Glen Scotia VICTORIANA | Winner of the OSWA | Review by Malt Activist

[@welshtoro3256]

Interesting. I'm in total agreement with you. I would never have thought this would be the best and it's one of the things that makes me question the results of the OSWAs. Not because I disagree with this result, although I will admit that I go my own way and do my own thing when it comes to whisky. I've been thinking about buying a new bottle of it to look again but I'm pretty sure I'm on your wavelength. I think you hit the nail on the head. Glen Scotia are the only accessible Campbelltown whisky and Victoriana is a high proof. I am also completely convinced that you guys (reviewers) are to some extent influencers and some very much so. If Ralfy or Roy say they like something it immediately starts a buzz. Ralfy used Victoriana in a video he put up about a year ago regarding NAS whisky and waxed lyrical about Glen Scotia. The comments in that video suggest that Victoriana saw an uplift in sales after the video the same way Glencadam 15 did once Ralfy named it Whisky of the Year. It can create an echo chamber in all the live chats that happen in our community. I've already gone on record to express my amazement at this winning and I did so when it won during the OSWA event. Again, for the record, before somebody has a go. It's decent whisky but is it really the best? I also completely agree with what you say about Roy and Ralfy. I do think there is a collective hysteria surrounding Springbank and Campbelltown. Years ago you and I were buying Springbank without any bother. Macallan and other heavily sherried whiskies like Glendronach were all the rage. In time, however, I noticed that if something was just a bit limited, like Longrow Red, folk chased it down and having sourced something rare, well, it has to taste fantastic because I have it and you don't. I think it started with those Longrow Reds and then to every Springbank release. Ralfy loves it and its limited so we must chase and own it and tell everybody how good it is. It's not Ralfy's fault. Springbank became hard to buy so everybody turned to Kilkerran too, especially after the 8 year Oloroso. It only takes one very good one (which becomes legendary after it's sold out) for the reputation to be cemented. Glen Scotia have always been regarded as a poor third in the swirling hysteria surrounding Campbelltown but they are available and semi-affordable and so a peoples choice. I was disappointed with Springbank winning Distillery of the Year at the OSWAs because it seemed so inevitable and I don't think they've done anything special to justify that award (apart from thinning out their distribution so much that nobody can get their hands on their whisky). I think we saw a kind of pattern at the OSWAs and I'm not knocking the awards (I voted) but quite a lot of the results were very predictable, like Victoriana and Springbank (and Arran 10). It's a democratic vote but people are voting in a very predictable way. What does that say about our community? I, for one, am glad you expressed your feelings about this too. WT

[@langtoun8235]

Very thoughtful response WT, I fully agree with the points you make. For me the main issue with the OSWAs this year was the pretty uninspiring nominations/shortlists, the rest flows from there.

[@welshtoro3256]

@@langtoun8235 Yes, I agree. The nominations were way way too narrow but even if they were extended the die was cast. Springbank, etc, etc. Even outside Springbank it was extremely predictable. I love the idea of the OSWA but it's becoming as much of a advert for certain brands as regular advertising and that was the opposite of the meaning.

[@MaltActivist]

My man WT ! A lot to unpack here. And I'd have to agree with you. The only thing I would say is that wishing a brand well based on their good work and how much you like them seems nowadays to be a double-edged sword. At one end you're bringing to the forefront a deserving product - but at the other end you're causing a bit of a buying frenzy amongst the masses whose fear of missing out trumps sensible buying. I am, of course, talking about the big guns here and certainly not a small fry like myself. The one big argument I've seen is batch variance which I'm happy to accept. However, the broader question is should a champion be guilty of that? I don't know the answer frankly. In my defense I only just made the video because I was curious. My curiosity gave way to mild confusion. Ultimately that led to grudging acceptance. All of which I'm ok with frankly. The broader issue of the nominees at the OSWA is not something I've really focused on and is probably something that the community at large should take up with Roy & Ralfy and I'm pretty sure they would listen (if there is a real issue). I am convinced their intentions were and always have been to create a whisky appreciation platform for the people by the people. I know there are no hidden agendas. So basically this boils down to the heavily biased general public echoing all that they've heard in the last year and reflecting that in the votes. Is that system flawed? Once again, I don't know the answer.

