Can anyone confirm that this bottle is No-Chillfillered & No E150a ?
It will be highly appreciated... And also Aberlour a'Bunadh ? Those are in my top 10 list,, and I REALLY hope they don't have e150a in it ... Dear, Malt mates,,, please provide me ACCURATE INFORMATION...
ralfy and others, how do you get over the peat blast to taste the other flavors in this whisky? When I opened my bottle it made the entire house smell like smokey peat. It was the most unreal experience I've ever had with a drink. How did your palette conform?
So is it too late to buy this whisky? Given the phenomenal reviews and the incredible buzz about Ardbeg, will they be ramping up production? Do you have a rule of thumb: "once a whiskey gets this much acclaim, I stop buying it"
@onetimeonthegoodfoot It's not too late. This is the more mature "brother" to Ten. But as with all whisky, each year's bottling may be a bit different. If you look at the bottle code, you will see, for example, an "L11". This indicates that your Ardbeg was bottled in 2011. I love Ardbeg; I will drink just about any bottle of Ardbeg. BUT this year's bottle may be slightly different than last year's. Serious Ardbeggians hunt by code. I wouldn't worry too much - just drink it.
I have 2 bottles of Uigeadail, 1 of which was purchased this summer, and another just the other day. The difference in color, nose, and tasting notes of the two are as distinct as night and day! The new is significantly darker and doesn't have the same smoky peat blast of the older one. Still good, but disappointing because I prefer the profile of the older. The new label mentions that it was imported by Moet NY/NY and has a serial #L8, the older one lacks a # or import label. What gives?
@EnzoTorino To be more precise, the smokiness is still there, but is masked by something else which seems to have been added. Could it be that Ardbeg has "dumbed-down" the flavor for the American market (see import notice) by adding caramel (see darker color)? T'would be a shame if this were so, indeed.
@EnzoTorino I find Ardbeg to be more subtle than many well-known Islays. Compare the Laphroiag 10 to Arbeg 10. The Nam Beist is an amazingly complex bottle with beautiful creaminess; the smoke doesn't hit you over the head.
@EnzoTorino If you are drinking L8 and earlier, you are a lucky man. If you like more blast, Supernova is the drink for you. The 2010 roars in like a lion. Amazing stuff.
Ralfy, here you claim that "finishing" can work, as evidenced by the Lagavulin Double Matured. However, in an earlier video, you said you would not review the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban or their other finished whiskies because the idea was gimmicky. Which is it? Will you review the other Glenmorangie offerings now?
This is the first scotch review video I've watched--very helpful! My mouth is literally watering, lol. I loved the bit about the Gaelic at the beginning ... I'm 1/2 Scottish by blood and spent a semester at University of Aberdeen, so I have a fondness for Gaelic. We even named our daughter Ceilidh :) Okay, off to watch more whiskey reviews!
I have to say even though this is basically cask strength...its still much smoother than the 10 year old...which I reckon is alittle rough...I have to say the Uigeadail is the most impressive islay whisky...Corryvreckan is rough like the 10, the Supernova is great...just overpriced...but between the Uigey and the Cask strength Laphroaig 10...or 1/4 cask you cant go wrong!....makes speysiders seem boring...Ralfy have you tried the Talisker 57 north?.... what your thoughts on it?
I'm in the market for an Ardbeg sometime soon. I had settled on the Uigeadail (which I have tried and loved), but it turns out a store near me has one bottle each of the 1978 and 17 year old at prices not much higher than the Oogie. Advice?
Ha, all three? I'm not a collector and wouldn't buy these bottles as an investment to sell later (my state has very prohibitive liquor shipping laws). This would be solely for taste.
@SmileDudeMusic Yes I have tried that - I like the complexity and sophistication of the Lagavulin 16 year old but it lacks the intense sweetness, depth and youthful peat of this Ardbeg. Also like Ralphy says, with the Uigeadail, its always one step ahead of you - the Lagavulin, despite its complexity, isn't quite on that level. Making it less of a branded whisky could help, I'm sure, and in the Uk at least, the Ardbeg offers better value for money in my opinion.
