ralfy review 729 Extras - Brands we adopt !

[@jaychung6622]

This video should be required viewing for anyone serious about enjoying whisky. You’re truly an invaluable resource Ralfy. Thank you

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Thank you for the Ralfy Rant. I have learnt from you to reward distilleries who make a greater effort as that effort tends to translate into tastier whisky. It's a shame for me that Springbank don't do more Ex-Bourbon bottlings. Because of this I've never bought one. (The Ex-Bourbon ones they have done are sold out very quickly). I have managed to get all Glengyle's Ex-bourbon expressions. I'm currently really enjoying the Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask strength peated. I'm also enjoying the magnificent Kilchoman 100% Islay 2007 Vintage. bottling.

[@johnleonard3806]

This could be your best posting yet. Very thoughtful, passionate commentation. Thanks Ralf.

[@dksculpture]

Yes. Lagavulin 16 has been very uneven the last few years. It's a shame.

[@renevanderzee108]

My last Lagavulin 16 turned me away from Lagavulin

[@nigellovatt9982]

I have quite a collection of Edradour as my work colleague holidayed near there each year and always bought me a bottle or two back. He was a nice guy and the whiskey gives me happy memories. That’s a kind of brand loyalty I suppose, and I can’t think of a better reason to have one.

[@gavinbrownlie1006]

One of the best blogs you have ever done Keep up the great information you give us

[@alyr9640]

Good Morning Dear Sir! Love your from the heart general philosophy extras! I feel lucky to have found you so early on in my Scotch malt journey. In fact i feel a little spoiled having jumped into my collection with the likes of Springbank, Bunnahabhain and Te Bheag as my starter bottles, and with Clynelish, Aultmore, Deanston and Glencadam on my waiting list. You have been my daily companion as I caught up on all past vlogs and look forward to you each week. Here's to wishing you well~happiness and health till #730! Haste ye back!

[@thewhiskybothy]

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

[@alfonsomartinez6659]

Here! Here! Ralfy! I second that, slowing down things and enjoying moments is a far more Enjoyable thing than getting wasted and filling one with regret!

[@graemeyoung5280]

Great review, with so many words to travel the malt experience with. I had the pleasure to experience a beautiful Brora 36 recently with a group. It was indeed a gem in my malt journey!!

[@Malt454]

Consumer responsibility, as opposed to just consumer opportunity or consumer freedom, is an interesting theme... and it's exactly why bad whiskies and bad marketing need to be called out for what they are. Producers are well aware of what they're doing, the only real question to them is "will what we're doing hurt our bottom line or not and, if not (and it makes us more money), why don't we do more of it?". Becoming sentimental, in any way, about brands is a mistake because most producers don't really care about their consumers and even transparency has become more of a marketing buzzword than anything else. People who think and care as much about whisky as Ralfy are seen by producers as the enemy, largely because he thinks and cares about their products more than most of them do - to producers, and their bosses, whisky is only a means to a money-making end. Lag 16, like many Macallan and Ardbeg products, is usually overpriced and now largely trading on a reputation it currently doesn't fully deserve, which is why its relative value is in decline. More money, but not quite as good, has become the new industry mantra, and ignoring critics (as opposed to whisky experts largely on the unofficial payroll) and increased marketing is expected to fill the gap.

[@marquepadley2715]

Great words of wisdom Ralfy, that's why I keep coming back week after week and year after year, your the BEST!!!

[@grbadalamenti]

You Sir are the best whisky influencer (in a positive way) on KZbin! This is my personal opinion. I am glad that you talked about alcohol as a toxin (it is regarded as this by medical staff if you end up in the emergency room with alcoholic coma).

