ralfy review 1001 - Glen Breton Canadian10yo @43%vol: (2023)

/ ralfy . This is my Patreon channel, for videos released 24 hours early and with an extra weekly 'Update' video. Every month there is also a 'BothyLive' 90 minute live-stream from the bothy with a Q&A.
My Books 'Search For A Whisky Bothy', 'Stories From A Whisky Bar' and 'Life, Death & Whisky' are all on sale at Amazon and proper book shops.
www.oswa.co.uk - An online democratic award programme identifying the best spirits worth buying for each year.
For more whisky info & stuff, SUBSCRIBE to 'ralfydotcom'
Subscribe to my other KZbin Channel 'Fitter Philosophy'
This video represents a personal opinion and perspective only.
To comply with Google Adsense policy this video is an independent non-profit review and is not knowingly selling or linking to a site that sells the product being reviewed.
'Ralfydotcom' is brought to you by The Irish Sea Trading Co: Ltd:
A British TV licence is NOT required to view my videos or almost every other video on KZbin.
ALL items reviewed have been bought from a retailer at market prices within the U.K. unless specified by the presenter. No 'samples', 'free stuff', or gifts are accepted, so please do not try to send them, thank you.
NOTE - This Channel is not empowered and delivered by A.I. technology yet.
I WILL NEVER CONTACT YOU DIRECTLY THROUGH THIS CHANNEL except to reply to comments. Anyone who contacts you pretending to be me is a FAKE , and probably looking to SCAM and DEFRAUD you. Beware of imposters.

[@Xminor79]

This might be one of your best videos. 🇨🇦 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@paulm944]

A new millennium with Ralfy. Happy 1001!

[@paulm749]

Indeed!

[@dram_mondays]

I believe the SWA’s issue with Macaloney was his use of the word Caledonian. It used to be named Macaloney’s Caledonian. He was forced to change it to Macaloney’s Island Distillery. I still have one of the original Caledonian bottles.

[@xcfjdyrkdtulkgfilhu]

Yeah, getting them to strike off Caledonian was fair in my opinion. Going after the name, not even remotely.

[@billymacneil3839]

Ralfy by you should come over here to Cape Breton for a visit we'll go for a drink up at the distillery i drink a fair bit of Glen Breton and do my fair part in helping keep it open lol...Some day buddy i 'm goin to find out were my ancestors come from over there i might even get over for a visit....

[@richardkilley6838]

Nice work Ralfy, your passion for this subject is one of the reasons you done so well for so many years!

[@andrewfehr2223]

Thank you Ralfy. I’m Canadian and live in B.C., I bought MaCaloney’s Peated Mac Na Braiche it’s a GREAT pour. Ralfy, you say it over and over again, the bottles have all the information you need, this bottle says “non chill filtered & natural colour” very important, and it also says MADE IN CANADA. How can anyone get that confused. Thanks again for bring this out in your video. Keep up the good work.

[@passengerpigeon20]

The earliest bottles that the SWA took issue with DIDN'T mention Canada anywhere on the front of the label. Then they added the word Canada, but that still wasn't good enough and they had to change their name to Macaloney's Island Distillery. I think the Glenbreton scandal was dumb from the get-go, but Macaloney's first bottle had such potential to be genuinely confusing that I actually agree with the SWA for once.

[@mit7771]

As a native Nova Scotian, I'm extremely proud to hear such high praise from Ralfy about our Single Malt! Absolutely love your commentary, it's spot on! If you can, Ralfy, you MUST try their Peated release. I have a bottle of the 16 year Dark Glen and its phenomenal! Hard to get, you have to buy it right from the distillery if I recall correctly, but it's worth it. I bought it there at Glenora last year on a motorcycle trip through Cape Breton and its been one of the crown jewels of my collection. Thanks again Ralfy for highlighting our little hidden gem from glorious New Scotland!

[@hamo4558]

I just love how the 'little guy' played such a significant part in your whisky journey, not even from your homeland, a world whisky, so much so to get your 'online' journey started & reviewed at 1001, & I definitely look forward to 2001 !! Congratultions mate from Australia.

[@WendellMacKinnon]

Grew up 30 min. from Glenora Distillery. Thanks for this and for hammering home the point and alerting us all to things like this. 1001 reviews! Congratualtions!!

