A blind tasting of 4 affordable Port-matured whiskies

I'm doing a blind side-by-side today. I've got four whiskies with me, and I'll be tasting them and seeing how they measure up against each other. Cheers!
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[@bertko1710]

You are the greatest whisky taster, ever

[@Gwhisky]

And the most humble. 🥃

[@badgerjeff6081]

I appreciate your world-class tasting ability and humbleness!! Blinds are always surprising to me as well. Fun video!

[@waferpie123]

World class lmao, he's literally a youtuber that enjoys whisky

[@Gwhisky]

Hah thanks Jeff! This was fun to do! 🥃

[@barrelvisor]

Wow, you were killing the script today :) Always a joy, never a chore to watch your channel.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah very kind words, Andy. Thanks for watching! 🥃

[@Paasken]

Love this format Geoff 👏 Though I wish that you, for next time, would dive a little deeper into the nose and palettes of each dram before moving on, comparing them and ranking them. Imo they change a bit when you don’t know exactly what you’re getting.

[@Gwhisky]

In retrospect you're right... I wasn't very detailed. Something to keep in mind for next time. Cheers! 🥃

[@WhskAZCL]

Nice GWhisky extras 🤐. Bring more of these please

[@Gwhisky]

Can do! 🥃

[@jockmcallister]

I’m devastated Geoff, Dalmore above my beloved Tomatin! 😅. Good video. Do more of these pls! 🎉

[@Gwhisky]

Hah will do. Thanks for watching, John! 🥃

[@hordeum-vulgare]

I've tasted three of these, not side by side but over the years. I ranked them: Tomatin 8.5/10; Quinta Ruban 12 YO 8.25/10; Quinta Ruban 14 YO 8/10; Arran 7.35/10. I haven't tried the Dalmore. Port maturation (or what we call Tawny) is big in my neck of the woods, Australia. Stay humble.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah. Basically the reverse! Glad to hear you're enjoying the Tomatin more than me. Cheers! 🥃

[@pfalzgraf7527]

All hail to the humble arbiter of Port Matured Whisky! That certainly was fun to watch. And yes, comparisons and semi-blinds are interesting to watch - and since you provide enough grains of salt for each of your watchers, I think you'd do great with that kind of format.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks so much. More to come! 🥃

[@carlmartinlinder]

I only have and tried the Quinta Ruban and Arran Port so I wont argue about you preference but for me they are about the same. On the other hand, I fully agree on that Kavalan Solist Port is way, way above the others. I am ashamed to admit that it is actually in my top-5 ever had whisky. Including some old and rare bottle from Springbank, Glen Morey, Ardbeg etc.

[@Gwhisky]

Wow, that's high praise! Some of their Port releases are spectacular. The next time you're in Taipei, I recommend a green-labeled Port Solist. They're older and better than the old red labels. 🥃

[@carlmartinlinder]

@@Gwhisky oh! Can’t wait 😃

[@redsox367]

I have tried the Arran Port and the Tomatin 14, definitely liked the Arran better.

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

Geoff, you left me utterly speechless. You are really an addition to mankind, so humble....., modest... Cannot keep my tears back. But nice video. Had only the Glenmo and that one is quite nice. Will put the Dalmore on my wish list, quite curious about that one.

[@Gwhisky]

Well said, buddy. I am incredibly humble. The most humble? Not for me to say... Hah the Dalmore is good. It's not a great whisky, but it's a nice port-forward whisky that still carries the house style. I'm a fan of Dalmore, actually. Worth trying! 🥃

[@alehhandro1]

Your brilliance is truly blinding! 😂

[@Gwhisky]

😂😂😂

[@paologramatica9231]

My Port bottles are Kilkerran 8 Port matured and Longrow Red Port finish, both are great !