Mr brother got this for me as an Xmas pressie on his way back from Edinburgh last week and I have to say it is a truly exceptional scotch. I love the complexity of the peat against the malt. Wonderful stuff. The Caol Ila from Islay is great too. Keep up the great reviews ralfy!
It is increasingly recognised that variations between Malt 'batches' are noticeable and that customers are more aware of the disappointment of inferior later batches as the Distillers tolerate a loss of quality to capitalise on sales.
my personal opinion is 9 - 14 yo's however you will probably find Ardbeg don't wan't to disclose much about the 'profile'. .... but you could e-mail them and ask !
G day Ralfy. I recently came back from Fiji and there was a bottle of this in the duty free section. Just opened it last night WOW it tastes like a christmas cake. Also had a block of dark chocolate with roasted almonds with it. I was in heaven
Hello Ralfy, on the very opposite end of the flavour spectrum (or not that far) - is there a review of the Glendronach 15 Revival planned? Sherry, I love it (as much as a good peaty Islay)!
I was just curious what you thought about the 1990 Nam Beist whiskey. It seems I can't come into possession of the one you're drinking in this video but am able to grab this Nam Beist. I've heard it isn't sherried like Uigeadail.
This whisky really is the dogs bollocks (permit my swearing just for artistic license). I have a bottle here. Sooooo good. Nice to start the evening on the 10 year old Ardbeg and then move on up to this salty beast.
My latest version of Oogie noses and tastes almost like the Aberlour Abunadh. Very sweet sherry, chocolate and almost no peat and tar. I think the sherry speaking way too loud here. Add a huge amount of the old peat, tar, lacquer and smoked bacon notes here and this would be perfect!
Ralfy, have you tried the Glenmo Sonnalta PX? Maybe you wouldn't review it because it's too expensive for beeing NAS, but I think this time, the Glenmo/Sherry combo REALLY works. It's around 55 Euros per liter, dunno how much it is in scotland...
And for the Oogie: Despite changing of times, tastes, everything, it is still my most loved whisky since I first tasted it back in 2004! Lovely stuff, as someone we know would say.
Ralfy, have you tried the Glenmo Sonnalta PX? Maybe you wouldn't review it because it's too expensive for beeing NAS, but I think this time, the Glenmo/Sherry combo REALLY works. It's around 55 Euros per liter, dunno how much it is in scotland...
And for the Oogie: Despite changing of times, tastes, everything, it is still my most loved whisky since I first tasted it back in 2004! Lovely stuff, as someone we know would say.
I really like this one, great whisky. I managed to get a bottle of this in a tax-free shop on a boat cruise. I would never had purchased this one at normal price (here in sweden). Here it costs about 60£ (649 SEK). That's a bit over my personal price limit. This is probably my favourite among the Ardbeg's I've tried. I also have the 10 year old and have tried the Still Young version.
As I sip on my lovely Lagavulin 16, i'm reminded how when I pour a dram of this Uigeadail and sip on it, my entire house fills with it's sweet aroma. I love the Uige. Ralfy thanks for steering me, Ardbeg send Ralfy a case already!
I just tried this Malt. It is awesome. I really like the Aberlour A'bunadh and the Laphroaig Quarter Cask that you reviewed. These are the first three bottles I have purchased. I like them all for their own purposes, but I the Ardbeg's finish is really where it is a step above the other two.
