whisky review 50 - Recommended Islays + 50th Video !!!

[Yoghone]

yep, bowmore 8... the most meaningless moments of my life

[Cookiefox]

Very useful review, thanks!

[moristar1101]

Hello, Ralfy.

In online shop listing I found BLACKADDER SMOKING ISLAY bottle of very unusual color - pale-pale yellow, almost dirty-water color. The price is $100, so I wonder - have you heard about it?

On a lable they say that it is "VERY peated and VERY smoked". Ever heard about it?

[ralfystuff]

@moristar1101

never heard of it !

[NeverendingRobRada]

@moristar1101

Should be $70 usd, $100 is too much. It's part of their raw cask series: literally

what's in that cask; no more, no less. Ok, I'm pretty certain the charred oak bits are added in. The color comes from the oils; and it certainly screams of cooking oil and syrup. The line is worth trying once, just for the experience. However, mind, that you have to drink it undiluted to get said experience, and that's a lot of alcohol. Also, it's a blend.

[NeverendingRobRada]

@moristar1101

I buggered that up. I've had single malts from the line, but I haven't had Smoking Islay.

[ionz75]

Heh, I knew laphroaig cask would be at the top.

[TheGeffenizlude]

When the topic of Scotch Whisky comes up, people inevitably gravitate to Johnnie Walker as a point of reference, It's all they know. They are aghast when I reveal that JW is just a bottle of grain alcohol with a little bit of scotch and artificial coloring. They are even more aghast when I tell them that $160 for a bottle of Blue Label is a rip off. Then I lift a cork on a bottle of Bowmore and suddenly it's a whole new world. Now they want learn whet else besides JW they've been missing.

[texlad04]

@TheGeffenizlude Interestingly, I served a variety of Lagavulin, Sheep Dip, and Ardbeg to a single malt novice last night. This guy loves gin and mixed drinks and red wine. Well, he LOVED the Islay malts. He even loved the Alligator, which is not a whisky for the faint of heart. And I agree - Blue Label is fine, but it's not nearly as good in my view as Sheep Dip "Old Hebridean". Of course, the latter is discontinued. But still....$75....

[TheGeffenizlude]

Just curious Ralfy, do you have a bone to pick with Lagavulin? Or do your just think it's over priced? Personally I place it 3rd on my list of best single Isley malts and third over all. First is Ardbeg, second one's Laphroaig Quarter Cask. I also have to take some exception to your remarks about Bowmore. (to be continued)

[gahauria]

cool hats ralfy!

[yonpolite]

Any thoughts on "Islay Storm Single Malt" ??

[ralfystuff]

@yonpolite

Never heard of it, it's a new one to me.

[jeje591301]

@ralfystuff hello ralphy , do you recomand the bowmore 12 years old ?

[ralfystuff]

@jeje591301

it's not the worst Bowmore !

[ExtremeDeathman]

I'm not Scottish but I know some Gaidhlig, and as I know bh is pronounced as v,

so it must be Bunnahaveen.

Please any other Gaidhlig speaker correct me on that, not a native speaker.

Slainté math!

[halby56]

Tanks Ralfy for your recommended Isley whisky:s. Love Ardbeg and Laphroig

[evilphantom457]

I want to be at this party!!!!

[PlagueIndustry]

Feeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzz.......

[floppaboppa]

It's a fez, he wears a fez now. Fezes are cool.

[senditd]

Hello Ralfy! Have you tried Bruichladdich 'organic' - any plans for a review?

[ralfystuff]

@senditd

... not for a wee while yet.

[averagejock]

Why does Ralfy hate Bowmore? They put out some great bottlings in my opinion.

[ralfystuff]

@averagejock

I don't 'hate' Bowmore, just their over-branded poor-value bottlings.

[averagejock]

@ralfystuff - fair enough. Do you know if the US product line is different? The 15 and the 18 here both have beautiful carmel and nutty notes, with a respectable finish (in my opinion). For US $80 that's not too bad. Perhaps they have a bad history that I don't know about? I am just curious.

[ralfystuff]

@averagejock

within any brand standards can vary either a little or a lot, fortunatly for most Scotche's, the varience is slight.

I don't know how different the USA bottlings are, that would be a question to go to Distillers direct.

H.P. are usually quite helpful, ... good luck !

[Predilus]

I think he just related to the standard bottles, like the 10 or 12 year old. Although, maybe he never tried the 10 year old tempest which was surprisingly good. But compared to the ones here, ralfy's right. These whiskeys here have a lot more to offer at this age and price. If you have a budget, stick to these and enjoy the bang for the buck!

