I Chose a Different Winner | Ranking the Best Value Whiskies from the 2024 OSWAs

[@astroboy3507]

Yes Arran 10 is great and I like it cos there is no peaty favours!!!! 😊👌🏻

[@tomdiprose4354]

I just happened to buy Kilkerran 12 recently, I can see why it won. Every time I've had a dram, my only thought is 'wow that's lovely'. No constructive feedback, it just hits the mark.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah glad you're enjoying. It's a beauty! 🥃

[@bluesmanen1]

Nice list. In this cathegory I woted for Craigellachie 13yo and Glen Garioch 12yo, two whiskies with great character. But all seven here is great. Cheers

[@lesterlau]

The Craigellachie is a beaut - it would also be my top pick for this list. The new set looks awesome - great work @Gwhisky!

[@lukashavel7690]

Solid choices. Craiggelachie 13 would be among my top three for sure. The new fat bottle Kilkerran 12 I like. But I loved the previous thin bottle version because it was unique. The new one really is just another Springbank. Orchard House is still my favourite blend. In some ways it reminds me a bit of the old Kilkerran 12. There is just a hint of that grapefruit/smoke/fresh citrus/honey happines. But enough for me to like it very much. :)

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

As expected you did surprise us with your very own take on the OSWA's. And your utterly modest and humble attitude, that catches us every time by surprise.

[@hermanboerakker-ub2se]

For my it’s also a favorite of mine :)) I was just enjoying it much more then the others I had before.

[@pepebruno1672]

Place looks nice and bigger! I like the whisky shelves with the plant touches- g-friend touch? Great background!

[@xxacidmv]

This video could also make a great gift list (at least in most markets)

[@coppullcaveman]

Absolutely agree. Craigallachie, whether it's in OB or Cadenheads IB its a whisky I always have on the shelf. Considering it's not peated, I definitely get a smoky element to it. It's a beautiful base spirit. Reading up, I tend to like wormtub whiskies better. It just works with alot of cask maturations/finishes well. I've just picked up a 16yr Cadenhead Sauternes cask and Cadenheads 13yr oloroso first fill and the colour is just stunning.

[@wallace-bv4rl]

Well you are the biggest YT whisky guy and the best! This is confirmed because I very much agree with your views. I may be old but I’m a huge fan of the modern phenomenon of “the online echo chamber”. Keep up the good work work work…..

[@Gwhisky]

I don't believe in the online echo chamber, and neither do all 164 of my Whiskytuber friends. 🥃

[@wallace-bv4rl]

@ I do feel I agree with your views and it helps. I needed counselling after Ralfy slated Ben Nevis 10.

[@martinbeen]

One affordable whisky i like is the Glendronach 8, but it is getting harder to get nowadays. Also love the Deanston 12.

[@TheSveerik]

Great new setup! Loads of free space in the shelves 🙃

[@greigmartin4339]

Great looking room you have set up there. Whisky on shelves just gives a great ambience 👌. Need to get a full bottle of Craig 13 as I’ve only had it in a couple of flights. Same with Ardna AD I’ve been bypassing it for the cask strength. Kilkerran 12 a worthy winner. Was at the distillery earlier this year and amazing what they have been able to create there with so little capital investment compared with Diageo / Edrington etc. Totally fine with the inclusion of Garioch. I enjoyed my bottle a couple of years back and it’s definitely got character. Arran and Ledaig are also worthy inclusions and should be considered among the favourites for this category. My bugbear: I am a bit of a Bunnahabhain fanboy so it irked me to see the standard 12 on the outside looking in after all these years of “doing it right” while along comes Benromach with their half assed 10 which is a solid dram but to my mind doesn’t deserve its place among the others. 2nd place in the people’s choice shows it’s loved. Other notable exclusions: Glencadam 10, Deanston 12, Tobermory 12, Ardbeg 10, Classic Laddie, Glenallachie 12

[@Gwhisky]

Many of the ones you've mentioned have had nominations, or even wins, in the past. It's interesting to see the way opinion shifts and changes over the years. If brands like Bunna or Glencadam maintain their quality, I'm sure they'll make reappearances at some point. Cheers! 🥃

[@-xirx-]

Mu favourite whisky this year has been the Thompson Brothers 8yr old North Highland (Tesco!) whisky. An absolute banger of a dram. I had to buy a second

[@pcm3224]

The new set up is cool

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you like it. Cheers! 🥃

[@eviltrain24]

I finally managed to try Kilkerran 12 at a bar recently. Great stuff. I just wish it wasn’t $100 in the US.

