ralfy review 1034 - Glentauchers 14yo @50%vol: (Cadenhead)

[@WhooshFlyingHorse444]

Never have tried any Cadenheads Glentauchers before but Ralfy you have inspired me to go out and find some. Like you, I detest how some Whisky producers strip out natural flavours then give out a whole load of deceptive fluff n flannel. All the best to you.

[@markushofer4874]

Got a small bottle of Glentauchers for my birthday, from my brother. It was a very special taste, i never had experienced before. I liked it that much, so i have bought a Signatory Glentauchers 22 years old. This bottle shall be opend on my 25 wedding anniversay, because it was distilled on the very day we met each other. Looking forward to this ! Thank you so much for years of valuable knowledge and entertainment !!

[@mattyh1010]

Great advice as always! Recently had a Cadenheads 10yo Glencadam bourbon cask which was outstanding

[@redfish7081]

Huge fan of the independent bottlings/bottlers. A great way to try very hard, if not impossible to find distillers. And unlike a lot of distiller bottlings, you get the whiskey in its most honest expression. No color and unchill filtered. Well done Cadenhead's, Signatory, Battle Hill, Gordon & MacPhail etc..

[@mediaikonz]

I was just in London and stopped by Cadenhead's because I was specifically looking for an independent bottling of something familiar. Brian was incredibly helpful and let me try a couple of releases, one which was a bit young and hot. But the one I bought was a 22yr Glenfarclas, one because I love the malt, but it was oloroso aged and really pushed the limits of the whisky. Made it safely back to the states. Thanks for all the independent bottle reviews. At this point I'm in my indie phase of whisky.

[@Dan-hn1lx]

I love Glenatuchers espically sherried. I have a Glentauchers 17 OB bottle. Also have a first fill sherry and almondtillado cask and all 3 are cracking drams. Carn Mor independent bottles always provide great juice.

[@kylewipert11]

I live in Kentucky so it’s basically all bourbon here. But I ran into a 12 year Glentauchers 46% NCF natural color IB from Battlehill. They “married” a decent amount of barrels because they say there are 3000 bottles of this stuff. I thought it was pretty great actually

[@alexk3088]

In my observation it's completely unrealistic to expect a whisky expert even at the nicer supermarket-sized liquor stores in the US, like BevMo, Total Wine or Binny's (my favorite). Best you'll get is someone with a bartender-level knowledge of various spirits and some general knowledge of whisky categories. Unless the person happens to be a whisky geek, which is rarer than I would like. It's easier if you don't expect this and just do your own research. I don't have these stores in my area, so when I visit, I can spend a couple of hours with my phone and reading glasses, looking up bottles and deciding what I want. And there are frequently gems to be found, including independent bottlers. The fact that everyone is distracted by bourbon and there are relatively few single malt geeks, means that even the amazing single cask bottles are sometimes clearanced out at liquidation prices, which never happens to the mainstream brands. At that point you're better off just taking a punt and trying it. I've gone back and bought the rest of the lot. You get integrity bottlings of great distilleries, some of which aren't even available here as official bottlings. I'd rather take these chances than taking a chance that a $120 bottle of Lagavulin 16 will be from a "bad batch", which can be a particular disappointment to someone who likes Lagavulin.

[@zachariahzedd8124]

Binnys always has the fire

[@adriannudelman4519]

Absolutly totally agree. 🥃

[@razumov22]

Well yes, it is the case that stores like the aforementioned, which hire most of their staff for close to minimum wage on 24.5 hour a week schedules do not tend to hire whiskey connoisseurs. That's one of the reasons you should visit a smaller specialty shop.

[@alexk3088]

@@razumov22 that might work in Europe, or elsewhere in the world, I guess. In my travels in the US I haven't seen such shops. Smaller privately owned shops do exist in some areas (where the law allows it), but they can't afford consultant employees. At best the owner has some knowledge. Personally I usually don't need anyone's help, unless they can share that they've tried the particular bottle and how they liked it. Margins are so tight that I can't imagine being able to pay someone a consultant-level salary while staying profitable. Maybe in Sillycon Valley, Greenwich, CT or Aspen, CO. Or else the shop's prices will be inflated. I'll pass.

