whisky-drinking friends.
JmaJeremy514 2 months ago
@JmaJeremy514 At the price range of Red what can you get that tastes better?
Also try mixing it with some coke or ginger ale. It mixes really well and is very affordable.
R0YB0T 1 month ago
@R0YB0T For the same price or even cheaper than JW Red I can get much better whiskies...Red is just overpriced because of the weight carried by the brand name. I'll admit it's good for mixing with coke, but generally when I drink whisky I like to sip and enjoy it...
JmaJeremy514 1 month ago
@JmaJeremy514 JWR is $30 for a handle (1.75L). I don't consider that overpriced at all.
What scotch are you buying that tastes better for that price range and amount?
R0YB0T 1 month ago
@R0YB0T Where I live, just 750 ml of JWR is $30. For about the same price I can get single malts like McClellands Islay or blended whiskies like Ballantine's. I'd even vastly prefer a Canadian whisky like Wiser's Small Batch or something American like Gentleman Jack over JWR.
JmaJeremy514 1 month ago
@R0YB0T You can sometimes find a nice bottle of Talisker 10 year (a single malt) for $30, average of $40 USD. This is a fantastic introduction single-malt that I would recommend to anyone. Red is absolutely atrocious in comparison. Do yourself a favor and try it.
Axis050 1 month ago
@R0YB0T here it costs 14.95 € for 0.75L, meaning a 1.75L bottle would cost $45 here.
cybie04 1 month ago
very interesting, I do love the black label, the red one not so much, I have yet to drink the gold label, I will do it sometime during Christmas this year, the swing also.
rick4777 2 months ago
As crazy as it sounds, a case of this stuff tucked away in your root cellar could be more valuable than gold after the SHTF.
Punxsyjumper 2 months ago
need me some jack
mowat440 2 months ago
hhhhwen? hhhhwy? :D love that accent :P
wagner1st 2 months ago 2
This guy has a great fucking hobby.
MrEvelDoer 2 months ago 2
where can one find vintage whiskeys like the one here? I am interested in tracking down some older gems you just cant go to the store today and buy...
cutlerylover 2 months ago 9
@cutlerylover ebay ?
mark01318 2 months ago
@cutlerylover
auctions and e-bay !
ralfystuff 2 months ago
@ralfystuff ok thnaks, ebay huh, looks like Ill be needing to save up for a while before I even try that route, lol
cutlerylover 2 months ago
@cutlerylover or you could just trade in some hot sauce for the liquor ^^
MegaSackman 2 months ago
Very interesting!
guitartricky 3 months ago
damn you really know your stuff, subscribed :-)
sunnyztmoney 3 months ago
I have a bottle from 2008 and it's the same as the 1960's one
srla2020 3 months ago
What a Tool!
mushydogleish95 3 months ago
OK Jessmo312. I am not going to have these childish confrontational you tube comments with you. I have much better things in my life to do, rather to listen to your comments about me. I am totally indifferent about what you say about me or my comments. I DONT CARE, say every bad thing in the book about me. I actually think your comment was so funny. Iam laughing at you, rather than getting mad at you. Have a nice day.
wesleytaylorviadomus 3 months ago
Idk why, but i prefer the taste of the modern red label more than about any whisky, still i love all of them.. but i just seem to like it XD anyways, you got some nice video's!!! very imformative and loads to learn from!
basbas63 3 months ago
I dont Care what people say Johnnie Walker Red Label is a piece of Shit. I know someone who died from it. Now what does that tell you guys. If your broke Get either JOhnnie Walker Black Label (any size) or Chivas Regal 12 (in the pint size bottle only) The 750 ML bottle is sweet Rubbing Alcohol aged oak. LOL.
wesleytaylorviadomus 4 months ago
@wesleytaylorviadomus hahahaha really? im going to quote you here (Walker Red Label is a piece of Shit. I know someone who died from it. Now what does that tell you) thats fucking funny its alcohol the second largest killer in the world behind tobacco. your so educated im not picking on the fact that you dont like it i havent had it so i cant say but your reasoning is just stupid.
