TOP 10 Low ABV Whiskies - Better than you think! | Ft.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

What's your favourite low abv/proof whisky?

[@TimHoekstra]

Predictable: - Lagavulin 16 My Pick: Flora & Fauna Linkwood 12 Premium: - 21yo redbreast/bushmills.

[@Nogi3No6No6]

Arran Barrel Reserve

[@JamesLee-qx3be]

Dalwhinnie 15

[@jasoncoates1835]

Top 3 I've had so far: Hakushu 12 Benromach 15 Caol Ila 25 I'm generally happy at 43%... 40% can go jump in the sea. (It'll feel right at home, it's basically water already.)

[@SoWeird4U]

I've got a different take on lower ABV - when i want to enjoy the taste more than the ABV (and the taste of a whisky) i choose Cognac as my go to drink. Most Cognac comes at 40% ABV and if you truly want a sipper and a deep flavor, you might want to try the XO branch of Cognacs such as Camus, Courvoisier and Martell. You might find that they can provide a lot more depth than the majority of low ABV whiskies.

[@pimoolthuis]

Oh damn, not 2 of my absolute favorite whisky channels doing a collaboration! I absolute love the chemistry between you two😊

[@Koby616]

@@pimoolthuis I am with you. Great collaboration

[@Gwhisky]

Great guest, but the host was barely trying. Watchable, though. 3/10

[@Socaldrinking]

Predictable

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Jif

[@peathead4450]

🥱🥱🥱

[@tinchin75]

I'm surprised that Geoff didn't pick Edradour 10. Probably the best 40%abv in my opinion. I would also pick Caol Ila 12 and Glen Elgin 12 at 43% and a Dalmore Quartet at 41.5%. Greetings from Argentina!

[@nzmarco]

@@tinchin75 Totally agree on the Edradour 10. It is my favourite 40% malt.

[@pepebruno1672]

Loved the collab. You two hit it out of the park!

[@davidowen2834]

Great idea for a video and totally agree with your views on Benromach, excellent liquid. Slàinte to you both 🥃

[@jasonwest9425]

That was fun. Glenfarclas 21 is a great choice. It’s one of my favourites, as that Speyside/highland lightly sherried style is my sweet spot.

[@kylewipert11]

Y’all are hilarious together. I’m a Benromach 15 fan for my favorite low abv whisky. It’s still so full flavored and interesting.

[@NZDave]

An Cnoc 12 needs to be on the value list

[@WhiskyWars]

Absolutely love the benromach 10, the 15 is next for sure, some great picks guys! 🔥

[@skramzy6628]

Great Colab! This was really fun.

[@i_am_still_human]

Thank you guys! I'm following you both, plus other whisky channels (Ralfy of course!) in the last year or so, I am building myself quite a collection of bottles, but I have to admit I have become a wee snob for integrity whisky and with this video you helped me open up my mind and my horizons for the next bottles to buy and for giving a try to some of the lower abv whisky out there. Cheers!!!❤

[@125ctg]

Don’t fall for Ralfy’s self absorbed lectures. He is so full of himself it’s embarrassing. There ain’t nothing he doesn’t know.

[@jessew7565]

My two favorite whisky channels collabing, hell yeah. I used to live in Taiwan so I have a deep spiritual connection with Geoff, shouts out to kavalan. Also I met a guy from NZ once, he was a good guy. WAS. Anyway Lagavulin 16 is good as hell even at 43%, cliche choice but idc, cheers

[@jaime_hi-meh_not_jay-mee7095]

Great concept, ang great picks! My underrated would be JW XR 21. And in my market, I can get it for as low as $85! For premium, my top pick would be CB Hedonism.

[@whiskywhereabouts]

Great cross-over ep., guys! Lots of great picks, but Geoff's pick in the underrated category is my go to answer, here. Co-sign!

[@SaltyCuban]

I’d nominate as low abvs that gets a pass for me: Oban 14, Glengoyne 18 & 21. Great video guys. This collaboration needs to happen more often.

[@pablodiholdo2239]

I think you two are onto something here! More collaborations please! That goes to all whisky KZbinrs. Class!

[@jimreichel1466]

Very fun and nice video. My favorite 43% or lower pour is Starward Nova Single Malt. It has so much flavor and is so enjoyable. While not cheap, at $60 US it is still reasonable. Thanks Geoff and Phil.

[@TheSveerik]

More collabs like that! Great stuff! Cheers!🥃

[@Koby616]

At start of my whiskey journey i had many low abv whiskey's, but they seemed to have weak flavour and i switched to stronger one's which i loved. But now i find more flavour, notes in lower abv too. Guess you need more experience to get more from whiskey. Thanks for the video. Loved it 😊

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great point!

[@KnickKiller]

Glengoyne 18 is an amazing low ABV premium pick. Loved this video.