[@alexk3088]

Last year came across a Mossburn bottling of Glentauchers - 13yo Sauternes cask 57.8% single cask. I think this might be a Binny's exclusive bottling. It was $89. I hope I'm not disappointed, haven't tried it yet. Another score was a Mossburn bottling of Glen Gariouch 10yo Madeira cask, also full cask strength and single cask, same price. Stuff like this is far more interesting to experience than paying same price or more for the official bottlings at 43% or even 46%. It's like being in a whisky barrel co-op without having to be in it :)

[@AaronBlum1]

I have that Mossburn Glentauchers, it's absolutely delicious. Very rich and honey sweet. Hard to go wrong with glentauchers or sauternes cask.

[@alexk3088]

@@AaronBlum1 THANK YOU! I didn't expect to come across someone who tried it, very much appreciated! Have you tried any other Mossburn indy bottlings? Seems like they're another great IB company. I like their blended malts. And, of course, love Torabhaig! I have a couple of other Mossburn indy single malts, can't wait to get into them.

[@AaronBlum1]

@@alexk3088 I haven't, that's the only mossburn bottling I own (aside from Torabgaig). Curious to see how some of their other bottlings stack up.

[@alexk3088]

@@AaronBlum1 I came across them at what seemed like good prices at Binny's and I gave them my full advance trust due to how much I liked Torabhaig and the 2 "cask bill" blended malts. Just seems like the right approach, so I'm willing to give them my time/money.

[@paulm749]

You out-did yourself with this review, Ralfy. This one really was quite poetic in addition to being very informative. To the central topic: with only a very few exceptions, all the best Scotch whisky I've ever tasted has been the product of independent bottlers. In my experience, it has paid to take that chance.

[@marcwhiskey]

I visited Cadenheads for the first time in May and ended up with a very nice Glen Garioch 12yr old. My first experience trying any Glen Garioch. But I knew of Cadenheads reputation to try something like that without having something from that brand.

[@miserablerhurensohn]

I have to get my recommendations here and elsewhere because we have a state run liquor system, no specialist shops. On the plus side, every store has the same available inventory and all at the same price which is very competitive against surrounding states.

[@michaelgonzalez347]

So true about the kiqour stores in the US. I'm out on Long Island, a branch of New York, and it is really difficult to find a specialist shop that has a very knowledgeable staff. They just sell what they can and have no idea of flavor or good recommendations. I wish I could find a good quality fair priced reliable liqour store locally. They all have the basic well know name brands and high prices. To find those special bottles I would need to go online and pay a lot of money for shipping depending on where I order from. Challenging at times.🥃

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Limoncello dear Ralfy! Italy 🇮🇹 salutes all the kind advice and wisdom you share with us. Kindest regards, Sandro

[@yusufsayed1583]

Good Evening 😊 Awesome Video👌🏽 Thanks For Sharing 👏🏼👏🏼 Have a Wonderful Day 👍🏼 Greetings From South Africa 🇿🇦

[@petertodorov1010]

Thanks for this review, Ralfy! You say you poured the second glass last night, so it took time to develop the Scotch mist. I recently opened a bottle of Six Isled blended malt batch strength, and in my experience, of all the whiskies I've had, I'd say this is the most unchillfiltered whisky. It is pale in colour, and the moment you pour a drop of water it becomes just as the second glass that you show in this review. In other words, it very much resembles of anise spirits, especially Turkish raki, or Bulgarian mastika.

[@randomnewyorklawyer]

Interesting about the proof impacting the duty. I recently purchased a local (I'm in the United States) can't-be-called-a-bourbon at 140-something proof and the proof did not affect the tax.