[@langtoun8235]

@@welshtoro3256 Agree WT. It did seem somewhat predictable this year so much so that after seeing the nominations I didn’t bother to watch the award ceremony live or on catch up, I had a fairly good feel for how things would go. Some distilleries are releasing good stuff that barely get a mention, Bladnoch, Glencadam, Balblair, Glendronach, Glen Moray and Benromach to name a few and if your not concerned about price I’d add Daftmill to the list. Now that may be linked to availability that there’s stuff that’s way less available, like Springbank, which has been highly favoured the last couple of years.

[@welshtoro3256]

@@langtoun8235 I agree and it makes me wonder what the criteria was for making the nominations. I think if OSWA want to engage us more they should tell us that. I would like to see more targeted nominations - best peated under £50, etc. I appreciate that that is a lot of time and work for Roy and Ralfy, who aren't a business and do this for the love of community.

[@yoursinsincerely39]

Agreed. It is a good whisky but definitely not the best of the year. For me, the Bunnahabhain 12 cask strength was the best dram for 2022 (among those released in 2022). I have noticed though that the bottle opens up better with time. Right now, my bottle is past the half way mark and it tastes significantly better than the previous tastings. Among the contenders, the Ledaig 18 followed closely by the Ardnamurchan cask strength were the winners for me. But then, yeah, hype and differing palates makes the difference.

[@MaltActivist]

Couldn't agree more.

[@SaltyCuban]

I just opened my Nov 2022 bottle. Hmm. I realize I just had the neck pour. However the initial impression wasn’t one of delight. It comes across as a brooding non sweet mossy/ damp leaves, grassy type scotch. That’s just now going off memory. I haven’t even written down my tasting notes. Anyhow I left a dram to oxidize in a Glen cairn glass with lid overnight to see how that changes it. Very refreshing to see that you are very honest with your assessment of a scotch independent of peer reviews. I subbed. I missed my chance at the older bottlings and bought 2 based in the oswas reviews. Of my two bottles, the one I opened is the 2022 version (thinking it was the one being voted on since it’s from the year it won the award). The other bottle is from 2019. One thing you learn at some point is that some bottles will be overhyped, others will be on point and even better than others say. My reasoning ? Same as food and movies. It all comes down to YOUR own personal taste. No matter how great a burger or movie is hyped up, you end up thinking , meh, or not bad. Reviews should be guide lines not definitive declarations of all that is great.

[@MaltActivist]

I agree with you 100% -- thank you for the sub!

[@mortenlund8387]

Great review and thanks for being so honest! Keep making great videos!

[@MaltActivist]

Thanks for watching!

[@LitoCortes]

WoY will never be a universally accepted result. Glad you have it another shot by itself and still have you honest opinion

[@rellorellin7544]

I have a 2022 bottling and it's one of the best scotches that I own. I went right back and bought several backups. I am in Chicago Illinois, so we must have gotten the good batches. It's absolutely amazing.

[@ScotchDrinkerBH]

they start making again ? I have one that i dont want to open but thankfully i also got to try from a sample, it's fantastic!

[@MaltActivist]

Yes, very good, indeed.

[@claudesavoie1906]

Was your bottle a 2022 bottling ? .. batch variation?

[@MaltActivist]

I'm not 100% sure but the serial number reads 19222F

[@leadixon]

Ledaig 18 still the winner of that group in my opinion.

[@welshtoro3256]

Agreed.

[@juanmlsanabria]

Love both of them

[@MaltActivist]

I had a sip of the Ledaig 18 at a friends' place and suspect some sulfur in there. Can't be 100% sure - going to go back and try again.

[@carlmartinlinder]

I have some 20 different Glen Scotia and Victoriana was always a bit of an odd ball for me. In the beginning I didn’t like it very much. Now I think it is fantastic. Especially the newer bottlings. It was my vote for #1

[@MaltActivist]

Happy to keep at it till I like it !

[@jamesstamp8567]

I was glad it won, it's in my top 3 and depending on the day, my favorite. Right up there with Corryvrekkan and Bunnahabhain 12. I really like all the Glen Scotia products I have, but its not a Campbell Town thing in general, as I have, but am not a big fan of Springbank 10 and Kilkerran 12.