[@lesterlau]

Of COURSE the underwear channel should be called GUndies! Awesome collab @FirstPhilWhisky @Gwhisky!!

[@05kanishk]

😊 Thanks for this interesting episode. I requested this list on Geoff's channel. But this turned out to be even better. 👌 My Picks Lighter = Dalwhinnie 15 Heavier = Lagavulin 15 So Diageo does this low abv thing well 😅

[@OxonHammer]

Brilliant episode. Very funny. I’ll add an anCnoc and a Knoppogue Castle to the list. Both very fine whiskies.

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Brilliant guys, fantastic topic with some bangers.

[@HawkerPaul]

Great topic and brilliant video guys. You're a great double act. I recently bought a travel retail Tomatin 8 year old at an airport. 40% ex bourbon+olorosso. A beautiful dram. you'd think its 46%+. I guess the relatively young age gives it an extra bit of spikeness. 1 Litre for $46 U.S. Cant fault it! 😃

[@McIntyresMalts]

Great watching you guys have so much fun with this! 🥃🥃

[@supervillan326]

Love the banter - Geoff’s a pro because “of the mouth thing”!😂

[@Lammys_Dram]

Awesome chemistry between you two. Please do more 👌

[@philphy9257]

You guys need to do that more often, that was fun ! Lol

[@christinecamley]

Fabulous choices. I always choose the Benromach 15 over the 10!

[@TheSharkPadlock]

Two of my favorite KZbin whisky guys recommending things? Let me jot down some notes on these recommendations! Loved it!

[@karanmehra1221]

Indri’s GOT TO BE on the list! It’s so smooth and flavoursome at the same time

[@luijdiaz]

Amazing collaboration. You guys rock!

[@dhkim3986]

Great topic! Macleod's 12 yr old is my recent/new pick.

[@triktrak_1451]

Super fun watch, you two.

[@hombreleon]

Solid collab, gents. Would love to see another one.

[@dantasker9310]

Good picks, I've had the Benromach 15 and the Arran Barrel Reserve, both really good. I don't know why (because most seem to think it's a bit sht), but I had a bottle of Glen Grant 12 early on that I absolutely loved, so fruity and delicious. I also enjoyed the Blair Athol F&F 12, the Glenfarclas 8 year old, the Glen Moray Port Cask, the Glenmorangie Lasanta and 10 year old and, mostly because it was so cheap, the Knockando 15 ($75 NZD).

[@apeekintime]

Of course there are. I think you learn to appreciate the lower proof pours once you really develop your palate. For me, I rarely reach for a pour over 120 proof anymore (as a bourbon drinker) because it's just a cacophony. In the American Whiskey world you don't have a ton of distilleries really focusing on complexity - they focus on 1-2 flavor notes and call it a day. There is a reason why bourbon drinkers love Sazerac products - that simple cherry/red fruit note that then finishes with a light honied sweetness before disappearing completely. It's sweet and it's simple. Many bourbon drinker's start out hating rye whiskey and eventually their palate learns to look past that initial clove/anise profile and start to pick out the stuff they like again - brown sugar, vanilla bean, green tea, and honey. And occasionally, you find that bourbon drinker who moved into rye and THEN figured out high proof Scotch and Irish whiskies. That's when they start to get past the upfront malt note on a barley whiskey and start to get the fruits, floral, honey, and baked goods (and not just bread) notes. After drinking a few higher proof malts then suddenly have a palate that understands low proof whiskies. It's a journey and I've watched hundreds of people follow that exact path. I started out as an Islay and rye guy. I was straight into oddball territory, but that's because I loved the initial BANG of a heavy flavor that then revealed the sweet flavors underneath.

[@thenavajoknow]

It's helps to remember that high ABV is a strategy to save money and conceal the average decline of Scotch quality since the great whisky boom and massive production increases. As everybody knows who drinks vintage malts. Reversely, low ABV certainly doesn't mean a Scotch isn't good. Sure, Laphi 10 is a dead duck these days, but I agree Benromach pulls it off easily and even Lagavulin 16, though not what it used to be by a long shot, still pleases at 43%. Undernoticed: Old Pulteney. The current 12 is a bit simple at 40%, I prefer the older bottlings Daily sipper: Vintage Dimple 12 (1980s or earlier). It's actually not that hard to find on ebay and delicious Budget: I can go with the Barrel Reserve, but since I don't live in a box by the roadside like anyone watching this video, I can actually afford the 10 or The Bothy. So, nevermind. Also Deanston Virgin Oak at 46,3%

[@alexjacobson08]