[@Gwhisky]

Ouch! Yeah that's far above what it sells for elsewhere. 😬

[@Koby616]

Great wall of whiskey 👍 it's weird that we didn't have buna, deanston or Glencadam in the list. thanks for the video 📸

[@eymerichinquisitore9022]

They probably didn't pay enough

[@bobhung3524]

Nice Job...very much agree with your views✌

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Bob. Cheers! 🥃

[@ironmantran]

U da mon, Boss G ! . . . good luck with yr new place + all .

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks man! 🙏

[@WhiskyWolf514]

Love the list Geoff! I knew you would choose Craigallechie 13 as your number hehe ;) Makes total sense! Keep these videos coming my friend and Im glsd to see you feel better! Cheers 🥃🥃🎩

[@Gwhisky]

Hah just as I know the KK12 had your vote. 😉 Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@WhiskyWolf514]

@@Gwhisky Indeed it did hehe Cheers my man 😁🥃🥃

[@jimmyjazz4605]

Loving the backdrop my dude 👌🏼

[@Gwhisky]

Hah thanks man! 🥃

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Excellent analysis of this category. I must admit to not having watched the OSWAs this year. My feeble excuse is that I was being shot at by a few hundred ballistic missiles from the Mad Mullers of Iran and was a bit busy. I cannot disagree with any of the selection. They are great value for money, but within their respective price range, which here in Israel is about NIS 200-300. (£40-£60). My biggest gripe with the OSWAs has been that, although they don't ignore budget Entry Level Blended Whisky or Malt Blends, they have so far turned their noses up at true budget single malts at between £100 to NIS 160. These are SIngle Malts that turn up at weddings, Bar Mitzvas etc and IMO, should not be ignored. I'd be interested in your opinion regarding the best Single Malts in this category. I have included the Deanston Virgin Oak in this list in previous years but at least in my country, it's just jumped up in price beyond the price range to be considered budget. The same goes with the Arran Bourbon Barrel. *My Top 10 short list would be:* Glen Scotia 10 Speyburn Bradan Orach Loch Lomond Original Glenfiddich 12 American Oak Glenmorangie 12 Auchentoshan American Oak Glen Moray 12 Glen Moray Classic Peated / Glen Moray Classic Tomatin Legacy Glencadam American Oak Reserve *My winners would be:* No.1 Glen Scotia 10, No.2 Glen Moray Classic No.3 Glenfiddich American Oak Honourable mention to Speyburn Bradan Orach for excellent value for money.

[@garynapolitano1270]

Are you Nuts? Glengarioch 12 is Neck & Neck with Craigalachie ! I agree! Ard-AD is great stuff!

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, the backdrop is looking pretty good. Kilkerran got my vote. Haven’t got the Ardnamurchan AD but the rest are all on my shelves. Slàinte Geoff 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Kilkerran is a beauty and a very worthy winner. Cheers David! 🥃

[@inuitplus]

I like the format of this presentation of yours. Great summaries. Thanks.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching! 🥃

[@matswistrandh259]

Voted for Craigellachie in the oswa, and i could not agree more, both Killkerran and Craigellachie are absolute bangers for bucks.

[@javierbaroja8928]

Agree with the first 2 in any order

[@Venetianization]

I only tried The Arran 10 an the Craigellachie 13 from this list and the CE13 beats the Arran for me. It just has more character and is more mamorable. 🥂

[@bradwalsh8985]

outstanding humility.

