hello ralfy, just wanted to say thank you for all the reviews and recommendations, they've been immensely helpful in deciding which bottles to buy at the store.
@jmar0015 It was what made me start appreciating whisky, about a year back. :) I'd say go for it! It's sweet, citrusy and has an awesome lingering aftertaste of smoke.
@ralfystuff West-end are you? Grew up just off Byres Road myself, near the botanic gardens. Now living on the south side when I am back home, it's like a totally different world.
Hi Ralfy I would like to tell you my experience with Johnnie Walker Double Black. Pros= The oak is fresh unlike the stale cheap oak in Johnnie Walker Black Standard. Complex for a blend. great smokey flavors. Cons= Too harsh for my stomach, and maybe for others. I had to drink water and eat food to compensate or I would have thrown up. That is your answer why my choice maybe spoiled. In the US how can a track a 2004 Johnnie Walker Green Label? As you said, JW Gr quality has gone down hill.
Dude bought a bottle of double black last week, that stuff is dangerous, i ended up goin through over half the bottle in an hour, it is damn tasty. the regular black label will always be in my cabinet though.
Hi ralfy, I just bought th JW double black today and was extremely disappointed. Quite a nice nose, but all downhill from there!! An absolute shocker, with no length...
Hi Ralfy and fellow maltsters - i gave this a whirl and really enjoyed the smoky notes i found after drinking this. After an hour the empty glass had an even better aroma - very nice. What would be a good introductory single malt for that smoky experience...should I go right for the heavies of Islay or would there be a better introductory malt? Nothing over 60 dollars please...:)
Hello! Could you give me some advice, what is a good brand of blended whisky in your opinion? I want to buy a little whisky for my New Year's party, but I can't afford an expensive single malt whisky. I will be very happy if you will help me.
And my second question: what do you think about Tullamore Dew?
Thanks!
P.S. Happy New Year! I wish you Happy and Prosperous for you and for your blog in the New Year.
@ralfystuff For parties I would say Bourbon whiskey with Cola. but If going for Scotch then I recommend Black Label ( you can never go wrong with BlackLabel) . Teacher is a good whiskey for regulars but newbies its a bit harsh strong taste. If u don't mind Harshness then go for Tesco. Sainsbury or Morrisons if u reside in UK.
Regards,
Drinker who drinks +4 liters of malts and blends a week.
@neonblack666 I was heavily disappointed in the double black, which I thought had a smell and taste of bitter coffee grounds, sticky black syrup and a weird hint of fabric softener. Others describe it as "chemically smoky", I found no smoke at all. Drink the Single Black instead! ha ha
Ralfy.....Lismore single malt. I've had it...for a young single malt it is very good to me given that it is fairly inexpensive here in the USA. Have you come across it yet?
Would you be so kind as to explain why you say one should start his whiskey-journey with blended whiskey, and not with single malt? I don't know much about whiskey, but from a general logic I'd say it's better to start with the "basics" - as single malts are the basic for blendes whiskey - and later move on to mixtures, where I'd believe it to be harder to discriminate flavour.
Malts have strong flavours which can be demanding (or off-putting) for those not experienced with them, so Blended whisky offers a milder more palatable version of Scotch which allows a novice to build up to the more powerful flavour combinations.
@kurohige1338 as he mentions many tiems commercial blended whiskeys have one thign in common... consistency, and more importantly its made specifically for the masses bottled at 40% its easier for new whiskey drinkers to handle, many single malts are bottler stronger and have more intense flavors...someone could have never had whiskey before try a heavy peated single malt and think all whiskey is like that and never try it again, good to start small and simple then work your way to big and bold
I believe this is due to the high demand of their product in the world (because of all the money spend in advertisements many people believe JW is the best whiskey in the world) and JW not being able to age their whiskey to the right time.
Even though this scotch is not marketed for mixing unlike the red label, I disagree as I personally prefer this whisky as a long drink with soda!! Having said that however if you like your whisky with cola or anything else, you then may as well use the red label. So sorry to those snobbish whisky buffs who perceive mixing this not too expensive whisky as a sin - if you're a vegaterian and see someone enjoying a BBQ lunch, would you be scornful and have a go at them? A good quesiton
@CAD390 I agree, but I feel that to many people don't taste what they are drinking when they mix whiskey. If I'm going to spend $40-$60 on a bottle, I want to taste what I'm paying for. if your going have a coke or mix in with you just use some JD's that stuff taste like ass on its own.
As Christopher Hitchens calls it, "Mr. Walkers Amber Restorative". When asked two questions regarding things he couldn't travel without, and his favorite whiskey, he replied, "Well, I don't see the difference between the two questions".
Ralfy why don't more single malt distillers produce whisky in miniature bottles?? I Like the idea of a sampling a couple of wee drams before i shell out $100AUD for a full 750ml nottle.
@mrsle Other countries have more miniatures than us Aussies. Youd think with the prices we pay, miniature samples would be more rather than less common. Bah!
ليتك تكون صديقي والله ما ازعلك طول العمر نسكر انا وياك وبناتنا معنا والذبيحه والعلوم السفره والزقاره اقصد حشيش ومعنا العود والطرب واغاني بشير شنان يحبها قلبك يا شيخ وي ليل يا عين .... يجي بالادب
why do people wanna be so professional about a drink. who gives a shyt .just drink an get tipsy. you know more than half of the world doesn't sip 40% liquor. we down that shyt because its nasty until ur banged up then ur numb.
@twista200317 Fine scotch is more like a taste adventure. Take JWB for example, it has very little alcohol burn and many different flavors going on. It's one of my favorite whiskeys for the simple fact that it's not only affordable, but gives a good variety of flavors from different distillers. It's good stuff.
