ralfy review 1061 Extras - NO bottle Containers needed !

[@dksculpture]

I agree about EXTRAVAGANT, expensive packaging, but I like a basic cardboard tube to keep the bottles in my stash easy to identify and to keep them from banging against one another … and to block the light.

[@darkoanton5]

Exactly.

[@chrisbfd]

Me too. Extra packaging is fine with me

[@saboteur68]

I agree 100%. I want my whisky protected from any source of light.

[@-xirx-]

I myself, really like the tubes the bottles come in. I know the whisky is protected against sunlight & damage. It is easier to store and find a whisky on the shelf too. Thats my 2 pence.

[@Ediranii]

I agree, there is a place for the containers. If you spend 200-300 pounds for a bottle to present as a gift, having that container makes it: 1. Easier to pack. 2. More secure. 3. Increase resale value (not that I'd ever bother with that) 4. It looks like a much more premium present. There's no utility for them for people like us, who enjoy the liquid in the bottle, but there's certainly a place for these. My old workplace (whisky store) takes all the cardboard from the bottles I buy and use it to fill the shelves that are exposed to sunlight, so they don't have to place actual bottles there to get ruined.

[@robfut9954]

A few shops I buy at have their whisky in the daylight, by a window. Any bottle with clear glass without a box gets COOKED. You can see it, even the labels fade. To talk crap about boxes and tubes is to ignore the truth that light harms whisky. As long as it’s not an ornate wood box or something, I actually steer toward whisky in tubes/boxes. I’m paying $59-$100… they can afford a 20 cent box.

[@whompbiscuits8930]

Good comment, that's the practical purpose I see of containers too. Thumbs up. Indeed they don't need to be tricked out or fussed up but something that just blocks the sunlight completely.

[@Soldano999]

I like boxes ans tubes. They protect from excessive humidity, which can ruin the cork and create mold, direct sunlight and they keep the bottles fresh.

[@jamescostigan3721]

I like the pretty tubes in my cabinet. They're the whisky version of album covers for me. The bottle is the record inside and the whisky, well, that's the beautiful music in the record. A lovely package altogether. Just my opinion. Cheers!

[@-xirx-]

That is such a great analogy. I like to pour over (no pun intended!) the bottle and tube and compare the differences.

I like my pretty containers. I keep most of them. Even after I finished the bottle. The more expensive ones I mean. I keep them on my shelf behind open and unfinished bottles. Seeing everything helps me remember the various smells and tastes. It mentally pre-centers my palate, so to speak, before I pour a dram of something. Some bottles are also woven with stories and memories. I'm not going to throw them away even empty. But then there are useless cardboard boxes for JW Black or LL Signature (which I both still enjoy (the former less lately) in vulgar moments), those I throw away. Not all is lost though. My retail stores sometimes offer option to buy bottle without container, for cheaper price. Which is no-brainer.

[@PatrickS0057]

I also use the more attractive tubes and boxes to store my surplus replacement corks and other tasting room items. Serves a purpose and looks nice in the room.

[@jtf2dan]

I keep all the tubes and boxes. I find it easier to take them anywhere and they are protected, as they are designed to be shipped and not broken. Plus they keep the UV rays and light out of the boxes/tubes. If you are just carrying one bottle, then you can get away with holding onto the bottle so it doesnt break..... I dont buy bottles off the shelf that dont have a box or a tube. they bang against each other and break in the bag or backpack on the way home

[@johnbinstead8544]

If they do without the containers I assure you the savings won't be passed onto us, they'll be pocketed by the distilleries.

[@andynicol9831]

Ralphy isn't suggesting any savings to the consumer, he's suggesting distilleries re-direct there funds to better quality casks that produce better quality malt, then we benefit at no extra cost to them, there reputation increases at no extra expense, and we experience better malts for the same outlay..

[@Eunegin23]

Right, no need of bottle containers which make the whisky more expensive and land in the trash at some point - BUT: I used it during homeoffice time to build a mobile phone holder for video conferences, I use it for rolling up christmas tree lights (plug inside), a container for lighter wood wool for the fireplace and my daughter uses a nice box with a magnet for her kid's treasures. The metal top can be used for many purposes. Well, I also threw some out into the recycling bin ...

[@tomcochrane56]

Im sorry, Ralfy, but if im buying a bottle of malt for a gift i always buy one with a container.

[@FrenchWDram]

So the people you offer it to can fill their bin faster

[@TonyChettleburgh]

​@FrenchWDram they are recyclable, what's the problem ?