[mikespike999ful]

@averagejock Interesting opinion that Ralfy is taking here -I would fully support this. Just sitting here with a rather expensive bottling of 14YO Bowmore Douglas Laing which is disappointing, while enjoying a glass of Caol Ila at a lower price. I did enjoy the older original bottlings from Bowmore in the 90s, but they were really expensive (21YO and older). Cheers Mike

[kahva75]

and how many whiskys did you tasted before this.....

[ralfystuff]

@kahva75

one !

[degmar]

Ralfy - could you add a "peat scale" to your reviews of peated whiskies? If Bunna is a 50 and Laphroig is a 100, where do the others rank?

I had a Laphroig last week, and I don't think I'm ready for full on peat, so I'd like some indication on how strong these are before buying. I think it'd be a useful addition.

Thanks. I love these videos.

[ralfystuff]

@degmar

I have no plans to do such a thing, however, check out the "Malt Whisky Flavour Map" by googling

[aklosvik]

What is "peted" or "petey" you speak of? And why do you put water in the whiskey? Kindly regards from Norway

[ralfystuff]

@aklosvik

a little water improves flavour, and peat is used to dry malted barley and add distinctive flavour.

[TheAnonymousrogue]

Will definitely be trying some of the whiskey's reviewed on this one! I <3 Islay! I was the guy who said he liked Bowmore (I like full bodied cigars also so it figures!) Bunnahabhain looks great can't wait to get my hands on it!

[MsCarolann12]

U cant pronounce Bunnahabhain correctly either!

[Bulldog22031]

What do you mean "Enjoy it while you can" when talking about Lagavulin? I really enjoy the 16 year, and those words scare me!

[Lobbelt]

Ralfy, I honestly love your reviews. I've got exams atm, but I just can't seem to turn off your whisky reviews! I've only been drinking whisky for a short period of time and I can only hope that some day my knowledge of whiskies will even be half of yours!

[ralfystuff]

@Lobbelt

... leave the whisky-stuff for after the exams malt-mate !!

[Lobbelt]

@ralfystuff Don't worry, I had a break planned for today, so I'm not jeopardizing anything. Thanks again for the reviews though!

[michal1dlouhy]

ralfy, you are the best!!!

[cattnipp]

Congratulations Ralfy

[habacuk1985]

hammer thats what we say in germany for welll hammer!!!

[DCsandMAN666]

nice!

[BrokenBoySoulja]

Hiya Ralfy, I was hoping you could give some advice- Ardbeg is one of my all time favourites but recently have had a lot of trouble getting hold of it, do you have any recommendations for something similar?

[ralfystuff]

@BrokenBoySoulja

Malts are different, so I will recommend some 'different' Malts of peaty-good character.

Laphroaig quarter cask

Caol Ila 12 yo

Lagavulin 16yo

Longrow 10yo

... good luck.

[BrokenBoySoulja]

@ralfystuff cheers

[j2ndcaptain]

Need suggest for quality/affordable.Glen Moray 12 $40AU, COMPASS BOX ASLYA or Adbeg 10y $70 max. Must be Non Fliter No Carmal Balanced Peated. CB uses Caol Ila + Ardmore (TEACHERS, WALKER BLACK good) + less medial + balance great. ARBEG 10 tube reviwer said creamy custard + peat waves (sounds good) maybe medical?. I did like the BRUICLADDISH "Peat"(jarrying balance) but fresh slides down quality part but disliked totally OLD PULTENEY 12 firmness. Also any creamness is loved over tangy bite.

[chrish12345]

Ralfy did you imply from this that Lagavulin would be goin up in cost just like Ardbeg? Let's hope Laphroiahg don't go the same way - fortunately they seem less in touch with the 'money-rats'.

[chrish12345]

I remember the first time I ever tried Laphraoig cask strength, I almost fainted from all the pungent stuff they leave in the bottle... as you say thats either a good or a bad thing...

[chrish12345]

Ralfy do you think the 'new' Bruichladdich will be that much better than the 'old' (I note even something like 'Rocks' still borrows from the old stock)

[ralfystuff]

@chrish12345

... time will tell !

[bdbfighting]

Have you tried crown royal extra rare? I bought a bottle on my birthday it was really good.

[fatalegg]

ralfy, that ending was simply hilarious, cheers, pal.

[DerekEvanLand]

I just found your videos - I have to say I love your down to earth approach to malts and tasting, rather than the deplorable excess of personality or stuffiness found elsewhere.

