ralfy review 669 - Advice on drinking old vintage liquors.

If you like my content you can buy me a 'wee dram' at / ralfy , thanks !
This video represents a personal opinion and perspective only.
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[@dlfendel2844]

Ralfy, re straining things? When I lived in Los Angeles and "the big one" earthquake hit, the only thing in my collection that broke was a bottle of very, very fine Port whose bottle neck snapped off. I was able to salvage the contents and keep myself and my neighbors safe from any glass shards by putting it through a "Mr. Coffee" paper filter, then we all relaxed at 4am with lawn chairs out front of the 4plex building and enjoyed! :)

[@JagerLange]

Port in an earthquake? Nice (once everyone was safe and you had time to enjoy it, of course)

[@jasonbraun8599]

This was fascinating. Especially the bit about letting oxygen into the bottle and then allowing it to sit a month to break-up the awkward notes and mellow out. Really good stuff @ralfy. Thanks.

[@carlkamuti]

Even though I enjoy your videos regularly and have done for a few years now Ralfy, I'm not usually inclined to comment. My knowledge of whisky has pretty much been gleaned from you entirely, so I rarely have much more to offer on the subject. I just wanted though to say that this particular video is a highlight of the channel. The respect you have for your subject is palpable, and the little life hacks about how to bring these old bottles back to life are an indication of that dedication you have. I really didn't want to come across as sycophantic with this, although I fear I've failed but I just wanted it to be known the enjoyment and education I get from watching your channel. Keep on keeping on.

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . happy to help with the malt-moments !

[@johnw1597]

Ralfy mate, I've found myself watching your videos every day! The information I'm getting from you regarding my whisky collection (both to open now and later), is just invaluable. Thank you! And keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . happy to share !

[@distlledbrewedreviewed]

Perfect timing. I'm either going to shoot a video on my wine channel or wait until my whiskey one is up and running. I have the following unopened bottles all from 1970's or early 80's. 21 yr Chivas Regal Chivas 12 yr Glenmorangie 10 yr Glenfiddich unblended Glenfiddich special reserve single malt Christian Bro 1976 vintage port Seagram VO 1977 Decanter bottle Canadian Classic 12yr 1973 decanter bottle Courvoisier vs Courvoisier vsop Martell cordon bleu cognac Remy Martin grand cru Old Weller 107 Everything purchased 1970's, early 80's. So the 21 chivas distlled in 1950's for example. I will feature them but may never open them.

[@Ogma3bandcamp]

Wonderfully insightful. I've subscribed for the vocabulary and coiled spring imagery.

[@dvestopsov]

You are truly inspirational for me. Thank you, Ralfy...

[@trentbateman]

Amazing video to get the malt mention on malt mates. Cheers Ralfy!

[@foodquig]

I always learn something when I watch your vids...

[@summerlaverdure]

what would your advice be on drinking baileys out of a shoe?

[@frac]

Avoid open toe sandals.

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . use a small clean shoe polish-free !

[@alexk3088]

American or European shoe? First or second fill? There's so many things to consider ;-)

[@TPHRyan]

Try not to also go to a club where people wee on each other.

[@summerlaverdure]

TheInnocence111 what about those love games?

[@volkerby9674]

I just got via eBay a bottle of Couvreur from Spain you speak about and gave 93... and now with respect will wait for the right evening...Thanks& Best & Cheers from Germany

[@1o1s1s1i1e]

I wish you good health Ralfy and hope you are still pouring yourself a wee dram into your 90's!

[@JimmyLeg]

Speaking of health how are you doing Ossie?

[@1o1s1s1i1e]

Hi Jimmy! The prostate surgery went real well, my PSA is now zero. I'll have to get a PSA blood test every six months for the next five years to be sure the cancer don't return. The arthritis in my back is rough, but a wee dram before bed helps to make for a restful night. With Ralfy's help I've been drinking some terrific single malts. Hope you are keeping well. Sincerely, Ossie

[@JimmyLeg]

Excellent to hear Ossie. Best wishes to you for the future.

[@ericgilbert8114]

The corn used today for distilling is also used to make plastic

[@ashertsukuyomi8427]

Ralfy is my hero, never stop! never loose bearing! :) keep up the fantastic work!

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . will do !

[@michaelcuggy1870]

I just finished a 51 year old bottle of Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey that was fun to have (especially since it was free from my in-laws)

[@MrPlutoUSA]

I'm not much of a drinker, but I find your videos very interesting and entertaining! Thanks!

