Hero Whiskies #01 - a Beautiful Core-Range Highlander

This is a video series intended to celebrate whiskies that bring great, natural, honest presentation, that can be found reasonably widely available and offer affordable, realistic prices: Hero Whiskies.
This is the first in the series and praises the remarkably pure, clean and delicious...
Glencadam 10, a widely distributed and underrated malt from the Eastern Highlands proving that honest, quality whisky can be presented at a great price. These are the whiskies, and producers, that deserve our attention.
As always, please don't only take my word for it, here are some other thoughts and reviews on Glencadam's beautiful, heroic, single malt:
Ralfy: • ralfy review 698 - Gle...
Malt Review: malt-review.co...
Scotch4Dummies: • Glencadam 10 - Highl...
WhiskyFun (Serge) www.whiskyfun.c...
Whisky Whistle: • Glencadam 10 YO Scotch...
Foodquig: • Glencadam 10 Highland ...
The Dramble: www.thedramble....
Whisky Reviews.net: whiskyreviews....
The Single Malt Review: • Glencadam 10 Years Old...
Jason WhiskyWise: • Glencadam 10 Year Old ...
The Whisky Friend: • Whisky Review no 34 G...
This video was released early to Patrons / aqvavitae

[@Ryan-re3jf]

Doesn't look like anyone suggested Bunna 12 yet! For the money and wide availability (even in the states), hard to beat.

[@dmshampton]

Definitely agree with this one. I've never been disappointed with a dram of bunna 12!

[@Aqvavitae]

You’ll not find many arguments on that one 👍

[@macallanfinerare2552]

Fully agree to your excellent choice, Roy! Not for starters, very subtle, distinct, complex, active, fresh, lively. I got it for 30 € in Germany, it is 4 out of 4 in terms of ABCD, so totally qualified to be a HERO WHISKY!!! Now let´s hope Angus Dundee will refresh their Tomintoul range as a next step. But I am afraid Tomintoul will remain what it is now: a beginner whisky. And a good one. So in short: a great example for market segmentation and brand differentiation, congrats 👍 to the Angus Dundee Marketing team (or person?)!

[@Aqvavitae]

Agree Doc, I think Tomintoul will continue to see their legacy market, but perhaps if their 14yo is embraced as a success they’ll slowly migrate...?

[@grahamfraser702]

Prior to Angus Dundee buying Glencadam in 2003 its previous owners Allied Domecq used almost all of the spirit produced for 'Stewart's Cream of the Barley' Blended Whisky with only a very limited single malt availability - Angus Dundee are to be applauded for resurrecting this gem of a distillery so we can try such an amazing single malt whisky at many ages- the 10yo is certainly a Hero Whisky

[@Aqvavitae]

Hear hear Graham! I think they're doing great with it!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Hugely underrated whisky this one. So good. For me it got better as i got through the bottle.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Love the series Roy

[@Aqvavitae]

@@FirstPhilWhisky Thanks Phil - and glad you love the GC10 too!

[@ravindranramiah6336]

Bought this yesterday and will definitely buy again, added a little water ( 1 teaspoon ) and it got sweeter , want to enjoy it alone the next time . I didn’t do the whisky justice

[@user-ig5vs5fd6c]

I've just opened my first bottle of Glencadam 10 and I love it! Such a bright and elegant, honest spirit. I'm gonna run down to the liquor store before its finished. Thanks!

[@Scotty29RVC]

Roy- love your reviews and the pronunciation videos. I live in Australia and have sent the links to the Australians that are mispronouncing Whiskys. I also used to live about 100m from Glencadam when I lived in Brechin. I have an unopened bottle of Glencadam's 2006 Reserve de Cognac which is finished in Cognac bottles. Will let you know how I get on with it!

[@erwinlarranaga8128]

I've been sipping the Glencadem 13 for a few weeks. Its a wonderful dram. Just ordered a 10 at $50.

[@Aqvavitae]

Can't wait to hear how you get on with it Erwin!

[@jpallen719]

Don’t tell me that a great deal of this mans KZbin success is his accent! Love the Scots!

[@Aqvavitae]

Oh you can stay! 😊

[@neilbloor8743]

Roy went out today and purchased the Glencadam 10 and a Springbank 15 following your recommendation. Looking forward to trying this tonight.

[@Aqvavitae]

Great contrast right there -super clean and sweet malt vs rich and complex funk, I really hope you enjoy them both!

[@whiskyflu]

Nice format Roy. Your hero picks are excellent and well deserved. My picks would be Port Askaig 10, Ancnoc 18 and Redbreast 12 CS.

[@brambutterham]

Tomintoul 14 is a hero whisky for me. Ticks (used to tick??) all the ABCD boxes, no hype marketing, breaking away from the usual Tomintoul line up at 40% by having 46% and being un-chillfiltered. No agressive marketing, but a gem hiding in plain sight. At 40 euro it is perfect value.