[@MaltActivist]

hmm interesting

[@krishnar3493]

Phew! Love all those men involved in the creation of OSWA and its a step in the right direction. I will leave it at that. Also love you, MA hehe

[@MaltActivist]

Love you too, my brother! And yes, the OSWAs are fantastic and certainly poised for bigger things.

[@andremelandray7102]

The other whiskies that were nominated , i tried over half of them and blow this one out of the park , glad it's not just me , i will be tuning in more of you r channel based on your honesty .

[@cecilrobbins5182]

Yo, my Man, the Malt Activist! I too am a lover of Ardbeg and Corryvreckan is my favorite heavily peated Islay scotch! I have to say that I respect you on many levels and I am really glad you rereviewed the Victoriana! Of the 6 "finalists" I voted for Victoriana and am really glad it won. If for no other reason than currently it's also one of my very favorite scotches. When you reviewed it as "decent" in your Glen Scotia core range review I was... annoyed, at least disappointed until I realized that I had been so unimpressed by my first bottle of the 54.2% release of Victoriana that I had blended it with the equally unimpressive 15yr and the festival release of 2020 the 14yr tawny port etc. And that was a 2019 bottling. I absolutely love the 51.5% bottling Victoriana which I think was the original release. I was able to snag 2 bottles of it. So, as things worked out I ended up with 2 bottles of the 54.2% for $68. I started to explore and about an inch below the shoulders WOW! Fabulousness! . Two things. Batch variation is a Huge situation at Glen Scotia! Huge. I've been a fan since 2019 and I have definitely seen very disappointing variations in the core range. So, if you got the same batch or bottling I had at first, it was not good. I'm so glad to be loving the bottling I have. But my second point or better, request is for you to, if you would be so kind..... Name 3 scotches that you saw on the list, that are less than $100 ( price is oh so relevant) that you think should have or could've been the WOTY! PLEASE, let me know what you think or feel would've, should've been WOTY. I don't want to put you on the spot I'm just trying to learn from you as I respect your thoughts. Awaiting your reply

[@MaltActivist]

Hey my man! Thanks for taking the time out to share your opinion with me - it's truly appreciated. I respect the fact that there is batch variance. However, quality control at the distillery must be really up there to ensure variance is as minuscule as possible. So if that is the case then that would be strike against the distillery. I have not had the 51.5% bottling so cannot comment on that. As far as the other nominees are concerned I felt maybe the Ardnamurchan or Bunnahabhain were strong contenders (I find a touch of sulfur in the Ledaig 18) - but that's just personal opinion. And finally as far as price is concerned there was a separate category for that - so maybe not fair to judge these on price as well. But I see your point about price being important (and it is important to me!). I love having a spirited debate around these topics because we all have our points of view and we're all 100% right. Thank you for engaging with me - it truly means a lot.

[@davidowen2834]

Hi MA. Haven’t had this so can’t say but I voted for AnConc 18 and that is a lovely dram. Surprised that Benromach hardly got a look in.Definitely a distillery that are doing everything (almost) right, in my opinion. Very good bottlings, affordable and available. Slàinte

[@MaltActivist]

Fair enough!

[@alfocrown]

tbh, i rather wish ppl keep ignoring benromach lol

[@heisenbergguy7772]

By the way if you haven’t tried SPEYBURN 15, you are missing out BIGLY. It’s my 2022 Whisky of the year!!!

[@MaltActivist]

That is next on my agenda!

[@heisenbergguy7772]

Oh WOW, thank you very much SIR

[@yiorgosst6898]

I have tried this whisky but I did not have a bottle. I was surprised as well with the result of OSWA for this to be whisky of the year, but I thought I must be missing something since I did not have a full bottle. I think I will agree with you 👍 Thanks for the video

[@MaltActivist]

Cheers Yiorgos!

[@NoteworthyWhisky]

I’m with you. I had the first release and thought it was good but not spectacular. I voted for AnCnoc 18.