I asked GWhiskey this and asking you too because the two of you are awesome in the single malt content game! Love your videos! Need some advice unrelated to this video. I'm not new to whiskey but fairly rookie to scotch specifically. Bourbon and rye is where I hang my hat but recently really getting into single malt. I made a bet and lost and owe a friend a bottle of scotch. His favorite is Lagavulin Offerman charred oak but he's even more new to scotch than me (I was shocked that a peated Scotch was his favorite). What bottle would you recommend? I'm thinking port Charlotte 10yr but curious of other ideas. Thanks again and keep the awesome content coming.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Kilchoman Sanaig or Ledaig 10 🥃

[@cobmahavishnu]

When you guys say widely available- i am wondering are we on the same planet😂

[@ItalNico]

Glenlivet 18, grey bottle. I also have a vintage Black & White from the 1980s...43.4% and my current favorite sipper. Both auctions wins from several years ago but still my favorites.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Oh that sounds good! I really like Glenlivets spirit

[@elduderino3120]

Glenkinchie. Haven’t drunk that for over 20 years. Good subject with this review. I think I’d go for 43

[@bluesmanen1]

Nice list! To be honest, there's quite a few, low abv whisky that are really nice. Some of your choises I've tasted and agreed upon, some I haven't tried. A few others that are worth to mention is Glenfarclas 12yo, Mortlach 12yo, Caol Ila 12yo, Old Pulteney 12yo....and some more. Cheers

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks mate! Great picks!

[@hazydavo]

Love you guys together 🤘

[@KyleStubbs-r1u]

Far out man. Very good colab.

[@andrewbutler7681]

I'm old enough to remember when 43% was 'export strength'! 18.2% of my bottles are under 43% and a further 16.38% between that and 46%. If I include exactly 46%, then more than half my bottles are that or lower. Choosing a favourite (or even a few favourites) from hundreds of bottles is not easy, but I always like to mention my favourite cask strength Scotch: a 33-year-old Glencraig from Duncan Taylor at 40.9% ABV! Nice to see Glen Moray get a favourable mention (brings back a memory from Fortrose...); I suppose I could add Tamnavulin Double Cask and Tullibardine Sovereign (also supermarket whiskies for me).

[@barrettmexted2115]

Totally agree on the 'kinchie 12

[@jeremyapplegate4868]

The Benriach 12 is a unique glass that I always appreciate.

[@christinecamley]

Probably Laphroaig 10 at 43%! I’m fine with peated scotch with a lower ABV!! Cheers guys!!

[@rupertansell4662]

Really interesting choices. Just out of interest, was the AnCnoc 12 considered? It’s just under £35 in the UK which makes it a decent budget whisky

[@jeremyapplegate4868]

The Nikka Tekatsuru is also a fantastic bottle at 43%.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Good shout!

[@Venetianization]

My first thought was the Redbrest 12. Laphroaig Select or Glenmorangie 10 are at 40 % vol, cheap and a decent sip.

[@Soldano999]

Laphroaig Select is thrash. Where i live it's 33€ and the Laphroaig 10 is 39€. Easy choice.

[@Venetianization]

@@Soldano999 same prices here. Still like the select🙂

[@digitaldemocracyai-rob]

@@Soldano999 Select is pish. QC all the way

[@Abs0lut3_Z3r0]

Haven’t tried either the laphroaig 10 or the select but where I’m at the select is $75 and the 10 is >$100 so that’s quite the price difference

[@Venetianization]

@@Abs0lut3_Z3r0 the select is younger. That works well with peated malts. I like to pour it after a meal of fish, something from the grill or pulled pork. I’ll even add some select to the pork when I cook it 2, or 3 shots, depending on how much meet is being cooked.

[@iancrombie8862]

I got GF 21 for £75 in 2018..the good old days!🥃

[@biofixphysicaltherapy5353]

Well done gentlemen!

[@terrortower666]

AnCnoc 12 would be my pick for a low ABV quality malt. It still delivers despite being 40%. That being said, I can only imagine how good it would taste at a higher strength

[@donaldfschiff1229]

I heard good things about both the AnCnoc 12 and Arran Barrel Reserve, but I was completely unimpressed with both. They're not bad, but they're nothing special. I can do much better at that price point.

[@אילעובד-ע8ד]

Both of your channels are my favorites

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks so much!

[@sandrotillmann9947]

I'm a fan of both, but I thought that Lagavulin 16 would be on theirs list. I don't have the experience of them, but Lagavulin core range is pretty good

[@xxacidmv]

A great collab and list.

[@christophriedweg7922]

Try Edradour10, just 40% but worth tasting if you are a Sherry cask lover

[@christinecamley]

Glenkinchie 12 is $125 Canadian before taxes. Too pricey for what you get. Cheers guys!! I’m all about Bourbon basking and heavy peat!!

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

I wouldn't categorize 43% as "Low ABV" as it's above minimum and is almost always a perfectly drinkable strength; I can't even begin to list how many perfectly fine, even great, whiskies are bottled at 43%. Even whiskies at 40%, given that they're price accordingly, can be very solid drinks; Glen Moray"s entire Elgin Classic range comes to mind, as does both Aerstone 10 bottlings.