[@alexk3088]

grbadalamenti, even table salt NaCl can be a toxin. Toxicity is a function of dosage. Natural alcohol can be a normal nutrient in moderation (our bodies also produce some ethanol). I feel I don't even want to talk about degenerate abuse of alcohol. I enjoy most beverages but it's never a choice for me "should I drink quality or quantity today?". I won't overindulge like I won't steal or cheat. Nothing accidental about it. I don't mean that as some expression of piety. I just mean that it's not our job to patronize the drunkards. Their condition is not caused by alcohol, ethanol is just their chosen vehicle of degeneracy. And certainly their condition is not caused by the billions of people able to enjoy their beverages without issue.

[@Monkles9000]

Hello, Ralfy. Greetings from Oregon, USA. Question: Perhaps off topic for this vlog but thought I'd ask on the most current one. Anyway...so....can anything be said for the quality of a spirit based on the aroma that can / is left in a glass the following morning? Sometimes I pour a dram in the evening...drink it...then in the morning the unwashed glass will have a sweet or sometimes malty aroma left in the glass. The residue if you will. Sometimes it's very pleasant and sometimes there's nothing really noticeable. Thanks!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . your right, and well spotted, there is a connection for sure !

[@andrewmccallum6019]

I’ll be in Speyside in a couple of weeks. Is there any particular distillery that I should visit? I’d greatly appreciate knowing what tours are “Ralfy Recommended.” Thanks!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . Balvenie, Benromach and Glenfarclas for starters.

[@andrewmccallum6019]

Thanks!

[@andrewmccallum6019]

Went to Glenfarclas yesterday. It was a wonderful tour. Thank you for the suggestions. The candle people need to find a way to duplicate the smell of those dunnage wearhouses.

[@1984zeco]

Greetings from Mexico!!! Love the Chanel and the knowledge you share with us. Is just priceless. Thank you so much. I'm just starting my journey in the whiskey world and I'm so glad to have some point of reference.

[@haehne]

i can only second your comments on springbank distillery. we went there at the beginning of april this year, not many tourists, we were only two visitors (!) to do the tour. still, the guide took his time and was very proficient. of course i bought a bottle after this very good experience. springbank is a very good address indeed, even more so as it is an independent distillery making very good whisky!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . glad you had a good visit !

[@haehne]

yep, went there right after our visit to islay. we had some very nice whisky experiences indeed. ;)

[@risknerd1772]

I really enjoy the Flora & Fauna series -- so hard to find in the U.S. though.

[@rasklaat2]

Yeah I also have noticed a drop in quality in Laga 16. Last year I have bought a bottle of it at the airport to take it to Spain to share with normally not drinking whisky friend. He was not impressed. Neither was I. As a result we used that Lagavulin for making Sangria. From then on I started buying older expressions of this whisky on auctions; unfortunately their prices have now gone up.

[@MultiHaggismuncher]

Can only applaud Springbank also on the way they do things. Visited the new Macallan distillery yesterday and yes, the architecture and engineering of the new place is something to behold but it lacks the heart and soul of a place such as Springbank. The whisky tastings in my opinion were very mediocre which was a shame as they are mostly also in the "luxury" bracket.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . your not the first malt-mate to mention this to me, the new Macallan Distillery is a bold ambition.

[@1o1s1s1i1e]

It needed to be said Ralfy! Corporate greed has spilled out into all aspects of our lives, from whisky to automobiles to the clothes we wear, and it's up to us to demand quality and a fair price. My wife is currently researching washers and dryers, and she said the old saying that the Maytag repairman is "the loneliest guy in town" died in the 60's, for he is now as popular as a Trump tweet devoured by the mindless masses. Whew, I feel better now, needed to vent. Have a great day Ralfy! Sincerely, Ossie

[@thewhiskycouch7886]

Some very important points well emphasized! Good video! Thanks Ralfy 👏🎥

[@gordonpage1]