Why would sherry influence work well with this ? But with Glenmorangie Lasanta when they add it you say it's poncy. I'm new to this you obviously know quite a deal about them. I never liked scotch growing up but as we get older our tastes change and i have both of these and enjoy sipping on both of them.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I will get my hands on a bottle of Glenmorangie Original next time before the Lasanta runs out and see if i can taste the difference. Also have started NOT putting ice in with my nips' after seeing a few people who review whisky do not use it. Now i always try it neat and then maybe a dash of water if required. it's made a hell of a difference in the smell and flavour. Thanks mate : )
After seeing this and getting ahold of the 10 @ WhiskyFest I finally got a bottle of the Uigeadail - absolutely splendid. Contemplative whisky, a dram for writers and dreamers.
you have to try it! just buy another bottle if you like it. I think it's great. just started getting into scotch and it has made my journey difficult. I liked a few port ellen whisky but this is the standard bearer for the moment.
Very much enjoyed this whisky and your comments on this.
Question: im looking for a malt where in the nose and taste cloves dominate, any succestions?
Greetings
onbekende020 1 week ago
@onbekende020
Glenfarclas 10yo is a start !
ralfystuff 6 days ago
Can anyone confirm that this bottle is No-Chillfillered & No E150a ?
It will be highly appreciated... And also Aberlour a'Bunadh ? Those are in my top 10 list,, and I REALLY hope they don't have e150a in it ... Dear, Malt mates,,, please provide me ACCURATE INFORMATION...
bussia97 1 week ago
ralfy and others, how do you get over the peat blast to taste the other flavors in this whisky? When I opened my bottle it made the entire house smell like smokey peat. It was the most unreal experience I've ever had with a drink. How did your palette conform?
Omnis2 1 week ago
@Omnis2
add water to the glass, roll with the experience.
ralfystuff 1 week ago
Come on Ralfy - let's do away with the watering down of God's medicine!
Aner2557 2 weeks ago
Just bought this after watching all the reviews and have to say its a wonderful Scotch. Im now going to buy another for future celabrations, Cheers !
TheSwissVictorinox 2 months ago
How much is the retail price in UK?
CenkAkyol 2 months ago
@CenkAkyol
about £40
ralfystuff 2 months ago
@ralfystuff 150$ in Canada (where with the conversion it should be 60-70$)
bonheurbrun 1 month ago
So is it too late to buy this whisky? Given the phenomenal reviews and the incredible buzz about Ardbeg, will they be ramping up production? Do you have a rule of thumb: "once a whiskey gets this much acclaim, I stop buying it"
onetimeonthegoodfoot 2 months ago
@onetimeonthegoodfoot
there is some truth in what you say. one of my rules of thumb is "if it's good, buy a couple for sometime in the next decade"
ralfystuff 2 months ago
@onetimeonthegoodfoot It's not too late. This is the more mature "brother" to Ten. But as with all whisky, each year's bottling may be a bit different. If you look at the bottle code, you will see, for example, an "L11". This indicates that your Ardbeg was bottled in 2011. I love Ardbeg; I will drink just about any bottle of Ardbeg. BUT this year's bottle may be slightly different than last year's. Serious Ardbeggians hunt by code. I wouldn't worry too much - just drink it.
texlad04 1 week ago
I have 2 bottles of Uigeadail, 1 of which was purchased this summer, and another just the other day. The difference in color, nose, and tasting notes of the two are as distinct as night and day! The new is significantly darker and doesn't have the same smoky peat blast of the older one. Still good, but disappointing because I prefer the profile of the older. The new label mentions that it was imported by Moet NY/NY and has a serial #L8, the older one lacks a # or import label. What gives?
EnzoTorino 2 months ago
@EnzoTorino To be more precise, the smokiness is still there, but is masked by something else which seems to have been added. Could it be that Ardbeg has "dumbed-down" the flavor for the American market (see import notice) by adding caramel (see darker color)? T'would be a shame if this were so, indeed.