And on a side note, the first Islay whisky I tried was a Laphroaig - which I quite like but must be in the mood for; Bowmore, I agree, is not in the same class as the others.

Keep up the good work and enjoyable videos. :)

[BlackbeardArghh]

Hey ralfy, which kilchoman were you talking about?Sorry if that's a noob question, I'm a noob :)

[1314saoralba]

Ralfy it's pronounced Bunna havn.

A couple of my favourite whisky's there.

[Temperdgrump]

Hey ralfy I've tried several Islay whiskys based on your reviews however since I haven't seen one for Bruichladdich I'm inclined to ask the following. I'm interested in trying a bruichladdich 15 or an 18, I was wondering if you had tried any of them and perhaps you could give me your opinion as to which was a more enjoyable experience to you and why? Btw great work you've done,I appreciate you sharing your insights with us all.

[ralfystuff]

@Temperdgrump

... both the 15yo and 18yo Standard bottlings are fine, howevr beware of some of the special 'finished' versions as they don't give a same experience as an original, elegant, old-school Bruichladdich like the 10yo, 12yo, 15yo, 17yo. 18yo and 'ressurection' bottlings.

[valuewhale]

hilarious :-D

[meatmotor]

@9:04 LOL :D

Love your reviews Ralfy!

[BeerMakesHappy]

Hey Ralfy, why do you don't like Bowmore?

Great review btw.

[ralfystuff]

@BeerMakesHappy

... it all depends on the quality of the Bowmore.

Some are good, ... some are not.

[benmickel]

Hi Ralfy,

I'm 30 and just started to get into single malt scotch because of a friend. He gave me some Ardbeg and Glenlivet! To be honest I don't know a dam thing about the smelling and tasting. It just felt like pure gasoline going down my neck but was surprised how smooth the 2nd glass was. I've been drinking beer too long, typical Australian I guess. I'm off beer now, I want to enjoy the drink itself more now. What do you think of Glen Moray? I love watching your videos, keep it up!

Ben

[ralfystuff]

@benmickel

... thanks for the compliments Ben, ... Glen Moray generally does better as an older Whisky (14 - 17 years) but I will recommend three different Malts to try just to get you up and running !

Strathisla 12yo

Highland Park 12yo

Caol Ila 12yo

... good luck,  ralfy.

[azoghbi82]

Ralfy, I've got to say, I've been watching your videos for a while and I've learned so much from them, always very interesting and very well articulated. Great stuff! Thanks! And please please keep it going!!!

[GreenManelishi]

BunnahahVn ... Not hahBn !!!

[c4589z]

Richard Patterson, eat yer heart out

[IAmWanderingAengus]

you're an absolute legend ralfy but are you sure about the second b in bunnahabhain? I was taught irish at school and later scots gaelic at university and we always learned to pronounce bh as a v in goidelic languages. Furthermore i'd always heard the whisky itself referred to as bu-na-ha-v'n, as you would pronounce it in spoken gaidhlig, but i'll take your word for it if you say it's so

[ralfystuff]

.... thanks for the feed-back on the whiskystuff !

..... and it definitly is ....bunnahabhain ! (says it on the bottle)

[RonMeijers]

Are you kidding me? These are exactly my favourites! In that particular order also. Crazy. I would like to add the Lagavullin, either 12 or 16... and place that before the Caol Ila

[thegreatbasher]

08:49 priceless look on your face there! I love parties.

[thegreatbasher]

"...no I'm never gonna do it without the fez on...oh no..." Steely Dan tune The Fez- yay!!! Great tune and a great hat there Ralfy.

[dedwards0117]

Hi Ralfy. What was that you were drinking the champagne out of?

[ralfystuff]

... a very long stemmed flute !

[probos1]

I'd drink with Ralfy anytime. Cheers!

[ZiGGyMaidEN]

Hey Ralfy :) I would be very nice if you some day did a review on Coal Ila 12 yo :) I've just bought one myslef, as recommended by you after liking Ardbeg 10 yo :)

Cheers

Sigmund

[shapeshiftingLizard]

"Bunachabin" easy to pronounce in East Europe.

[Tantrum777]

just a great job with this review, when I go into the spirit shops I take your thoughts with me thanks!

[epistades1]

i LOVE this review.

[ralfystuff]

.. well thank you very much,

...... I will keep producing more !

[thetwinducers]

Hello Ralfy,

What did you mean when you said get Lagavulin while you still can??? It's one of my favorites.

Cheers, -Kent

[ralfystuff]

.... Lagavulin, as a single Malt has seen a huge demand recently, it sells fast, and is expensive.