@twista200317 True. In fact most people that I know would be just as happy buying a cheap bottom shelf whisky and getting shitfaced for the evening. It's the "bottom shelf" mentality that originally turned me off to whisky. If you have to mix it with other drinks, it's not worth drinking IMO.
I just had my first ever sip of Whisky the other night at the age of 30. Better late than never i suppose. My question is this. Do whiskys loose something when bottled in plastic miniature sizes? My first EVER sip of whisky was JW Black Label from a 50ml sample. I couldn't smell anything but the alcohol. Tasting it all I got was a bit of smoke. I know I am as green as they get but it was a very unpleasant first dram. :-/ advice Sir?
@ralfystuff Ha its funny you should say that! Today while out at my store I got mini's of Glenfiddich 12 and Macallan 12 Sherry Oak. :) I snuck a sniff of both just this second while typing and even while still in the little bottles my newbie nose could smell the difference!! So much more there and almost no alcohol burn like with the JW!
Completely reinvigorated on the subject! I will certainly continue to sift through your videos which I have been enjoying very much. :)
@Viking445 I would suggest a lighter whisky to begin with. Johnnie Walker Black is quite peaty and is an acquired taste. I don't blame you as I didn't like it at first either. I would suggest as @Ralfystuff has, Glenfiddich 12 year old, or The Macallan 10 year old or a personal favourite (which might be hard to acquire in the states if you're american) but Amrut 12yo an Indian whisky. These are much lighter, sweeter and definitely the thing to get started on. Bite the bullet & buy a whole bottle
@Gtbomb thats probably why you think its good with soda, you drink this neat or with a few drops of water.........mix the red label thats what its for
Ralfy your whisky vids are THE BEST on YouTube. About the Black Label, I've noticed something and maybe you can tell me if I'm nuts. It seems like the emptier my bottle gets, the longer I have to let the whisky sit in the glass. It's about 3/4 empty now, and if I nose it immediately it's very bright and harsh. After 10-15 minutes though it seems to mellow out quite a bit, and nice malty sweet notes come out. When the bottle was more full, you could nose it right away. Am I imagining things?
Over a year ago the Diageo PR department invited numerous whisky bloggers to take part in a mix your own Black Label lecture from Johnnie Walker's Master Blender, Andrew Ford. Now, I'm not one of those bloggers but all of them wrote about the event afterwards. Each received 7 mini-bottles of whisky with the geographical location on the label (no distillery names though they were easy to guess). These 7 whiskies were described as the core whiskies in Black Label (out of 40 total).
The Lowland was Glenkinchie (this guess got a wink from Andrew Ford), the Speyside most likely Cardhu, the Sherry matured whisky a Mortlach, the Highland Oban, Islands was Talisker, and Islay was probably Caol Ila. So if you happen to have the 12 year old versions of each of these whiskies at home, you have the opportunity to try making your own Black Label.
One last suggestion from Andrew Ford was use 50% grain, some sherry, some Lowland, some Speyside, and a touch of Islay OR Island (i.e. Talisker). The Islay or Islands whisky should not exceed 10%.
Hi Ralfy, can you help. I Love JW Black but have never tried a Single Malt. What do you suggest as a first bottle? I understand from the reiew JW Black contains Talisker and Caol Ila. Do you think they would be to powerful as a first Single Malt? Love the Videos :)
Can you help? I Love JW Black Label but have never tried a Single Malt. What would you suggest as a first bottle? I understand from the review that JW Black contains Talisker and Coal Ila. Would they be too powerful as a first Single Malt? Maybe HP as that seems to be a good all rounder according to the reviews...Love the videos :)
"I don't believe that this whiskey benefits from the addition of water." - Ralfy
Interesting opinion; I've always thought quite the opposite. I don't particularly enjoy black label neat but adding a little bit of water seems to bring out a very different flavour which I enjoy very much.
Ralfy, I love your videos! I'm an aspiring whisky drinker from Canada. I'm a student so very poor, but I recently picked up a Canadian Club Sherry Cask and I was curious to know your opinion of sherried whiskies! This is an interesting sweetness...
some of the WORST Whisky I have drunk came from Sherry Casks.
Many modern Sherry Butts and Hogs are not that good as Sherry itself is a dwindling market and 'less than it was' .... and beware sweetness, it can be added sugar in the 'process' with some liquors.
check out Davin's Site for advice (linked at ralfy.com)
@ralfystuff Is this product consist? It is not my taste buds. I tried to like it for a whole mouth. I buy the mini ones often but this 700ml on sale just smell slightly off and fell flat instantly. Should I give the 350ml never on sale a go or try a different premium blend.
Ralfy, Should I still choice blended Walker BLACK over an affordable Single MALT that's $10 AU more. Was thinking never tried OLD PULTENEY 12 or Bruichladdich-Rocks. Black Label although a work of perfection in the mouth and long i just felt 1 thing was missing that I can find in a SINGLE MALT. Also lacked was i have experienced on the sensors from SINGLE MALTS. Or is that The PEAT. Like Prefer Mouthwatering, soft fruit, and not HIGH PEAT and instant burn and sickling sweet but not try.
hey ralfy! i was just wondering which blend would fit well for an oldschool scotch and soda. i guess not a too expensive one like this fine black label.... what do you think of using grant's or ballantine's finest for that purpose? due to weird (or possibly not too weird, but you don't need to know the whole story :D) circumstances i can't really drink Teacher's anymore... though i liked Teacher's...:<
Ralfy, Should I still choice blended Walker BLACK over an affordable Single MALT that's $10 AU more. Was thinking never tried OLD PULTENEY 12 or Bruichladdich-Rocks. Black Label although a work of perfection in the mouth and long i just felt 1 thing was missing that I can find in a SINGLE MALT. Also lacked was i have experienced on the sensors from SINGLE MALTS. Or is that The PEAT. Like Prefer Mouthwatering, soft fruit, and not HIGH PEAT and instant burn and sickling sweet but not try.