[@evanb8225]

Watching from Nova Scotia ✌️

[@chrisbrook1234]

I always appreciate when you cover this topic Ralfy. As a Canadian whose ancestors were forced to leave Scotland in the late 1800s this hits really close to home. Whether it's Macaloney's or Glen Breton, the SWAs treatment of these Canadian distilleries really grinds my gears. Not to worry though! Between my whiskies from Macaloney's, Shelter Point, Eau Claire and, my most recent acquisitions from my local distillery Junction 56, not to mention my other Canadian blended and rye whiskies, I have more Canadian whiskies on my shelf than I do from any other single country. Thanks again Ralfy, I always appreciate hearing your opinions. Keep up the excellent content!

[@jdmac150]

Junction 56 is doing great things. I’ve been there a couple times now. Enjoyed everything I’ve tried. Paradigm in London and Wolfhead in Windsor (and yes to any one from outside Canada, that happens to read this, those are cities in Ontario 😁) are two other small Distilleries worth checking out for Canadian whiskey. Grain Henge in Alberta is making some amazing, high proof, single malts.

[@chrisbrook1234]

@@jdmac150 agreed, Junction 56 is really coming into their own now. I was at their new whisky launch on Saturday and got it right from the owner's mouth that everything they make is natural colour and nonchillfiltered. He does not believe is added artificial elements to their product or removing the natural oils they worked so hard to put in there. I have come across Wolfhead's stuff in the LCBO before but haven't tried it yet, I usually just see their coffee whisky. Paradigm, however, I had no clue they were in London! I will have to go check them out!

[@ARGONUAT]

I would love to hear your thoughts on JP Wiser’s 10-year old. I recently got try it in Texas with Dr Don Livermore at an event. Quite the quiet genius that doctor and he even wrote his doctorate paper on the importance of the quality of casks when making whisk(e)y!

[@jasonsooley6788]

Thanks for this review, I was fortunate to visit the Glenora Distillery this summer and it was and amazing place. I tried multiple drams and my favourite was the 15 yr old and as such purchased a bottle. Best whiskey I have purchased this far.

[@curtishopkins4160]

Thanks for this Ralfy. I agree with you completely. My next whisky purchase will be one of Glen Breton's offerings. Thanks for being a beacon of truth on this issue, it's this integrity that you continually show that has kept me around your channel all these years. Sincerely, Curtis Hopkins Canada

[@cavanhesketh8720]

Canadian here, I visited the Glenora distillery last year while in Nova Scotia - If you're in the area, definitely give it a visit! They are doing many things right with only 2 small pot stills (which were made in Scotland). Bottling is done on site with water from a natural spring that runs through the distillery, which many distilleries can't say about themselves. I would recommend getting a whisky flight at their restaurant, you will get to sample the new make spirit all the way up to some higher aged-stated cask strength offerings - very informative!

[@davet7185]

Kicking off the next 1,000 reviews with a good old rant - just love it Ralfy; well said 👍.

[@tequilaal]

Ahh God bless ye Ralf .. we haven't had a good Ralfy rant for quite a while now .. great start for the 1001..! I've had a couple of bottles of this 10yo .. all the things you mentioned .. and for me I find this a Dry whisky and like it for the nice change of pace and perspective.. Slange frae Montreal: )

[@6point5]

I live a few hours from the Distillery. I've been watching you for 9 years now Ralphy.. i'm going to bring up the 46% on the next visit.. doubt they'll listen to little ol me tho. Would love for them to switch to an integrity bottling :)

[@Frick5171]

As a Canadian, the one thing I find frustrating about Canadian whiskey. Is the fact that most distillers bottle their product either at 40% or 43%. A few have started releasing some higher percentage product like Lot 40 or Alberta premium with their cask strength version. I just wish more distillers would follow in this direction. Additionally, I would like to recommend a whiskey called Bearface. Their primary bottling is a seven-year-old and it says on the label. They're very experimental with her cast play and it pays off well. For the price I think it's a very good value whiskey that people should try.

[@tonylastname6468]

Look for Signal Hill from Newfoundland, 🇨🇦.

[@NSFA]

Great review again Ralfy! We have another nice local whisky out here in Nova Scotia called Glynnevan. It's my local favorite for sure. Cheers mate!

[@jarvy251]

I was wondering if this was coming! What a journey it's been. While craft Canadian single malts are still hard to come by (largely because of our absurd laws that treat provincial borders as national ones when it comes to spirits) they are popping up more and more. A local winery (Magnotta) recently put out a 10 year single malt and I was overjoyed to find is a magnificent dram that I'll be sure to buy regularly.

