People Avoid These Brands | 10 Scotch Brands Enthusiasts Don't Like

[@beebobox]

I love Jura, having a 10y to give guests that dont know anything is wonderful

[@rhythmoriented]

As a fan of the 18 year Jura (love the wine cask finish, and it’s only $100 and change), my friend got me the Sevenwood. Buzzed right through it. Jura gets a lot of flack in places like Reddit, but for price point, it is quite good.

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

In bourbon, we call that "Buffalo Trace." 🤣

[@furuyashinichi3211]

ふむ😕　グレンマレイが忘れ去られている？

[@numanuma20]

I have the Road and I used it for cocktails over drinking neat.

[@JimmiG84]

​​​​@@rhythmorientedJura is quite decent for the price. Their 12 year is very cheap here in Sweden for what you get. It's my goto camping whisky since it comes in a 350ml bottle here. I've tried their 18 year old red wine finish but found the oxidized wine flavor to be a bit too strong.

[@steviebrd1065]

Maybe a negative video, but it's not like you're shitting on the little guys trying their hardest. These brands are phoning it in and focusing on maximising profits, so they're fair game to take a bit of flak.

[@shaddepadde]

Well said!

[@jckbquck]

Super fun video, Geoff! Common across all things , enthusiasts tend to have biases, both justifiable and unjustifiable ones. So here I have my personal opinions, not so much on the list, but more on the biases. Bad in terms of bang for the buck and straight up inferior product are justifiable biases. (Although, as long as family members keep buying me Macallan, I'll keep drinking it!) Being too popular is not a justifiable bias. This one probably has to do with enthusiasts being snobby.... Having weaker specs is not a justifiable bias. As much as an enthusiast prefers stronger specs, another consumer may prefer weaker specs. Also, bottles with weaker specs could be the gateway for many consumers who eventually become snobby enthusiasts. Unwillingness to move beyond entry-level is not a justifiable bias. Distilleries are businesses. If a distillery finds a part of the market that is profitable to it, who's to tell it otherwise? Last I heard, McDonald's and Starbuck's are mega companies making huge profits. More power to them! But then again, without these eccentric biases, there wouldn't be any enthusiast...... Slainte!

[@Gwhisky]

Fair points, buddy. To be fair this isn't designed as a commentary on the industry as a whole. I understand, as do my Patrons, that it's about making money and that mass appeal whiskies aren't for us. This video is just relaying what brands my Patrons don't buy. I think that since I asked an enthusiast demographic, it makes sense that they avoid low specs. I don't think too much popularity played much of a role in their answers. Cheers. Still living that Cairdeas btw! 🙏🥃

[@jckbquck]

@@Gwhisky that’s why at the end of my comment above, I salute these opinions as the very foundation of what make their authors true enthusiasts!

[@jckbquck]

@@Gwhisky , again, this was a one of a kind fantastic video, both in terms of the idea and the content.

[@gazearek]

Was at an airport recently. Most of these brands were sold there! Together of course with Jack Daniel’s, Johnny Walker and Jim Beam

[@Soldano999]

Jack Daniels is probably better than all of these ironically. Their single barrel and single barrel rye are pretty good and cheap. Jim Bean makes very good bourbon too under different names.

[@gazearek]

@@Soldano999 JD single barrel is indeed good stuff!

[@DayKlight]

@@Soldano999 especially the JD single barrel cask strength, i like it even more than Elijah Craig CS.

[@Soldano999]

@@DayKlight yes i keep hearing good things about the Barrel Proof, it but it's hard to find in Europe unfortunately for some reason. Which is weird because Jack Daniels products are litterally everywhere.

[@DayKlight]

@@Soldano999 really? its quite available online, you can check out drankdoszjin , netherland shop that sends to whole europe, also german sites have it in stock.

[@jackthepickledhound]

That 11th place is harsh for sure. I'm in sync with virtually everything you said and those ten are not showing up on my shelf except..... Bit with the suprises at #11 I'm curious as to the next 10. Official bottles that are worthy but create zero FOMO. C'mon man, Caol Ila is more attractive than Laphroaig??? Benriach gets less hate than Balvenie? I got no problem with negativity, there are more than 50 brands represented at my local shop and aifting through the weak and colored stuff makes shopping a bit easier

[@chriswicecarver3715]

I agree with most everything here. The only two that I agree with from a community's mindset...(but still buy and love) are Glenfiddich and Dalmore. Mind you, the larger portion of their lineup is flushable. But I'd go for a King Alexander III. I'd go with a Cigar Malt. I'd go with a 21 yo Gran Reserva. I'd go with a Snow Phoenix. I like the Glenfiddich 14to Bourbon Barrel Reserve.

[@greigmartin4339]

Probably my favourite whisky topic. Love taking a big fat log on Diageo. They would happily move production of Lagavulin and Talisker to Nigeria tomorrow if the SWA allowed it.

[@Gwhisky]

😂😂😂

[@justinafuchs2619]

A good one 😂And sadly, you’re not even joking, they would do it in a heartbeat if the SWA allowed it. The sad thing is Lagavulin and Talisker are (were) two of my favourites, I love their house style. Lagavulin was my first whisky love, so I take it very personal how Diageo is trying everything in their power to castrate those beautiful whiskies .. Unfortunately, both are strong brands with a very loyal customer base, so they get away with a lot of shite.