[@Aqvavitae]

Fully agree, and the only Tomintoul I have here(!) This is their experimental release, and priced a bit higher than their legacy/core range, I really hope it does well for them.

[@richardhall6391]

Excellent, wholly independent review of a modest and unobtrusive whisky that doesn’t shout, “Pick me! Pick me!” to be the first ‘Hero’, but only post-review does it seem an obvious and well-deserved choice. A clever and original pick, Roy, to kick off a clever and original idea. Cheers.

[@whiskygamesuk]

I feel Glencadam 10 and Tomintoul 10 are similar, good drams - hadn’t realised they were from the same company. Good start Roy. Slàinte

[@Aqvavitae]

Side by side would be interesting, the T10 at lower ABV might come off a little thin. Thanks Matt! Tomintoul 14 is natural though, and 46%!

[@markhanson6914]

I have to thank you Roy for putting me onto deanston 12. Its about as good as a 12yr old can expect to be and super value to boot.

[@Aqvavitae]

I think you'll like this too Mark. :)

[@jesusfreakinct]

I completely agree. It's around $50/US for a 750ml bottle in my area, and I think it's fantastic for the money. Its a bottle I bring to shares often / send friends samples of.

[@straz702]

I’ve had 2 bottles of Glencadam 10. I found both on sale in Southern California for $30 and bought them instantly. My experience was similar. Once the bottles were opened they didn’t last long. I have yet to see another bottle unfortunately. I do like the style of this whisky. I would say it’s in the vein of Deanston 12 and Old Pulteney 12 @ 43%.

[@Aqvavitae]

Agreed, really hope you can snag another soon. Cheers Straz!

[@jamesa678]

Great concept for a series, looking forward to the next! Other hero whiskies I would suggest: Kilkerran 12, Arran 10, Deanston 12, Cask Orkney 18 (18yo Highland Park for under £70 which makes it great value next to the official bottling).

[@Aqvavitae]

A few people mentioning the cask Orkney, I'm wondering how widely it's distributed? 🤔

[@jamesa678]

@@Aqvavitae I'm still seeing it despite it being out for 2 years and receiving a good Ralfy review so it must be a very big vatting or multiple batches. Good stuff!

[@ConcaCon]

You've recommended Tomatin Legacy and Deanston Virgin Oak before and both have become my favorite budget Highlands for their unexpected complexity and great presentation, so I'm definitely putting Glencadam 10 on my list to try. Looking forward to it when I get there.

[@Aqvavitae]

Recent Tomatin Legacy have gone a little spirity, hope it’s just a batch thing, still worthy though.

[@ConcaCon]

@@Aqvavitae I can't really compare it to earlier batches, mine was bottled in 2019, I think. Has some spirity heat in the middle, and it feels a tad thin, but taste wise, it's a great bargain at ~20 EUR. Would prefer Deanston Virgin Oak everytime, though.

[@stopdrinkingpurple8774]

that's a proper unsung hero! And blending it at various ratios with it's older brother G 15 delivers extra levels of complexity.

[@Aqvavitae]

oooh...never tried!

[@budj13]

Your energy and enthusiasm is infectious, Roy! How could I not run out and buy a bottle of this. It has been under the radar for me until you mentioned it recently. I have it on my wish list for my next online purchase since it is not on the shelf of my local shops. I look forward with almost a "Roy level of enthusiasm" for the next installments of this series.

[@macallanfinerare2552]

Take a guess what Hero #2 will be, Bud.

[@Aqvavitae]

I hope you find it and love it Bud! Thank you for the nice words!

[@Aqvavitae]

@@macallanfinerare2552 How can you/he know? I don't know! ;p

[@macallanfinerare2552]

@@Aqvavitae That´s why I asked him for a guess, could be an inspiration!

[@leejaybrown5567]

Great watch Roy really enjoyed it. I remember you singing its praises a few weeks ago and its is now on the top of my to buy list. Lol PS keep up the great work much appreciated.

[@leejaybrown5567]

@@maltymission ok cheers Menno I'll keep an eye out for that one too.👍

[@Aqvavitae]

Not too expensive near you I hope Leejay, look forward to hearing!

[@hellswidd4628]

Great format, very enjoyable watch. Andy called the dram before you reached for it from your expression and description and is currently tracking a bottle down lol! Think this format will serve you well and will adapt as you require it to. Love the little segways at the end ... bravo Roy! Congrats on the first of hopefully another great series. Slainthe 🥃

[@hellswidd4628]

Would probably recommend Bunnahabhain 12yo as a hero whisky ... fabulous quality dram, great presentation and super keen pricing!