[@HobieCat68]

defintely a UK thing. My old man was an excise officer back on Speyside in the 60s

[@osvaldotararira]

One weeks ago i've bought a 1950s spring cap version of black and white blended whisky for 20 dollars(a steal if you ask me) in perfect condition and in the label states that it comes from glentauchers distillery i hope is a good one!

[@carlubambi5541]

Thank you from what you do .Another bottle I can't get in Toronto.The LCBO in Toronto is destroying $4000 bottles by having them in the showcase getting light from outside ..They used to be on the inner shelves as the vintage wines still are

[@johnruscica6767]

You got that right.

[@BigBeat79]

Just a thought but do you think it's possible that the chill filtration removes some flavour that some people may find off-putting? Thanks for all the information you're providing 🙏🙏🙏!!

[@barryhamilton7845]

Ralfys made numerous videos on chill filtration. And yes, it does affect the whisky.

[@BigBeat79]

@@barryhamilton7845 I'm pretty sure Ralfy and most people will get the question... unlike you 🤷🏼‍♂️😘

[@alexk3088]

I'm not Ralfy, but I understand what you're asking. I think it's possible and even most likely is so. However, a large majority of people have dumbed down tastes, so what they find off-putting might be actual flavor. People these days don't like their fish to taste fishy, their meat to taste meaty, etc. Off-notes in whisky are removed with maturation. Well matured whisky does not need to be "fixed". So if there are off-putting notes, it may need to be recasked or used in blends. Aside from very young distillates I have yet to come across off-putting NCF malts and the best distilleries seem to all be embracing it. Now, it is not an insult to say that people have dumbed down tastes. It's just a statement of fact. It's not a verdict, anyone can choose to explore and widen out their taste and this is done by venturing outside one's comfort zone. But people who grow up eating Oreo cookies, "condensed" soup and canned ravioli can't possibly have sophisticated taste until they start experimenting with real food. Likewise with spirits.

[@BigBeat79]

@@alexk3088 I totally agree. Thx for the reply 👍

[@anton7288]

I’ve bid on many Glentauchers on SWA and regretfully didn’t win any 😄 I see I bid on this or similar bottle too, but I was probably stopped by it’s 50% abv (which seemed strange to me)

[@barryhamilton7845]

The only time I'd drink any of these whiskies ,such as Auchroisk, Benrinnes,Dailuaine,Glentauchers,Gendullan ,etc etc, is if they're from independent bottlers. I would not give my money to Diageo or Pernod Ricard owned whisky distilleries. I try and only drink Scottish owned ,independent distilleries whisky with the exception of one ,Distell.

[@barryhamilton7845]

@Martin-uj7wj Yeah true! But depending on the age,that is. Id try buy something with a good age statement before these companies owned them,or just stick to the things that I buy,as there are plenty out there other than their whisky.

[@alexk3088]

I might feel the same way towards the big alco-conglomerates, but it's pretty much like saying: I wish Lagavulin, Talisker, Mortlach, Aberlour, Scapa, etc. went out of business because I hate Diageo or Pernod Ricard. When in reality those conglomerates likely saved many of these distilleries from oblivion. But I agree that indy bottlers offer better value and experience, so I also make that choice frequently, without any intent against the big whales.

[@barryhamilton7845]

@alexk3088 I don't buy from any of them,and only buy their whisky from independent bottlers. They have ruined all those distilliries, especially Lagavulin and Mortlach. If only they were owned buy someone independent, we might see them in their truer form.

[@alexk3088]

@@barryhamilton7845 or else they would just close down. Because very few independent people have enough money for this. So instead of choosing to only buy indy versions we'd have to just not know what a Lagavulin or Mortlach malt tastes like. Like I said, some of those distilleries were financially on the brink and the likes of Diageo literally saved them from disappearing. Kind of like the Japanese industry saved bourbon distilleries from disappearing before the current bourbon boom.