Nothing like a good rant, especially a passionate, heart-felt expression of ones feelings on a subject that is earthly important in a world full of bullshit. Anyway, I try to not buy the same as before, or stay faithful to one brand. But sometimes I can’t resist replacing a stunner when it’s finished. For example - I was delighted to find and replace my bottle of Glendronach 21 yr old (Parliament) a couple of weeks ago. Mmmmm! Imagine being a 21 year old laddie from Coatbridge, driving your dad’s Scania tractor unit, sub-contracted to one of Scotland’s biggest hauliers (we had 2 lorries), driving to most of the distilleries with empty barrels and loading full barrels for the return trip. One day one of the guys in the distillery rushes up to you and says - "driver! have ye got an empty bottle in yer cab? bring it intae the back of the trailer when we load ye" That’s when my interest in good whisky started, 30 odd years ago. Funny old world.....

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . funny old wonderful World of malt-moments !

[@robfut9954]

Necking has become a deadly phenomenon on streaming services, several have died or been hospitalized. I’m not one for shaming party drinking, but this one can be extremely dangerous.

[@speedrakk]

this is why i favour knockdhu ( usa bottlings), glen garioch ,springbank,kilkerran , ardbeg 10 , and isle of arran.

[@duncanmyersbiggs8575]

Ralfy - have you tried the Swiss whisky Langatun? Plenty of good stuff from there and well worth a review.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . not seen this one around yet !

[@trapperkcmo3460]

ralfy, this is even more true today. bump this rant, my good man!

[@LeighW1973]

Ralfy, what are your thoughts on Aberlour hiking the price of A'bunadh from around £46 to £80? Justified or not?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . good luck to them, I'm not buying !

[@billybrothers2492]

Ralfy what whisky brand do you recommend for someone with wheat rye problems! Thanks

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . try a good rum, or any malt scotch which is 100% malted barley.

[@christianwikander3142]

Hello Ralfy! I am a your biggest fan from Sweden, Christian. You have given praise to swedens belowed Mackmyra but i would recomend Box, especially the Dálvve. Its a great whiskey that i think holds up against many greats from Scotland.

[@tobiasenholm6014]

Great! Ralfy it would be a blessing if you review Box!

[@christianwikander3142]

Maltmention: Malty masters Of John Malkovich

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks !

[@mickodonnell2530]

Rantastic, your magnificently magnified meteoric munchausen mutation. I'm loving your stuff, Ralfmeister, but you have a great responsibility as a whisky ninja - balance is everything. Springbank is the topbanana, agreed, and nobody likes to slag off diageo more than me (apart from you and thousands of others) BUT they do their bit in terms of having the shekels to experiment ad infinitum which filters down to the other players who can benefit and improve the field. I liked the Lagavulin 16 circa 1990 white horse an'a'tha' but I also still drink it today. Yes it's different but "vive it" as the French would say - the quality is still there. Whiskylife would be boring if all whisky was just plain brilliant. Maybe check out the flavour profiles that suit us rather than getting stuck with brand/distillery "loyalty" and drink those bottles. I am currently OD'd on a non-descript SMWS Miltonduff which has refused to "behave" all night, (and in the previous weeks, to be honest). That said, I will buy another (different) batch at some point in the future and see wagwan - you can only appreciate the good ones if you've had the naughty ones. Slanjeevaurus.

[@jfoldger1184]

Hello Ralfy keep up the great stuff, Have you ever tried Bundaberg Rum from Australia? would love to hear your thoughts

[@77reyles]

Respect the Toxin!!!!!You Hit it on the Head Ralfy!

[@sehrajsinghvirk5273]

Hi What mortlach will u buy out of those available on masterofmalt based on your experience with mortlach even if u havent tried any of them?? Plz name as 1 2 3

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . not sure at the moment, am looking at all the options !

[@koeliejoelie2]

I often wonder how the final price of a whisky is divided in terms of ratio. Lets say farmer_distiller_supplier and shop. Without mentioning taxes.