[@MaltActivist]

I really like the AnCnoc 18

[@santiagovilla666]

Alright, had a dram yesterday of a Victoriana I opened in August. It's spectacular. Complex, powerful, rich. Don't see why it couldn't be whisky of the year.

[@MaltActivist]

The bottle that I had was meh. I had an older version which was awesome. Not sure what everyone actually ended up drinking.

[@santiagovilla666]

@@MaltActivist My judgement is limited by having just one bottle, but this bottle is an 18y.o. whisky contender, although I did vote for Ledaig 18. Also, most people who voted probably haven't drunk all of the whiskies in the list. I've only had 3 of 6 and yet voted, so the method is more based on availability than rigorous statistics, besides the other factors you pointed out in the video. Probably a handful of the voters have tried the Ardnamurchan or even the Ledaig. Also, they should eliminate from the nominations any whiskies and distilleries that were awarded the year before, to avoid patterns that we saw this year. Given the method is a bit chaotic anyway, because the voters most likely haven't tried all of the whiskies or distilleries nominated (I don't mind that method, by the way), why not add variety?

[@emperorFrost]

Rather than review the Victoriana in isolation, a better review would be to do a comparison taste test and ranking video of all the nominations - Ancnoc 18, Bunna 12, Ardnamurchan CS, Victoriana, Kilkerran 16, Ledaig 18

[@juanmlsanabria]

A blind tasting

[@emperorFrost]

@@juanmlsanabria Agreed, A blind taste test and ranking!

[@MaltActivist]

I'd love to do that except I don't have all of them on me. My idea was not to have my own rankings but just wondering if popularity is linked to something more than flavor/quality.

[@jackthepickledhound]

I feel extremely fortunate and blessed to be on this journey with y'all on the whisky tube!!!! 5 years ago I was drinking reposado tequila and making ginger watermelon margaritas. Then came the Winter of Manhattans.---thats a boozy drink. Holy cow. I loved it. But I wanted to know WTF was up with Scotch.... And now I have some idea. Thank you. I have an unopened bottle of Victoriana I hunted for during the kung Flu fever days. Bought it online for $80 and drive 2 hours to pick it up. Now it's $93 on my way home from work. I am fighting really hard to kick the habit of affordable young cask strength. . Victoriana was hyped by everyone who reviewed it and at that price it got me into other lesser (and greater) cask strength whiskys. IMHO extra Scottish spring water or Glasgow city water is just an additive and not necessarily in my best interest. My perspective is about organizing the vast array of casking and aging and comparing very similar things. A'bunadh and Tamdhu CS for example. Laph10 CS and Corryvreken. Glen Moray Port finished and GlenAllachie port wood. In other words the final "best of" catagory is overly broad and vague so a winner is narrowed down with bizarre competition. I think a dog show is the proper comparison. The best of breeds compete for best in show. I would only imagine that's how other whisky awards work. C'mon man, if 1000 people are watching the OSWAS and voting after they hear who wins the catagory then we could have a truly spontaneous and democratic best in show completely live. The BUT.. everyone is on their own journey and some are very happy sipping Arran 10 or Bunnahabhain 12.

[@MaltActivist]

Happy to have you in the WhiskyTube Mix Jack! And there's nothing wrong with ginger watermelon margaritas. And, yes, to each their own!

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

I had already ordered the Victoriana (54% version) when I watched this. I'm so glad I did. Brought my expectations way down. I tried it and this whisky is awesome! I wouldn't give it Whisky of the Year either, but it doesn't take away from how pleasant this is. Very complex.

[@MaltActivist]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@cliffnorman178]

It is obviously a superb dram. However I personally believe that Bunnahabhain Cask Strength is incredible and my best. Expensive, but wonderful.

[@MaltActivist]

I too like the Bunnahabhain CS

[@Rohit_M]

It's good to hear your honest perspective on this MA. Some stuff going on these days is a borderline hype and hysteria just because someone said something, or someone heard something for a particular offering out of a distillery. I am pretty sure the likes of Springbanks and Kilkerrans are good products in their own right but for me, I can't really say anything about them as they are hyped to a point where they are simply not available in some markets. IMO, the winner(s) is/are those that you enjoy the most without any bias toward good, bad or ugly and whether it's a winner of some award. PS. I have an open bottle of GS Victorianna and it is a good dram amongst many other good drams.