[@thinkneo]

Happened try to an old black dog & JW black label (80's bottling) & boy i was surprised !!! it was delicious no wonder they had such a following back in the day. Also have different it tastes now!! chalk & cheese .

[@WhiskyJason1]

Thanks for the great advice Ralfy!!!

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . happy to help !

[@ShawnTylerMusic]

Got a bottle of unopened ballentines from my grandfathers bar that was passed down. From circa 1948. Can’t wait to open it when the time is right.

[@philipeagleton9040]

Great review Ralfy, very interesting. One of your best.

[@danielbrown9346]

I've found that in hotter climates, like here in Taiwan, screw caps need to be tightened once every few months, especially with miniatures. I learned the hard way. TT__TT

[@jamesd.wheeler6190]

When to open the Highland Park bottle could be a tough decision. I wonder what the market value for that would be? A problem I'd like to have.

[@davidf2281]

Thanks Ralfy; this was really good.

[@bluebetta19]

Thank you for yet another awesome video. May I suggest you review the Mackrie Moor peated single Malt whisky from Arran, a great one in my opinion. Have a good one!

[@tomassali8870]

Lovely review Ralfy and just to let you know that I really appreciate your "mission". I store a lot of old bottles myself including Laphroigh 25 year old 2008 and Caroni 1974 etc and your advises are really valuable. I am more a rum drinker in the recent years and would like to ask you whether you intend to review Foursquare Zinfandel Cask or Foursquare Criterion. These rums are my recent purchases and waiting to be appreciated. I would like to know what you think about these rums if possible. Cheers

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . I recently bought a bottle of Criterion for review !

[@tomassali8870]

Excellent news. Thanks

[@artmarvello6122]

A week ago I was given a bottle of amaretto saronno origanale along with a bottle of liquore gallinao from the 1960,s era the gallinao is still sealed and appeared to be in good condition however the amaretto has been opened for a long time and the cork had broken inside the neck of the bottle and it was leaking a bit when I got it the color of the drink is a strong Amber color and there is a bit of sediment floating around in the bottom of the bottle I've reciently put another cork in the bottle and couldn't get all the old cork out before it went inside my concern is is this amaretto still good to consume ?

[@kwacker45]

Catching up so review 218 did you ever review the "special" blend??

[@funicats]

Sadly the cost of shipping even a single bottle won at an auction in the UK is prohibitively expensive now that the auction houses have put up their P&P prices to ridiculous levels. A few years ago I followed your lead and purchased a number of bottles at good prices and they were thoroughly enjoyable. Sadly I won't get to buy any at auction these days.

[@whiskyapocalypse8144]

I have bought a fair amount of old bottles, I have on occasion the total fear when I've opened it, that dry, cardboard, musty smell but most them settle out and become versions of what they once were. I also enjoy the fact that old bottles do change over time, maturation isn't the right word but what else to call it? I have a system, I like to be online when a bottle auction goes live, then I sit and slowly go through every bottle, after I've selected what I fancy I make my top bids and then go over to Facebook and discuss what I've bid on with other auction hunters. We all talk about what we've bidding on so a pointless bidding war ensues and then I step away and don't go near the site again until about half an hour before the end of the auction just to see if there are any wee gems left lying about. Totally right about going for obscure bottles though, hitting the expensive stuff leads you open to spending an awful lot on a fake or poorly looked after bottle which has died a bit.

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . I would call it bottle-ageing !

[@matthewbeddow3278]

It's a shame that the industry move away in such a short time from the old lower yielding grains that gave better taste and maturation also this is down to the Quality of the casks available which now seem in some cases very hit or miss. Thanks Ralfy very interesting as always

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . it all adds up !

[@travisguide4516]

this is a real taster here can't be beat

[@budzogan]

So when you open that 12 blend ? :)

[@carlubambi5541]

Good advice.Cheers !

[@lb3445]

Totally unrelated to this review Ralfy but have you tried the 2016 Kilchoman Original Cask Strength, Quarter Cask Limited edition bottles? Be interesting to hear your opinions on it as you haven't reviewed a Kilchoman for a couple of years...

[@dushypal469]

Ralphy could you please do a video on whiskies categorised by flavours...also could you do an updated list on blended whiskies which are best bang for buck.