When you mention that all of these scotchs have complex flavor, I hear a hint of this and a bit of that.. Are the distillers adding these ingredients at some point? Are some adding vanilla, dried fruit, coco bean, etc?
Only base ingredients are water, malted barley and yeast., .... then cask maturation, so no further ingredients are added except for colourant (E150a)
It's difficult to explain a taste to someone who hasn't already experienced it, so critics try and relate the flavors of the whisky to tastes that you're likely to be familiar with. When someone says they taste a vanilla note, they don't mean that vanilla has been added or that the flavor is identical to vanilla; they mean that some of the flavors that comprise the whisky are reminiscent of the taste of vanilla. Never expect exact descriptions, only subjective approximations.
Excellent review Ralfy. Upon 1st drinking this Scotch I found the perfect amount of water to 1 shot was 7ml, (water from a glass full of ice), had found it brought out a smoother nose with a stronger barrel aroma?, also a smoother better flavour. Perhaps a better mix for the newcomer to Scotch, because today neat does not seem as strong.
Great reviews. I find that some water from a cold source (cup full of ice cubes and some water), really opened up some more flavours/aromas to me, and smoothed out the taste. 7ml to be exact. I used a syringe for ink cartridges to mesure. Maybe its my palate seeking something smoother, I cant say forsure. Comments welcome. I would like to see how your fine buds find this mixture. Probably to faint at heart. =P, but thats when it hit just right to me.
Great reviews. I find that some water from cold source (cup full of ice cubes and some water), really opened up some more flavors and aromas for me, and smoothed out the taste too. 7ml to be exact. I used a syringe for ink cartridges. Maybe its my palate seeking something smoother, I cant say for sure. Comments welcome. I would like to see how your fine buds find my mixture.
Maybe its my palate seeking something smoother, I cant say forsure. Comments welcome. I would like to see how your fine buds find my mixture. Probably to faint at heart. =P
I find Knoob Creek smoother & better, than Black Label on the neat.
Great reviews. I find that some water from cold source (cup full of ice cubes and some water), really opened up some more flavours/aromas for me, and smoothed out the taste too. 7ml to be exact. I used a syringe for ink cartridges.
We had on the same day JW black label, Speyburn 10, and Laphroaig 10. Black label was definetelly the worst of the three. In where i live Speyburn costs about 20 percent cheaper that JW, and Laphroaig is only about 3 euros more expensive that JW.
I can't understand why JW Black label is so popular. Its price is much too high for the quality. Just think - Laphroaig 10 is only 3 euros more expensive than JW BL, and JW BL is total crap compared to Laphroaig.
I've been drinking a 20 year old bottle of Black Label I had lying around and loved it....but I'm just now tasting a new bottle of the same, and I must admit it doesn't taste quite the same. There is comparatively a strange nutshell and liquorice scent to it that wasn't in the ancient bottle, also the old bottle tastes more smooth.
Any chance of an Old vs New comparison of BW bottles? :-)
is it true this whisky is quite variable? a few months ago I had a dram which was quite average, medium body and generic tasting. Recently I had one which was much fuller bodied, with a real rich taste and quiality like a good single malt :/
one thing i'm really keen on is a review of johnnie walker red label... as that's a whisky i like to drink with mixers like coke for example, but i'm rather concerned about its taste when i drink it neat (i like lighter whiskies like grant's and glenfiddich and have just started to get into them, maybe that'll change by the time :P). will you some day make a review on it? or otherwise, what are your general thoughts on it? best greetings from germany...!
Thank you Hitchens, "accept no substitutes"
farriskc 5 days ago
hello ralfy, just wanted to say thank you for all the reviews and recommendations, they've been immensely helpful in deciding which bottles to buy at the store.
Keep up the good work!
huahuafish 6 days ago
I got chocolate with a sandy smooth… i added water
pblockification 1 week ago
would you recommended this black label to someone who haven't tried whisky before..
jmar0015 1 week ago
@jmar0015
yes
ralfystuff 1 week ago
@jmar0015 It was what made me start appreciating whisky, about a year back. :) I'd say go for it! It's sweet, citrusy and has an awesome lingering aftertaste of smoke.
damillionmalania 1 week ago
I love Johnie Walker Black... try it mixed with a cold Guiness and a juicy steak.
JaguarEscarlata 3 weeks ago
Disgusting spirit.
TheVerySpecialThommy 3 weeks ago
Thanks Ralfy!
Gazeroni 3 weeks ago
I've been drinking JW Black Label for about a year, it's definitely my favorite.
ncsjedster 4 weeks ago
Is that an Aberdeen accent?
Rantalicious 1 month ago
@Rantalicious
West-end Glasgow
ralfystuff 1 month ago
@ralfystuff West-end are you? Grew up just off Byres Road myself, near the botanic gardens. Now living on the south side when I am back home, it's like a totally different world.
Oh well, life's not fair.
ihaterobbie123 3 weeks ago
@ihaterobbie123
West End's the Best End ! loved my 18 years in Kelvindale, and am now on the Isle of Mann for the country life ! .... miss Byres Road !
ralfystuff 3 weeks ago
The breakfast of champions, like Christopher Hitchens used to say.