EnzoTorino 2 months ago
@EnzoTorino I find Ardbeg to be more subtle than many well-known Islays. Compare the Laphroiag 10 to Arbeg 10. The Nam Beist is an amazingly complex bottle with beautiful creaminess; the smoke doesn't hit you over the head.
texlad04 1 week ago
@EnzoTorino If you are drinking L8 and earlier, you are a lucky man. If you like more blast, Supernova is the drink for you. The 2010 roars in like a lion. Amazing stuff.
texlad04 1 week ago
I think you just don't like the names. To call it "port wood" is ok, but "Quinta Ruban" is, well, poncy, I believe.
onetimeonthegoodfoot 2 months ago
Ralfy, here you claim that "finishing" can work, as evidenced by the Lagavulin Double Matured. However, in an earlier video, you said you would not review the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban or their other finished whiskies because the idea was gimmicky. Which is it? Will you review the other Glenmorangie offerings now?
onetimeonthegoodfoot 2 months ago
@onetimeonthegoodfoot
finishes work if they are effective, and gimmicky if they are un-effective.
ralfystuff 2 months ago
@KittyKranker
$92 is about what we pay in Scotland. ....... funnily enough just listening to Bon Iver's 'Calgary' on cd.
ralfystuff 4 months ago
$170 in Canada. I won't be trying this for many many years on my budget.
Polyfusia 6 months ago
When I'm going to buy a bottle of malt, I always check first what Jim Murray and Ralfy has to say.
mtpylkka11 6 months ago
This is the king, definitely. Ralfy is dead on. HUGE peat and smoke, but a NICE smooth sweet creamy sherry taste to it.
Gregrg7 6 months ago
just ordererd one, hope it is really that good
KatzeMitGlatze 7 months ago
This is the first scotch review video I've watched--very helpful! My mouth is literally watering, lol. I loved the bit about the Gaelic at the beginning ... I'm 1/2 Scottish by blood and spent a semester at University of Aberdeen, so I have a fondness for Gaelic. We even named our daughter Ceilidh :) Okay, off to watch more whiskey reviews!
natejohnstone 9 months ago
I have to say even though this is basically cask strength...its still much smoother than the 10 year old...which I reckon is alittle rough...I have to say the Uigeadail is the most impressive islay whisky...Corryvreckan is rough like the 10, the Supernova is great...just overpriced...but between the Uigey and the Cask strength Laphroaig 10...or 1/4 cask you cant go wrong!....makes speysiders seem boring...Ralfy have you tried the Talisker 57 north?.... what your thoughts on it?
BI2016 9 months ago
@BI2016
with 57 North, Iv'e tasted good, .... and bad ! (at a whisky show of all places too !)
ralfystuff 9 months ago
dont we love the sound of a popping cork :) thumbs up on that one! :D
mihailofsx 9 months ago
@ralfystuff
Hey Ralfy,
Malt Moron here. Is the Uigeadail, your highest rated whiskey in terms of malt marks? BTW, keep up the good work.
Cheers !
ratedAD 9 months ago
@ratedAD
... nope ! ... see WhiskyReview 24
ralfystuff 9 months ago
where can i find this glasses?
Secofive 11 months ago
@Secofive
e-mail glencairn.co.uk for a local supplier to you.
ralfystuff 11 months ago
ralfy,
I'm in the market for an Ardbeg sometime soon. I had settled on the Uigeadail (which I have tried and loved), but it turns out a store near me has one bottle each of the 1978 and 17 year old at prices not much higher than the Oogie. Advice?
JoeDawg15 1 year ago
@JoeDawg15
... buy !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@ralfystuff
Ha, all three? I'm not a collector and wouldn't buy these bottles as an investment to sell later (my state has very prohibitive liquor shipping laws). This would be solely for taste.
Thanks!