[@Gwhisky]

Fancy fancy! I'd love to try both! The Longrow is nowhere to be found here and that Kilkerran sells in Taiwan for over USD $200, unfortunately. 🥃

[@paologramatica9231]

@@Gwhisky ouch that hurts ... got them both for less than 80€ each, they seemed like great deals ! Hopefully one day Campbeltown products will be more available in more countries

[@AlinJapan]

Another good one Geoff! I've wondered about whether the Tomatin was worth buying -- I'll use the money you saved me to buy the Kavalan instead. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah good call, Alan. Thanks for watching, buddy! 🥃

[@-xs2scotch-]

I have just bought Arran Port Cask!!!!…tnx…great video!!!…😃👍🏼🥃👊🏻

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for watching! 🥃

[@davidowen2834]

Excellent video Geoff, something different,could be a start of a series? So many options. Slàinte

[@Gwhisky]

Hah it might be! This was fun. Cheers, my friend! 🥃

[@gabrielmariz9610]

Loved this type of video! I think I'm doing this myself

[@Gwhisky]

Hah trust me these ones are some of the most fun to shoot! 🥃

[@whiskyinsv]

Nice dude! You do this so much better than me!

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Nice one mate! Tomatin always disappoints, their peated stuff is better in my opinion. I love port finished whiskies, I haven't had the Kavalan yet but there was a single tawny port cask 8 year old Penderyn that drank like a dream and of course I can't not mention the old Laphroaig Brodir and the Glen Scotia 14 Tawny Port. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Agree about Tomatin. I have a tough time getting behind their stuff. The Kavalan is fantastic. I've yet to try a port-matured Penderyn or Laphroaig. I've had the Glen Scotia Port, which I thought was ok. Really a hit-or-miss cask maturation for me. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@Koby616]

Great sleeping mask :) after this I Wana try some port finished whiskey.

[@WhiskeyNovice]

Port! Very much in the love it camp. Where maturation and finishes are concerned of course. Actually made my own putting Finlaggan Cask Strength into a 2litre cask which I'd seasoned with tawny port. What a difference it made. Nice work as always Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

Super cool experiment. I'm coming around to port, it seems. Cheers, my friend! 🥃

[@marcdedecker3400]

Nice one! My mates and I recently did the same concept but our line up was: 1. Glenmorangie old Quinta 12yo (89pts) 2. Arran Port (86pts) 3. Glenmorangie 14yo (85pts) 4. Glendronach Port Wood (84pts) Great concept, keep doing more blind tastings!

[@Gwhisky]

Wow old QR for the win, eh? Unexpected! Yes, I'll be doing more blind tastings down the line. Cheers Marc! 🥃

[@MrMBBM]

I like this couple on KZbin, Erin and Josh, their channel is called Stuff & Whiskey, and they do blinds all the time. They do mostly American whiskeys, and they have no idea what they’re tasting. They randomly choose two samples, taste them, give them some scores and then find out first the price and then what whiskeys they are. The results of a complete blind tasting are always interesting.

[@Gwhisky]

That sounds fun. I'll check them out now! 🥃

[@osirisgolad]

Now the "my girlfriend who I assure you is absolutely real" jokes won't quite have the same punch to them anymore.

[@williambyington4864]

I have had only the Glenmorangie and the Arran Port finished. I like them both but the Arran is my favorite, I wouldn't turn down the Quinta Ruben any time it is offered.

[@Gwhisky]

Both are pretty damn good! As much as I complain about port, I'm always happy to come back to either one of these bottles! 🥃

[@howardbecdove9780]

From my perspective , it’s a win win. I recently opened the Arran port finish and am enjoying it, and the others, I’ve never tasted, but they are all a minimum of 30% more expensive in my market.

[@Gwhisky]

Odd. The Arran is the most expensive of the lot here!