MrPeterFinland 1 month ago 2
Hi Ralfy I would like to tell you my experience with Johnnie Walker Double Black. Pros= The oak is fresh unlike the stale cheap oak in Johnnie Walker Black Standard. Complex for a blend. great smokey flavors. Cons= Too harsh for my stomach, and maybe for others. I had to drink water and eat food to compensate or I would have thrown up. That is your answer why my choice maybe spoiled. In the US how can a track a 2004 Johnnie Walker Green Label? As you said, JW Gr quality has gone down hill.
wesleytaylorviadomus 1 month ago
The JW Red is horrid... JW Black is much better...
Hamporkcheese 1 month ago
Dude bought a bottle of double black last week, that stuff is dangerous, i ended up goin through over half the bottle in an hour, it is damn tasty. the regular black label will always be in my cabinet though.
epaynebaphomet 1 month ago
Hi ralfy, I just bought th JW double black today and was extremely disappointed. Quite a nice nose, but all downhill from there!! An absolute shocker, with no length...
1DeathWalkingTerror1 1 month ago
@1DeathWalkingTerror1
sorry to hear that, my experience was a bit more positive, but versions can vary !
ralfystuff 1 month ago
Hi Ralfy and fellow maltsters - i gave this a whirl and really enjoyed the smoky notes i found after drinking this. After an hour the empty glass had an even better aroma - very nice. What would be a good introductory single malt for that smoky experience...should I go right for the heavies of Islay or would there be a better introductory malt? Nothing over 60 dollars please...:)
TheJtkelly78 1 month ago
@TheJtkelly78
flip a coin, heads - heavy Islay, tails - Highland Park 12yo
ralfystuff 1 month ago
hey ralfy!!!
do you know what are the majority of malts that make up JW black?
i just really curious to know!!!
thanks so much!!
justinlow1990 1 month ago
@justinlow1990
the producers keep this a secret but there are over 40 involved.
ralfystuff 1 month ago
Ralfy have you ever thought about doing a Moonshine review? I've never tried the stuff but it would be interesting to get your thoughts on Shine.
mesarock2vh 1 month ago
Thanks for this video.
Water4Jeremiah 1 month ago
Hello! Could you give me some advice, what is a good brand of blended whisky in your opinion? I want to buy a little whisky for my New Year's party, but I can't afford an expensive single malt whisky. I will be very happy if you will help me.
And my second question: what do you think about Tullamore Dew?
Thanks!
P.S. Happy New Year! I wish you Happy and Prosperous for you and for your blog in the New Year.
SemenVerh 2 months ago 2
@SemenVerh
Tullamore's fine, and also Isle of Skye 8yo or Teachers. Happy N.Y. party !
ralfystuff 1 month ago
@ralfystuff Thanks a lot for your advice!
SemenVerh 1 month ago
@ralfystuff For parties I would say Bourbon whiskey with Cola. but If going for Scotch then I recommend Black Label ( you can never go wrong with BlackLabel) . Teacher is a good whiskey for regulars but newbies its a bit harsh strong taste. If u don't mind Harshness then go for Tesco. Sainsbury or Morrisons if u reside in UK.
Regards,
Drinker who drinks +4 liters of malts and blends a week.
kingofheartsxyz 1 month ago
this malt is african! I used to think it meant it was more rich, more old, but since Ralfy (!), it truly disgusts me...
bonheurbrun 2 months ago
It's terrible for the price
TheElroypornlab 2 months ago
This whiskey is awesome!
funnycookbook 2 months ago
Hi Ralfy, any thoughts on the new double black? I found it quite good, yet amazingly over hyped for what it is.
neonblack666 2 months ago
@neonblack666
As you say - hyped (it's a marketing World) ! . . . but I may get round to reviewing it someday.
ralfystuff 2 months ago
@neonblack666 I was heavily disappointed in the double black, which I thought had a smell and taste of bitter coffee grounds, sticky black syrup and a weird hint of fabric softener. Others describe it as "chemically smoky", I found no smoke at all. Drink the Single Black instead! ha ha
jlim2397 2 months ago
Ralfy.....Lismore single malt. I've had it...for a young single malt it is very good to me given that it is fairly inexpensive here in the USA. Have you come across it yet?
ghampton106 2 months ago
@ghampton106
we don't get it in Britain, but I have heard from others that they now prefer it to Macallan !
ralfystuff 2 months ago
Ralfy, What do the marks mean? What I mean is; what is good, what is bad, what is mediocre when it comes to the malt and blend marks?
kicksit1980 3 months ago
@kicksit1980
less than 80 - poor stuff
80 to 85 - acceptable
85 to 90 - good
90 to 93 - very good
94+ - superb
ralfystuff 3 months ago
Hi Ralfy, Do you have any plans of reviewing either the JW Gold Label, or the Bushmills 16-21 year olds?
livingamericans 3 months ago
@livingamericans
not for a while yet, they are expensive for what they are.
ralfystuff 3 months ago
Would you be so kind as to explain why you say one should start his whiskey-journey with blended whiskey, and not with single malt? I don't know much about whiskey, but from a general logic I'd say it's better to start with the "basics" - as single malts are the basic for blendes whiskey - and later move on to mixtures, where I'd believe it to be harder to discriminate flavour.
kurohige1338 4 months ago
@kurohige1338
Malts have strong flavours which can be demanding (or off-putting) for those not experienced with them, so Blended whisky offers a milder more palatable version of Scotch which allows a novice to build up to the more powerful flavour combinations.
ralfystuff 3 months ago
@ralfystuff That makes sense. Thanks very much!
kurohige1338 3 months ago
@kurohige1338 as he mentions many tiems commercial blended whiskeys have one thign in common... consistency, and more importantly its made specifically for the masses bottled at 40% its easier for new whiskey drinkers to handle, many single malts are bottler stronger and have more intense flavors...someone could have never had whiskey before try a heavy peated single malt and think all whiskey is like that and never try it again, good to start small and simple then work your way to big and bold
cutlerylover 2 months ago
I'm a new whiskey drinker and viewer of your series. I must say that I am a fan of both and wouldn't be if not for your input. Thank You!
ddariusj88 4 months ago
Any plans to review the JW Double Black?
mrsle 4 months ago
@mrsle
yes, next year !
ralfystuff 4 months ago
Thanks again for the recommendation!