[@greigmartin4339]

@@justinafuchs2619 it goes to show how terrible some of these brands are when there’s no Diageo included. I would love it if the Islay Feis Ile committee took a hard line with Jura and kicked them out of the festivities for consistently undermining the reputation of scotch. It would not surprise me to learn that Jura sells more bottles in Scotland than the rest of Islay distillers combined. Cheap and nasty trumps expensive and exquisite every time.

[@ardstrum]

@@justinafuchs2619 I still enjoy Lagavullin 16, but I agree that Talisker is out of control. The 10 was one of my favorites at its price point even a few years ago, but the new ones are unrecognizable. Their no-age bottlings are in shambles, and even the last few drams of 18 were thoroughly underwhelming.

[@justinafuchs2619]

@@ardstrum I couldn’t agree more with you, the latest bottles of Talisker 10 were unrecognisable, and it was one of the very best at this price point. Talisker 18 once was a giant, my favourite 18 year old. Now it’s only a shadow of its former self and they sell it for double the money. I still enjoy Lagavulin 16, but it’s not what it used to be. I just can’t help myself comparing it to the older ones I had, and it leaves me disappointed every time.

[@biofixphysicaltherapy5353]

I like Macallan 🤷‍♂️ just so $$$$$ I like dalmore too..Shane about the over coloring but what evs

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Great list Geoff, totally agree with them. You'd be surprised at Jura's numbers because in 2020 it became the best selling whisky in the UK and it still was the best in 2022! Some people buy it for sure, don't know why though 😅

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah that's been mentioned a few times here. I guess cheap price and easy drinking. I guess they're doing something right! 🥃

[@88Bluebird]

Interesting. I've enjoyed many, many single malt scotches. The Jura 21 Tide Time is one of my favorites.

[@Gwhisky]

I should try that one. 🥃

[@laurenzparsons5315]

Bowmore is a joke amongst my friends, we give it to newbies and then after hit them with the good stuff. And i see JW is missing from this list, I use johnnie red to degrease my driveway.

[@alangray6961]

I would take out Tomintouland Glenrothes. They may be boring, but there are far more prominent distilleries making equally unforgettable whisky. Highland Park and Glenlivet would be on my list. I might even move out Aberfeldy and put Glenmorangie in there.

[@CraigDoverton]

I agree with this list totally, but would add Bruichladdich. Have not been impressed with any of their islay barley bottles and the classic laddie just doesn't hit for me, just like the Balvenie and the rest of this list. And people rave about Port Charlotte , but I would rather have Ardbeg or Lagavulin any day over Port Charlotte

[@peterwhite507]

I remember not that long ago Bowmore putting out Tempest, Devils Cask and Laimrig annual releases for $100 and change Cad. I filled my bar with backups and am down to a heel of Devils Cask and 1 last batch 4 Laimrig. When they are gone, I will never buy another Bowmore.

[@haroldhuntley4411]

I agree, Tempest was the best Bowmore ever…..

[@alehhandro1]

A new Aberlour bottling popped up at a local shop that’s non chill filtered and 46% ABV. Aberlour Casg Annamh. Have you come across it by chance? Would appreciate a review if that bottle is available to you.

[@ExpatBriton]

Bowmore was the scotch I started drinking in the mid ‘90s when I lived in Scotland, and at the time the 12YO was 25 bucks, and so I still have a soft spot for it, although now I live in the US the $60 sticker price for 12YO Bowmore feels outrageous.

[@blairhoughton7918]

It can't be the same whisky any more. The industry has gotten so busy and messed up that almost nothing tastes as good as it used to. I suspect all the good barrels are going into the premium bottlings that can never be widely marketed.

[@log0log]

Glen Morey is my №1from the bottom. The Glenrothes, Balvenie, Dalmore - are all good. There are many fare more overpriced whiskies like Springbank, Tamdhu, Dublin Liberty, most Japanese and some Indian whiskies etc

[@justinafuchs2619]

Springbank doesn’t overprice their whisky, it’s the secondary market ruining the prices. That said, if I had to chose between a Springbank 10 at 80 Euros or a Dalmore 12 at 50 Euros, I would always go for the SB. 80 Euros for an outstanding, complex whisky or 50 Euros for a mediocre whisky bottled at 40% with artificial colour added - I would call the latter one overpriced (I still wish I could buy the SB 10 for 50 Euros). I wouldn’t call the Glenrothes, Balvenie and Dalmore “all good”, but I guess we just have different priorities.

[@log0log]

@@justinafuchs2619 I wouldn't call SP10 "outstanding" also, it is good, but nothing spectacular. If I had to choose where to spend 80euros, I would go for Lagavulin 16. And, if we are talking about priorities, Talisker 10 is my "best value for the money" whisky (I'm talking about regular prices) And there are Dalmore Sherry Cask Select 12 Years and Port wood, if you somehow disagree with 40% release

[@busseyb.227]

wow... like the Balvenie and Dalmore.

[@Gwhisky]

I like Dalmore myself, and Balvenie has a couple good ones. 🥃

[@TheReal_DeanD]

I wouldn’t avoid Glennfiddich 12 year. It’s great for beginners and vets who want a change up. Agree on Bowmore and Tomintoul. Balvenie I avoid now. Their pricing is stupid. Auchentoshan I avoid because I don’t like Lowland scotches.

[@31446963048]

You would think the typical abv of bourbon at 90 to 100 would have signallled the scotch distillers to up their game.