[@michaelshenk7658]

great choice on the Craigellachie 13!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks! 🙏

[@ElieJobert-v2u]

Hi, I really do not connect with creggallachie 13..., but I really do with the 17 and plus 😉

[@thenavajoknow]

OSWAs are very much my whisky bruvs. I own and love Craig 13, Arran 10, AD, Ben 10 and as I love the Kilkerran 8 Sherry it's only a question of time until I get the K12. I have the Ledaig Rioja Cask, the 10 is on the want list, but no must by for me at this point.

[@DJMJRyder]

I voted Kilkerren 12, such a high quality release. Everything out of Glengyle is excellent and well priced

[@newwave151151]

All great choices!

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers! 🥃

[@deeshmond]

Kilkerran 12 is my number 1 by a mile. I’d take it over any Springbank any day. (I also correctly called your mystery pour. Congrats, self)

[@WhoeverNevermind]

Mystery pour guess: Campbeltown Loch

[@richardkilley6838]

Good shout on the no 1

[@Gwhisky]

Hah thanks. 🙏

[@tommysimpsonandtheloadeddice]

The Kilkerran 12 is great but it's twice the price of Graigellachie 13. I voted for Craig to win.

[@Taurui]

Why no Bunna 12? Still best value for me :) but I get it, it is not new and exciting. Still exceptional though.

[@lodgelawyer]

Too much of a Ledaig 10 fan to be satisfied with its placement, but I'd have trouble complaining about any of the others placing higher. Good list and thoughtful ranking (except for the day-to-day justification for the Craigallechie - delicious, but worthy of at least a week's preference.) Cheers.

[@SimonneNZ]

I chose KK12 and Craigellachie 13 for this category. Like you, I would put Craigellachie 13 1st and KK12 2nd. Also, Craigellachie 13 is more readily available in my market than KK12. Cheers!

[@darrylcalder]

For me Glen Garrioch is a fine example of a standard Highland malt. Not a lot of complexity, no smoke, peat, sherry and other 'complications'. This is a whiskey for people that just enjoy a quality taste of barley sugars the bare essence of scotch.

[@Gwhisky]

I believe it's a bourbon/sherry combo, this. Either way, I am definitely the outlier, as I've never connected with this bottle despite having had several over the years. Glad to hear you enjoy it! Cheers. 🥃

[@darrylcalder]

My mistake on the use of sherry barrels here. But to me that is still what differentiates most speysides and highlands is that the taste of simple barley sugar is the star of the show.

[@MaryS-go8dl]

Great video

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for saying so! 🥃

[@Ghost-rq4zv]

Orchard house never lived up to expectations for me 🤔

[@fraserthistle4200]

Me too. I was rather disappointed by it. Maybe a different batch, or I was expecting too much from it 🤷🏼

[@marty_sugar]

Interesting thoughts, your People's Choice was also the Craigellachie 13 or you went with something else there? I voted for KK12, and I chose the Ledaig Rioja in the People's Choice, a properly peated whisky with intense flavours and well-balanced wine infulence for ~40€ is an amazing value imo. Cheers Geoff✌🥃

[@Devo-fb1zf]

I have 5 of the 7 on this list and would add Glencadam 10

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Here would be my value ranking. 1) Benromach 10 2) Arran 10 year 3) Craigellachie 13 4) Ledaig 10 5) Ardnamurchan 6) Kilkerran 7) Glen Garioch. This is based on availability in my area followed by price followed by age statement. For me I kind of want to put Kilchoman Machir Bay CS in place of Ardnamurchan.

[@rosslogan4154]

What about taste?🤔

[@TheReal_DeanD]

@@rosslogan4154 God I’m a dumbass for not proof reading. oh yeah. I forgot to mention taste. That is one very important factor & it was factored into my ranking.

[@peathead4450]

What a surprise you have your own take on the OSWA's... And of course I don't care (nothing new, I guess). More important: nice setup (honestly), except for the "on shelf" sign, that is horrible misspelled (or has to be in the air somewhere). Slàinte mhath

[@OxonHammer]

Where did you get those shelving units from? They look great

[@Gwhisky]

I bought them here in Taiwan, but I'm not sure where they originated. Thanks, though. I'm really happy with them! 🥃

[@klizzt]

New set looking good! Oh, and didn't Orchard House lose out to Campbeltown Loch? Unfortunately I never really fell in love with the Orchard House, I much prefer SRV5

[@martinbeen]

I love the no1.