Jessmo312 3 months ago
U sir have opened me to understand more about whiskies and alcohol in general looking forward to catching up on all of your videos from the past
Cheers from Australia
SarGra13 4 months ago 2
Wow, this guy is awesome!. Excellent review, I love whisky. Subscribed!
CamiloSanchez1979 4 months ago
If I were to buy a whisky today and taste it in 40 years - bearing in mind that I hope to buy the corresponding bottle in a significant amount of years - which one would you recommend?
floppaboppa 4 months ago
@floppaboppa
Johnnie Walker Green Label. A good malt blend which will articulate how changed Corporate Malt Whisky will be in the future.
ralfystuff 4 months ago 3
I love your reviews I just have to be honest you're tempting me to open a bottle of wisky and have a drink with every video of yours I see ha ha ha!Liked and subscibed keep those reviews coming!
HeavyMetalJacket021 4 months ago
Love your reviews Ralfy, told Bill Carroll who's a major talk show host in Los Angeles radio KFI, originally from Scotland about your great reviews. I was wondering- I thought I heard that whisky can't age in the bottle (as opposed to when it's in the cask), but the flavour does change somehow after so many years?
JoeSzilagy 5 months ago
@JoeSzilagy
whisky will very slowly mature/change once bottled but this takes a long time .... with whisky drinkable even after 200 years. I met someone who did just that.
ralfystuff 5 months ago
@ralfystuff Thanks Ralfy! One more question. I have a friend (that I don't often hear from, since he is now a very famous drummer in a very famous rock trio from Canada), whom I used to play in a couple of bands with. Anyway, he adores The Macallan, but will only drink it "on the rocks." Isn't that just plain wrong?
JoeSzilagy 5 months ago
@JoeSzilagy
of course, rock stars are expected to drink whisky and do 'plain wrong' things. Personally speaking, some Macallans are now so mediocre, they need ice ! (and are prestige-marketed with ice-ball-serves) which is a load of flannel. You can tell your friend that savvy rock stars are now buying private casks from Indi Distilleries like Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Glenglassaugh and Glenfarclas so as to get a tailor-made authentic artisan Malt ! (ice is optional)
ralfystuff 5 months ago
@ralfystuff Thanks again Ralfy! I'm lucky to hear from him once or twice a year- it's Neil Peart, if you're familiar with him, but I'll pass on that info!
JoeSzilagy 5 months ago
@JoeSzilagy
I have a few Rush Albums ('Signals' is very emotive) and have seen him bash the drums in Glasgow's SCC a few years back.
When you see him, let him know that Macallan is not so good now and he should look out for Aberlour A'bunadh to go with his ice. Not that ice is doing the intrinsic flavour any good !
ralfystuff 5 months ago
@ralfystuff Whenever I hear from him, which may not be for a while, I'll certainly let him know! Thanks, Ralfy!
JoeSzilagy 5 months ago
JUST KEEP WALKING!!!
Darko2625 5 months ago
i excidently came upon here, u are very cool and have alot of wisdom. ;)
ltz15 5 months ago
So would you consider it worth it to buy a few bottles of a favorite whiskey and store them for a few decades? Also I may have a change to buy some Crown Royal from a family member who had stored them well and forgotten about them for almost 40 years. What kind of price would be fair do you think?
kicksit1980 5 months ago
@kicksit1980
no idea about the price but the contents of the bottle should be interesting. For prices check e-bay and phone an auctioneer for hints.
ralfystuff 5 months ago
Here's one for you, "Greetings, oh malted managerie of merry makers".
kicksit1980 5 months ago
@kicksit1980
... good 'un, now on the M'mention-List.
ralfystuff 5 months ago
i drink to het drunk, i smoke to get high. i dont see the point. nonetheless your efforts seems to please people.
abdulbade 5 months ago
اذا كان في احد عربي يعرف يترجم لنا يجزاه ألف خير
We want people to write what he say write In English So I can translate it
kek0kak 6 months ago
@kek0kak wtf?