[@cato451]

Good list. I don’t agree with Balvenie. The double wood is still a decent dram and the TUN 1401 is one of the best NAS I’ve ever had.

[@egonchef7259]

my favorite from The Balvenie is still the Single Barrel 15yo Sherry Barrel. Okay, the price tag is quite increased during the last few years. But I purchased many bottles until 2019 (before the pandemic started) and put them to my secret stash. So I cannot complain about Balvenie until the last day of my life. 🙂

[@darlsbarkley3493]

The tun 1401 series were all pretty great but I can't think of anything truly great that they've bottled in the last decade or so and their core range is pretty boring. They're all drinkable but not great.

[@cato451]

@@darlsbarkley3493 I had the 30 YO at the distillery. It wasn’t boring :)

[@goldencalf5144]

@@cato451 For the price they're charging, the standard Balvenie should be bottled at a higher ABV.

[@ps3inquisition441]

Don’t know why Laphroaig would make the list at 11. Yeah, the Select and the 10 is 40 or 43%, but pretty much every other release is 48% or higher.

[@djsaunter]

Where I live, the Quarter Cask is consistently available at similar prices to Glenfiddich 12. 48%, solid peated value rivaling Ledaig 10

[@Gwhisky]

Quarter Cask is solid stuff! 🥃

[@TH3HY3N4]

@@Gwhisky I had two bottles of QC that were absolutely delicious but bought a new one recently that comes in a new packaging and it is a completely different thing. All the stuff that makes Laph what it is feels tamed to a minimum and its just a boring peated whisky, I was extremely dissapointed and wonder if more people had the same experience, earning it that spot.

[@kevinnordby4808]

The Laphroaig 10 CS and the 16 are perma shelf status for me.

[@Hellraiser-ni5qp]

​@TH3HY3N4 I had a similar experience. I felt it was not as intense as it used to be. Interestingly, it became better when I added a bit of water (maybe brought it down to 45/46%). Before (imo), it deteriorated when I added water. So it has to be different, I guess.

[@sujoybroota481]

So TRUE about glenfiddich 12 and bowmore. They need to work on the nosing and taste

[@paulvansloten7619]

Glenfiddich 12 is horrible indeed!

[@CharlesOffdensen]

Aberfeldy isn't easy to drink in my opinion, because it tastes... well, not great. Something like Glen Grant is just as easy to find, just as cheap, just as light, but it just tastes better. If a guest of mine is not really into whisky, I pour them Glen Grant 10. It's one thing to make whisky for the masses, it's another to make bad whisky. There are few whiskies that are worse though, like the Singleton of Dufftown. I don't even remember tasting Balvenie. I don't want to. The prices are insane and I really don't believe it's worth it. On the other hand, something like Glen Morey (many of their expressions) is worth the money. Which is not a lot.

[@k.l.3205]

What’s wrong of having negative comments on something we love, telling the truth opinion is why I come back here, good job Jeff!

[@Kronaphasia]

Grant, Bell, Chivas Regal, Dewar's & J&B

[@mightya]

And soda

[@DayKlight]

insert office thank you meme

[@alexbone98]

I'd flip Jura and Macallan. At least Jura isnt ridiculously priced and seem somewhat self aware..."Oh, you want crappy 10 year old scotch?...Sure thing, we'll charge you almost nothing for it."

[@blairhoughton7918]

Didn't Jura go out of business for a few years?

[@mikeryan8412]

Laphroig is a love/hate thing for people - the flavor either fits your palate or it doesn't. Personally, I LOVE it and always have an open bottle on hand. And I'm glad that it doesn't get the bs-hype that drives the price up on sub-par products from bigger names. It is my #1 Islay choice by far, and maybe because of the love (hype) it DOESN'T get, it saves me $20 a bottle. I'll take that every day. I was gifted a bottle of Jura in 2022 and a bottle of Auchentoshan way back in 2007. I didn't care for the Jura; the Auchentoshan was a solid pour, but that was 17 years ago so not relevant to what they produce today. I find the rest of the list exceptionally easy to avoid.

[@Draknareth]

Agreed, and their current Caerdeas offering is spectacularly good.

[@goldencalf5144]

@@mikeryan8412 Laphroaig 10 needs to be bottled at a higher strength, like Ardbeg.

[@tomkat_Kansas]

You, me, and Ron Swanson. I love it.

[@sujoybroota481]

My god. You are spot on from no.4 to no.1. I thought I was crazy. Thanks for the validation.

[@ursoouindio]

Shame for bowmore! But totally fair considering most OBs. They deserve it! Cheers

[@will088]

Got the Jura pale ale cask for £20 with a free glass, for the price, for the glass, no complaints, just drink it outside on sunny evenings

[@nickbrice8497]

How did Johnnie Walker not make this list, it's literally a joke of a whisky

[@ciroguerra-lara6747]

their good whiskeys are over priced. The cheap ones are really bad.

[@Pursuedwinter]

It’s because most people know that JW is not great, however, I do actually like their Green Label and their Island Green Label even more

[@nickbrice8497]

@@Pursuedwinter I'd agree the Green Label is the exception, I recently bought a bottle on offer and was pleasantly surprised.

[@Pursuedwinter]

@@nickbrice8497 if you ever get the chance to try the Island Green label, definitely do it, its their duty-free version of Green Label but its much bolder than the regular, you can usually find it on cruise ship bars and such

[@enochthewitness-2023]

@@nickbrice8497 the going joke is that Green label is better than Blue label.