[@marca5736]

Every time I open a canister of scotch I like to think there's still the same Scottish air as when it was packed still inside.

[@whompbiscuits8930]

Interesting comment, thumbs-up. What a distillery could do is keep those containers in the malt/smoking floor and put the sealed bottles in there before sealing the containers. That way when you open the container, you get that whiff of peat smoke and maybe some malt. I realize this might be a tacky marketing gimmick but at least it's something a little more.

[@riancreamer6904]

Aye, the fresh air of a Glaswegian industrial estate 😆

[@greatestytcommentator]

My local ENGLISH distillery, will refill an empty bottle from the cask! Kudos to them!

[@mrnosebear7406]

More and more the indy distillers are getting rid of cardboard boxes and tubes. But theses bottlings are the cheaper offerings. This is a compromise that I can live with it. Cheerio and keep on drinking good whisky.

[@nicolaesasu]

Get rid of glass bottles as well, just sell the whisky in plastic PET bottles or in paperboard cartons like the ones milk is sold in. I can agree that cheap whisky should not be sold in tubes, but the more expensive ones will not sell without tubes. They will pocket the money either way, do not expect the whisky prices to drop if they get rid of boxes or tubes.

[@freddievanterbeek4913]

sorry but expensive whiskies sell anyway, also without a tube, that is just nonsense! when I buy a more expensive whisky I don't care if it's in a ffing container or not! I care about the contents of the bottle!

[@nicolaesasu]

@freddievanterbeek4913 what expensive whisky do you buy that has no tube or fancy packages like wooden boxes and stuff like that?

[@John-iq4cj]

I think the idea was that the distillery invests the money in quality casks rather than packaging which just gets thrown out sooner or later.

[@freddievanterbeek4913]

@@nicolaesasu Independent bottelings without marketing crap

[@nicolaesasu]

@freddievanterbeek4913 do you have some examples? Name a few, please. I recently bought a CS, single cask Laphroaig from Duncan Taylor that was way above my budget, and it came in a tube.

[@ccuellar6212]

I prefer a tube/box but don’t require anything extravagant.

[@rivenbeef]

Sorry Ralfy, I’ve got to disagree with you about this one. Containers protect whiskey from one of its greatest enemies, light. Light degrades whiskey faster than almost anything else. Maybe some of them are excessive, but in my opinion, they are also necessary. Dark bottles can help but some light still gets through. I would say a good solution is the sleeve made from recycled and recyclable materials that Bruichladdich packaged its recent 18-year-old in.

[@ian436]

Some of the containers are works of art. If you collect whisky a container looks good.

[@mrnosebear7406]

Thanks for your video and your opinion. You are right and your a wrong. Cheap whisky does not need a containter, but when I buy whisky for a present I want a box or I prefer a tube like in the old days. For me it is part of the holistic experience. Same with music. I still prefer vinyl including the album cover telling a story, showing an attitude. You are right that sometimes the containers are to much. Too blingy and to much marketing. But it is the customer who decides and takes a choice. I am glad that I have a lot of extra containers left using for bottles without a container. They protect the bottles from harm. Happened a few times. Container including a bottle fell down. Bottle stil intact and only the box damaged. Please keep on fighting the good fight. Cheerio from a pat-pal in Germany

[@brendanÉire]

Ralfy, while I appreciate your sentiment, I value attractive whiskey tubes for their functionality and appeal. The whiskey market, like any industry, relies on marketing to compete in a saturated space. Distillers need every edge to sell their products. Additionally, Waterford Distillery’s receivership wasn’t due to packaging costs but unforeseen issues like the Covid pandemic, inflation, and the cost-of-living crisis, which left them unable to sell surplus stock. An additional reason for this is that Irish whiskey is generally overpriced compared to its Scottish rivals, making it harder to compete in an already crowded market - a problem Irish Whiskey has faced for some time but few discuss.

[@whompbiscuits8930]

I suppose one use for these canisters is to keep sunlight out of your bottle especially if you're traveling with it. For instance, if you want to take a bottle on a trip with you where there's a lot of direct sunlight (ex, beach, sunny picnic, etc), keeping your bottle in a canister will help keep your whisky's integrity safe while you're there. Of course you could also paint them and put any homemade liqueurs (which I do) in for gifts, whether holiday, birthday, etc. But that's really about it. I keep a couple but not an obscene number no.

[@darkoanton5]

I like the boxes. It protects th3 bottles when I store them.

[@richardgenerazio5280]

Protecting the bottle, and really Like the story, details and statements. And it looks good! The extra 2 bucks.. ok ! Cheers to you!