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

Lol, great video. Btw I just realized I closed the card I had in patreon! Will put new info shortly

[@Gwhisky]

Always grateful for your support, man! One of the OG Patrons!🥃

[@Bowman1999]

I really like port finished whisky. I've has everyone but the Tomatin, which sounds like I'm not missing anything. Arran Port Cask is one of my favorites. Cheers to another great and fun review.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Rob! Yeah it turns out I like port too! 🥃

[@ADSCP]

Nice to see you embracing portwood whiskies because it’s not all about sherry. From those, I only don’t know the Arran. The Glenmorangie was one of my first whisky passions and the Tomatin wasn’t love at first sight but with time I started to enjoy it. The Dalmore I tasted from a sample. Never did a side by side between these, so I can’t say what would be my favorite and it’s a long time since I had the Quinta Ruban for the last time. I would add to those the Glendronach Portwood (there was a 10 year old version that was replaced for a NAS). It’s a very interesting one being matured in sherry casks and finished in Port pipes. One of my favorites was the Benriach 15 Tawny Port but my absolute favorite is the 21 years old version. Unfortunately these Benriach were discontinued. Glencadam 17 special release is also a fantastic portwood. About the Kavalan, been sipping a sample but I’m not getting into it (prefer by far the Vinho Barrique). But Glendronach Portwood would be my suggestion for your next review. Also try some Port wine. My favorites are the Tawny wich usually carry an age. Are darker than the ruby port. There is also vintage port, LBV, crusted, “colheita” and white port, but the two main types are ruby and Tawny. Port is always sweet not as dry as sherry (with the exception of PX wich is too sweet).

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah there were quite a few port matured whiskies that didn't get included simply because I don't have them around. The Glendronach Port Wood was one I considered picking up to throw into the mix, but unfortunately the shop near mine was sold out. I've tried that old 15 year old Benriach. Good stuff! As for the Kavalan, I agree with you. I prefer the Vinho myself. However there's a new line of Port Solists here in Taiwan with a green label that are 11 years old, and the newer ones are incredible. Maybe not Vinho level, but a huge improvement over some of the earlier bottlings. Cheers! 🥃

[@ADSCP]

@@Gwhisky oh yeah I’ve seen some with that new label and some with a stated age of 7 years old, including a Vinho Barrique version.

[@peathead4450]

Told you.... I don't like port finished whiskies. And now you showed you got blind of them. 😇 Video interesting as always, Geoff. Thanks for sharing. ....but I hope you don't mind I'm happy to leave them to others. Slàinte mhath

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I didn't expect this vid would appeal to you. Thanks for watching anyway, Frank! 🥃

[@chentim1751]

Again , honest and great review! I am a bit surprised that you mentioned kavalan at the end , and I do have this port cask yet opened, I need to try it soon. Thanks

[@Gwhisky]

The newer port releases are better still if you get a chance to try them. They're the ones in the green bottles. Some are as old as 11 years, and they're fantastic. Cheers Tim! 🥃

[@pillcozby431]

Try the Longrow Red 11 Tawny Port . I honestly believe it will change your mind on Port Cask. It's smokey salty chocolate.

[@Gwhisky]

That one's nowhere to be found in my market, sadly. 🥃

[@cupid__angel__]

I have only tried one port matured whisky (a Tasmanian whisky), and unfortunately, there are no quality port matured offerings where I live. Only the Glen Moray port finish. Would love to try the Quinta Ruban someday.

[@DJMJRyder]

I've been loving my ledaig 13 port pipe and my longrow red 11 tawny port. I'm currently eyeing up my next purchase as a benriach 12 peated port Single cask

[@Gwhisky]

Fancy fancy! I've never tried a Longrow Red, unfortunately. The Ledaig 13 sounds fantastic, too!

[@DJMJRyder]

Highly recommend the port longrow red, it's got the strongest strawberry note I've ever found in whisky. Ledaig in any cask other than bourbon is always amazing in my experience (nothing wrong with it in bourbon, just not as amazing)

[@coppullcaveman]

Having started my journey early on with Glenmorangie 10 and La Santa I've been hesitant to buy the Quita Ruben as they didn't really stand out with any bold flavours but I have recently bought one to try 👍, I have issues with Dalmore which has put me off the brand, I'd like to try the Arran but can't purchase any at the moment in the UK. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for the next batch. Yes I was also tempted by the Tomatin but again having tried the legacy early on (which shouldn't cloud my judgement) I haven't purchased (although by the sounds of it, I'm glad I didn't 😂) Great video!