[@alexmil002]

Hey Ralfy, what do you mean by 'aging in the bottle'? Do you mean flavors marry more over time?

[@johnnie2638]

I enjoy Ralfy's reviews. On another hand. Something I noticed on his shelf in the back. Is that a Dalek from Dr. Who?

[@rbtsps]

Great comments on GMO corn Bourbon, this coming from a Kentucky Colonel! Have you tried High Wire Jimmy red corn Bourbon? A game changer in the Bourbon world.

[@briand2507]

Hey, Ralfy. I am curious about something. Is "someday" on your calendar? I have a few bottles for "someday," but I am not sure which that day is.

[@BloodySawBlade]

I was going to buy a bottle of Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 23 Years online for the over-inflated price of $400+, then I just decided to wait.....months! I found the exact same bottle at a liquor store this past Saturday for $154 and some change after taxes. Good thing I waited!

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . good for you ! a very telling situation.

[@stevebrown6623]

Rally, is there any sense in trying to find trends by region in terms of smell and taste or are there too many exceptions to the rules to make such an endeavor worthwhile?

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . particularly with the wider variety of casks like wine and tequila used now compared to a few years ago, many malts can be harder to fix to a specific region. Some malts like Ardmore are not typical of their location. I hope this helps !

[@GalenAus]

I'm a little bit confused by your advice, so are you suggesting we leave the cork completely off an old bottle for a couple of months?

[@Tomislav_B.]

Of course not

[@VaryingViewpoint]

Great video!

[@Guitar5986]

Love your videos Ralfy. Just a little suggestion though. For whisky newcomers it might be confusing to say "whiskey, rum, or bourbon." Bourbon is after all a whiskey. A newcomer might think that it was something entirely different when described in that fashion.

[@theelderkine]

Not terribly old, but I've a bottle of Bladnoch 11yr single cask, bottled at 52.9%, which I obtained from Demijohn's in Edinburgh in 2013. Sort of rare as I understand it...

[@michaelpollard921]

Ralfy - at about 12:30 you mention storing in a cupboard "without cardboard boxes around" -- do you mean we should NOT store bottles in those cardboard boxes divided into 12 sections for wine bottles (for example) ? Should we not keep bottles in their original cardboard packaging (if they came with it) ? I've got a bunch of bottle bunkered, but they're mostly in those 12-bottle cardboard boxes... Thanks!

[@ralfydotcom]

store in sectioned brown cardboard carrying boxes, they can taint bottles of liquor over the long term.

[@michaelpollard921]

Sorry, you mean DON'T store in those sectioned boxes? Thanks!

[@scottname5004]

whats the difference between independent bottlers and regular company bottlers?

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . regular company bottlers own the Distillery.

[@bestintheworld2249]

Ralfy, what do you think about hibiki 17?

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . was better, still very good, but pricey !

[@mikefidler5959]

Ralfy are the modern MC bottlings worth a try? They seem a bit pricey.

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . your right, pricey, not really on my List !

[@theleatherman]

Thanks Ralfy, I've seen every single Vlog and just became a patreon. A little late to the party I know

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . happy to help with the malt-moments !

[@alfulton5946]

Ralphy is there any Whiskey that's produced now that's similar to the 90s black bush.

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . not really, no.

[@RadioLaboratory]

hey Ralfy thanx 4 tht clu on th b17, I 2 hav recently bin diagnosed w/ the uterly 2 comon deseaz of r time n its unacceptable. Im on th strd poisons n th side fx r much wors thn the cancer. thanku mate. Im now doin my r&d. peace my frend.

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . do your online research and battle all attackers, especially the tiny ones inside !

[@RichardT2112]

I'm still missing BigClive .... you must have your sibling on a a regular ... perhaps on Malt Mentions Multiples of 66?

[@shugaroony]

Ralfy will you do a follow-up vid on the old John O'Groats whisky you opened up the other month, I'm sure most of us are keen to find out how its going as its hitting its stride?

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . it's on it's way later this month.

[@Dafoodmaster]

Marmalade Glow sounds like a good album name.

[@alfulton5946]

Thats really sad blackbush is one I've tried. My dad used to drink it in the 90s.

[@funicats]

Ralfy, you mention storing whisky in a cupboard "without cardboard boxes lying around" - what is the significance of that please?

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . cardboard imparts a significant ambient odour to the atmosphere in poorly ventilated spaces. This can taint liquor over a prolonged period of time.