[@onewomanswhisky]

@jarvy251 Wholeheartedly agree with you, that Magnotta '271' 10y/o SM is a beautiful thing! Now if they just upped the ABV a bit, it would be a prize winner... Cheers 🥃 Marian 🇨🇦

[@whiskynotes9326]

If I’m not mistaken I believe Mackmyra had some issues because of Mac in Mackmyra

[@davidclark9686]

Brilliant, Ralfy! Your thousandth episode was excellent, but it's good to see you back in the bothy and getting on with the business of reviewing whisky. Onwards!!

[@juggletom]

As far I know the Story, the same thing happend in Germany. The Whisky "Glen Els" had to change it`s name to "Elsburn". The difference is, we dont have scottish roots here.

[@mikeherren5604]

Thx you for what you do. Learned so much from you. Love The Scots. Ancient ancestry for kirkcudbrightshire.. fine border reevers !!!

[@zebcosk1097]

This was my first experience in the single malt world. It’s been 21 years since and just had the 25yr old last weekend. What a great review!!

[@theleatherman]

Back to the beginning 🎉 watching since review 2 glen breton which became review 1. Watching from Switzerland 🇨🇭. Just purchased your 3 books while I was over in the UK recently. Looking forward to reading them all. You might want to try a new swiss rye whisky: Goldwaescher. Small craft distillery, small batch, 100% 🇨🇭, swiss rye, swiss oak, non-chillfiltered, natural colour. Cask strength, Single cask bottlings

[@BDCF100]

The 25 is available in the USA also.

[@crosisofborg5524]

I own a summer home 15km from the Glenora distillery. The 10 year old is my favorite by far.

[@markwinter152]

Don't hold back! 😂 Great review thanks 😄

[@Cezary_The_FLY_Mucha]

The Whole Truth Ralfy .Good speech without flanel 🥃🥂

[@davidbarns940]

I look forward to review 2001 🎉 well done mate.

[@misterbreakit2006]

Hi Ralfy. Please try Glenbow Whisky Canadian single malt from Bridgeland Distillery. Bottled at 46.5% in Calgary.

[@55Mrgraham]

Thanks so much, well said ! As a Canadian I have been saying this to distillerys here to up the abv anytime I can. Do you know that it is difficult to find Canadian whiskey distilled at a higher abv? Yes there are some, but not enough unfortunately for those of us on our journey to enjoy good whiskey. Thanks again, cheers!

[@geerakkers2060]

Nice review. Coming back to the SWA, just thought about Diageo misleading the Spanish Market in 2003 with their Cardhu 12 Single Malt, selling it as Vatted Malt.

[@louisperlman8030]

I think they called it Pure Malt.

[@geerakkers2060]

@@louisperlman8030 yes that's true. But it was misleading to bottle a 'Pure Malt' using the same bottle design and label as its Single Malt.

[@marcwhiskey]

Love the fire and passion of this review!

[@jdmac150]

As a Canadian who’s ancestors I’ve traced back (so far) to Kintyre that were part of the forced immigration I always have had and always will have a love of Scotland and Scotch. But I find myself more and more supporting Canadian distilleries. Especially ones that make single malts. Last Straw and North of 7 in Ontario. Eau Claire and Grain Henge in Alberta. Shelter Point and Macaloney’s in B.C. Two Brewers in Yukon. Definitely Glen Breton in Nova Scotia. All ones I’ve tried and enjoyed. If anyone has any other distilleries I should try please let me know.

[@ccuellar6212]

This gentleman is living the life of a (whisky) rock star.

[@joan_b.]

Let's go for another 1000! 🤩

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

What a meaningful review dear Ralfy. I just wanted to say, the message is very powerful. Well done 👍 Bravo 👏. Kindest regards, S.

[@Whiskyfan519]

I really wish you could get your hands on more Canadian whisky ralfy, two brewers, macaloney, shelter point. So many wonderful brands bottling with integrity.

[@JayJay-v5m]

Awesome as usual. This reminds me of the Macallan deal I heard about a few years back when I could afford to buy 100 whiskey. Had to dip my toes in on a bottle, sherry cask I think bout 90 bucks. It was good but not worth 90 dollars. Dalmore is the same idea. Just a bunch of snobs who cant deal with flavour vs their clubhouse mentality. Ill be putting away a few bucks a month now to by a nice Ardbeg, wish me luck my malty mates❤

[@Tehscottinator]

If you have a taste for Canadian rye, if you like crown or wisers or any of the others. This is the peak, this is the one of the best examples of what Canadian whisky is. While I do think scotch is more interesting, this is the stuff I grew up with and keep coming back to.

[@UsedBrain4U]

We have Lohin Mckinnon and they have the same struggle because of their name. The head distiller is a Scottish expat. The Canadian Single Malts are quite nice.