[@graham2954]

I really enjoy port finishes and have a few quinta ruban nas, 12 and 14s as well as paul john, GD, GA, Bunna. I've always liked the quinta ruban

[@graham2954]

For the Glenmorangie, the NAS is the best IMO.

[@CharlesOffdensen]

The whisky that made me appreciate port was Kilchoman Port matured. It has to be one of the best whiskies I have had. Port is great with peat. (I usually drink some other peated whisky before, to open up this Kilchoman.)

[@Gwhisky]

I've never tried that one, but I'm always up for a Kilchoman! 🥃

[@ursoouindio]

I support more videos like these! Interesting syde by side comparison. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Marco. Cheers to you, sir! 🥃

[@thewhiskydad89]

Hi: Great job on the blind tastings. I have tried the Dalmore port. It was excellent with ABV of 46%. I would try the Arran port now that I know someone has tried it and liked it. Ps: seeing your past videos … you should try Glenturret 15 if you can get your hands on it. It is great. It has ABV of 55% Caio John

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for the kind words and for the suggestion, John! I'd LOVE to try the Glenturret 15. Sadly the new line isn't available at all in my market. I had to pick up the 12 on a recent trip to Japan. The moment I come across it I'll definitely be grabbing it, though. Cheers! 🥃

[@yoursinsincerely39]

I am happy to re"port" you have a solid rap"port" with these whiskies! Please do sup"port" my terrible puns. Fun video by the way.

[@Gwhisky]

I'm contacting the authorities. This can't go unpunished.

[@yoursinsincerely39]

@@Gwhisky 🤣 I hear the port authority of NYC is now looking for me.

[@McIntyresMalts]

hahaha great start mate 😂

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Impressive tasting skills! May I suggest decanting or aerating (by opening and shaking it's several times/day over the course of a week or so) that Tomatin 14? I'm convinced it can improve even some of the most uptight whiskies out there. Maybe even a side by side of the untouched version and the aerated version for Patreon members?

[@Gwhisky]

It's a shared bottle, but that's something to keep in mind if I ever come back to it, though. This bottle hasn't been fresh for months. Tbh I do think I preferred it more closer to being popped. That's certainly reflected in my earlier score... 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Here's the funny thing, yesterday I found a few dusty bottles at a shop: An old version of Arran 10, the old BenRiach Curiositous 10, an old Tobermory 10, and a not so old (but not new) Tomatin 14 Port Casks 😱

[@Gwhisky]

Did you grab them? Older Arran 10 as in prior to the rebranding? Those were fantastic whiskies! 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@Gwhisky Yep I picked them up. About $55 each which seemed reasonable. And yeah, an oldish bottling of Arran 10, maybe from 2011, about the time I first discovered the brand and it cost $35.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@Gwhisky They also had some Hazelburn 9 Barolo, but I couldn't bring myself to cough up $200 for a 9yo, even from Springbank.

[@paulkukiel3725]

Genius!! 🤗

[@Gwhisky]

Not just any genius. An incredibly humble one. 😉

[@edwinchs]

Look at that color 4:32 , beautiful ruby

[@edwinchs]

Oh btw I would be really interested to see how many notes you can pick, as compared to when you do a detailed review

[@DileepB]

Not a big fan of port finished, but I have only tasted the Quinta Ruban.

[@christian_K2308]

Interesting comparison. I recently tried the Glencadam 17 Port Finish, and really liked it. Not a big fan of Glencadam (their style is just not for me), but the 17 Port Finish was really good. Not sure if you can get it, but worth a try (although quite expensive, I had a sample).

[@graham2954]

Haven't seen that, will need to look out for it.