[@jimmyjazz4605]

This collab slaps... Wait, wrong Jeff 😂

[@onurcesmekolu446]

Hey Phil, i am curious about your opinions on Hellyers road distillery :)

[@thegoatchild3545]

Great one, guys!🥃 Can't wait for Geoff's Underwear Musings!😁😄😂🤣😂🤣

[@biofixphysicaltherapy5353]

You guys should have ur own channels but also start a joined channel good content together 👍

[@larsandersson9336]

Here the Glentauchers 15 is a great choice, 30 euros is an excellent price.

[@peathead4450]

Great video gents. Only downside is the ever present grape pollution.😢 Slàinte mhath

[@edelrosario5105]

I thought the first whisky on the list was Ardbeg 10 because the bottle's silhoutte is so similar

[@ЭддВладимиров]

Cragganmore 12 !!!

[@newwave151151]

Redbreast 12 cask strength is definitely better than Redbreast 12 but still love the regular Redbreast 12.

[@joeynickles7962]

I wouldn’t turn down a dram of the regular 12 but I wouldn’t buy it given the choice between the two is how I feel about it.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Agree!

[@busslayer4790]

You two should host a live YT tasting. Let us know what you plan to try so we can pick it up and taste together.

[@gl-yph]

Definitely expected a Glenmorangie from Geoff here.

[@XenithSpirits]

Tamdhu 12, Oban 14, and our 43% Laphroaig 10.

[@ElieJobert-v2u]

Lagavulin 16 guys!! ^^

[@maeckspower]

I guess Gstrings is the name for the underwear Review Channel. 🎉

[@redsox367]

Tomatin Legacy at 43% is usually on my shelf as a safe bet

[@DileepB]

Laga 16 and Tamdhu 12 would be on my list. Nikka Yoichi is too close to 46% to be on this list.

[@pcsongi]

Talisker 10, it is still under 46% 😅. It was better in the last series but still a budget friendly banger.

[@1stkazoo754]

Love gwhisky

[@chentim1751]

MY PICK: redbreast 12(40%); Benromach 15(43%) ; Glenfarclas 25 (43%); Lagalvulin 16(43%).

[@barrysmale8060]

You two would make a great couple

[@rossflowers540]

What are "active casks"?

[@francisoconnor2392]

I second that question

[@newyorkleb]

@@francisoconnor2392where the cask type (ie sherry, Sauternes) plays an over dominant role in the construction of the whisky. (Above the distillate).

[@enotrilogy]

Where's the ppm's pour?

[@_fwd_racecar_]

if a whisky isnt hitting hard enough, just take a bigger gulp, chug it if needed

[@tommysimpsonandtheloadeddice]

I love you made him chubby. He is a dandy!

[@Richardgm99]

Alcohol, methanol, is tasteless getting any flavour from other sources. So, how does ABV actually improve the flavour?

[@mjbutterworth]

As a natural wine guy trying to get into whisky, the obsession with higher ABV with whisky nerds has confused me.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

It’s a combination of things I think. The higher ABV whisky’s have a better mouth feel and more flavor. Also I believe with whiskey reviewers as time goes on they only enjoy higher ABV whiskeys.

[@log0log]

out of 40% ABV whiskies : JW DB, 18 & BL Redbrest 12 Dalmore 12 Tamnavulin sherry Connemara Original Glenlivet12 Aberlour12 GM10 all a good, not all are worth to buy for an own money :)

[@ja5361]

What's with the peanut butter fir a split second? Lol

[@Francesco_Quaranta_1966]

Loch Lomond Highland Mist Single Malt Scotch Whisky (40% ABV) for 16.99€ only...

[@junghyunnam3322]

where is redbreast 12?I think it’s one of the best low proof whisky.Agree?

[@parttimedrummer2023]

Why does nobody talk about the Edradour 10 YO? 😉

[@klauserljot8331]

Lagavulin 16. Dailuaine 16 wow

[@digitaldemocracyai-rob]

Bushmills 16

[@christinecamley]

Just can’t get in to Mortlach.

[@SimonneNZ]

Is Geoff going to become the "Whisky Hugger", giving love to underrated bottles of whisky? Great collab from you two. Phil, I didn't get at first that you were deliberately saying Jif as it sounded normal to me. 🤣Anyway, I would have picked An Cnoc 12, Old Pulteney 12, and Connemara original in this line up. Cheers!

[@philxray666]

Too much sherry casks in your faves!

[@chrisdimal9869]

How is no one talking about 'Jif''s mentions in the intro?? 😂😂😂😂

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Jif has a great channel

[@jameskaaden6437]

GUnderwear.... You mean GStrings. Come on guys, that one writes itself! Great collab though.