[@dba6935]

Thank you for this incredible content. This being said, and after tasting your words, I cannot explain this humble 84 note other than putting this bottle below the radar of speculation lol

[@jonathanmarkbotterell1926]

Independent makers are great for the industry. It keeps the big guys on their toes and broadens the pallet too for us. Online availability is crucial. I live in Spain. 😎☯️🌱

[@Onoelo23gf]

Notice you are off Glencairn glasses. CF does remove desirable congeners by adsorption. The hydrophilic micelles are lost to posterity, taking with them their signature mist. Affects both taste and colour.

[@Balkonwhisky]

Enjoying your Review with a Dram of 11yo Glentauchers vatted from 2 Sherry Butts with of course natural Colour and unchillfiltered, bottled by van Wees. 😋

[@Ediranii]

Oh god, Ralfy! I was wondering why most modern single malts all show the same notes at the neck. It's the bloody bourbon cask that tastes like creme brule :D I can't unsniff this note.

[@seanzealony9499]

Berry Brothers do a nice range of their own.

[@christobelcraigie-naug6980]

Yep here in Australia we get slaughtered by tax on alcohol. Struggle to get independent bottlings anywhere. Have to go online to get a decent drop..

[@robfut9954]

Why do the people there put up with it? How did this wild taxation there get kicked off?

[@sachinkainth9508]

I'm confused; how can they say it is cask strength if they watered it down to 50%, unless the cask contents were actually exactly 50%?

[@alexk3088]

They don't, nowhere on the bottle. I think it's just Ralfy off-the-cuffing, as usual. He starts out assuming that it's cask strength, because it's indy-bottled and integrity-presented. Then looks at the 50%, a round number, and avers that perhaps they rounded down the actual strength (i.e. 50.7%) just to avoid the higher tax rate. Which I doubt would even be possible, as these parameters are strictly controlled by the excising bureaucracies. So if they want 50%, they'd have to water down. Still, I would say that 50%, while not a true "cask strength" (if water was added), still is in the realm of barrel strengths.

[@peatbull3426]

In short Ralfy says its higher strenght and its true. Its 101% not cask strenght. Its perfect abv for sipping without adding water 👌😁🥂🥂🥂🙋‍♂️

[@Stabilized]

Glenlossie in the latest release is very good. Fruity old school refill style.

[@andyking894]

We have a small IB scene budding here in the US, but I think it's held back by people not understanding the difference between an independent bottler, and a non-distillate producer, which sources whiskey and calls it their own (the difference is probably too nuanced, and we Americans don't do well with nuance). I had the opportunity to pick up a single cask offering of a malted wheat whiskey at cask strength, and it is very different from the OB the distillery offers. Hopefully, IB's will take off here in the states, and we'll get to experience what you all in the UK have for decades.

[@alexk3088]

Interesting observation. NDP's are more for bourbon/rye, i.e. American whiskey. And the reason being that historically people didn't care too much about who/where distilled the bourbon. To this day American whiskey is more about brands (which are bought and sold, moved from distillery to distillery and state to state) vs. provenance - a historic location and distillery. But indy bottlers are somewhat represented. In my travels around the US I've scored various bottlings by Signatory, Mossburn, Archives, Single Cask Nation, The Old Malt Cask, Battlehill, Duncan Taylor. I think Gordon & Macphail are also around, I just never came across something I wanted to buy yet.

[@TheZeal04]

I need to go back to my Glentauchers, I found a 21yr old Chieftain's single cask a bit ago, but wasn't terribly impressed the first few pours. Maybe Chieftain's isnt the best independent bottler? I've never seen another bottle from them, so maybe they don't exist anymore.

[@KaRaKa1s]

Really enjoyed the review ❤ Only one independent bottler is widely represented on the Russian market - Hart Brothers. What can you say about the quality of modern releases from this bottler?

[@jamesboddington9565]

Ohh to be able to get anything like that in Thailand. It's so frustrating seeing you review a malt I really want to try knowing I'll never be able to get it here

[@robfut9954]

Can’t order it online from somewhere like Fine Drams?