[@Gwhisky]

I haven't seen it either, but I am a Glencadam fan, so it's one that I'd likely pick up if I came across it. Cheers! 🥃

[@Balkonwhisky]

Thanks again for another great Video. I had the Arran in the old Version and i liked it pretty much. I totally agree with you in Terms of Tomatin because i never had a real WOW-one from this Distillery. I dont buy Dalmore because of well known Reasons (Coloured, ABV below Minimum and many too long used Casks). The Glenmorangie i really like but never bought one because others where more interesting. Please do more of these Side by Sides. Greetings from Germany 😎🤘

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks again for watching, my friend. Yes, I'll be doing more side-by-sides down the line. This was fun! Cheers. 🥃

[@darkoanton5]

I found the Arran more refined than tye Quinta Ruban. The QR tge part influence seems stronger to me. Ov all the cadk finish Glenmorangie's the QR is the best. I don't like the Lasahta and the Nectar d'Or is terrible.

[@Gwhisky]

Agree about the QR being the best affordable Glenmo. Much better than the Lasanta and Nectar! 🥃

[@greigmartin4339]

Can anyone stop Arrans rise to the top? Islay is on the slide, Campbeltown is missing in action,

[@Yong_Goh]

Bruichladdich and Bunnahbhain are representing Islay in modern and glorious ways :)

[@henrieliot]

Great VPub. Thoughts on Kilkerran Port matured

[@Gwhisky]

Haven't had it, unfortunately. I've heard nothing but good things, though. 🥃

[@Yong_Goh]

a blind taste of Sherry whisky from each region of scotland. try keep the abv as close as possible

[@Gwhisky]

Good idea. Love it! 🥃

[@lyacoubian]

Very concise comparison. I also prefer the reserved sweetness of a Tawny Port finished whisky. Can you make a calculated guess as to what type of port casks the Arran is finished in? Also, how long would a whisky have to sit in a second cask before a finishing could be called a second maturation? Thanks!

[@Gwhisky]

If I had to guess I might say the Arran is Tawny, as it doesn't have a "full-on" sweetness. But, of course, take that with a grain of salt. Finishes are typically a matter of months, but some brands "finish" whiskies for years, to the point that you could might as well call it a second maturation. I'm not sure if there's any regulation with regards to how long the definition of a finish can be extended. Cheers!

[@NeilImmortal]

Maybe the Dalmore is the one that has the colour of bbq sauce... 🤣

[@Gwhisky]

Hah true! 🥃

[@gareth630]

Geoff has a girlfriend wow ;-) Works out perfect like Paul Daniels and the lovely Debbie McGee. How did you do that Geoff ? we are not worthy 🙂

[@Gwhisky]

A magician never reveals his tricks, Gareth. 😉

[@justwhisky]

Genius 👏

[@Gwhisky]

😂😂😂

[@lightplays2181]

Wow nice whisky list i lked )))

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks buddy! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

@@Gwhisky : )

[@andrewmainprice2179]

How do the prices compare

[@Gwhisky]

From expensive to cheap (in my market): Arran - Dalmore - Glenmorangie/Tomatin (tie)

[@players02]

I enjoyed the class act.

[@players02]

Have you tried Omar Black Queen? How does it compare to Kavalan Port?

[@Gwhisky]

I haven't tried the Omar. I keep hearing about it, though. 🥃

[@jackthepickledhound]

GlenAllachie would have fit in this lineup perfectly. Totally mediocre by itself, however, on your genius palate, wondering how the blind would go. My only other experience with port is the Glen Moray 21. And it tastes like the least expensive 21 year old on the market that's over 43%. Totally fine. And it's only a port finish. So yeah, not impressed. And the lighting makes you look all washed out.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I definitely need to fix the lighting. There were a few extra whiskies I considered picking up prior to this video. The Glenallachie was one, and the other was the Glendronach Port. Couldn't find either at my local shop so I had to stuck to these ones. Cheers Jack! 🥃

[@daveandrews5485]

Changedmindedness? Wow. Being Scottish, English is a necessary evil rather than a life choice. It would seem to be the same for you. 😂

[@Gwhisky]

Despite Mum being Scottish and Dad being English, I'm Canadian born and raised. In all fairness, nobody chooses that either. 😉❄️🥃

[@maritimeus]

Blind side-by-side version 2: Helen Keller vs. Stevie Wonder 😂

[@Gwhisky]

😂😂😂