[@hellswidd4628]

As a further comment, found this format almost as you were discussing this dram with a friend, non pretentious and very human ... if that makes sense? Excellent ...

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks for the cool feedback Hellen, good shout on the Bunna 12 and good work tracking a GC10 down - looking forward to your thoughts. Also, I am kinda discussing it with a friend, well, a lot of them ;)

[@Everest314]

I have an unconventional suggestion: Signatory Vintage Edradour 10yo Un-Chillfiltered Collection (46%). Yes it's a single cask, but they are releasing dozens of individual casks every year. It has everything that is great about independent bottlings and single casks, but it is still always there to come back for and still gives you something new to discover with every new bottle. Prices are increasing a bit, but it is still one of the best values out there. My conventional suggestions: Talisker 10, Talisker DE, Ardmore 12 Port Finish, Glenfarclas 15, Clynelish 14, Glendronach 18 (even if it gets increasingly hard to get at a reasonable price), Glen Garioch 15 Sherry Casks, maybe the new Arran 18 My support for the already mentioned Springbank 10, Bunnahabhain 12

[@Aqvavitae]

Good shouts for all - definitely. Edradour O.B.s are getting better imo too.

[@Everest314]

@@Aqvavitae I find their core range a bit underwhelming by comparison, but the SFTC series has spawned some really good stuff (a bit too irregular for the Hero label though and I wish the 0.5L bottle was reflected in the pricing). In a way I consider Edradour SV bottlings as quasi-OBs, but strangely they seem to come in at lower prices than what I would expect from "real" OBs. That said, Edradour is currently my top pick if I had to decide for ONE distillery forever. My hero distillery so to speak. :D

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Could not agree more with your choice. I would say however, regarding water, I found that you must add a touch of water to open it up and calm down a slight alcohol nose prickle. My advice is to add a 1/2 teaspoon of water and wait a few minutes to get the best from this young 10-Year-Old. Clean fresh vanilla milk, roasted barley sugar snacks, Horlicks malt drink, sweet cake dough, creamy oat porridge, yeasty artisan ale beer, sweet lemon grass fruity floral ester with silky smooth white heather honey and walnuts. If you ponder over the above description you realise that what it describes is actually the entire whisky making process from malted barley mash, yeast wort, distillation new make spirit to the final stage of Oak maturation. It is like a snapshot recording that has captured the whole production process and you can now play the recording back by pouring yourself a dram of this golden nectar. It is, in my opinion, a masterpiece in a glass. However, it seems that our opinion is not held by many reviewers as I have come across quite a few negative reviews out there. Here in Israel, it is 260 Shekels, that's £60 !!!

[@Aqvavitae]

Despite you paying a little more for it Reb I’m glad to read you still love it as much, that tells me I’m not far off track with this one. At £30-35 in the UK it’s too good not to celebrate. Thanks for the water tips too! Cheers Reb!

[@shibby67]

Great idea for a new series! I’ll have to keep looking for a bottle of Glencadam 10 in Ontario.

[@Aqvavitae]

Good luck Kevin.

[@smokingdrams]

What a great start for this new series. I love all Clencadams that wear an Age Stagment . I like to associate the 10 year old with a good pipe tobacco. Many greetings from Germany

[@Aqvavitae]

Excellent! Cheers my friend!

[@gatdellobregat]

The one I could easily call Hero Whisky is Arran 10yo. Every ABCD boxes ticked and in my neck of the wood, I mean Bucharest, I get it at 27 €. Very hard to beat it, methinks. Can't wait for the next video in the series.

[@Aqvavitae]

Spot on! It deserves to be celebrated.

[@andrewmainprice2179]

Great whisky fantastic value. Only found it this year. Why can't the big names produce scotch like this

[@jameskaaden6437]

Great episode. There are some great whiskies around this age! Ledaig 10 and Port Charlotte 10 come to mind as well.

[@Aqvavitae]

And both well loved too! Thanks James 👍

[@steveno7058]

My hero whiskey: Rare Breed $43. Bunnahabhain 12 $50. Balcones Lineage America Single Malt $32. Redbreast Cask Strength $85.

[@Aqvavitae]

Great selection. I know the Bunna and the Redbreast, will keep an eye for the WT and the Balcones!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Great episode! We need to try this one!

[@Aqvavitae]

Hope you get it at as good a price over there!

[@joachimohlinger4868]

The Arran Port Cask Finish is a definit hero for me.

[@foodquig]

Yes! One of my favorite value for money quality whiskies... I applaud this new series, Roy!

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks Andy! If Quig loves it I’m onto something! 👏👏👏 Nice to have you stop by my friend!