Metalwarrior130 5 months ago
@kek0kak "نحن نريده ان يكتب مايقوله بالانجيزيه حتى نترجم مايقول بلغتنا"
Sezowillaa 5 months ago
You shouldn't clean tastes with water, it actually strongens it. You should use bread. Good reviews otherwise! :)
SturmUndDrang13 6 months ago
I know that red label is by no means a good blended scotch.....But it's still kicks the hell out of Jack Daniels
ThankYouMrAcavano 6 months ago
@ThankYouMrAcavano jack daniels is a bourbon rather than a scotch whisky. if i am not wrong made mainly from corn rather than barley. kind of apples and oranges. but i much much prefer scotch whiskys
samuel3v4 6 months ago
Dude, I tried this bottle when I was at a party I almost threw up xD
thebetterhaloplayer 7 months ago
I don't like this one, really, tried it yesterday, and American Whiskey is MUCH better! This one just tastes like Schnaps!
TheSchweineferkel 7 months ago
I love this stuff. It's not that expensive, but it's the first scotch whiskey that I began drinking on a semi-regular basis. I like it on the rocks, personally.
SuperTugz 7 months ago
moral of the story, its good with cola.
purewilderness 8 months ago
Red Label.....it does well in my coffee.....that´s about it, sorry.
Ojoe2010 8 months ago
there is one on ebay for like $10 usd.... still drinkable? should buy?
hartenskim 8 months ago
@hartenskim
toss a coin, heads yes, tails no ! or just take a chance and see what you get ! (buyer beware, and watch out for FAKES)
ralfystuff 8 months ago
@hartenskim
$10 .... why not risk it !
ralfystuff 8 months ago
Red label is best for mixing with coke and getting drunk on. One of my first choices for getting smashed.
blott1978 8 months ago
@ralfystuff how about the other labels like green, blue, black, and gold? I'm more of a rum person; do you fancy rum or do you just prefer your blended whiskies?
thehoosierfortheUK 8 months ago
@thehoosierfortheUK
... green's best and it's all about the intrinsic quality of whatever whisky it is.
ralfystuff 8 months ago
This video gave me an orgasm!
MrCssmovie 9 months ago
@racerxwannabe Oh dear, the irrational nature of Youtube users today, making a big deal over a drink...
Mrlaissezfaire90 9 months ago
I would compare red label (modern) to methylated spirits
freedomsoldier187 9 months ago
he is drunk
karankumaaronline 9 months ago
You're correct on the density of the glass, Ralfy. Diageo switched to a lighter glass in recent years so the old bottle should feel heavier. Read that in a post on WhiskyWhiskyWhisky.
shuboy05 9 months ago
Johnny Walker Red=the best blend.
Mrlaissezfaire90 10 months ago
@Mrlaissezfaire90 You absolute idiot.
racerxwannabe 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@Mrlaissezfaire90 stfu you absolute moron.
racerxwannabe 9 months ago
UGH really bad scotch whisky, no bad in cola though, the cola kinda masks the shitty taste
chrissept21 10 months ago
I have a question ralfystuff. How does the flavour of the whisky change once it has been removed from the barrel and bottled? And does this vary from one whisky to another?
18vallancel 10 months ago
@18vallancel
the state of change varies a lot due to processing and dilution, which causes the original flavour in the cask to 'round-off' and lose a little naturalness
ralfystuff 10 months ago
The real question- in 40 years, will a "modern" bottle of Red Label be just as good as the 1960s? I don't know, and personally I don't drink red label.
There is a bottle fo green label with my name on it...$80 USD...so I might get it ... a bit pricey...
ThePirateMD 10 months ago
can you still buy the 1960's or do they not sell them any more
menace2merrylandsz 10 months ago
@menace2merrylandsz
can be found at auctions and on e-bay.
ralfystuff 10 months ago
@ralfystuff thanks
menace2merrylandsz 10 months ago
So is the current Red Label a 70/100 or worse?
mindflashbr 10 months ago
@mindflashbr
no marks given for the JWRL
ralfystuff 10 months ago
Don't kid yourself, if you really liked whisky then you would enjoy the lowest of blends Kenkucky Gentleman neat.
johnniedbomb 11 months ago
Hi Ralfy, Have you reviewed Famous Grouse? If not, are you planning on doing so? I have never tried it before and would be interested in your views.