[@MY-bd3fo]

Jura does have some good offering in the past such as the 16 and Prophecy. I wouldn't touch their new bottlings though. Aberlour A'bunadh is the only Aberlour I will buy while Glen Moray has it place in the affordable section.

[@eviltrain24]

How good is Prophecy? I actually have access to this bottle and could buy it. So far, I’ve avoided a Jura entirely, so I wouldn’t know what I’m getting into.

[@MY-bd3fo]

@@eviltrain24 46% abv. Rich, bold, spices, heavily peated, slightly briny, sweet. robust and engaging.

[@MY-bd3fo]

@@eviltrain24 Good for the money. Heavily peated, BBQ meat, sherry sweetness, good amount of spices, bold, robust and quite long finish.

[@briankinard4576]

Surprised Glenlivet didn’t make the cut. Definitely on my 10.

[@DayKlight]

glenlivet has good bottlings, the illicit for example, also house style is nice. im always getting roasted and green hazelnuts with the illicit for example, yummy

[@thisiswes666]

Pretty much agree with the whoIe list. Some exceptions: I do have a bottle of Bowmore 18 on hand regularly, still a fav. I bought a bottle of Jura 'Tide' 21 for just around $200 from a vendor clearing it out in Alberta. At that price its a fantastic whiskey, has that very prounced coastal quality. However, at the over $400 CAD at the LCBO in Ontario its a for sure pass.

[@markoneill5110]

Apparently, Jura is the best selling single malt in the UK. Selling more that Glenfiddich and Glen Livet.

[@olivierbeltrami]

Wow, that’s a surprise 😮

[@xiamengbaby]

I just looked it up and Jura was in 5th place behind Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Laphroaig, and Talisker.

[@BeardedRaven]

Aw christ, i just bought a bottle of this stuff. (Jura) I did the typical google earth youtube shallow dive and thought what the hell, its ok priced, cherry cask, what could go wrong, right off the island of islay, i digress. Ive got to say, its the packaging. It gives the aura of something not from Scotland. The bottle is weird copper colourings everywhere and seems to bend itself visually towards a liquor. It just doesn’t have many hallmarks of a scotch and ive only been experienced a short while. Shred me! This is my 2c

[@levonhovhannisyan2181]

Well obviously this list had to start a lot of conversations, and here's one 😁 I strongly disagree with Glenfiddich. For what it is, it is great. For me 30 euros for Glenfiddich 12 are far more justified that 100 euros for Springbank 10, and faaaaaaar more justified than anything from Macallan. P. S. I know that's a democratic vote, so just a message to universe.

[@Gwhisky]

Fair point! 🥃

[@michaelcriger6359]

Laphroaig and Aberlour were surprising. Agree with much of the list, but I have to admit I actually like Bowmore and Macallan. I have to find them on sale to pull the trigger, but for me, personally, when you can get them for a deal, they can make good drams.

[@skeletonmakesgood]

Sadly, many of these distilleries actually put out fantastic malts just 20 years ago. The overall quality of single malts has fallen terribly in my whisky drinking life.

[@christophercurdo4384]

No problem with a lot of the list but I will have to re-explore my liking of the older Macallans (18, 25, 30). I disagree wholeheartedly with the Laphroaig however. My number one on this list would be Glenlivet. I have had all of these and many more but have always hated the Glenlivets that I have tried. Is there something wrong with me?

[@alanfearon6568]

Dalmore, balvenie and McCallan are all ridiculously priced mediocre whiskies!

[@tomlivesay8407]

I disagree with Laphroaig. It’s not my favorite, but is solid. I like Aberlour 12 year very much. I would never spend money on Macallan, as it’s overpriced and has poor specs, but I have received it as gifts, and must admit that I enjoy it.

[@lodgelawyer]

Glenrothes: a dessert expression one friend described as "butterscotchy." Balvenie: overpriced and over promoted, with honorable mention for expressions like the Caribbean Cask, but only when you're in the mood (and when someone else is buying). The Glens: what a blended, major brand guy orders when he thinks he'll get lucky with his companion if he seems to be sophisticated. Aberfeldy: my second biggest waste of a bottle price (but in honor of the Scots, I ultimately DID drink it all.). Macallan: America's number one bar scotch with a claim to be a single malt - to its credit, at least it's usually priced accordingly. Jura: had my first taste at a bar across from the beach last week. Enjoyed the view of the beach. Aberlour? The only single malt reliably available in Paris in the early teens. I lost my wallet there one rainy night in a cab, and it was returned to me via post by the next patron, a Scotsman, with the note "Laddie, you've GOT to start drinking a better class o'whisky." For context, my "go to" bottle is Ledaig 10 year, and when I'm not feeling the peaty nose and burnt rubber finish, Hazelburn (proving I'm not cheap).

[@damenjackson594]

What. The. Hell. I can get dropping a duece over most of these brands ( I'm looking at you, Macallan), but how did Arbelour even end up in the conversation here? I've had zero complaints. The pricing is solid, the A'bunadh is a favorite, and the 12 always has a place on my bar. What gives?

[@Dismas444]

Why so dismissive of those under 46%? You know most British spirits aim for 40% as standard due to our taxation, right? Having whisky at that abv keeps it affordable, and approachable for drinkers who aren't wanky whisky snobs. And I say that as someone who works for the world's biggest whisky retailer.