[@funicats]

OK Thanks, good to know. I suspect damp cardboard would be the worst...

[@markw6031]

I prefer young black bush...

[@Abhisheksengupta923]

hard cork and soft cork .......get it ..)

[@nicolaschausson4362]

Michel Couvreur is Belgian ! Here we go, now you know ! 😝😝😝

[@Tophet1]

Is your personality naturally effervescent or do you host some of your blogs half cut ?

[@Onoelo23gf]

Haven't done the Bunnahabhain Ceobanach yet? I prefer it to the Toiteach. Changing the topic, you might like to refer to Robert Burn's immortal ode to Scotch Whisky, easily found on the net. www.robertburns.org/works/84.shtml Cheers, malt mate.

[@Louisspareysupersafe]

Ralfy , Isn't oldmeldrum a name sometimes given to Glen Garioch ? Could be different as you say it states Speyside on the label but you never know ! Glen garioch is fairly close to oldmeldrum unless there is another place with the same name in the speyside region ?www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Oldmeldrum,+Inverurie/@57.3370398,-2.3400714,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x488441e3a25d7aa5:0xa768073ca9494609!8m2!3d57.335138!4d-2.321806

[@sunzeneise]

Bargains? Sometimes the bride is too beautiful.

[@christophermorkel.1955]

It's time for a re-review of the glenmorangie 10 year old let's make it happen.

[@brianduncan5758]

The best!

[@joelweidenfeld471]

Whereas storage is so important, for old booze, the discount has to be deep or your just a nut

[@kaiserhog]

I know Four Roses does not use Geneticaly Modified corn and neither ( I think Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey). Please correct me if I am wrong. On another note, I have never seen Ralfy enjoy himself so much as he is with these old spirits.

[@rasklaat2]

ralfy my malt much revered mentor, do you want to receive a bottle of Poit Dhubh 12 YO green label, from the early Noughties to review? I like it and I just wonder what you would make of it.

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . thanks, but no, I dont acceppt samples, too much of my own to get through !

[@rasklaat2]

Oh ralfy you broke my heart. [sighs deeply] BTW I meant whole unopened 70cl bottle, not just a sample but well no means no, I get that.

[@danielbrown9346]

Vittu Harkonnen Many of us know the sadness of his polite decline of our offers. He does have a Patreon account, though, so you can help out that way.

[@danielbrown9346]

www.patreon.com/ralfy

[@rasklaat2]

I know, I already support ralfy in his mission of spreading the whisky knowledge across the globe.

[@nfltrrrqwsa7512]

tanked

[@saltydog9117]

👌

[@IntoTheBreach-_]

First!

[@21380]

First

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . . Verified As First ! .

[@OghamTheBold]

*OMG* (Old Malt Genius) - is name > _'Antti Hirvensalo'_ - is an anagram of : *'To Avail Thinners'* - he's sayin' : _THIRST_ - dehydrated > _Poor Impaired Speech Suffering Evaporated Devil_ < not sure what that - spells - for his prognosis - his speech to text - machine's - BROKE : Maybe - it's a rusty : MORSE CODE - to text machine : using his - head : to - bash #IN - text : *T.H.I.R.S.T* (Telephone Help Innards Ruined by : Stolen Thinners) *_R > G_*

[@largesatsuma]

Third!

[@Gracielove00]

Pleased you have abandoned your rule of only reviewing whiskies with age statements.

[@jaxson1948]

These all have an age stsement, it is "Old" ;-)

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . the actual reviewed malt was 12 years old as stated on the label.

[@alexk3088]

What's that French term... hors d'age = "beyond age" :-)

[@Gracielove00]

Whats the age statement on the Black Bush?

[@SaltyCuban]

Gracielove00 Black Bush used to be labeled at 10 yrs old I believe. However if it's not on the label, it's anyone's guess.

[@1985rostislav]

With all due respect, but the statements about GMO corn and it's taste qualities are just no true. I happen to have a PhD in biology, so I know what I'm talking about.

[@Mizernyi]

Rostitube I have a Phd in bullshit, and I call bullshit

[@gdgary790]

did Monsanto tell your.

[@1985rostislav]

You used the incorrect verb. You mean, you TALK bullshit.

[@1985rostislav]

I don't habe any sort of affiliations to any sort of company.

[@MrCannalyzer]

Meh. Different breeds of corn are likely to have different flavours, no?

[@JurgenKoole]

First