[@grahamgreenwood4234]

This is perfect Roy, quality at reasonable prices.. (sadly approaching £45 today 17th Feb 21)

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

When Ralfy made the 15 Whisky of the year looked for it and of course it was gone. Did find this and I was as over the moon about it as you are now. Glad you connected with it. About a year later I did find a 15 the price had gone up quite a bit when it returned after being sold out. Found that I thought the 10 was more intresting with it's unique character and a better value. I know this is one of Quigs favorites too. It's been about a year since I had one guess it's time to pick one up. Cheers Roy this is a great idea for a series.

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks Tim, I think we all enjoy drams and move on to the next thing, I think this deserves to be a permanent fixture, hope the next is as good as the last!

[@Peter_Box]

I had the last dram from my Glencadam 10 bottle last night and bought a Glencadam 14 earlier yesterday. I love to support independent distillers, brewers and vintners.

[@budj13]

Peter you are one bottle ahead of me... I'll try to catch up.

[@kresimirjelcic576]

My hero whisky would be Springbank 10

[@scotchgod8478]

Mine as well , definetly!

[@Aqvavitae]

No doubt an absolute peach.

[@nsxfan16]

omg yes it has such a unique profile that i could pick up as a beginner, which made me understand how magic can whiskey be

[@richardhall6391]

I’d agree, alongside Kilkerran 12, Bunna 12 and the latest Arran 10 all in the same price bracket. What I like about Roy’s first choice though is that many would not have seen it coming, though few I’m sure would disagree with it.

[@kresimirjelcic576]

@@richardhall6391 Had them all. Beautiful whiskies you mentioned and very good quality for money. If I were to pick one 10 year old that I would have to drink all the time Springbank would be my choice. Ben Nevis 10 could a good one as well but it is not that available. Glencadam 10 is very good whisky, brought it with me last winter for after dinner with my friends...it had no chance to see tomorrows daylight 😂😂😂

[@NZAnimeManga]

Springbank 10 or Ardbeg 10 are staples for me, easy to come by - often on offer

[@Aqvavitae]

Spot on selection. If you only had those three forever going forward, I think you'd get by!

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I think I will add all of these to the must buy list. Here, it is my shame that I have not had Glencadam 10. Thank you for sharing and for talking us through this. Keep up the excellent discussion and great work. Cheers!

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks Jonathan, it's not on everyone's radar here either, but their presentation should see them change that I hope, especially if the prices are kept in check (by everyone in the supply chain!)

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

@@Aqvavitae No doubt. Thanks again!

[@alanward2331]

Excellent, a bitesize whisky education (I had zero knowledge of fake colouring for decades!) and a great honest whisky. Definitely heroic stuff from Glencadam 👍

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks Alan, in malt whisky I don't think colouring is needed. We should celebrate the ones who bring it natural.

[@wenkrush]

I have to admit, I fully expected it to be a Deanston. Great video. I'll have to grab a bottle. Cheers

[@Aqvavitae]

I still love a Deanston. 😅 This is like a creamier, softer version of Deanston 12, with a little less spice and perhaps, arguably, a little less complexity, but depending on the mood can shine above it sometimes.

[@jlyounger]

Roy. You’re the BEST. Thank you for coming up w another great series for the channel. Well done, sir.

[@peterwilcox7188]

Let's be honest,,not just one man's opinion,the main man's opinion,,love alot of bottlings from deanston, glengoyne, kilkerran and indi bottlings from james eadie,the single cask,cask strength version's are fabulous,,cheers Roy,great watch as usual,,

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks so much Peter, a lot of people enjoying the James Eadie releases, I'm yet to invest.

[@superdukeism]

Love it, I very often judge a distillery on their standard 10 year old release, find it to be a go base line!

[@andygarbagemuncher239]

Glencadam 10 is usually my summer dram, even though it can be enjoyed anytime. Always on my whisky hitlist

[@Aqvavitae]

You were already in the know Andy! Cheers...!

[@edbutler3]

I've neglected this distillery so far. Will have to give it a try.

[@Aqvavitae]

I, too, have been guilty of that. It's difficult to cover them all, right?

[@dextercool]

Looking forward to the next episode of this now that OSWAs victory lap is complete. :)

[@BobbyJ_19x]

Love this series Roy! I can get in Chicago for $50, which is in my price range. Really appreciate the reviews on affordable whisky that is out of the normal bottles you see all the time. Thank you and keep up the great content!!

[@FloydVonManteuffel]

Great new series Roy, just had the 10 delivered on the back of watching this video (and the 15 for good measure to keep it company ;) )

[@Aqvavitae]

Oh - now I feel the weight of responsibility Floyd! I hope you share how you get on with them!

[@MaltMondays]

I really like the concept of this series Roy. I’m glad to finally be back and both watching my fellow youtubers and producing new stuff. I’ll have to keep an eye out for this one!

[@peathead4450]

Up until this moment this has been an under the radar distillery for me ... and based on this review and the comments already given by fellow barflies: I have to give it a try. Thanks Roy for this recommendation. It's added to the bucket list. And on the video itself: great start of a very promising series.