[@countbasie20]

never tried macallan only because of the brand reputation and the shadiness when it comes to their products. oh yeah and their pricing doesn‘t look inviting. 😅

[@BracchiAlessandroFineArt]

i avoid only Macallan not worthy the price they ask

[@roycov89]

I feel like some of these brands get a lot of biased hate... Aberfeldy,Glenfiddich,Cardhu for example are pretty good whiskies for people just getting into Scotch. They have basic flavour profiles and are not 2 expensive so they will not break the bank for newbies. I totally agree with Macallan and Dalmore just being overpriced boujee whisky brands. You can get better bottles from other brands for half the price.

[@Hartofilax]

As fairly new to the real whisky, I admit that initially I liked Jura and Glenfiddich. It wasn't till I tried Laphroaig quarter cask that I realized I've been misled. But Jura is often discounted at my market. Jura Journey for 20 euro. This is completely passable single malt for people that are not into real whisky. Put up this bottle for consumption when you have friends over and they will like it a lot. And for 20 euro it's a good offer

[@Solinvicti]

Glenfiddich make nice whisky. The 18 year old is great. Sure it would be nice to have it at 46%abv ncf, but if it tastes good at 40% cf then what's the problem?

[@garypell3432]

I have to disagree with the Jura 10 thing. Jura 10 is a great, no drama, working man’s whiskey. If I had to guess, it’s probably the Jack Daniel’s #7 of Scotland’s single malts. I don’t think that they try to overstate what they are selling or inflating the price of their product. However, I do understand why some folks might hate on it. It’s very well composed and cohesive for a 10 year old. There’s nothing offensive in it but nothing spectacular and life changing either. I do find the petrichor on the nose interesting, though! It’d probably be a good Scotch for a bourbon lover to cut their teeth on.

[@DenyWatanabe]

I've just got that Macallan 12 Sherry Oak, liked it. Also just got the Aberlour 14, liked it as well. Got a great deal on a Dalmore 18 a while ago and honestly don't see the appeal. So 3 out of 13, not bad 😂

[@andrewbutler7681]

I have 5 OB Balvenies, only 2 of them over 43%; 2 OB Tomintouls both 40%; 4 OB Glenfiddichs 40-43% (was 5 until quite recently); 5 OB Aberfeldy; only 1 OB Dalmore 43%, but I wouldn't mind more; and 2 OB Jura 1 43%. Unlike your patrons, I generally prefer lower proof, chill-filtered whiskies and I couldn't care less about e150a (except in Loch Dhu proportions!). I have 14 OB Laphroaigs and have been a registered Friend since 1996! I also have 3 OB Glen Morays and 2 OB Aberlours. I think the only ones listed that I dislike are Bowmore (post 1964) and Auchentoshan. I would have included Bruichladdich (specifically unpeated since Jim McEwan & Mark Reynier ruined it; Port Charlotte and Octomore have enough peat to cover the 'baby sick'!).

[@germantarapow9112]

Yeah man, that’s just…your opinion

[@chrismarshall4486]

I really enjoy Aberlour. But in my defense I’ve never tried the original 12. I have the casg annamh which is a higher proof and is amazing in my opinion. Also surprised by laphroaig but to each their own.

[@antoniojackson7219]

Like most snobs, they focus on stories and not taste and then hate on successful brands. They love to say they found something that you don’t have. I’m going to stand up for the Macallan, I love it and so do a lot of other people. What ever specs you can come with, is secondary to the taste. Yes it’s overpriced, however I can’t think of any luxury goods that are not. FYI for all you snobs that have a bottle of Macallan sittting on your shelf, that you’re too High Falutin to drink send it my way. I don’t even care if it’s opened. Duck tape the top and send it my way. 😊

[@TriptonStudios]

maybe Standard Arborlure, but the Abunda and Abunda Alba are fire! cask strength No color, no chill filter there are a lot of distilleries are changing their Game and bottling at 46+ and dropping chill filtering. if macallan ever droped the Chill filter and bottled at cask strength it might be worth the price heck it prob be worth the price at 46% with NCF. I mean it is tasty and chewy but overpriced and i can only imagine how chewy it would be if it was 46 with NCF!

[@johnp8131]

Love a peaty single malt but I can't stand the basic 10 year old Laphroaig. To me it tastes like TCP, a traditional antiseptic. I'm not alone in this especially many older UK Whisky lovers. I disliked Springbank too, mind you, that was 25 years ago in Campbelltown itself. It may have been a little younger than most would be able to get it aswell, possibly a five year old or less, from someone that worked there?

[@fusemunk]

Balvennie and Glenfiddich both from privately owned Grants have a long tradition and steered by legend David Stewart. They were the first to really sell single malt whiskies (1963) and Balvennie was the first major brand to really push the finishing concept. So not deserving. Also Glenrothes and MaCallan are both part of the Edrington Group - a charity - not a big money making Corporation. MaCallan is a great whisky just overpriced and we all hate success. Both whiskies steered by legend master blender John Ramsey. Dalmore - I totally agree - Richard Paterson has developed some great and terrible whiskies that all look the same - and cost way to much.

[@customer9845]

I would add Highland Park to the list. Their age stated whiskies are too pricey and they have way too many underwhelming NAS selections. On top of that, their whisky tour was the worst one that I have ever been on.