[@MaltActivist]

I think some of the comments sum it pretty good. Decent dram propelled to WOTY thru hype like you said. And agree with you on Springbank and Kilkerran - good whiskies that have been hyped to the point of unavailability. Same thing with the Japanese.

[@146matt]

Malt Activist what is your pick from the OSWA nominations for best scotch single malt?

[@MaltActivist]

I would have to say the Bunnahabhain 12 CS

[@chaisheng0627]

Gotta love the different opinions. I for one really like the Victoriana and it took me about 6 months and 2 bottles to really appreciate it. I would argue kilkerran 12 might be my choice because it ticks all my boxes and it's so readily available here in NZ (50usd a bottle).

[@MaltActivist]

Maybe I need 6 month and 2 bottles....

[@m.andre824]

My bet: Victoriana batch variation. I read and hear about a lot variation from the 15 which was amazing to now which is still amazing but also very different. The 18 used to be very weak but is now supposedly great. I'm sure the Victoriana that people are voting in this year might be a better batch. Still, I don't know if that degree of batch variation is deserving of a champion award. I'm sure uniqueness and Campbeltown hype definitely influenced some votes. My personal biggest shock would be that it was a NAS that won. If there is an agenda, I hope the agenda is to force or pressure Glen Scotia to maintain a certain high quality for the Victoriana

[@MaltActivist]

I'm pretty sure there's no agenda other than let's create a platform for whisky appreciation. And, yes, like you said -- if there is so much batch variance then does it deserve top honors? But if the voters don't feel that's an issue then I guess I have to respect that.

[@crimping1]

I just stocked up for Christmas/New Years. Arran 10 Port Charlotte 10 Jameson Stout Deanston 12 Arran Sherry Laphroaig 10 Powers Gold

[@MaltActivist]

Damn! Super list that!

[@marclambert8596]

I totally agree with your unhappiness but I’m not that surprised or confused because there is a big difference between “bias” and “corruption” when it comes to statistical results based on popular voting. I think the result is best explained by the shared community bias being very strongly towards perceived VALUE. That was preached as the most important, second to “integrity,” by the predominant voices the pst few years and then followed by the majority of voters that I think hype and “echo chamber” affect is a fair explanation. Hype surrounding Campbeltown, attainability impact on perceived “value”, the affect of scarcity, and the disproportionate impact of social media were all significant statistical bias factors. So while I don’t AGREE that Victorian was the best “tasting” or “production” considered in isolation, I may agree that it was the best socially approved “value” given the consensus bias surrounding this awards community.

[@juanmlsanabria]

Agree, you make very good points

[@MaltActivist]

That's brilliantly summed up Marc. I wish I was this coherent with my thoughts. That's exactly the point I was trying to drive home.

[@marclambert8596]

@@MaltActivist Cool! I wasn’t sure how clear that was. Bottom line is that it’s no person’s intent or fault, but a collective bias that enough people participate in that leads to a statistically predictable result anyway. And truth be told, I agree with the bias towards rewarding “value for money” as a message to the industry so am OK with the result. I was a little surprised that the value bias was strong enough to overwhelm the anti-NAS bias but that sends an even stronger message about how importantly the community values “value”!

[@tmgsssn]

I love naturally presented products, and think they need to be promoted more so distillers take notice, but the Oswa did seem like you can't possibly make the list unless you meet these requirements. Most of the top 6 you can't even find, at least here. I have never seen any of them, except Bunnahabhain 12 in the wild, but I live in the middle of nowhere.

[@MaltActivist]

I think geography and accessibility are a big factor in whisky consumption and I feel bad for whisky drinkers that have limited access to a wide variety of whiskies.

[@Manik560]

Each to there own. I don't personally like lemon tart malt bombs. I've never had a bottle of this but all the samples ive had were pretty much lack luster at best. There festival malts were bloody amazing ! Shame you cannot get them anymore.

[@MaltActivist]

I managed to try a couple of the festival bottles. Very nice.