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks Frank, I look forward to your thoughts - especially a a "peathead" !

[@JohnsDrams]

If I were to make a nomination just now it would go to Bladnoch 10. I've described it variously like getting lost inside a cupcake or drowning in vanilla ice cream and whilst it's obvious they're picking their casks very well there's layers that unfurl as you spend more time with the bottle. I picked up my second yesterday.

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks John, a lot of people loving that, but it doesn't seem to drop much below £50+ here. I have been tempted, but it's a big ask.

[@kevinhoctor62]

Thanks for the recommendation, Roy. I was able to find a bottle of Glencadam 10 in San Francisco-and a Deanston Virgin Oak, while I was shopping. It is a lovely dram with lots of levels to explore and reminds me that I don’t drink enough Highland Scotch that aren’t sherry bombs or smoky Islay whiskies. Cheers!

[@Aqvavitae]

Nice work Kevin, hope you continue to enjoy it!

[@richardagnew4959]

Bollocks to 'occasional'! This new series and format, Roy, is fantastic! Keep 'er lit!

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks Richard - it's down to inspiration from the producers now!

[@scotchgod8478]

I bought a sample of that after Ralfy's rant and didn't really get what the fuzz is about. It came across as elegant, but fairly light-weighted and shallow. Maybe it's just me being too ignorant to understand how this is meant. Probably need to give it another try.

[@ThisIsNotACigar]

I confess, it was the same with me. Got me a tasting box with 3 5cl of the 10, 15 and 21. Put them against age-siblings from my bar, and for me they all lost against their colleagues. "Fairly light-weighted and shallow" was my verdict too. But then, I'm fairly early in my journey - so maybe I just don't get it (yet).

[@scotchgod8478]

@@ThisIsNotACigar Right? And I felt GC15 was only slighty better. In the 35€ price range i would rather pick Deanston12, which is much more substantial and has a lovely raisiness und subtle sweetness to it .A totally different class imho

[@Aqvavitae]

This is why the comments section is so valuable, no point in it being an echo chamber. The fuss here is honesty and presentation but also the ability to have an engaging whisky. These drams are not bold and powerful, there are less obvious big flavour hooks. So, yes, not everyone's going to connect with this more subtle style immediately. But when you do, it's a lovely thing. Also a great switch of pace and a contrast.

[@ThisIsNotACigar]

@@Aqvavitae I will give it another try. Wouldn't be the first whisky I didn't "get" the first time around.

[@sachinkainth9508]

Not had this, will give it a go. Thanks Roy.

[@Aqvavitae]

Let me know how you go Sachin!

[@sachinkainth9508]

Aqvavitae will do

[@kareliask]

Some big choices for me would be the 10s by Springbank, Ardbeg, and Arran. The 12s by GlenAllachie, Tobermory and Deanston. Never had bad ones of them, and for what they are are superb value. Sure the Arran 14 is even better, but for the price the 10 is crazy good considering its competition. Benromach's 10 is another worthy contender, as is Laphroaig, which to its credit has maintained a decent consistency and value for decades, even if it's rarely truly amazing. The relaunch of Bladnoch is also a great one, but the price almost discludes it from consideration, as it's hard to recommend a 10 that expensive, especially knowing how good it can taste with age. It's a shame Edradour doesn't have a consistent bottling of their full-sherried, they always have one in the cask-strength decanter, or on signatory, but these feel like they go against the spirit of your list. Even the Caledonia is a good comfort pick, though. It's always there, in specialist stores, or knocking around a gift store.

[@Aqvavitae]

A great list, this is the type of comment I'm hoping casual browsers stumble upon when they're looking through for inspiration DW, really cool, and I wouldn't discount Edradour, they're getting better all the time and still an enthusiasts target. The Arran 10 has quickly become a favourite and despite me, myself, enjoying my Arrans a little less bourbon-barrel sweet, it is indeed a bit of a hero for £35. Thanks DW.

[@DesieVlieland]

This one has been on my to-buy-list for a while now (somehow other whiskies kept drawing my attention). No more, I’m bumping it to the top. You know it has to be good when Roy starts the beard stroking and leaning back in his chair 😉☺️

[@Aqvavitae]

I was pleased with it Desie. I still am! ;p Thanks and let me know what you think!

[@davidowen2834]

Totally agree with you Roy. Not messed about with,ex bourbon casks matured. Along with SP 10 and ardbeg 10 this is one of my favourite 10 yr old core range Whiskies.

[@Aqvavitae]

Similar theme across those David, add in Arran 10!

[@davidowen2834]

@@Aqvavitae Arran 10, how could I forget and dont forget one of your favs, ledaig 10.