[@paulm749]

IMHO, of all the major single malts, Highland Park has fallen the farthest. Their 12yo was my go-to malt for years, but around the time they began the viking theme marketing, all their standard bottlings went flaccid. Last year I was fortunate enough to find an independent single cask bottling that was excellent (Single Malts of Scotland 12-year-old Orkney 56.4% ABV) and that ranks as one of the best whiskys I've ever tasted. So good HP is still being made, just not so much by HP themselves.

[@customer9845]

@@paulm749 I have 3 IB from the SMWS and all of them are excellent

[@McIntyresMalts]

Yes! A shite whisky indeed

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

@@paulm749 I enjoyed the pre-Viking Highland Park 10 and 12, but since the rebrand it's kinda bland, and definitely not worth the premium price.

[@numanuma20]

I like Highland Park.

[@MatthewsGauss]

Really surprised to see Jura at #1. I've only ever tried their Journey whisky which is aged in bourbon barrels and it has this really nice coffee finish that even carries over when mixed.

[@ADSCP]

I totally agree with the list, with the exception of Laphroaig.

[@surijoglekar]

Thanks a lot for the video buddy. In fact I did not like the added colouring part of these overpriced SMs but they have mass appeal so I have to keep it. Jura I’ll completely agree. It’s so underwhelming and bland. Couldn’t say so to the person who offered it though. Keep up the good work

[@miserablerhurensohn]

Aberfeldy 12 is the one I take a pour off of whenever something bad happens to DJTrump. I mark the bottle with the date and event and I'm on my 2nd bottle now. I want to celebrate but not with a fantastic single malt. Also I wanted one that won't make me gag and it's priced OK here.

[@southernfriedkiwi7726]

Jura is hands down, the worst whiskey that I have ever tried. Completely underwhelming and it got worse as it sat in the bottle. 7 years later, I'm still mad at paying $60+ for it.

[@Andytreblezero]

Glen Moray is a cheap and cheerful brand.....you pays your money, you take your chance....

[@supervillan326]

Good list. I agree that Laproaig and Aberlour appearing in joint 11th seems harsh. I love the A’bunadh and enjoy the Laproaig QC and 10yr CS.

[@krisverding3908]

You can jack up the 10 with a splash of quarter casq.

[@blairhoughton7918]

@@krisverding3908 How can you taste it in there? I put a few drops of QC into whiskies that bore me (like the last A'bunadh bottle I bought).

[@DayKlight]

i mean, every enthusiast probably buys the Laphi 10 CS or the other higher abv bottlings, so dont get why laphi is here, also glen moray? really? a great 18y old that is well affordable. Aberlour i totally understand, the decline in the abunadh series is painful to watch

[@mynameismaomao]

was expecting Tamnavulin to make the list.. their travel retail NAS stuff are pretty lowly rated

[@ciroguerra-lara6747]

For me Laphroaig and Ardeg are the best and I would love to try some Lagavulin. I own and have tried other whiskeys, some scotch, some irish, japanese, taiwanese and some others. I find Islay is the best whisky for me. Love the peat.

[@mingqu007]

Saw aberlour in the thumbnail, and was shocked😂😂😂 glad to see it’s actually not on the list.

[@sergioreinert]

Jura 16 years is a lovelly drink. Soft whisky with taste of chocolate.

[@pecosnick45]

How the hell is Jura #1? Its relatively cheap where I am. I dont expect it to be amazing but for $30-40 bucks it does a lot more than a lot of things in its price range.

[@NeilCampbellRCM]

Interesting that most of these whiskys come from the big business side of the whisky industry. I think they sell with Marketing (mass market) rather than content.

[@Brad-ic4bp]

Macallan doesn’t suck. But it is obviously overpriced.

[@Gwhisky]

Agree. But to be fair... this video is about disliked brands, and Macallan is certainly that, albeit not for its flavours. 🥃

[@istjahammerhart]

I agree with most of this list, except for Balvenie. True, the specs do not always look great, and they are more on the expensive side. However, they had/have some great whiskies as well. The 17yo double wood was fantastic (despite poor-looking specs), and the 18yo px (travel retail) is even better and has perfect specs: no color, non-chill filtered, 48.7% abv. Except for its price, I cannot imagine a whisky enthusiast not loving it.

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Sad that independent bottles of these distilleries are quite good

[@jaylat4578]

Glenrothes has the maker's cut. 48% and NCF. Decent sherry bomb. I heard they are discontinuing it but if you can find it, it's worth a shot. Bowmore has the vault series which I like. Jura has some decent stuff (superstition and 18) although a lot of bad. I also, secretly like some of the special release Dalmores but don't like to admit it lol

[@Avalk9724]

Don't get that hatred towards Jura. I find it lovely, especially 18yo. And I consider myself an enthusiast. Whisky snob is a whole another thing

[@Gwhisky]

No snobbery here, I asked what brands they avoid and they answered honestly. Glad you enjoy it, certainly not trying to ruin it for others! 🥃

[@Avalk9724]

@@Gwhisky so your followers are mostly snobs. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

​@@Avalk9724 They just have a different opinion than you.