Thanks!
shyamalramachandran 11 months ago
@shyamalramachandran
no Famous Grouse review pending, I find standards vary and experiences mediocre.
ralfystuff 11 months ago
howcome jonny walking diffrent ways?
paclovesu 11 months ago
@paclovesu One story says he's turning his back on the distillers and walking away in the mordern incarnation. I think it might be closer to the mark to consider it two fingers to UK and government as JW removed their international trading arm overseas so as to reduce their tax liability. This follows on from them not being permitted to market at different rates throughout the European Economic Community (or common market) and so the withdrawal of the brand from UK.
TheBeebopper 10 months ago
Hahahaha epic ending!
avin1973 11 months ago
Jameson and a good cane sugar root beer is an excellent mixed drink fyi.
anthonyiodice 11 months ago
Grandad regularly sat at the piano with a bottle of JW and a packet of Embassy. There is a story attatched to the turning round of JW (to the right), but it's been so long I forget. My uncle was JWs Export manager at the time that sales were blocked in UK (the brand became John Barr here). So if you see John Barr bottles they are late 70's early 80's JW blend for UK.
TheBeebopper 1 year ago
Hello, I'm not a native english speaker but I absolutely love your accent. Are you Irish?
lkasjdflkjemwna 1 year ago
@lkasjdflkjemwna
... Scottish, but very near Ireland.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
do you think the time it sat in the bottle helped it much, or do you think it was more to do with the blends and the changes of the industry?
rhinonose 1 year ago
@rhinonose
length of time in the bottle AND Industry changes !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
I found this review delightful and not just for your critique, but, as with cooking shows, for example, you're also watching the persona of the presenter.
I've also checked out your website; it's truly delightful; keep up the good work!
SatchmoSings 1 year ago
Epic review .
How are the other Johnny Waler "labels'"?
Key2Be 1 year ago
@Key2Be
Black and green both in the WhiskyReview archives at ralfy.com.
Gold and Blue Labels expensive for what they are.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
the only drink i like is not alcohol drink,
cause its insane that they made that just to have control over you,
war to all alchol brewery, they are the cancer of the world
retsiembrU 1 year ago
@retsiembrU then why are you here?
Turkeysitar 1 year ago
@retsiembrU
Go back to Iran
SaMsEqKrew 11 months ago
Hi Ralfy...
I just polished off a 750 ml bottle of JW Red Label earlier this week.As an entry level blend it's just OK.I would put Teachers Highland Cream and Ballantines Finest far above it.What really kills it for me is the price.Almost $30.00 CDN for a bottle is'nt really justifiable when there are cheaper blends that are far superior.
I also detected a medicinelike,almost iodine aftertaste with it.It was there neat,with water,and mixed with Coke.
Have you noticed this as well?
rbhiphopsux 1 year ago
@rbhiphopsux
what I notice is over-pricing due to 'brand loyalty' ... a miaplaced loyalty !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@ralfystuff
I agree.
With JW Red,one is buying a brand and past legacy,and not a quality whiskey with good value.Red Label in Scotch is kinda like Jack Daniels Old No. 7 in Sourmash.Bottom shelf whiskey at mid-shelf prices...And not very good bottom shelf stuff,at that!
It's amazing to me that Diageo produces this stuff and the other JW offerings are so superior?You'd think they would try to improve it.I suppose that because it sells well they don't really have to?
rbhiphopsux 1 year ago
I'm telling you Ralfy is 100% people and are grandfathers must of regular drank this then. I confirm this because I bought a 60's mini Walker Red in auction after watching this. Wonderful. Delightful sherry and spice. it hold together perfectly. It was brutal 10y ago and is just crap and bitter now. There should be a whisky law to forbid this. I also bough a mini 60s dewars + ballantine's finest. My new finest bottle is fine just not noticing that graininess + wood smoke hint i really loved.