[@stingrae789]

In terms of the category, I'd have thought something like Deanston 18 might have won (don't know if it got nominated). For me that was Clynelish alternative #1. I suspect my tastes are a bit off compared to the current springbank chasing bandwagon though. But to be honest there isn't much that's on the scene that's raised the bar in terms of single malt. So maybe it makes sense that Glen Scotia Victoriana gets it especially since Ralfy overhyped the 15 (which recent batches have actually been pretty good but my initial bottle was super meh). In terms of the year itself? I think the overall best thing released for the market must have been Compass Box Orchard House.

[@welshtoro3256]

Going on similar price I would choose Longmorn 18 over Deanston although they both are a bit thin. I'd go for Ledaig 18 over both but even that isn't as good as a lot of younger stuff. What is happening to 18 year old whisky and older stuff in general? WT

[@MaltActivist]

I'm personally very happy with the Deanston 18 !

[@johncbattersby]

I was surprised, it is OK but for a blend at the price point I get it at in Singapore which is around SG$200 which is over 120 British pounds or US$ 144. I did not watch the OSWAs live as it was middle of the night here but I checked the results the next day and was shocked. I have a bottle which I've not drunk much of so I pulled it out that night and tried it again, it is OK but I have better single malts that cost less and are more readily available. The rest of the awards I was in broad agreement with but the Victorian baffled me

[@Allouran]

This type of discussion is where I think the concept of a "winner" and the reality of comparing ALL whisky in a kinda poll just doesn't make much sense. We have the same thing with some wine awards - some wine wins top gong, but who enters? who judged? who cares apart from the marketing team. The thought of ranking my whisky to a "winner" makes no sense as we all have different whiskies for different seasons, moods, events, moments of reflection etc etc etc. I appreciate the OSWA's but I'd rather they stuck with best distilleries, up and coming whisky, best IB's etc. Once you get down to a best bottle it becomes murky (conversely I think best value makes sense - but not "best"). Oh and my man - have you tasted some of the cask releases from Bimber - wildly impressed when I had a dram in a whisky bar in Singapore, now chasing them down. Keep up the good work malt comrade :) Cheers

[@MaltActivist]

All awards are meant to be divisive. From the Oscars to the Grammys. No one is happy. And there will never be one formula which works for everyone. What the awards can achieve is a platform for passion to be voiced and for discussions to ensue. And thanks to the OSWAs we have exactly that.

[@Allouran]

@@MaltActivist I'm not unhappy - I appreciate the OSWA's and the "push" it puts on all distilleries to present their whisky non-chill filtered and uncolored as those are the whiskies that kick arse in this type of selection process (especially having Ralfy as a head honcho!). Really do appreciate your videos, I think we have similar palates and what you ooh and ahh over, I have also gone down that path. And don't forget - chase down a Bimber cask (Bourbon or Virgin Oak) strength, you're about to find another cracker in the system...

[@MaltActivist]

@@Allouran I love BIMBER!!!!! I have a couple of bottles stashed in my bar. Will bring em out for the next video.

[@Allouran]

@@MaltActivist Awesome! - I have a Bimber tasting in a fortnight, so will be picking a few bottles for the wall and I'll take on board your comments. Look forward to your take and the tasting. Cheers :)

[@anklespanker]

I'm perplexed as well. This does not deserve WOTY. I have no idea what the hell happened here, but it's a real head scratcher. It wouldn't even be in my top 20. And I'm sick of Arran 10 hype.

[@juanmlsanabria]

Which one would you favorite?

[@welshtoro3256]

Agreed on both points.

[@anklespanker]

@@welshtoro3256 you were going off on that OSWA livestream 😂. Many people share our sentiment, it seems.

[@anklespanker]

@@juanmlsanabria I would have picked Ancnoc 18 over Victoriana any day of the week. And Balblair 12 just obliterates Arran 10

[@MaltActivist]

I like the stuff Arran does frankly. Even the Victoriana is a decent dram. Yes, but to be WOTY left me scratching my head.

[@matthewreinke2047]

I had to admit I was laughing at all your turmoil over not understanding how and why people voted. It’s pretty simple. It’s damn enjoyable for a novice to the expert whisky drinker. In the past year I did 3 blind flights with friends with this in it. It won twice and came in second the third time with 5/6 whiskies in the mix. I voted for Ledaig 18, but Victoriana was my second choice. Enjoyability and ability to connect with a wide range of enthusiasts is the key. And that is exactly what Victoriana does. I think your evaluation process needs to consider the spectrum of whisky enthusiasts tastes and preferences and what is available in the global markets. after that, it comes down to personal preference.