JoeDawg15 1 year ago
@SmileDudeMusic Yes I have tried that - I like the complexity and sophistication of the Lagavulin 16 year old but it lacks the intense sweetness, depth and youthful peat of this Ardbeg. Also like Ralphy says, with the Uigeadail, its always one step ahead of you - the Lagavulin, despite its complexity, isn't quite on that level. Making it less of a branded whisky could help, I'm sure, and in the Uk at least, the Ardbeg offers better value for money in my opinion.
chrish12345 1 year ago
Just picked up an L8 bottling... time to taste.
btw thanks for the advice ralfy
RamboSlice666 1 year ago
Mr brother got this for me as an Xmas pressie on his way back from Edinburgh last week and I have to say it is a truly exceptional scotch. I love the complexity of the peat against the malt. Wonderful stuff. The Caol Ila from Islay is great too. Keep up the great reviews ralfy!
jamesyireland 1 year ago
Someone saye that L5 is better than other editions,how do you think about it ?
kimi09082003 1 year ago
@kimi09082003
... is possible, but can't confirm.
It is increasingly recognised that variations between Malt 'batches' are noticeable and that customers are more aware of the disappointment of inferior later batches as the Distillers tolerate a loss of quality to capitalise on sales.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Hi Ralfy, do you know how old matured this whisky is? It doesnt say on the bottle..
TheDankezzz 1 year ago
@TheDankezzz
my personal opinion is 9 - 14 yo's however you will probably find Ardbeg don't wan't to disclose much about the 'profile'. .... but you could e-mail them and ask !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
This is the best I ever did taste.
chrish12345 1 year ago
hey ralfy, how do you think this compares to the supernova?
BozoTheBear 1 year ago
@BozoTheBear
... favourably, it's cheaper and more mature !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@ralfystuff thanks ralfy! i'm getting ready to make an overseas order, and ardbeg will definitely be on the list. i think it will be this one :)
BozoTheBear 1 year ago
G day Ralfy. I recently came back from Fiji and there was a bottle of this in the duty free section. Just opened it last night WOW it tastes like a christmas cake. Also had a block of dark chocolate with roasted almonds with it. I was in heaven
TheAnandaXX 1 year ago
ralfy have you tast the tomintoul peaty tang?an amazing whisky and its very cheap,im sure it can beat a lot of more expensives whiskys check it out
aphasia2 1 year ago
Hello Ralfy, on the very opposite end of the flavour spectrum (or not that far) - is there a review of the Glendronach 15 Revival planned? Sherry, I love it (as much as a good peaty Islay)!
mentche 1 year ago
@mentche
... an excellent Malt ! ... and one I plan to review this year.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Heya Ralfy,
I was just curious what you thought about the 1990 Nam Beist whiskey. It seems I can't come into possession of the one you're drinking in this video but am able to grab this Nam Beist. I've heard it isn't sherried like Uigeadail.
phospholipasec 1 year ago
@phospholipasec
.... a decent Ardbeg, but SO MANY of these new bottlings are actually younger Malts, which give owner LVMH a bigger profit margin.
Ardbeg is a good Malt damaged by a great reputation !!!
I enjoyed my sample of ANB but if you want to find it again, your best bet is to look for miniatures.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
This whisky really is the dogs bollocks (permit my swearing just for artistic license). I have a bottle here. Sooooo good. Nice to start the evening on the 10 year old Ardbeg and then move on up to this salty beast.
TheSpankymonkey 1 year ago
My latest version of Oogie noses and tastes almost like the Aberlour Abunadh. Very sweet sherry, chocolate and almost no peat and tar. I think the sherry speaking way too loud here. Add a huge amount of the old peat, tar, lacquer and smoked bacon notes here and this would be perfect!
bishop131313 1 year ago
So i just went to the whisky shop cos and bought this bad boy because Ralfy won't let me come round to his house....
TheSpankymonkey 1 year ago
About Glenmo and Sherry Influence:
Ralfy, have you tried the Glenmo Sonnalta PX? Maybe you wouldn't review it because it's too expensive for beeing NAS, but I think this time, the Glenmo/Sherry combo REALLY works. It's around 55 Euros per liter, dunno how much it is in scotland...