CliveGains80s 1 year ago
@ralfystuff how would you compare red label to famous grouse(red grouse)??
manchewl 1 year ago
@manchewl
equaly as available and generic, but I will give Grouse the edge for offering some style !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Ralphy, this is so interesting! I recently bought a sample pack of JW, so I could sample the Blue Label. In the package they included the red label as well, which I did not have in 30 years (I used to like it then, but recently was not interested to purchase on its own). Anyway, in short, I didn't care for it - too rough.
beyond7 1 year ago
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beyond7 1 year ago
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beyond7 1 year ago
So, having some Glenfarclas 21 yo and Glenfiddich 15 around, I added a little of each, maybe 20% in all. What a huge difference it made! The 20 cl bottle was emptied in short order. I thought it was interesting that you think the older Red Label must have had some Glenfarclas in it.
beyond7 1 year ago
I was given a bottle of J.black that had not been opened from about the early 80s as well. when I opened it I was very disapointed from the nose and taste.. some excessive perfume like smell which I initially associated with the fact that I was unexperienced and I put the cap back on and put it away for a few weeks. After sampling many malts and blends, I re-opened it... unfortunately I still cannot get passed the lavender ish type of perfume smell on the nose.Keep up the great vlogs Ralfy.
loeb82 1 year ago
Comment removed
CliveGains80s 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@loeb82 No one believe me when I said a black I bought was off. Did it drop short in mouth like flat. That excessive smell was it spirity smell or natural perfumed or chemical like a nail polish remover. I said smell that with a good black to bad black to a non drinker. they notice. I sample a pour to a older big whisky drinker .they said its fine. maybe were more sensitive to this? Anyway I'm starting fresh and smart on whisky this year and it will workout good for me and you too.
CliveGains80s 1 year ago
@loeb82 well a few weeks later, I reopened the bottle of black.. I have no idea what happened.. wow! the taste and smell is very enjoyable. perfume effect has significantly subsided, and every couple nights I will have a taste and after about 30 minutes or so of being in my glass (thanks Ralfy) it becomes nicely sweet with a touch of spicyness on the toungue, but very little. A lot of the caramel is present now I find too, which is ok I guess. Ralfy thanks for the tips
loeb82 1 year ago
I love your reviews, your information, sense of humour, etc. I hope you're making money from this or something along these lines!
JoeSzilagy 1 year ago
I respect your palate, Ralfy -- but I love Red Label!
JeanScallopsidi 1 year ago
I wonder, i you'd buy a bottle of red label right now, and let it sit for 40 years or so, would it improve in quality aswell, or do you recon the ingredients and the process back then were different?
Intrepidity 1 year ago
@Intrepidity
.... I am trying that out of interest, however I don't expect to get anything decent.
JWR used to be a magnificent Blend, ... but not now.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@Intrepidity
There seems to be some consensus that JWR has changed over the years. Dominic Roskow (another whisky blogger) mentions that his father preferred Red Label during the '60s because it was less peaty which is quite the opposite to today's version.
shuboy05 2 months ago
Great review as usual. I have been waiting for this one for a long time, have you done Gold label yet?
dk2853 1 year ago
I had found a bottle of unopened jw red label not too long ago, after doing some research on labels and whatnot i found it was from the 80's. I opened it up and was so disappointed.. either it had gone bad somehow or the whiskey fairy took a vacation from the red label in the 80's. I ended up mixing it with coke... still it tasted off.. right through the coke. Oh well, I still have about half a bottle of jameson 12 year to lean on.
Koato 1 year ago
@Koato
... thank good ness the Jameson's handy, RL in the 80's could be ... poor stuff !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Lol Ralfy that cracked me up you were going to give an 84 , But after 2 shots you give an 86 Sort of like women 2 shots later the grading criteria gets a bit more laxed . No digs intended I really enjoy your posts
aaron3009 1 year ago
@aaron3009
... true, ... when offering any marks it is best not to get too analytical as making things real-serious like the wine-snobs do it devaluing Whisky.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@ralfystuff Can a whisky improve with time in the bottle as it improves in a oak cask?