[@luijdiaz]

Thank you and love from Canada 🍁 🥃

Let’s begin the next 1000!🥳🤩

[@davidc6863]

Thank you for the start of the second thousand Ralfie. Have you thought about reviewing Israeli whisky?

[@ravindranramiah6336]

great video, i wish i could support Australian distilleries but their prices are ridiculously high, there is so many other options why would i but i get your point .

[@jmcc7886]

well done Ralfy, another great video, thank you

[@kaiserhog]

Ralfy, don't you have a 15th anniversary review early next year?

[@jensun77wilson]

Here’s to another 1000 reviews and beyond 🥃

[@DheadTV]

Hi from Canada! What would be your view on PDO (From spirits to wine to cheese and all...) Is the SWA acting like a PDO? Also just for fun, if Scotch Whisky needs to be made in Scotland, how come I can buy Canadian or American made Butterscotch?

[@saschaoswald480]

Oh man, we have so many towns here in Ontario named after Scottish ones. I can visit these towns/cities/municipalities without getting on a plane: Caledonia, Dornoch, Aberfoyle, Crieff, Elgin, Perth, Callander, Kingcardine....I'm sure there are more! I just hope none of those places have distilleries which might wish to name their products after their place of origin....the SWA might disapprove!

[@xcfjdyrkdtulkgfilhu]

I'd love to try Macaloney's, but it's actually only sold in a few provinces within Canada. The few times I've tried Glen Breton, it's 849307I really wanted to like Glen Breton given the stupidity the SWA went after them with, but when I've tried it, it had a mineral undertone that I didn't really like. Perhaps a couple of off bottles, though.

[@Retired_Gentleman]

Nova Scotia is enjoying a Renaissance in spirits making. Glen Breton, Still Fired, Iron Works, Barreling Tide, and Fortress Rum are some of the distilleries now making wonderful spirits. Yes, most are known for making rum (all are worth trying), but increasingly, these micro distilleries are venturing into whiskys. I just purchased a bottle of Windward Whisky from Barreling Tide, and though only released for sale on October 26, this small batch whisky is sold out as of today, October 30, 2023. I find it to be a superb spirit.

[@robfut9954]

Sadly living in the US I can say that I’ve never seen any of those bottles on the shelf in and shop I’ve been to. How is Canadian whisky not bigger in the US??!

[@Retired_Gentleman]

@robfut9954 I suspect these smaller companies have little capital for advertising and promotion, but they mostly do ship across Canada. I'm not sure they ship internationally, although if they do such costs, it would likely be very expensive. Then again, it might just be worth it as these brands have character and style simply not available in much of the mass market dreck out there.

[@robfut9954]

@@Retired_Gentleman there honestly isn’t much Canadian whisky in stores here, oddly. We’ve got the big brands and occasionally a cheap one I don’t recognize but very little on the high end really. The prices are actually VERY cheap IMO for the age statements compared to American whiskies, but for a next door neighbor we don’t get the variety you would assume. Is bourbon like that in Canada?

[@Retired_Gentleman]

@robfut9954 Bourbon is readily available (Maker's Mark, Bulleit, etc), and there are increasing brand varieties as well. It's more expensive because of the "sin" taxes added to the cost by the various provincial governments.

[@robfut9954]

@@Retired_Gentleman interesting, thank you for the chat. It was very informative, it’s a shame the governments like taxing and tariffing whiskies so much.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Great idea! 😉

[@johnelliott5859]

Thanks Ralfy. Canadian whiskey is first rate. Lots of selection.

[@crosisofborg5524]

Cape Breton Island was once part of the same landmass as Scotland.

[@CloudyMcCloud00]

Review 2001 will (surely) have to be Hal's 9000 Moon Malt. (Just bought a very enticing bottle of MacLean's Nose after your hearty recommendation on the Whisky Rant Podcast!) 🥃

[@rupertansell4662]

What do you mean Canadian Club isn’t Scottish 😮

[@robfut9954]

Since 1,000 wasn’t technically a traditional whisky review then this is actually the 1,000th review… right? Or were there other past videos that weren’t proper reviews which would make it back a few more?

[@bandicootman]

Ain’t a Canadian, a kiwi living in Canada, Glen Breton, shelter point and macaloneys are shining bacons of hope for Canadian single malt whisky and gladly buy them.

[@Mikego55]

Kudos to the numerous flavors you identified from a dram of the SWA.

[@grant6173]

It brings me back to my neice's wedding when a bottle mde it's way into the dance.

[@alpineadmiral1]

First there was 1001 Nights, now 1001 Ralfys

[@charlesrb3898]

I tried it and bought it again and again.