[@Andrea-wd3wn]

I’m sold ... Roy long overdue a series of this ilk great content ...keep it coming maestro !

[@Aqvavitae]

Grazie mille! 😊

[@mood2move]

Weirdly enough, I agree with your assessment but initially I am finding butyric notes in there as well. Looking forward to seeing how this one opens up and evolves.

[@Aqvavitae]

I get that on some whiskies (almost lactic/dairy if that’s what you mean) but I didn’t on this one. I hope it settles for you. I hope it’s not weird for us to agree 😉 Thanks for watching!

[@mood2move]

@@Aqvavitae Thanks for replying! I'm new to the channel and thoroughly enjoying the information, reviews, and community. I think my wording was somewhat poor, in that, it's definitely not weird to be agreeing ;). I found it weird that my first couple of experiences with this whisky were so enjoyable despite the presence of that note. It's not one that I find often, and I know others are not fond of it. Cheers to your continued success, Roy! - Dan in Colorado

[@Aqvavitae]

@@mood2move I know I was teasing a wee bit, but I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying the dram. I’m almost ready to break open the second bottle, I’m still really loving it. Nice to know you Dan, I hope things are good out in Colorado.

[@mood2move]

@@Aqvavitae Nice to know you as well, and thanks again for all of the excellent content and recommendations.

[@everwind5691]

Mine are Deanston 12 and Arran 10. Your my Hero Roy ;)

[@Aqvavitae]

Ah thanks Everwind. You can drop by anytime. Good to see you my friend.

[@bennyfriis601]

Great series! 👍 I look forward to the next episodes.

[@rossfudd256]

Fantastic Roy, I have not tried this one. I will start looking for one. And thank you again for the second Dedication (Thomas Elmer)

[@Aqvavitae]

Hi Thomas no worries - you're welcome. But I'll share something funny. You've been "next" on my dedication list for a while. I was sure you'd been recognised and looked back to see if I'd simply forgotten to "check" your name. Worse, I went into the artwork slide and your name was already populated. Oh wow. I went back and checked again. Still, I couldn't find your dedication. In the end I decided twice is better than forgetting. Thanks my friend. The Elmer T Lee. is sipping fantastically well! I hope you're well too.

[@scottclarke1350]

A UK hero whisky for me would be the lidl queen margot 3yo, it's shockingly good considering you could pick it up in england for like £10.99, Springbank 10 would be another for me.

[@Aqvavitae]

A lot of folk love that QM3!

[@benjamingunn6175]

Love the videos, Roy. As I live in Australia and have other commitments, I have to catch them all on KZbin catch up rather than your live stream Vpubs. Quality content and so wonderfully presented in a relaxed and informative manner. Looking forward to more videos like this one as well. Keep them coming Uncle Roy...

[@Aqvavitae]

"Uncle Roy" haha... Thanks Benjamin.

[@perkristiansandgren4132]

I got one, maybe Balblair 1990 love the stuff

[@actual_ice_lord4068]

That Balcones Brimstone over your shoulder is definitely a hero whiskey in my opinion. It demands your attention, and demands to be front and center while you are drinking it. It certainly doesn't fall into the background as I've found other whiskies to do.

[@Aqvavitae]

And what’s especially great, it’s not Scotch and doesn’t try to be, a great take on the smoky genre of whisky for sure!

[@StephanPaulB]

Roy likes whiskies in an elegant sometimes lighter style. And i like him for his approaching to whiskies like Glencadam 10, Flora&Fauna Auchroisk,...I am hoping for more Hero Whiskies!

[@Aqvavitae]

Me too Stephan, thank you!

[@Alex-pr6zv]

Great choice. My Budget favourites are Arran 10, Benriach 10, Glendronach 12, Springbank 10 and Longrow.

[@Aqvavitae]

You've dialled in the gold - all excellent Alex!

[@WhiskyWhistle]

Roy...bang on. I FINALLY can buy a bottle as it’s available in Alberta. 90 points from me 2 years ago and again thanks for the link! ps love the thumbnails. Cheers brother🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks Mark and good news from Canada for a change! If you ever see me referring to a whisky you've reviewed I'm happy to include the link, just shout if I miss it.

[@mendipfox1650]

I do enjoy Glencadam 10 & particularly their 15 year old (best bang for your buck). Two whiskies I feel are my own personal hero whiskies are Glenfarclas 15 & Port Charlotte 10. Both relatively unfashionable malts especially with online commentators however for me, they represent the very best of their styles for £50 or sometimes under. Glenfarclas in particular is seriously underrated in general which I think is mad considering the quality of the juice that comes out of there.

[@Aqvavitae]

I think you're right on those two, the problem that I've discovered in the GF15 is that we all want to embrace it, but the batch variation (I should qualify I don't have very recent experience) seemed wild at one point. PC10 is loved by so many though. Good shout outs. I always have a soft spot for Glenfarclas btw and need to get on to a 15yo again soon.