[@MaltActivist]

Fair point Matthew!

[@Koby616]

I think availability plays a big role in these votes. Not everyone lives in UK and try that many whiskey. Thanks for sharing your opinion 🙏

[@juanmlsanabria]

Nice Review, personally from the list, i do prefer Victoriana and Ledaig 18 over the others nominated. I agree on the winner for the first time. Actually on my community it is a very popular whisky, favorite to many of my whisky lovers Friends. Which one is your favorite from the whiskys nominated? At the end this is about personal preferences, but what i like most is that all of us can vote on these prizes so the results would be based on the popular decision. But nothing wrong with liking others over this one.

[@MaltActivist]

Oh yeah absolutely - nothing wrong at all with liking whatever you fancy. Just my opinion.

[@crouisk]

Try the 12 cask. Awesome

[@MaltActivist]

Will do.

[@cecilrobbins5182]

So, what do you think are 3 whiskies that I should try to understand what should be WOTY? Keeping in mwind the Sub $100 price? I seriously, SERIOUSLY Respect you and your viewpoint and experience and opinion, I've even got tho agree on batch variance being a statement about the distillery. But 3 whiskies the should or could have been WOTY? Not a challenge(sp?) but ....teach me...3 whiskies that you know were in contention. You don't even need to say why but name some names and I will buy them and be educated...Please! Trust me Glen Scotia has serious strikes against it for batch variance because the Double cask I took home from Scotland in 2019 is nothing like the one I purchased(for the last time) in 2022. I was a judge in wine competitions so Price is Always considered. Name 3 better candidates more deserving for WOTY.....Please, for my education.

[@MaltActivist]

OK since you really want my opinion on this I'll tell you. I think the Deanston 18 should have made the cut. The Bunnahabhain 12 CS would have done well. I think the Ardnamurchan CS was also a great contender. All of these are under $100. And if you want my opinion on the rest of the winners, here goes: 1. Ledaig 10 should have won Best Value 2. Blended Whisky - I like Nikka from The Barrel 3. Blended Malt - Orchard House gets my vote 4. Best Non Malt - Elijah Craig Barrel Proof HANDS DOWN! 8. Best World Whisky - Cotswold or Kavalan 9. Ardnamurchan CS But my man, this is all down to personal preference and nothing else. My video was merely a confused reflection of my inability to read the audience. That's all. This was me pointing a finger at myself. Nothing else.

[@cecilrobbins5182]

@@MaltActivist Well, first I am thoroughly honored to have engaged in this "spirited debate" with you about the focus of our passion. I have not had an opportunity to taste the Ardnamurchan CS but I have an idea that it's excellent. I'll have to get a bottle because I have been ignoring it till now. The Bunnahabiann 12 CS I do have 2 bottles of and I have yet to open it but Eric Wait gave it a 95 and explained why so I was waiting till maybe after the first of the year to get started on that. Bottom line on the WOTY. Is a point that you and others have made. Campbeltown is having it's day in the Sun. Especially Glen Scotia and Victoriana. I love it, voted for it and it won only by a couple of percentage points. But it won. I'm happy because you have explained to me what you are thinking and I think you are correct in your assessment of the award process and..... we'll always have Ardbeg! I've really, really enjoyed the exchange. I hold you in high esteem and I come away educated and now looking forward to a couple of great dreams looming in my future. Stay safe M.A. I'm so glad my team won the popularity contest but your honesty has really broadened my horizons and enriched my mind. Thanks, stay ever as you are

[@joshuacase2845]

It's definitely not in my Top 5 for the year but Victoriana slaps!

[@MaltActivist]

I think I prefer the earlier, lower strength version

[@RwingDsquad]

Same. I don’t understand how or why glen scotia got this award. It didn’t stand out to me. There are SO MANY good / better scotches than that. I’d prefer anything from islay than this scotch.