[@danhammer106]

Haven't shed a tear when Glengyle got rid of tubes for Kilkerran, but still keep the one from the slim 12yo bottle to hold my tall tobacco pipe & smoking nicknacks when on the road. Tubes also make for nice brush or pencil holders when you cut a bit off the top. You can cut out a nice bookmark from the boxes and I still keep 2 Compass Box ones with the empty bottles inside as bookends.

[@chriskellas2902]

I had a laugh when I saw some guy on e-bay selling an Ardbeg Uigeadail empty bottle and box for $30.00 usd....What a great way to subsidize their next purchase!

[@ralfpassing]

I agree - but I don't need alcohol taxes as well. Can we dump that as well?

[@vanwoudt]

I just paid 70 euros for an awkwardly shaped heavy bottle of Bladnoch 11 in way too fancy packaging, however the liquid is very well worth it! Totally agree with your view on keeping the presentation simple!

[@meepmeep1313]

A quick bit of googling shows me a wholesale cost of these tubes, printed to order, of about 50p a piece

[@jillleon55555]

Must be cold in the Bothy Ralfy, l can see your breath. Thank you again Ralfy 😊

[@danielwatson382]

I don’t think people truely understand what a millennial is. We’re in our 40s or some of us are. Gen Z are the ones not drinking.

[@jeradfennell3892]

Yup! then fear mongers about going out and getting stabbed or getting your phone stolen... dont care for these disjointed ramblings, makes me roll my eyes.

[@jammose]

I like to keep mine for the same reasons as others, but also there’s always someone within the country who wants a spare tube or box to replace a damaged or missing one and it’s nice to pass these on.

[@dirtydawg3734]

I completely agree Ralfy... however, I don't believe for a second that the producers will lower their prices to reflect it. I also don't believe they will invest that money into securing quality casks or improving the pay of their workers. I believe they will put it right into the profit margin.

[@M10-i6b]

Half of the new distilleries that want to open in 2025 will be closed by 2030. Prices can not continue going up like crazy for whisky or any other liquors.

[@farmertone2912]

I remember 25 years ago using one of my first Glenfiddich tins as a money box after cutting a coin slot in the top to save loose change. Perhaps it’s time to see a container with a contactless terminal point with a direct charge to the distiller?

[@davet7185]

Are you not sporting any breeks there Ralfy? I noticed a flash of the ole shanks when you stamped on that Bunna Box 🤣! Fair rant, but I reckon the consensus on tubes/packing in general is the protection from sunlight - that said when it's bottle kill, the tube gets recycled as well in my wee house.

[@TonyChettleburgh]

Do we need boxes for our breakfast cereals or most other things in our cupboards ? No but packaging equals protection and that's why it is used , either don't buy whisky that has a box or tube or send it back to the distillery. At the end of the day just put it in the recycling bag, jeez what is the problem?

[@Whiskyanalyse]

Hey Ralfy, thanks for your opinion, I’m not sure if companies have reduced their prices even if they get rid of their containers. They will take the profit and you pay the same. I think „honest“ whisky over 75€ is a traditional high quality product, sometimes for a present, or for the feeling of having something good in the collection. The haptik and the experience with a good single malt matters also for me.

[@velviaman3206]

Macfarlane who design and manufacture specialist packaging made £ 1.3 m profit last year.

[@tomfriedrichshain]

@@velviaman3206 How many jobs/families were secured as a result?

[@jbennison5672]

Oh no. A company making profit.

[@velviaman3206]

@ Macfarlane is one of Scotland’s most successful private companies. It was started with a post WWll gratuity. You missed my point , packaging costs money..

[@tomfriedrichshain]

@@velviaman3206 ...it saves a lot of important jobs in Scotland

[@MoChesterton]

If I`m paying 50 quid for a bottle, I want it in a protective sleeve.

[@grbadalamenti]

Whisky bottles can be recycled very well. And some recycled reviews can be really entertaining.

[@allanhegney3835]

I agree the box is somethin we are forced to buy but arn't able to drink, however if big corpa remove them due to market pressure the quaity of the product won't go up nor will price we pay go down. The money they save will just line their pockets. Just sayin.

[@kaiserhog]

Most bourbon doesn't come in a box or cylinder. They used to have (1970's) a special decanter for the holidays or the beginning of hunting/fishing season. Goodness sakes, I'm showing my age.