[@mendipfox1650]

Aqvavitae yes, I have heard about the batch variation. The most recent bottling I have had (very recently) was bottled in 2016. Absolutely beautiful. Rich and sumptuous. I think it’s the sulphur that puts most people off. I think most G15 have a natural element of sulphur but perhaps the level tends to vary. I quite like the sulphury edge to it, but that’s personal preference I guess. Keep up the good work!

[@travisloewen6191]

Excited to track this down and give it a try. I think a hero whiskey for me is the Bunnahabhain 12. Can't seem to get enough of it.

[@Aqvavitae]

A great dram!

[@rafaelnardiiii]

I love Glencadam 10! I use it as an example of Highland malts when I conduct tastings for beginners 😬

[@Aqvavitae]

Perfect choice for that I'd say, thanks Rafael.

[@andyreed86]

Glen Grant 12 I think is a hero whisky. I did a blind tasting and I threw in the Old Pulteney 17 and I pick the Glen Grant 12 over the OP 17. I was shocked!. Bought it for $49.00 usd.

[@Aqvavitae]

I do love a Glen Grant. Light and fruity, I just with it was a nudge more naturally presented. Still, you're proving it by the tasting in contrast!

[@andyreed86]

@@Aqvavitae 100% agree on more natural presentation. In North Carolina we don't see many glen grants, this was the first time I saw it. Would you recommend a specific glen grant?

Bunnahabhain 12 is definitely a hero whisky!

[@TelextheWhiskyTech]

Great series Roy. Might have to do a couple myself. I love their 13, so it doesn’t make me nervous to try the 10 too. Keep em coming.

[@murduk88]

Bravo! As a big fan of sherry monsters, I love having lighter, fresher whiskys around to break up the sherry on the palate, so I'll be on the hunt for some Glencadam 10. Cheers!

[@Aqvavitae]

It's great to contrast it, and for changing moods! Cheers Robert.

[@dmshampton]

Sorry I'm late to the party, Roy. Graduate school can be a beast. I love this series idea. Glencadam has been completely off my radar, I'll be keeping an eye out for a good price. For me, Glendronach 12 has been a bit of a hero whiskey. Its price and availability makes it a great option for those looking to explore what a true highland sherry bomb can be.

[@Aqvavitae]

GD12 is terrific, and despite the 43% they don’t chill-filter it. Thanks for watching and here... you’re never late 😊

[@BDamen1984]

Very good pick. Impossible to beat in price/quality ratio.

[@Aqvavitae]

thanks Bart - there needs to be more where we think this way.

[@AussieEnglishPodcast]

Great channel and love the well-informed and honest feedback on these brands! Thank you! Will be back for the next episode :)

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks for the cool feedback -see you on the next one 😊

[@billyboy9810]

Aultmore 12 is another great, clean tasting and affordable bottle. Give it time and you will be rewarded. It has great presentation as well.

[@Aqvavitae]

Not a bad shout, sometimes hard to find it at a good price, but one of those subtle-yet-hidden-depths type malts. Cheers Billyboy!

[@Koby616]

Hero whiskey is good price, good specs 💯

[@russell3733]

Roy, you said value for money would be a very important criterion for selecting these drams. In order to keep them separate from "overhyped whiskies," of which there are more than enough already, I'd prefer to understand your suggestion as "Quiet Achievers". In that sense, Glencadam 10yo would fit perfectly in the picture. As would Ledaig 10, Ben Nevis 10, Glen Scotia Victoriana or Bladnoch 10. I find all of these drams singular and distinctive in smell and taste, they offer excellent presentation, they're reasonable priced, and, although largely unsung heroes, they punch well above their weight. In the category above €100, I'd also recommend anCnoc 24, which kills the "value for money" category hands down. Cheers.

[@Aqvavitae]

Hi Russell, been talking up the AnCnoc 24 for a while now, but starting to disappear here in the UK. Not good signs, and worried about an imminent re-brand & line shake up. Cue inevitable price increase. "Quiet Achievers" are a good way to look at it, but my hope is that they do indeed achieve. Success tends to have others follow, and I would hate the success to come form the hyped and over-priced. I prefer to reward the honest and the fair.

[@jaychung6622]

Absolutely agree w/ your take on the bright freshness of this one. After the 15 became unavailable, this 10 became a must have for me...until it suddenly dried up as well. 😅 I’ve found a few kicking around, but oddly the re-released 15 is almost easier to find now. Go figure 😂 Great job Roy!

[@Aqvavitae]

Swings and roundabouts - I think the shipping time to the US is about 2 weeks or so, but to look at the whisky distribution you'd think it an intergalactic transit! Glad you've found it and enjoying it my friend! Keep well!