[@rupertansell4662]

I actually prefer the Kilkerran 12 to Springbank 10. Just my humble opinion of course

[@Gwhisky]

They of absolute equal quality imo. I think it simply comes down to which profile pleases you more. I know many people who prefer the KK12! 🥃

[@rupertansell4662]

@ Absolutely, it’s all subjective

[@hamo4558]

Great Vid Geoff, but I need to say the spacing between bottles is a bit too sparse, needing a few more. ( perhaps deliberate ?? haha) Kilkerran is NOT VALUE in Australia as much as I enjoy it, I would not place it in this category. I have not had the Benromach 10, only the CS & it's a ripper, but will omit from my ranking..... Otherwise.... I'd have (1) Craigellachie, (2) Ledaig 10 , (3) Arran 10 , (4) Glen Garioch ; (5) Ardnamurchan AD ( i rate the CS much better)

[@Chief.919A]

Wait a minute. You’re telling us you have a life outside of this channel😮.

[@Gwhisky]

A tiny, sad, pathetic sliver of one, yes. 😉🥃

[@Chief.919A]

@ same here, brother. Same here.

[@DL54Spirits]

the only one on that list i can get in my area is ledaig 10 it has been a fave of mine for the last 3months on my 3rd bottle but off course i am a peat head.

[@leojet9165]

Although I am a Kilkerran Fanboy, I voted based on the prices in the German market: 1. Craigellachie 13 43€ 2. Ledaig 10 42€ 3. Kilkerran 12 55€ (so no vote from me...but damn I love it...just had to be fair because of "value"...the other 2 are more than 20% less...that`s too much...) but my free choice was: Ledaig Sinclair Series 38€ ...in my eyes this is the real winner when you think of bang for buck... nice vid, looking forward to the next 🙂

[@watson946]

I live 16 km from craigellachie yet the price is way more, can you really get it at 43 euro? That's excellent (for you😂)

[@leojet9165]

@@watson946 I think it`s the taxes...a lot of scotch whisky is cheaper in Germany than in Scotland...

[@TimHoekstra]

Kilkerran is hard to get so it was ledaig 10 or craggie 13 for me personally.

[@Watchman999]

I do not like my bottle of Glen Garioch 18. It’s off and makes me want to never open the 17 year bottle I bought. I agree with your number 1. It is a banger and deserves to win.

[@DileepB]

Agree with your top pick! I voted for it.

[@Gwhisky]

Nice! 🥃

[@jtf2dan]

Ledaig 10 was my first choice.....Kilkerran 12 my second, Arrran 10 third, .......all good whiskies no doubt.

[@chentim1751]

Kk12 first, ledaig 10, Arran 10

[@MrJzplastic]

Which of these taste closest to the Bowmore 18 ?

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

I honestly do not get the love for Kilkerran. The 16 is really nice but until that age I find it really harsh. Anyway my pick would be like yours as well. The set up is looking nice mate, cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

I'm a huge fan of Kilkerran 16. Hah funny how divisive that one is. Do you not enjoy the 12 either? Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

@@Gwhisky I enjoy the 16, the 12 is ok but 8 is just not my cup of tea.

[@llamabones]

Kilkerran 12 is pretty much $100 across the board in the States. We all know whisky is more expensive here, but $100 is prohibitive for that one.

[@mgordo2]

Same here in Los Angeles. Kilkerran at $100, but the splendid Craigellachie 13 at $60.