In my opinion, the now automated stills are working flat-out, and maturation of the spirit is now in bulk, Industrial warehouses.,

.... character and terroir are now being compromised, and quality will slowly fade.

Unless a whisky label says NO E150a and NO chill-filltration, ..... it can happen.

Overuse of these options shows decaying whisky Brands.

[RuudJH]

I'll have to agree with you: I bought and drank the 16 year old Lagavulin some time ago, but was pretty disappointed to read on the label there was caramel added to it. On some sites it was rated 96/100, so I was convinced it's the best out there.

I hope to taste another good one in 10 years time, without caramel or chillfiltration.

[shuboy05]

@RuudJH Perhaps the worst part is that the non-chill-filtered whiskeys are often more expensive than those that get caramel or chillfiltration. Which kind of makes sense in a way because one would not want to adulterate the older varieties...

[thetwinducers]

Thank you Ralfy, for such a quick response. can you please make a video and rate Lagavulin 16 yr. And als explain the huge demand and Industrial warehouses.

Cheers, -Kent

[ralfystuff]

... at some point I will review three different Lagavulins, and explain the owners maturation Policy, however, due to a current Whisky-storm in Scotland over job redundancies, these reviews will have to wait.

[michal1dlouhy]

:-) velmi pěkný videa a dobrýdoporučení. Taky mně baví pít single malt whisky, takže držím palce do další padesítky .-) Díky *****

[ralfystuff]

..... diky Michal !

[michal1dlouhy]

so far i tasted aberlour 10, glenfiddich 12, cardhu 12 and j.walker black label. I am looking forward to taste Highland Park 12 and Talisker 10 after next salary :) and then few of your recomended malts . Like your kind of humour. Keep it coming. ty

[leestephenj]

Once again Ralfy, informative and hilarious the way i like it.

[BA0084]

Tebrikler! ralfy

i have a turkish fez with a fun history collected on my travels.

i'd love an invite to a scotch event :) hint hint...

all the best ralfy on the 50th video.

i love your little bottles and potion vessels (i think i know were you got them now.. yikes!) ..

[butephoto]

Great video, Ralf. I suspect Uigeadail will go the way of Airigh Nam Beist now that older stocks are dwindling and will eventually disappear.

[TehGanksturLokii]

well done on your review 50th review, congratz and keep them coming!

[TehGanksturLokii]

gratz on the 50th video, keep them coming! :D

[goose310]

Im just starting out in the world of single malts and have a question. Are you able to store them like wine? Do they get better with age?

[ralfystuff]

.... wine is stored horizontal to keep the cork seal, whisky is stored upright and if you wish, some cling film over the cork and neck to reduce minimal evaporation.

As to improving with age in the bottle, yes, but is very minimal compared to wine, and old whiskies tend to oxidise quickly once the bottle is eventually opened.

For more info: google 'malt maniacs'

[djcelld]

Y NOT BOWMORE & LAGAVULIN???

bruichladdich is expensive

not the lagavulin

you must taste the

lagavulin 12 yo cs

lagavulin 16 yo de xp

bowmore 15 yo mariner

great malts

[ralfystuff]

..... Old Bowmore's show how 'branded' the 12, 15 & 16 are. Too much E150a for & chill-filtration for my comfort !!!

And, yes you have a good point in saying that Bruich: is expensive ! .... too expensive compared to Lagavulin.

But .... I prefer a Malt that invests in Islay rather than one that 'computerises' and de-populates production to the long-term detriment of the Malt.

Thanks ............. different opinions but a same appreciation !!!

[djcelld]

you,re right

most of the bowmore are chill-filtred with 43% alc. and caramel coloured!

Only the older expensiver bowmore bottles are cask strenght whisky without colour!

[boxant]

Love it!

Here is to many more!

[NickLightingale]

Congrats Ralfy! Please don't ever stop!

[niksamatad]

Yeah, great video. I hope its not a long time to episode 100 or even 200 ;)

BTW Do you not like Lagavulin? (cant remember if you have said anything about it in other videos)

And what about Port Askaig..? Tried it? I cant wait to try it :)

[ralfystuff]

...... Lagavulin is still a good Malt at 12, 16 and 21 ! ...... but I don't see this lasting due to demand (volume requirements)

Port Ascaig ? ..... 17yo is the one to get.

Long live Caol Ila, by all it's other names.

[mack01]

Hahaha fantastic video Ralfy! Congratulations on the milestone. I look forward to many more to come!