[@evenflowcss]

Hero whisky? Ardbeg and Laphroaig 10. They are the gatekeepers to Islay; they will either kick you into the sea as they do unwelcome visitors, or welcome you in a warm, smokey peat blanket as a friend. Awesome either way. Special mention to Lagavulin but i find that the 16 year old is too expensive in my Country.

[@Aqvavitae]

I won't argue with those, although I prefer the 48% expressions of Laphroaig, especially if sipping together the 40% can make a beast seem too tame. (UK strength)

[@evenflowcss]

@@Aqvavitae Fair enough! My country gets Laphroaig 10 at 43% so the comparison is much fairer. Cheers Roy!

[@mainzman7239]

Oh dear, another bottle on my wish list. At least this one won't come close to breaking the bank. While I'm here I'd like to make some nominations: Deanston Virgin Oak is already mentioned, truly a wonderful dram at an incredible price. I'd also put forward Clynelish 14 and Caol Ila 12, both gorgeous whisky at a great price. Can't wait for the next Hero episode, great idea Roy.

[@Aqvavitae]

Not too expensive where you are I hope!

[@mainzman7239]

No, the price is very reasonable, about €36. One day my wish list will be empty. One day...…….

[@rossherron9297]

This is going to be a great new format for your channel. Really enjoying all your content, and "Hero Whiskies" will be as popular as (or even more popular than) "Recycled Reviews" and the "V-Pub." Slainte! (BTW, agree with Glendronach 15 from episode 0; also suggest Glendronach 12 despite ABV=43%; Port Charlotte 10; Glen Scotia Victoriana)

[@Aqvavitae]

Great list Ross and thanks for the feedback. Two heroes in a row now have gone limited availability (it’s crazy times for whisky) so the series has taken a slight bump.... but with one of your suggestions you’re very, very on point 😉 Thank you for stopping by and commenting

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Love this series Roy. Cheers.

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks for stopping by Rob and for the kind words. Hope you're doing well buddy, a catch up would be sweet.

[@deccyboi4218]

when hero whisky 2 ?

[@WhiskyMystery]

Curious about Bob Ross in the intro? GC10 is around $55 in CA, USA priced equal to AnCnoc 12, HP 12, Craigellachie 13, Lag 8. Enjoyed the 15 and 21 but not tried the 10...yet

[@Aqvavitae]

Who doesn't like bob Ross? Although I worry there will be some sinister stories appear and shatter our Ted Rodgers view of him. I wonder if you'll like the GC10 if you happen upon it blind? I think it suffers when it's shared in a vertical GC line up - it can be overshadowed by bolder, older and peatier, even though it's a stellar whisky for its age, price and presentation.

[@tommccafferty5591]

I would recommend Balcones Texas Single Malt as a Hero Whisky. If Balcones Hechiseros was readily available I would nominate that as well

[@Aqvavitae]

Not tried the Hechiseros but I do love a drop of Balcones!

[@sundayeveningscotch4978]

I have not had this one (yet!) - I love the 15, and have grabbed a couple of those over the years. The 19 oloroso finish is also very very nice. That's the extent of my Glencadam experience, but I definitely need to explore them more!

[@Aqvavitae]

I think you'll be pleased at how clean and pure it seems, a really nice honest dram. Cheers Michael.

[@Andreas-1979]

Good choice with the Glencadam. Don't talk too much about such whiskies, or they will go up in price! ;) Other "Hero Whiskies" would be (imo): Aultmore 12, Craigellachie 13, BenRiach 10 Curiositas, to name just a few. Cheers, Andy

[@Aqvavitae]

That's the thing - if they're a success other producers will surely follow the formula - I'd love to see more fair, honest and natural whiskies out there in the wake of releases like this, but we only stay if the pricing is fair and honest too.

[@Raymaster7482]

Had a Glencadam from SMWS but not the 10y old yet. The SMWS single cask was quite nice - especially after the bottle was open for a while

[@Aqvavitae]

This is a far easier and immediately approachable example - I think you'll like it!

[@KillCoMentalMusings]

Adding it to the wish list, hopefully it will cross my path someday so I might sample it.

[@Aqvavitae]

Let me know how you get on!

[@aussierugby11]

Excellent. Something new to try.

[@brentross9233]

Great idea for a series. I really like the Singleton Glendullan from GoT. It's half the price of some of the others. I know there are other age expressions I haven't tried yet. And, I see it in stores all the time.

[@Aqvavitae]

Lots of offers on that range, should be good for value as there were billions of bottles!

[@marksaliba4194]

Gotta grab me a bottle of this and see what the hype is about. Roy, you've not lead me astray so far. Cheers

[@Aqvavitae]

Fingers crossed Mark 😬🤞 as long as you don’t spend too much I’m sure you’ll love it...