[@sisi2484]

Love your philosophical spiels Ralfy

[@Eddogegr3]

I like tubes, they look classy and protect the bottle well. Boxes though go straight to the recycle bin (I will store away from sunlight).

[@thiccelectronicc3832]

2 euros in a thrift store for empty whisky bottle containers as observed today here in FI. Now drinking Bowmore 12 small batch. Previous whisky drinking event was 18 years ago (Caol Ila 12).

[@mr2gordons940]

A history of the development of whisky packaging would be interesting.

[@dylanhamilton2455]

Get your point! But you don’t work in retail 😂 lot of folk want a fancy box (GIFTS) All brands need to do it not just one.

[@brownwaterboys8304]

I know your not doing anymore Malt Mentions... but i'll keep giving them. Merry Malt Mates Monetary Masters of the Malt-o-verse

[@MadScientist7]

I personally like the tubes but don’t care for the boxes. I usually buy whisky in my travels and it’s always easier to transport ones in tubes. Bottles without packaging I need to wrap in clothes or bring extra bubble protection to avoid breakage. The extra few dollars I pay for packaging is well worth it, never mind the protection it gives from sunlight

[@greatestytcommentator]

Sell the tubes to rich idiots through some of the online shopping sites. In my town, they are charging £70 for an empty whisky bottle with some poundland led lights inside!

[@Rob-rg4oe]

Although it seems pretty cold in the bothy and you having added quite some water to the Bunnahabhain, it does not seem to develop much, if any, Scotish mist. Is it heavily filtered or am I missing something?

[@peatbull3426]

I dont think Ralfy lads working for minimum wage with very high strict quality control are happy how you smashed this lovely tube 🤭. P.S. i bought this bottle in a sale before Christmas for £62 and delivered with no tube. At this price cant complain 😁👍🥂🥂🥂🙋‍♂️

[@John_Krone]

Marketing is Psychology and Psychology is Marketing. It is all to fool our eyes malt mate, and make the sale.

[@greatestytcommentator]

You can hear the cold in this video! brrrr....

[@Soldano999]

Yeah he's wearing boxers 😂

[@Doddo13]

Warm greetings to the most meaningful malt mindset in the world!!

[@James-zo6xq]

A good discussion Ralfy, but I would suggest your costings on the packaging are miles off. A label, closure, capsule and tube is not costing £7 a bottle. Lucky if it's half that with the glass included.

[@MyScottyboy1]

I bet your cat is curled up at your feet right next to the burner right now! My dachshunds would be, keeping my tootsies warm. That Bunna 12 is lovely stuff, cheers ralfy. Look before stamping!

[@greatestytcommentator]

I bought a bottle last year... I am assured that the cardboard box will be available soon in 2025! 😂😂 True story!

[@jaxson1948]

Outstanding!

[@SimonneNZ]

I read the outer packaging first and then it goes straight in the bin as I don't have room to keep it. If there is anything interesting on the outer package that isn't on the label (which is rare), I will take a photo of it before I ditch it. Cheers!

[@greatestytcommentator]

Careful what you say online.... the DVLA are watching. Check out their policy on fitness to drive / Government Guidelines on Alcohol Units consumed..! I said something flippant and sarcastic, and now I cannot drive. How Clarkson, Hammond and May are not 'Medically Revoked', I would pay to know.

[@kirbyculp3449]

???? The driver's license can be revoked for an online comment?

[@mattholt4270]

Hello Ralfy can you recommend an online whisky auction in the UK for a first time dabble. As there are so many to choose from and it is abit perplexing where to start. Many thank to you in your bothy

[@carlubambi5541]

Thank you Ralph,but I turn them into piggy banks and storage containers

[@greatestytcommentator]

Trust me... those tubes don't cost over a few pence. Stupid and wasteful still... unless you reuse them for putting paintbrushes in and such.

[@jbennison5672]

Cardboard packaging is ok. But no hot foil etc. Springbank is the perfect example.

[@BigBeat79]

The NoRantsGreenJacket did the job for 2 whole weeks 😅

[@greatestytcommentator]

😂😅🎉❤

[@hinzuzufugen7358]

Ouww Ralfy, the Bunahabain again on which I commented: Good but I got outmatched, or should I say: I didn't understand it? I checked our pantry: I haven't kept it, it didn't feel worthwhile. But the Laphroaig 10 tube I kept. They switched partly to cartons. Good move. We should store some other stuff in the tubes. Apples?

[@kirbyculp3449]

Bullets.

[@SidequestBear]

Happy spirit Ralphy lasted all of 2 weeks, put your red jacket back on 😂

[@chrissheppard5068]

Spot on.