And for the Oogie: Despite changing of times, tastes, everything, it is still my most loved whisky since I first tasted it back in 2004! Lovely stuff, as someone we know would say.
bishop131313 1 year ago
@bishop131313 .......... bless you lots !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
About Glenmo and Sherry Influence:
Ralfy, have you tried the Glenmo Sonnalta PX? Maybe you wouldn't review it because it's too expensive for beeing NAS, but I think this time, the Glenmo/Sherry combo REALLY works. It's around 55 Euros per liter, dunno how much it is in scotland...
And for the Oogie: Despite changing of times, tastes, everything, it is still my most loved whisky since I first tasted it back in 2004! Lovely stuff, as someone we know would say.
bishop131313 1 year ago
I really like this one, great whisky. I managed to get a bottle of this in a tax-free shop on a boat cruise. I would never had purchased this one at normal price (here in sweden). Here it costs about 60£ (649 SEK). That's a bit over my personal price limit. This is probably my favourite among the Ardbeg's I've tried. I also have the 10 year old and have tried the Still Young version.
IAmLibra75 2 years ago
As I sip on my lovely Lagavulin 16, i'm reminded how when I pour a dram of this Uigeadail and sip on it, my entire house fills with it's sweet aroma. I love the Uige. Ralfy thanks for steering me, Ardbeg send Ralfy a case already!
bopplayer 2 years ago
Will we be seeing an Ardbeg Rollercoaster review?!
youarehectic 2 years ago
unlikely ! ... too much froth, hype, web-sites crashing, spin .. and general Marketing manipulation.
ralfystuff 2 years ago
I just tried this Malt. It is awesome. I really like the Aberlour A'bunadh and the Laphroaig Quarter Cask that you reviewed. These are the first three bottles I have purchased. I like them all for their own purposes, but I the Ardbeg's finish is really where it is a step above the other two.
nyhc123 2 years ago
Comment removed
NagareboshiFin 2 years ago
Why would sherry influence work well with this ? But with Glenmorangie Lasanta when they add it you say it's poncy. I'm new to this you obviously know quite a deal about them. I never liked scotch growing up but as we get older our tastes change and i have both of these and enjoy sipping on both of them.
TheAnandaXX 2 years ago
Ardbeg is powerfully flavoured and an Islay giant accommodating a sweet sherry influence successfully.
The sophisticated, complex Glenmorangie just doesn't make it so well..... the nature gets lost in the mix.
ralfystuff 2 years ago
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I will get my hands on a bottle of Glenmorangie Original next time before the Lasanta runs out and see if i can taste the difference. Also have started NOT putting ice in with my nips' after seeing a few people who review whisky do not use it. Now i always try it neat and then maybe a dash of water if required. it's made a hell of a difference in the smell and flavour. Thanks mate : )
TheAnandaXX 2 years ago
love the marshmellows and gluewein line. Great review.
waterpolo101 2 years ago
Love your reviews! Philosophical, practical, wise.
alphaqlater 2 years ago
Ha Ralfi can't wait for your review of Ardbeg Super Nova
Stratblooz 2 years ago
After seeing this and getting ahold of the 10 @ WhiskyFest I finally got a bottle of the Uigeadail - absolutely splendid. Contemplative whisky, a dram for writers and dreamers.
Great review Ralfy!
berkeleyfish 2 years ago
Funny story about the whiskey and you taking a journey. It's true.
smarch1337 2 years ago 2
Got a bottle of this nestling in my parlour. So tempted to open it.
leestephenj 2 years ago 5
you have to try it! just buy another bottle if you like it. I think it's great. just started getting into scotch and it has made my journey difficult. I liked a few port ellen whisky but this is the standard bearer for the moment.
aussieconservative 2 years ago
The best whisky I have ever tried. The Uigeadail alone made my trip to Scotland worthwhile.
1993CorradoSLC 2 years ago 9