[@Norris_84]

Yet another refreshingly honest vid. Is it really just an opinion when its true? 😉

[@C.A.Newman]

In some ways the SWA lawsuit may have caused the thing they were afraid of in the first place. Just last year I had a friend ask if I had tried the "Canadian Scotch". When I told them Scotch can only be made in Scotland, they replied, "Nope. There's one out east that is allowed now." 🤦‍♂ I'm sure they'd have never had that misconception if the Scotch Whisky Association hadn't gotten involved.

[@iancraigie7033]

I'm just here for Ralfy going off on the colonial empire elitists and 5-minutes in I am not disappointed 🤣

[@CanadaDryHands]

👏👏👏👏

[@johnzajac9849]

Ralfy - If you had to choose only one whisky, which would it be?

[@dezzz4845]

We need a Ralfy Haka now

[@ianlaw6410]

It's all about lawyers wanting to stir up a fight over defending brand and copyright. They tell their bosses "we have to do this, or we'll lose our brand". Then they'll make a fortune out of all the ensuing legal battles. They don't care if they put a feisty, innovative, young company out of business. They have made their buck. And you are correct, they portray the consumer as being blind and stupid, incapable of recognising the difference between a genuine Scottish whisky with any other type. That suits their strategy. All in my opinion, of course.

[@richardamiro8266]

❤

[@dezandloper6838]

the clash is already there: Britisch against Scotch! what will review 1999 look like?

[@grant6173]

Bring the whisky.

[@AdlerDanEgoe]

Man Ralfy throws rocks today. Mark it Dude.

[@ja5361]

Got a draw a line somewhere and defend traditions. In our species, if you don't use those many descriptive words that you listed to defend your traditions and cultures... they get washed away and gradually mean less and less. Speaking from a Canadian view, our government has sold the Canadian culture and good name for the last 30 years... as their ad says "it's not how Canadian you are, but who you are in Canada" anyways, my rant is done 😂

[@heisenbergguy7772]

Please don’t go to the dark side and pop a cork Ralfy. British Empire probably Trade Marked the word “Glen”. Stopping the Canadians from using it is BRILLIANT!

[@C_David_Clark]

I'm surprised Macaloney Caledonian didn't counter sue SWA for usage of their specific "Scotch" terminology which could confuse Scotch 😂consumers who may think they're drinking Canadian Whisky by accident.

[@prioritasko]

Interesting, I found that bottle in 40% volume version only.

[@brian6x]

where?

[@prioritasko]

Slovakia@@brian6x

[@Shane4Bass]

Arrogance is present in all countries, and it simply sucks! 😡😡I think I'm gonna buy myself a Glen Breton!

[@danyal2]

Onward and upward mate!

[@grant6173]

Sing it, brother

[@majornut9728]

Histroy lessons and whiskey review, could it be any better?! 😀

[@djbeacon6895]

Whiskey Knows = is that bourbon Marty?? Cheers!

[@vangstr]

I guessed 83 and sure enough you gave it an 83 malt mark. But honestly, 83 is pretty poor mark. I’d save my money and get something at least minimum of 88/89 or higher.

[@brian6x]

83 is a good mark now.

[@neilmattos2756]

😁

[@DileepB]

Not likely to buy it. Too many other choices. Thanks for the review.

[@Miata822]

As I child I spent several summers in Filmore Glen in upstate New York. You will find little valleys named "Glen" across the English speaking world. Perhaps the Scotch Whisky Association is focusing on the wrong things when the shelves of my local seller are filled to overflowing with endless bottles of bland 40% chill-filtered Scotch. More and more I see integrity and affordable bottlings of American corn and malt whiskies from small craft distillers.

[@timsimmons5953]

Brexit

[@ChrisPBacon-mo9ln]

I was expecting a more articulated review..not sure why it was not the case. Spent more time ranting and cursing than providing us with notes on the whisky

[@arnoldandujar4893]

Opinion from reality… sadly

[@mr2gordons940]

Emotions certainly, justifiably, run high for you on this, but I don't understand why you'd bring the element of racism into their actions. I have no idea if it's turned this way in your country, but in the U.S. accusations of racism are most often used when people are in disagreement and the individual with the weaker position hopes it will silence their opposition. What you've described is a situation of injustice, arrogance and a number of the other terms you've used, but British/Canadian racism?

[@martingrafton4844]

You're correct. I think Ralfy was describing the old colonial brittish mentality in general though.

[@martingrafton4844]

I agree with you that the use of the word 'racism' is misleading in this context.