[@MaltActivist]

Don't get me wrong - it's not really a bad whisky but WOTY? hmmmm

[@Romeshdesilva]

So you meant to say I shouldn’t have run out and bought a bottle as soon as it was announced ! 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@MaltActivist]

I don't think you should do anything people tell you to do Romesh! :-)

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Got one of these last year and while I did enjoy it didn't really connect with it. Of the entry's I am a big AnCnoc 18 fan boy so did vote for that. Cheers

[@MaltActivist]

Cheers!

[@torbenmortensen75]

The 15 is better, and yes there is a lot better out there than Glen Scotia, also for the money. Glad I am not the only one, who was a bit surprised.

[@torbenmortensen75]

And yes there is no trickery, but it is a bit of an echochamber. And especially Ralfy is really strong willed and almost hating about some distilleries if the are not doing it the way he preferes. I love Talisker for instance, and I know a lot of whisky-lovers do. And they will never win OSWA.

[@MaltActivist]

There might be hype and a bit of an echo chamber but I think those are natural phenomenas. We're facing the same thing with Japanese whiskies and overpriced Macallans. I don't think this is that much different.

[@welshtoro3256]

Looks like you've stirred up a hornets nest 😄Just a quick follow up. I wasn't having a rant, honestly. We all tune in to watch our favourite reviewers such as yourself, Roy, Ralfy and many others because we value your opinions and the effort you take to make your videos. I'm not having a go at the OSWAs either. I think they are a great idea and a poke in the eye for companies like Diageo who don't care about what we think in general but would love to see us vote for their products in a forum such as OSWA. Roy and Ralfy put so much effort into them it seems unkind to want them to do more by including more focused categories. Some of what we had to choose from was apples and oranges. I'm very interested in our whisky community and what motivates us to buy what we buy and like what we like. I think what motivates a lot of purchasing goes beyond the contents of the bottle. As for reviewing and, in my case, responses to reviews, we can only say what we believe and what happens once it's all out into the online ether it's beyond our control.

[@MaltActivist]

haha nah I don't think so. Just a spirited debate in good fun. BTW I found an older bottle of the Victoriana at 51.2% -- guess who's blind tasting that tomorrow?

[@fabiolafermi]

bunnahabhain 12 cask strenght for me is the best whisky of the year. stop.

[@MaltActivist]

Yup seems like a solid fan favorite - need to get my hands on it!

[@timhammond4522]

Gotta disagree. My vote had nothing to do with Campbeltown hype or fanboy glitz, only with the flavor in my glass. I think the 15 is better than Victoriana, but I think Victoriana is one of the best whiskies on the market today. I see the note about batch variation. If that's true, it's a concern, but I haven't experienced it over several bottles. Drink what you like, but apparently a whole lot of us like this a whole lot.

[@MaltActivist]

Fair enough! Respect that totally.

[@Piface2099]

This man cannot go a single video without taking potshots at Macallan lol

[@MaltActivist]

haha it's unintentional I promise!

[@JOZoSo.]

If this is whisky of the year it must have been a slow ass year. Just like the Jim Murray Crown Royal Rye debacle.

[@MaltActivist]

I remember that Crown Royal Rye incident. He was already on the way down but I think that was the last nail in the crazy coffin. Not even going to talk about his misogynistic approach to life.

[@michaellambright7968]

Reddit, amongst other resources, is light years ahead of the OSWAs. OSWAs are a Ralfy echo chamber, and this year was a slight remix of last years results. No original thought involved.

[@MaltActivist]

I wouldn't go as far as to say that. Ralfy has his opinions and people like him for that and that is the reason he is a respected figure in the whisky community. I certainly respect his opinion. The OSWAs are barely two years old. Let them hit their stride. And awards will always be contentious no matter what you do. So I say be part of the journey and enjoy the different points of views people have.

[@neilrobertson9515]

It's the people who vote for the winners, not an individual, Roy and Ralfy have came up with a concept which let's the people choose, if whisky makers started to make better, value for money products I,m sure results would be different.

[@julietpaul1685]

😢 *promo sm*.

[@Collwila]

You wont be asked to participate next year.

[@MaltActivist]

haha I really this is not the reason I'm not asked back.