Kordiro 4 months ago
I stop drinking Johnnie Walker Black Label because It does not taste like it used to. Just my personal opinion.
acami26 4 months ago
@acami26
many would agree with you (including myself) and I expect the quality of all JW's to get worse over the next ten years.
ralfystuff 4 months ago
@ralfystuff
I believe this is due to the high demand of their product in the world (because of all the money spend in advertisements many people believe JW is the best whiskey in the world) and JW not being able to age their whiskey to the right time.
Thanks
acami26 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@ralfystuff why do you say that?
keeyaikeeyai 3 months ago
Even though this scotch is not marketed for mixing unlike the red label, I disagree as I personally prefer this whisky as a long drink with soda!! Having said that however if you like your whisky with cola or anything else, you then may as well use the red label. So sorry to those snobbish whisky buffs who perceive mixing this not too expensive whisky as a sin - if you're a vegaterian and see someone enjoying a BBQ lunch, would you be scornful and have a go at them? A good quesiton
CAD390 5 months ago
@CAD390
a perfectly good point your making here, whoever buys the stuff must enjoy the stuff as they please without external snobbery or judgements.
ralfystuff 5 months ago 3
@CAD390 I agree, but I feel that to many people don't taste what they are drinking when they mix whiskey. If I'm going to spend $40-$60 on a bottle, I want to taste what I'm paying for. if your going have a coke or mix in with you just use some JD's that stuff taste like ass on its own.
seroyer2 4 months ago
I love Ralfy he's so cheeky! Also love how gangsta he looks at 2:54.
richyansen 5 months ago
Comment removed
richyansen 5 months ago
I'm convinced they're putting sherry matured Talkisker in the recent bottlings..?
chrish12345 5 months ago
As Christopher Hitchens calls it, "Mr. Walkers Amber Restorative". When asked two questions regarding things he couldn't travel without, and his favorite whiskey, he replied, "Well, I don't see the difference between the two questions".
FosterZygote 6 months ago
@FosterZygote Bloody hell! I've omitted an apostrophe. So sorry Mr. Zappa.
FosterZygote 6 months ago
Can you send me a bottle of wine so delicious
alsakb100 6 months ago
@alsakb100
No, you will have to save up and buy it yourself, and make it good quality !
ralfystuff 6 months ago
@ralfystuff Acnes in the country and prevent alcohol
alsakb100 6 months ago
Hello!
Could you help me?. I've never tasted whiskey!
Is that whiskey is suitable for the first time?
From Russia,
Best regards.
SemenVerh 6 months ago
@SemenVerh
it is suitable, so take your time and sip slowly. Enjoy the subtle flavours.
ralfystuff 6 months ago
@ralfystuff Thanks a lot for your quick reply!
Yours sincerley!
SemenVerh 6 months ago
Ralfy why don't more single malt distillers produce whisky in miniature bottles?? I Like the idea of a sampling a couple of wee drams before i shell out $100AUD for a full 750ml nottle.
mrsle 6 months ago
@mrsle
because people would buy the miniature, perhaps not like it, ... and aviod buying the big bottle at more £$£$£$
ralfystuff 6 months ago 6
@mrsle Other countries have more miniatures than us Aussies. Youd think with the prices we pay, miniature samples would be more rather than less common. Bah!
jlim2397 2 months ago
ليتك تكون صديقي والله ما ازعلك طول العمر نسكر انا وياك وبناتنا معنا والذبيحه والعلوم السفره والزقاره اقصد حشيش ومعنا العود والطرب واغاني بشير شنان يحبها قلبك يا شيخ وي ليل يا عين .... يجي بالادب
alsakb100 7 months ago
@alsakb100 Like we can totally understand that.
seth3556r 6 months ago
@seth3556r I mean of my words If only this man my friend to taste those kinds of luxury wines
alsakb100 6 months ago
@alsakb100 I couldn't agree with you more. Wine is delicious.
seth3556r 6 months ago
@seth3556r How delicious
alsakb100 6 months ago
@alsakb100 Very delicious
seth3556r 6 months ago
@alsakb100 Delicious drinks
alsakb100 6 months ago
I agree about the water. It's best straight
MauricXe 8 months ago
why do people wanna be so professional about a drink. who gives a shyt .just drink an get tipsy. you know more than half of the world doesn't sip 40% liquor. we down that shyt because its nasty until ur banged up then ur numb.
twista200317 10 months ago
@twista200317 Fine scotch is more like a taste adventure. Take JWB for example, it has very little alcohol burn and many different flavors going on. It's one of my favorite whiskeys for the simple fact that it's not only affordable, but gives a good variety of flavors from different distillers. It's good stuff.