[@Avalk9724]

@@Gwhisky let me explain myself. I know Jura 18 has coloring and little lesser abv. So what? It tastes smooth and pleasant, very enjoyable. It is very inexpensive for a 18 year old. I've found myself liking it so much, i've bought it over and over in recent years. And I like those "more serious" whiskies too. What I don't like is over-hyped, over-priced, too young whiskies which are so "in" right now. For example Kilchoman is overrated and pricey

[@Balkonwhisky]

Hello Geoff, I remember a Time when some Juras where delicious. They where called Prophecy and Superstition. The Specs where good and it was fairly priced. Miss those Times. Rest of the List i totally agree. Glenrothes lost a lot Reputation when they removed the Vintage for a standard Age notice. So was Balblair which is not mentioned on your List here.😅 Thanks for sharing your Patpals Opinions i your unique Way. Greetings from Germany 😎 🤘

[@sambrewster8556]

The Jura Superstition was my gateway whisky. Fondly remembered.

[@martindouwe6099]

Jura 19y/o The Paps is a very nice whisky. Good price good quality.

[@heatherharrison264]

As expected, a common theme here is low strength, chill filtration, and added color. I don't see a good reason for added color in single malts, though I can understand it in blends. It removes an important piece of information - the color of whisky tracks with the age and the type of casks. I suspect that many brands add color to visually mask the weakness of the casks that they are using. Lighter colored whisky isn't always flavorless; sometimes it leans more into the malt and (if present) the peat. Added color isn't allowed in bourbon, and it is a type of whisky that is widely popular with casual drinkers and enthusiasts alike. If bourbon can have this sort of broad success without allowing any additives, then I would think that single malt Scotch could too. Though whisky enthusiasts might not like it, low strength and chill filtration have their purposes. I'm sure most of us got started with these whiskies, and if the more potent, less filtered ones had been our starting points, then we might have had a harder time getting into it. What is weak and watery to us now was smooth and friendly to us back when we were still getting used to spirits. We have simply outgrown these whiskies. Not everybody becomes an enthusiast; some people remain occasional and casual drinkers, and these mild whiskies work for them. This audience is likely much larger than the small but vocal enthusiast community. The big brands are all about growing their market share and making money, so it makes sense that they would tailor their product to this less adventurous audience. Also, some of these brands have an appealing house style even if it isn't presented as well as it could be, and some enthusiasts will enjoy partaking of them every now and then. The other day, I revisited the single malt that got me started a very long time ago - Glenlivet 18. While the 12-year retains some robust flavor despite the watering and filtration, the 18-year is thin and lifeless. It's especially disappointing compared to the Signatory cask strength Glenlivet 16 in my collection. However, I think it would be great for a beginner; it is smooth and inoffensive, which is precisely what new whisky drinkers need. The main problem is that it is an 18-year and is priced as such, and there are plenty of smooth and inoffensive whiskies that are a lot less expensive. There is one thing that I like about Jura. The whisky is rather middle-of-the-road and doesn't have anything interesting to distinguish it, but the bottle is well designed. It is an ergonomic bottle. It is easy to grasp, and it doesn't slip out of the hand. The other day, when I had a pour from my bottle of Rock Hill Farms bourbon, which has an aesthetically pleasing but very awkward bottle, I though about how much nicer it would have been if it had been shaped like a Jura bottle. But Rock Hill Farms is better whisky, and in the end, that is more important. I'll end this long comment with a few thoughts on some brands. I agree on Bowmore - it has potential that is seldom realized. Bowmore was my first Islay single malt, and I'll always have a soft spot for it, but I'll look for independent bottlings. I found an inexpensive off-brand anonymous Islay single malt with an age statement over 30 years. From the flavor profile, I think it could be Bowmore, though Islay peat likely goes through a lot of change in three decades, so I can't be certain. Whatever it is, I like it. It has a fascinating mix of floral, soapy, and medicinal notes. Macallan has a good house style, but it is not presented well; the 12-year smells wonderful, but it tastes like a glass of water that sat next to a glass of whisky. Glenfiddich is mild and inoffensive. I like to keep a couple mild and inoffensive whiskies around to use as warm-ups or palate cleansers. The next time I need one of those, Glenfiddich would be a possible choice. Independent bottlings are the way to go with many of these brands, if they are available. I have a Signatory Glenrothes, which is wonderful. I have a Cadenhead Caol Ila, which is also wonderful. (Caol Ila is one that whisky enthusiasts tend to find lackluster, but it commonly turns up in high quality independent bottlings. Those are worth seeking out.) I would love to find an independent Macallan, but they don't often turn up, and when they do, they are costly. An independent Dalmore would be nice too, but I haven't seen one.

[@edelrosario5105]

8 of 10 whiskies in this list are the ones most available in my market and that sucks haha. Thankfully, we have 3 excellent online whisky sellers that have the good ones.

[@simongilbert2704]

glenrothes is a good easy tasty drinking brand ,,, i don't why it is so overlooked ;;;

[@dylanthomas7443]

Jeff that was the best work you have done so far. Placing Macallan at #3 was perfect. They deserve to be at that spot. They are one producer who knows nothing about marketing and brand placement.

[@01blaval]

Enthusiasts are nerds…..That’s the problem with them…

[@WilliamEngelke-o6q]

Hall Betty Moore Dorothy Gonzalez Jennifer

[@JonnyD91]

How is johnnie walker not number 1?

[@BrutusMaximusAurelius]

Some of these choices are made from a straightforward snobbish opinion, just because they’re colored, low ABV or non chill filtered. There’s nothing wrong with Aberfeldy, Glenfiddich and Balvenie are perfectly fine drams for many people, especially newcomers to whisky. And they’re all under 50 EUR here. And Laphroiag and Aberlour have no right even being in no. 11. Macallan and Dalmore would easily be my number 1 and 2 though, but mostly because they’re very much overpriced for what you get.