[@jamesboddington9565]

@@robfut9954 Unfortunately to bring any alcohol into Thailand other than your 1lt duty free on arrival requires an import license

[@1924rod]

Ralphy, your phrase 'Grannies Stash' has seen be have several 1950's miniatues. The highlight has to be the Laphroaig 20 Under Proof. Whilst my research shows it to be worth a few quid, I wonder if you could share expertise and the best place to sell at auction? I also have a White Horse and two Gilberts, one before Royal Warrant. Thanks pal.

[@changwang7596]

adding 3ml of whisky to your whisky

[@alexk3088]

A ralfian slip :)

[@dram_kruzhok]

I'm starting to think that Ralfy is trolling all the viewers who are too fixated on his "malt marks". Kind of the way john Lennon trolled people with "koo-koo-kachoo" when he heard that people were looking for deep meaning in lyrics. Honestly, this is a great, in-depth review and I learned everything I wanted from what Ralfy actually says. The number on the card carries zero meaning to me. But what do I know? I am the Walrus 🙃

[@robfut9954]

Just add three to the score and it matches his old system.

[@dram_kruzhok]

@@robfut9954 I've honestly never cared about the numbers, I watch for reactions, verbal descriptions, facial expressions, and the various tidbits of info. Have yet to be disappointed with anything "Ralfy-recommended". But I also don't just blindly buy what he just reviewed. Have purchased a few bottles before he reviewed them. I follow my own interests, but enjoy seeing his reviews.

[@MavisCruet-w6d]

"That pocket of a small minority* Or as they are better known: Hospitals Schools Social Care Prisons Armed forces Etc, etc.

[@johnmagill3335]

Just sipping a 12 yr old Glentauchers 57.1 abv as I watch this, Ralfy......and it is absolutely delicious 😋 🥃

[@Freddie-Moses]

Would love to see tax removed from UK made Whisky to give the industry a boost. Can't see it getting any better under Labour though

[@HermannCohen]

What strange fiscal policy priorities Labor has: why don't they give priority to the consumption preferences of rich white middle class Brits like us?

[@Freddie-Moses]

@@HermannCohen Showing your colours by assuming only rich white middle class Brits drink whisky? You are making an argument to remove the tax so it's more affordable and inclusive

[@HermannCohen]

Yes, I completely forgot about the benevolent producers who will of course pass on the relief to consumers …

[@Mike-vw7ct]

I notice you say “in my opinion” a lot. I’ve been told that in Scotland one can be prosecuted for making strong statements. Is this why you use this expression?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . it is a form of disclaimer of liability.

[@kellyj5389]

Great review.

[@eugenenassif]

I'm an American independent bottler :)

[@dirkwestendorf9059]

Sorry but I can not follow you at this point. How can it be casc strength if they have delutet it. Surely they have. But that is paradox. If it is delutet it can not be CS. Am I wrong `?

[@jamescorrigan2777]

I can’t drink whisky above 48%. You must water it down which is odd to me.

[@garyshields8851]

is your bro ok

[@sachinkainth9508]

What happened to his brother?

[@garyshields8851]

@@sachinkainth9508 i dont know but i have nt seen him for ages

[@Robertcollopy]

The UK pink stickers that are on the whisky bottles that were useless will soon go due to the 2024 Budget🍎🍒🍓🍅

[@00maniacmanny00]

19:00

[@johnnyxmusic]

I called 82

[@Robertcollopy]

Bling Bling Single Malt Whiskies between 40% abv and 45% abv with there crystal decanters, fancy art labels and design with there sculpture gift encase will go to Sothebys😭 Don't forget those horrible cryptocurrency Non Fungible Tokens as well😡

[@jimmyjazz4605]

Don't like the UK excise? Visit Australia and see the prices we pay 😂

[@jamesboddington9565]

And as an Australian living in Thailand I can safely say Australia is dirt cheap compared to Thailand 😥

[@jimmyjazz4605]

@@jamesboddington9565 Ah, that sucks 😔