blott1978 9 months ago
@blott1978 true it is, but have of people dont drink it for that. only the rich white people usually to be honest
twista200317 9 months ago
@twista200317 True. In fact most people that I know would be just as happy buying a cheap bottom shelf whisky and getting shitfaced for the evening. It's the "bottom shelf" mentality that originally turned me off to whisky. If you have to mix it with other drinks, it's not worth drinking IMO.
blott1978 9 months ago
@blott1978 yup yup so true. i still dont see why a taste cost so much
twista200317 9 months ago
@twista200317 some still believe in art, much better that way
hartenskim 8 months ago
@hartenskim yeah its just buying a name. its just like wine. some cheap wine taste just as good as the expensive stuff
twista200317 8 months ago
Great Review Raffy!, lol 1:07 was soo funny
ZAVEUSZBC 10 months ago
Ralfy! New Malt drinker here. :)
I just had my first ever sip of Whisky the other night at the age of 30. Better late than never i suppose. My question is this. Do whiskys loose something when bottled in plastic miniature sizes? My first EVER sip of whisky was JW Black Label from a 50ml sample. I couldn't smell anything but the alcohol. Tasting it all I got was a bit of smoke. I know I am as green as they get but it was a very unpleasant first dram. :-/ advice Sir?
Thank you.
Viking445 10 months ago
@Viking445
be patient and try again with Glenfiddich 12yo or Highland Park 12yo and buy minitures to save on money as you are just trying a provisional taste !
ralfystuff 10 months ago
@ralfystuff Ha its funny you should say that! Today while out at my store I got mini's of Glenfiddich 12 and Macallan 12 Sherry Oak. :) I snuck a sniff of both just this second while typing and even while still in the little bottles my newbie nose could smell the difference!! So much more there and almost no alcohol burn like with the JW!
Completely reinvigorated on the subject! I will certainly continue to sift through your videos which I have been enjoying very much. :)
Viking445 10 months ago
@Viking445 It can use a few minutes in the glass for some air. Black label is rather good for the aftertaste.
marky2112 10 months ago
@marky2112 Oh i gave a solid 20 minutes while watching a few of Ralfy's other vids.
Viking445 10 months ago
@Viking445 I would suggest a lighter whisky to begin with. Johnnie Walker Black is quite peaty and is an acquired taste. I don't blame you as I didn't like it at first either. I would suggest as @Ralfystuff has, Glenfiddich 12 year old, or The Macallan 10 year old or a personal favourite (which might be hard to acquire in the states if you're american) but Amrut 12yo an Indian whisky. These are much lighter, sweeter and definitely the thing to get started on. Bite the bullet & buy a whole bottle
therantingboy 9 months ago
@Viking445 I just had my first tasting of whiskey yesterday at the age of 20.
millerhighlife2112 9 months ago
Gonna review Crown Royal anytime soon Ralfy?
SGCRCT 10 months ago
@SGCRCT
not for a while yet !
ralfystuff 10 months ago
I absolutely love these reviews! Good stuff...
howitsreallyplayed 11 months ago
Best of the 12 year old "blends"....and best of all is EASY to find WHEREEVER ya are. Also, still does not break the bank.
Radar19792006 11 months ago
Me and friend drank half of this today!!!!fuckin nice stuff
IFyOuClicKThisuRgAy1 11 months ago
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Excellent review. I have just uploaded my first scotch review, please come have a look.
iBrodeoShowdeo 1 year ago
im from the west indies and this whiskey is great with soda!
Gtbomb 1 year ago
@Gtbomb thats probably why you think its good with soda, you drink this neat or with a few drops of water.........mix the red label thats what its for
chrissept21 10 months ago
@ATTICUSFINCH51
No, .... no favourites !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Ralfy your whisky vids are THE BEST on YouTube. About the Black Label, I've noticed something and maybe you can tell me if I'm nuts. It seems like the emptier my bottle gets, the longer I have to let the whisky sit in the glass. It's about 3/4 empty now, and if I nose it immediately it's very bright and harsh. After 10-15 minutes though it seems to mellow out quite a bit, and nice malty sweet notes come out. When the bottle was more full, you could nose it right away. Am I imagining things?
Arundodonax 1 year ago 2
@Arundodonax
No, whiskies do change, and some quite a lot when given time in the glass.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
have you ever been sober ?
donayrton 1 year ago
@donayrton
always sober, ... even when I'm not.
ralfystuff 1 year ago 24
Over a year ago the Diageo PR department invited numerous whisky bloggers to take part in a mix your own Black Label lecture from Johnnie Walker's Master Blender, Andrew Ford. Now, I'm not one of those bloggers but all of them wrote about the event afterwards. Each received 7 mini-bottles of whisky with the geographical location on the label (no distillery names though they were easy to guess). These 7 whiskies were described as the core whiskies in Black Label (out of 40 total).
shuboy05 1 year ago
@shuboy05
The Lowland was Glenkinchie (this guess got a wink from Andrew Ford), the Speyside most likely Cardhu, the Sherry matured whisky a Mortlach, the Highland Oban, Islands was Talisker, and Islay was probably Caol Ila. So if you happen to have the 12 year old versions of each of these whiskies at home, you have the opportunity to try making your own Black Label.
shuboy05 1 year ago
@shuboy05
One last suggestion from Andrew Ford was use 50% grain, some sherry, some Lowland, some Speyside, and a touch of Islay OR Island (i.e. Talisker). The Islay or Islands whisky should not exceed 10%.
shuboy05 1 year ago
@shuboy05
I did not participate.