FletcherHabit 1 year ago
@FletcherHabit
... depending on providence, yes it can, ... or deteriorate ! .... but this takes decades to achieve.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Why does quality Drop RALF (+ why not state on bottle) ? Is it population + developing world? ALSO what is the NAME of WHISKY (maybe Rum) Bottle that is ZEBRA like? Liquid very very Dark. In a 1975 sea movie and a 80's tv episode (they keep whisky in Fridge "ice box' in episode). The label is always hidden from camera. THANKS.
j2ndcaptain 1 year ago
@j2ndcaptain
quality drops when demand/supply changes, and I have no idea about the whisky/rum !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
hello i like all your videos about spirts etc
which Johnnie Walker would you reccomond to drink
ac3kata 1 year ago
@ac3kata
Green Label !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Free Johnny Walker is good stuff I was just given a bottle of Johnny black as a gift.If I buy a blended it's usually The Dimple Pinch but I'm a highland and Speyside fan and Glenfiddich 18 is a very special drink but in the price range as Johnny Black Glenfiddich 15 or Glen Livet 15 or MacAllan 10 would be the right road traveled.
blitzspeer 1 year ago
does the time that whiskey lasts depend on the quantity that is sitting? i.e. will a bigger bottle last longer than a smaller bottle?
Nathanalism 1 year ago
@Nathanalism
The more air space in the bottle, the more rapid the oxidisation/deterioration.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
I have always found Johnnie Walker to have an oilyness to it, almost like a Tequila quality, very unpleasant. It reminds me of what 'Victory Gin' would taste like {From Nineteen Eighty Four-the novel} Yuk.
GalaxyHorse 1 year ago
@GalaxyHorse
I have that exact same thought about Japanese sake!
sheepystar 1 year ago
Do whiskys age in the bottle in general?
marky2112 1 year ago
@marky2112
... very, very slow changes will occur whether for better or worse !!! .... depends on the provenance ...
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@ralfystuff Hey ralfy. I got JW Red awhile back and couldn't down it because of this annoying metallic/plastic note going on. Do you pick that up from it? I find the best blend to be Ballentines Finest. I urge you to review it. Thanks.
dave1122drum 1 year ago
@dave1122drum
... will check it out, .... thanks.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@dave1122drum Ralfy commened Ballintines+ most of the blends (dewars, Hanky, etc) at his website in Whiskey MARKS sectiion. Check it out - Very good. Ballintines finist was my first bottle and had vivid recollection recently. I am putting it off as I'm unsure if quality is same or not. I may stick away from cheap blends if there not even 40% malt as I think the spirit makes my head spin. I can afford better just I allway by wrong thing for my liking. Is dewars custard like + high malt%?
j2ndcaptain 1 year ago
My dad named me Johnny Walker
IIIllIIllIIIllIIll 1 year ago
Hi Ralfy, love your videos. I'm still somewhat new to the world of scotch whisky, but I think I must be tasteblind or something, because I can't seem to discern a difference between a Johnnie Walker Black and and the Red label, other than smoothness perhaps, but I think there's a very big difference between a Glennfidich 12 year old and the Glennfidich 15 Solera (single malts of course). Am I crazy or just inexperienced?
Euphony33 1 year ago
@Euphony33
.... your not crazy ! ... just give yourself time and be patient, ... and it will come to you steadly.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Dad has a bottle of Red Label in the closet from the early-60s. When I head back to the east coast (of the US) for Christmas, I make sure to have a glass or two. I agree with your assessment. All the sharp edges that makes Red Label hard to swallow are gone and you have a chance to enjoy some very subtle flavors. I wonder if some of the alcohol had evaporated over the years...
Just found your channel a few days ago thanks to Teacher's Highland Cream. Thanks again for all the reviews!
YummyPork 1 year ago
ralfy you make me wanna drink whisky everyday
fatalegg 1 year ago