[@vimalrajkappil]

Instead of Glen Garioch and benromach i would argue for Bunna 12, and Royal Brackla 12

[@kennit73]

Stop talking about Craigellachie! We want to keep it under the radar, available and affordable. Selfish? Yeah.. I know😂. Love the 17 as well

[@sugarkitty4777]

I don't mind the Glen Garioch at all like that, I think it's middle of the pack of those. But does represent really good value. Although it's entirely understandable as a winner, but KK 12 is zero value here in the US at our prices. We have to pay well over double what the UK sees. I might like it but it's a completely different price level. Ardna is a big winner, so is the retired Arran 10. But Craig 13 is what I voted for. In the Viewers Choice, I voted for Glencadam 10. For me that is the biggest omission of all in the category. I also wanted to see Kilchoman Machir Bay as a choice.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

SO MANY of these bottles are neither inexpensive nor widely-available in NYC 🤬 Craigellachie 13 is the ONLY bottle of that group I'd consider reasonably-available and well-priced for its quality, but it's not exactly cheap at $50+. My favorite high-value budget bottles are: 1. Scarabus $35 2. Loch Lomand 12 $35 3. Glencadam 10 $40 4. Benromach 10 $40 5. Compass Box Orchard House $45 That being said, the VERY BEST VALUE these days is unquestionably... Lismore 18 for $44 ✌️

[@Gwhisky]

I've seen Lismore around in my market. Any idea where it's from?

[@TheReal_DeanD]

I can't disagree with this list or the GWhisky winner. Craigellachie 13 year is SO much more readily available than Kilkerran and MUCH cheaper in my area. I really like this list and wish Glen Garoich was more readily available.

[@GMoneyMacTao]

A bit off topic, but, which country do you currently live in? I thought I saw something that indicated you live in Taiwan?

[@Gwhisky]

Yes, that's correct. I'm in Taiwan. 🥃

[@GMoneyMacTao]

@Gwhisky awesome, i loved my time there! Love your channel. The next whisky podcast goat

[@ADSCP]

Bunna 12 46% and Glencadam 10 should be in that list!

[@eymerichinquisitore9022]

Usually the "best" critics in any industry reward the companies that pay the most. The "experts" thing always made me laugh, no one beats my palate.

[@easer777]

I don't understand that Deanston 12 didn't make it to this OSWA value category, it would be my best value pick any year....

[@EscargoT80]

Bunna 12 forever 😉

[@ashythedon]

So you’re not gonna put up a self-portrait in a smoking jacket?? 😂

[@heisenbergguy7772]

I stand firm as to Loch Lomond 12 beating out all of your whiskys’ mentioned can’t touch the quality and taste dollar for dollar, pound for pound Loch Lomond 12 has to offer.

[@edelrosario5105]

Fourth!!!

[@martinsnow2913]

Craigellachie 13 is the one I just can't figure out the hype over. I finally put the bottle away. Too much scotch, not enough time to waste trying to like this stuff.

[@kirbycalgary2844]

Hey Jeff, love your wallet whiskey don’t get a cat. I picked the Craig Alki 13 as well for best value but in honesty I like to kill Karen 12 more but it’s double the price just finished off a bottle actually luckily have three more put away. enjoyed the awards this year.

[@Gwhisky]

I've read that first line several times now, and I've decided to listen to your suggestion and not get a cat. They shed too much, anyway. Solid advice, my friend. 😉🥃

[@kirbycalgary2844]

@ I meant to say wall of whiskey, but wallet probably is more apropos

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Lismore is almost certainly Glenfarclas.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

How much can you get it for Geoff?

[@bateptesicus]

I don't know if I'm brocken or just have strange taste preference but have no idea why people are so crazy about campbelltown. I sampled Kilkerran 12, 16, 8, Glen Scotia 15, Springbank 10, 15, some Longrow expressions, and I enjoyed only Kilkerran 16. I am sorry😅 probably I am brocken

[@heisenbergguy7772]

I’ll take Loch Lomond 12 over any of whiskys’ you’ve mentioned at this juncture of your video every day of the week and 3 times on Saturdays and Sundays. Arran 10 is way overrated as I’ve had the previous tall bottle and this current bottle. It’s way overpriced, same goes for Spring Bank 10, which is STUPIDLY WAY OVERPRICED!

[@DavidUKesb]

I must be the only whisky fan who has no interest in groupthink awards whatsover.

[@GregoryKodolanyiRitter]

Hi, you've got to be busy drinking up all your whisky before the mainland Chinese turn up...

[@lightplays2181]

OSWA is. very interesting award.

[@Gwhisky]

They are indeed! გაუმარჯოს! 🥃