I do not generally accept the big hospitality-stuff as it informally "twists the arm" as a marketing message.
ralfystuff 1 year ago 3
@ralfystuff
As far as I could tell only the major bloggers got the kit and invitation. There seems to be another theory that Craggenmore is also in the mix.
shuboy05 1 year ago
@ralfystuff
Hi Ralfy, can you help. I Love JW Black but have never tried a Single Malt. What do you suggest as a first bottle? I understand from the reiew JW Black contains Talisker and Caol Ila. Do you think they would be to powerful as a first Single Malt? Love the Videos :)
000reacher 1 year ago
@ralfystuff
HI Ralfy
Can you help? I Love JW Black Label but have never tried a Single Malt. What would you suggest as a first bottle? I understand from the review that JW Black contains Talisker and Coal Ila. Would they be too powerful as a first Single Malt? Maybe HP as that seems to be a good all rounder according to the reviews...Love the videos :)
000reacher 1 year ago
@000reacher
check out Highland Park 12yo, Old Pulteney 12yo and/or Oban 14yo
... good luck. ..... a decent Single Malt is not much more expensive ( or can be cheaper) than JWB
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@ralfystuff
Thanks Ralfy. I will take a look.
000reacher 1 year ago
uncle scroooooooogee ;p
QUEEER69 1 year ago
I`m sipping it right now. AWESOME
BillHicks420 1 year ago
@CANSOFCOM
... no, over priced and over rated.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
LOL am i the only one who hears mark steyn at 4:47
Seaworldexists 1 year ago
"I don't believe that this whiskey benefits from the addition of water." - Ralfy
Interesting opinion; I've always thought quite the opposite. I don't particularly enjoy black label neat but adding a little bit of water seems to bring out a very different flavour which I enjoy very much.
nikhilm89 1 year ago
ralfy, thoughts about john walker? i don't supposed you've tasted it, heard anything or expectations of it? Love your work, you are my hero.
glocparty 1 year ago
Respond to this video... ... I won't be looking out for this marketing-whizz any time soon.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
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j2ndcaptain 1 year ago
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j2ndcaptain 1 year ago
Ralfy, I love your videos! I'm an aspiring whisky drinker from Canada. I'm a student so very poor, but I recently picked up a Canadian Club Sherry Cask and I was curious to know your opinion of sherried whiskies! This is an interesting sweetness...
brianjca 1 year ago
@brianjca
some of the WORST Whisky I have drunk came from Sherry Casks.
Many modern Sherry Butts and Hogs are not that good as Sherry itself is a dwindling market and 'less than it was' .... and beware sweetness, it can be added sugar in the 'process' with some liquors.
check out Davin's Site for advice (linked at ralfy.com)
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@ralfystuff Is this product consist? It is not my taste buds. I tried to like it for a whole mouth. I buy the mini ones often but this 700ml on sale just smell slightly off and fell flat instantly. Should I give the 350ml never on sale a go or try a different premium blend.
j2ndcaptain 1 year ago
@j2ndcaptain
... it's totally your call ! .... perhaps e-mailing the producers would be a help.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
which was the badest whiskey you've ever drunk?
shiftymeister 1 year ago
@shiftymeister
... someones 'home brew/distillate' ... shocking !!! .... spat it out, he had not removed the poisonous methanol, the fool.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
Ralfy, Should I still choice blended Walker BLACK over an affordable Single MALT that's $10 AU more. Was thinking never tried OLD PULTENEY 12 or Bruichladdich-Rocks. Black Label although a work of perfection in the mouth and long i just felt 1 thing was missing that I can find in a SINGLE MALT. Also lacked was i have experienced on the sensors from SINGLE MALTS. Or is that The PEAT. Like Prefer Mouthwatering, soft fruit, and not HIGH PEAT and instant burn and sickling sweet but not try.
CliveGains80s 1 year ago
@CliveGains80s
I recommend you try the Old Pulteney 12yo as a change to the JW, it is not a peat-monster and you should offer a good return. Good luck.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
hey ralfy! i was just wondering which blend would fit well for an oldschool scotch and soda. i guess not a too expensive one like this fine black label.... what do you think of using grant's or ballantine's finest for that purpose? due to weird (or possibly not too weird, but you don't need to know the whole story :D) circumstances i can't really drink Teacher's anymore... though i liked Teacher's...:<
best greetings
Almlacher 1 year ago
@Almlacher
Stewarts Cream of the Barley Blended Scotch. ... excellent with soda.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Ralfy, Should I still choice blended Walker BLACK over an affordable Single MALT that's $10 AU more. Was thinking never tried OLD PULTENEY 12 or Bruichladdich-Rocks. Black Label although a work of perfection in the mouth and long i just felt 1 thing was missing that I can find in a SINGLE MALT. Also lacked was i have experienced on the sensors from SINGLE MALTS. Or is that The PEAT. Like Prefer Mouthwatering, soft fruit, and not HIGH PEAT and instant burn and sickling sweet but not try.
CliveGains80s 1 year ago
When you mention that all of these scotchs have complex flavor, I hear a hint of this and a bit of that.. Are the distillers adding these ingredients at some point? Are some adding vanilla, dried fruit, coco bean, etc?
marky2112 1 year ago
@marky2112
Only base ingredients are water, malted barley and yeast., .... then cask maturation, so no further ingredients are added except for colourant (E150a)
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@marky2112
It's difficult to explain a taste to someone who hasn't already experienced it, so critics try and relate the flavors of the whisky to tastes that you're likely to be familiar with. When someone says they taste a vanilla note, they don't mean that vanilla has been added or that the flavor is identical to vanilla; they mean that some of the flavors that comprise the whisky are reminiscent of the taste of vanilla. Never expect exact descriptions, only subjective approximations.
snafu227 1 year ago
Excellent review Ralfy. Upon 1st drinking this Scotch I found the perfect amount of water to 1 shot was 7ml, (water from a glass full of ice), had found it brought out a smoother nose with a stronger barrel aroma?, also a smoother better flavour. Perhaps a better mix for the newcomer to Scotch, because today neat does not seem as strong.