[@Gwhisky]

This isn't to say they're bad brands or they shouldn't work for others. All opinions. My Patrons were asked what brands they're least likely to buy and they answered honestly. 🥃

[@revolvermaster4939]

I won’t buy ANY Grant & Sons products, they’re woke AF! I lied, I’ll buy Balvenie Week of Peat in a heartbeat!

[@Rosco0754]

Im Scottish and work for a smaller distillery and I agree to a degree in your review. Over here in the UK every one of what you have shown (in their lower statements are supermarket malts. Dalmore (and Patterson) in general is something I will not put past my lips, I despise it and all they stand for, that and macallan are 'airport duty free bottles" . You can put it in a full chrystal decanter wrapped in the rarest wood but it's still laughed at within the industry

[@dannyfrog]

Just curious as to why the dislike for Dalmore? Macallan I understand.

[@Rosco0754]

@@dannyfrog for me it's the massive over use of E150 colouring; ever noticed how dalmores bottles from least expensive to more expensive get darker in colour? It's a psychological thing, darker is richer therefore worth more, alongside that the whole using the rarest glass and wood for packaging,selling 'airport only' expressions. The other thing is they say there are only 100 bottles of this or 10 bottles of that, as someone in the industry let me tell you there will be 500+ more bottles held back.

[@dannyfrog]

@Rosco0754 makes sense. I have 2 bottles of Dalmore, a 12 year and 15 year. The color change is significant.

[@Rosco0754]

​@@dannyfrog it's a personal opinion of mine, if you enjoy them then please do enjoy them!! In other news, a friend brought round a almost full bottle of Lagavulin 12 yr old 2020 special release last night...if you ever see it in a bar GRAB A DRAM!!!!

[@dannyfrog]

@Rosco0754 I will do that! I'm just now getting into scotch. One thing I do not care for is the peaty flavored scotches.

[@sujoybroota481]

You are so right about Aberfeldy. Imagine this: I will never buy Aberfeldy but I would any day, eyes closed, buy dewars white label, Dewars 12, 15, 18, 21, Japanese smooth etc. Personally, I am a huge fan of Dewars but Aberfeldy, NO WAY. sorry for being rude.

[@Gwhisky]

You're just being honest. Cheers! 🥃

[@stihlnz]

Jura ...Completely agree .... My whiskey club has blind tastings ...and I can pick it almost every time ... don't like it and it comes in last almost every time. Quite like the Balvinie Double wood but don't buy it now as it's doubled in price.

[@kellywellington7122]

Yeah, I'd agree with most of those. I am something of an Auchentoshan Three Wood fan. When I need to retreat to something 'smooth', I fall back on Auch3wood. I agree with the Laphroaig assessment and think that Ardmore should be added.

[@AlinJapan]

Yep, I guessed Jura would be at the top/bottom. What about Scapa?

[@Gwhisky]

Wasn't even in the vote at all, interestingly. 🥃

[@zeahroela]

Not an enthusiast but i might say bought two bottles of Jura 10 in Brazilian market as "promotion" like 60 f* usd each and got really pissed because it sucks! Yeah Brazil is a joke in prices too!

[@Gwhisky]

I've heard about the prices you guys have down there! Ouch! 😬🥃

[@Xwing106466]

All of that and Johnny Walker isn't on it is wild... Kind of tells me a lot about the "community" feeding this list

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah they tend to focus on single malts.

[@Hexagonal_Crank]

Hmmm. Surprised not to find Ardbeg on the list. Yes, people love the 10 and Uigeadail, but all the NAS special releases just burn me out.

[@Gwhisky]

Ardbeg was top 15, didn't make it into top 10. 😉

[@whiskyamateurclass4620]

Glen Moray should have been easily in the top 10, just like Glenlivet to be honest..

[@haroldhuntley4411]

Jura is the top selling scotch in Britain, knocked Glenmorangie from top place.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah well I guess they're doing something right then! 🥃

[@WhoeverNevermind]

10. What. Glenrothes is one of my favorites lol. I like their 10 and 12 a lot, and I love their Maker's Cut. I have 3 closed bottles from them, waiting to be open (2 OBs and 1 IB), and I'll probably buy their 18 for an special occasion. Well, more for me! 9. Absolutely. I tried just one, the 12 yo, and I was so disappointed that I completely gave up on their unpeated stuff. I have their 14 peated one waiting to be opened tho. Last chance for them. 8. Tomintoul produces Old Ballantruan 10, which is glorious. You HAVE to review it. 7. Glenfiddich is underrated. Their 15 and 18 are... fine, but I like their 12 a lot. 6. Well deserved. I really tried to like Bowmore, but it is just impossible. Their 12, and15 are just bad, and the 18 is barely decent. I'm not trying anything else from them. I'm done wasting my time and money. 5. Yep, Auchentoshan is absolutely average stuff. The best bottle I've tried from them is their Valinch CS, and even that one, it's just fine, not even good. 4. I like Aberfeldy. It is nothing special, but definitely not bad. Their 21 is pretty disappointing tho. 3. I hate Macallan. Overpriced boring stuff. 2. Same as Aberfeldy, I like Dalmore. And it's not that overpriced. 1. Again, one of my favorites lol. I like basically everything they produce. Their Journey is fine, the 10 and 12 are good, The Loch is very good and the 19 The Paps is amazing. You could review this last one. It's pretty... different from everything else I've tried.