[@keithyjoe5094]

Great point. Does exposure of the whiskey to light in shops impact the quality of the whiskey at all? Could that be why they are using the boxes? I have no idea, I'm just curious.

[@dkek383]

I'd like to know too. I suspect that it's mainly driven by the people in the marketing department, given that they could just use a dark glass bottle.

[@alsullivan4322]

if they are by a sunny window the get sunbleached

[@FrenchWDram]

That's why IBs like Decadent drinks never come with a containers : cause only the whisky matters !

[@paulnsm64]

Hej Ralfy , ever heard about whisky that has sat in bottles for years and never sold. Then they re bottle new labels and try to move it again.

[@i_am_still_human]

Hey Ralfy, good content as always, I learned so much about whisky watching your videos! Can I ask you, and the community, is Springbank 30yo 2024 edition a good investment if the buying price is less than 1200€? Cheers!

[@tomfriedrichshain]

I wouldn't buy a whisky over €50 without packaging because the bottle will last for several years and I don't want to expose it to sunlight during that time.

[@andrewchoffin7552]

Excellent!

[@norman7334]

Agree about extravagant packaging. Macallan can keep doing it though, I won’t be buying anything from them either way.

[@andypike1234]

You dropped the malt mentions?

[@grant1863]

Yes, he mentioned it in his pat pals update. It's had it's day.

[@newhey]

Another loony middle aged bloke rant. Deep state archive🤣🤣. Been drinking too much Bunna lad 🤔🤣🍻

[@Mike-vw7ct]

Perhaps you should spend some of your Pat pal money on heat. You are making me cold watching you! Brrrr🥶

[@welshred5995]

all the bourbon ive ever baught has just come in a bottle .no packaging

[@superodfx]

Packaging goes straight in my bin

[@bluedevil0111]

Agree. Packaging is unnecessary. Most American bourbon, rye, and even American single malts don’t have any packaging. I just put them in the cupboard and they’re safe from the sun for years to come.

[@DarwinSwimsWithTheFish]

King Ralfy wants to cancel whisky packaging! 😂 Only he knows what everyone else wants. 🤫

[@TonyChettleburgh]

Just His opinion

[@nicolaesasu]

Any whisky over 60 pounds should come in a tube.

[@seanreeves3503]

Quiteagree, you talk so much common sense.

[@hongji18]

Totally agree. We have a garage problem. No need to waste materials and energy on useless packaging.

[@LeonScheppink]

To be honest, I use them as throw-away trash bins in the kitchen. 😁

[@WeightlessBallast]

I agree fully that the containers are useless. However, one could build a crystal set radio into a wooden one.

[@ladyliberty5409]

Extortion is correct. Taxation IS SLAVERY. Plain and simple. If you support slavery, pay income tax. If you support human freedom, do not.

[@masoncapwell3498]

So you've never been to hospital, been to school, driven on a road, caught a bus ? How do you think those services are funded ?

[@ladyliberty5409]

@ By extorting working people and transferring their resources to people who don’t work. Is that clear enough for you? Taking from PRODUCTIVE people to fund DEFICIENT people. Robbing Peter to pay Paul.

[@freddievanterbeek4913]

when I buy a bottle with a thick carton container, I cut off the bottom with a knife, the lid goes in the bin for plastic and metal (which gets recycled) , the carton tube goes in the paper bin for recycling and the bottom with still a bit of carton attached to it , goes in the general waste bin. I have a few containers on display in my homebar. But most go directly into bins. A waste of material and money...

[@ErmirMusic]

Well said Ralfy! Unnecessary trash…I just need the bottle which will be sitting in a shelf at home, no tubes, no fuss

[@joan_b.]

Once again, well said Father Ralfy! Amen! 😂

[@johnmcdonald7339]

The tube goes into the bin on the way out of the shop, that’s their tat, I’m not filling my bins with it

[@somewaresim]

Totally agree. Let’s stop with the whisky bottle containers. Pointless.

[@tonychettleburgh8953]

Until you drop one and the container saves it.

[@bobsander4589]

Well said. A few distilleries give the option to have no box (Filey Bay for example) and Nc'Nean as part of their environmental ethos. Times are changing albeit slowly.

[@tonychettleburgh8953]

Well I want a box or tube so you speak for yourself.

[@jakubkaczanowicz5680]

Ralfy ,watching you Dor some years, but last Times yoy geting softballs. Sorry to Say., comparingig with previus years.. You loose yours cohones. Sorry to Say but looks like to me.