Chewy1980 1 year ago
Great reviews. I find that some water from a cold source (cup full of ice cubes and some water), really opened up some more flavours/aromas to me, and smoothed out the taste. 7ml to be exact. I used a syringe for ink cartridges to mesure. Maybe its my palate seeking something smoother, I cant say forsure. Comments welcome. I would like to see how your fine buds find this mixture. Probably to faint at heart. =P, but thats when it hit just right to me.
Chewy1980 1 year ago
Great reviews. I find that some water from cold source (cup full of ice cubes and some water), really opened up some more flavors and aromas for me, and smoothed out the taste too. 7ml to be exact. I used a syringe for ink cartridges. Maybe its my palate seeking something smoother, I cant say for sure. Comments welcome. I would like to see how your fine buds find my mixture.
Chewy1980 1 year ago
Maybe its my palate seeking something smoother, I cant say forsure. Comments welcome. I would like to see how your fine buds find my mixture.
I find Knoob Creek smoother & better, than Black Label on the neat.
Chewy1980 1 year ago
Maybe its my palate seeking something smoother, I cant say forsure. Comments welcome. I would like to see how your fine buds find my mixture. Probably to faint at heart. =P
I find Knoob Creek smoother & better, than Black Label on the neat.
Chewy1980 1 year ago
Great reviews. I find that some water from cold source (cup full of ice cubes and some water), really opened up some more flavours/aromas for me, and smoothed out the taste too. 7ml to be exact. I used a syringe for ink cartridges.
Chewy1980 1 year ago
We had on the same day JW black label, Speyburn 10, and Laphroaig 10. Black label was definetelly the worst of the three. In where i live Speyburn costs about 20 percent cheaper that JW, and Laphroaig is only about 3 euros more expensive that JW.
I can't understand why JW Black label is so popular. Its price is much too high for the quality. Just think - Laphroaig 10 is only 3 euros more expensive than JW BL, and JW BL is total crap compared to Laphroaig.
11lightyear 1 year ago
@11lightyear
... the JW Blends are like Jack Daniels and Bacardi, ... Global super-brands and that's why they sell !
You will notice that I seperate Blended Scotch and Single Malt Scotch marks.
.... you can see the reason.
.... when it comes to 'big-flavour' the Malts win, and you don't get bigger than Laphroaig !!!
ralfystuff 1 year ago
I've been drinking a 20 year old bottle of Black Label I had lying around and loved it....but I'm just now tasting a new bottle of the same, and I must admit it doesn't taste quite the same. There is comparatively a strange nutshell and liquorice scent to it that wasn't in the ancient bottle, also the old bottle tastes more smooth.
Any chance of an Old vs New comparison of BW bottles? :-)
jlim2397 1 year ago
@jlim2397
.... bottling do vary significantly over time !!!
check out review 145 - JW red label !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@ralfystuff Yes, that review is why I wanted to compare the two :-) It was quite an education!
jlim2397 1 year ago
Goes well with my evening cigar.
marky2112 1 year ago
I find jw black goes will with my evening cigar.
marky2112 1 year ago
This is a good scotch whisky for beginners.
norxcontacts 1 year ago
Hi Ralfy, what do you think about Glenkinchie 12 yr? Will you be reviewing this?
markiek101 1 year ago
@markiek101
.... not for a while yet, it's not up there on my list !
ralfystuff 1 year ago
I want to drink with this guy
Foreverclever87 1 year ago 42
Could you please PLEASE tell me how I remove the plastix seal on the new Johnnie Walker Double Black bottle?!!
rollyjb 1 year ago
@rollyjb
... a sharp knife and a lot of patience, ... watch you dont cut yourself now.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
You r my idol men you have grace n i you fan from paraguay i9 love johnny walker to
TheRobertjavier81 1 year ago
Superb review, you just got a new fan.
gunslingernz 1 year ago
I love jhonny walker black label,this whisky is legend among the pakistani schotchistians.
Tahirsultan1000 1 year ago
is it true this whisky is quite variable? a few months ago I had a dram which was quite average, medium body and generic tasting. Recently I had one which was much fuller bodied, with a real rich taste and quiality like a good single malt :/
chrish12345 1 year ago
@chrish12345
... It's true but varies between Brands. Some are way-different, some nearer in consistency.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
what is your hands down favorite?
iamthe3rd 1 year ago
@iamthe3rd
... Brora.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
@ralfystuff
Hi Ralfy, what do you think about Glenkinchie 12 yr? Will you be reviewing this?
markiek101 1 year ago
i don't have much money so i'd like to buy Ballantines or johnny walker red label. Which one should i buy??? please answer...wich would you buy?
Dada13409 1 year ago
@Dada13409 ... Ballantines, red label is rough.
ralfystuff 1 year ago
i love johnny walker black label, definitely a favorite
miasmablk 1 year ago
hey ralfy...:)
one thing i'm really keen on is a review of johnnie walker red label... as that's a whisky i like to drink with mixers like coke for example, but i'm rather concerned about its taste when i drink it neat (i like lighter whiskies like grant's and glenfiddich and have just started to get into them, maybe that'll change by the time :P). will you some day make a review on it? or otherwise, what are your general thoughts on it? best greetings from germany...!
Almlacher 1 year ago