[@johnboltonsmustache3014]

Over here in Massachusetts I can get a bottle of Ardbeg for half the price of any Lagavulin. Why buy Lagavulin? It's not that good. BTW, three thumbs down? Bacardi trolls I imagine 😚

[@stevesk8r]

Lol Diageo 16 year old is a good name for it

[@littlemissn4127]

Whilst brand loyalty comes at a price what is getting on my nerves are the prices being banded about for the new whiskies coming on the market. Eden Mill and Glasgow Distillery are the first but offering 3 year old whiskies for the money they are charging is worrying.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . they are not on my purchase List !

[@jasonbraun8599]

If someone could watch one whisky video about how to assess whisky value and alternatives, this would be it.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks for that !

[@wildturkeyuk3005]

A small glass of something amazing is alot better than bucket loads of bland crap...

[@dustysims902]

May I humbly request, Rock Oyster Douglas Laing? Love your insight, thank you!

[@randomUnhold]

Needs an age statement!

[@martindouwe6099]

It's time for a TEANINICH (and how to pronounce it, haha)

[@Shane4Bass]

No problems in consistency with the wonderful Ardbeg 10 yo

[@alexk3088]

Shane54528, my taste buds agree, but I've read worrisome things!

[@BirdArvid]

13:10 .. and especially at what Lagavulin 16 costs around here...

[@dumluk1984]

Well done, Ralfy. As usual.

[@udubidub]

nice one Ralfy

[@martin.m4306]

Is single grain whisky from Caledonian distillery any good?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . not tried it yet !

[@micojoia]

Ralfy, I love to listen to you but i believe you created this channel the refined drinkers that don't "down" a fine spirit...Instead do a round of fine Canadian Whiskeys. There a lot of new ones that i would love to hear Ralfy talk about...Cheers from Canada Mate.

[@alexk3088]

Yeah, like Lot 40 Rye :-)

[@craig_z]

Hey Ralfy, what's the deal with the sword in the background I keep noticing?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . nautical sabre for defence against pirates roaming the Irish Sea !

[@jasonbraun]

First and hello from Brooklyn!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . . verified as First ! (from Brooklyn)

[@JETJOOBOY]

I would Love to hear what your favourite NONE Whisky/Spirit KZbin Channels are ?

[@gordonmcmillan883]

Tell us about that Ian-Bru bottle please, Ralfy

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . the juice is made from gurdurz !

[@gordonmcmillan883]

We know that ... Greetings from the original home of Irn-Bru - Falkirk. 8-)

[@shugaroony]

Showin' yer age wi that ain Ralfy! ;)

[@noghd2560]

Please review old vs new Irn Bru ralphy.

[@bartdamen2161]

Well said.

[@chrish12345]

so so true about the education system, which is utter crap - the only hope was universities, which have now too gone down the shitter

[@PeterDalling]

How does an 'Independent' bottling differ from an 'Official' bottling?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . the bottle is provided by the actual maker/distiller to be 'official' . If provided by a seperate bottling Company buying via wholesalers from Distilleries then they are considered 'independent' . Usually, though not always, official bottlings have cosmetic colourant and are heavily filtered to look nicer to consumers. Independent bottlings are often higher strength, naturally coloured and not filltered creating simply a better version of smell and taste relating to whats in the bottle.

[@RazvanAurelDumbrava]

I have not tried yet an independent bottling, but I enjoy really much BenRiach, Glendronach, Isle Of Arran, Springbank because the stay at around 46% and natural color and unchill-filtered :) cheers!

[@audgusto]

Respect! ✊

[@djscottdog1]

i avoid the cooperate owned malts. spring bank , edradour, glen farklas see my money with out thought , others ill get on sale.

[@mjanovec]

For some of those KZbin videos where people drink an entire bottle in one go, the thing you don't see is that they will sometimes intentionally vomit the alcohol back up once the video is over. This is dangerous, because it gives younger and more impressionable viewers the idea that it's okay to drink a full bottle. Anyone who attempts to copy what they see is putting themselves at risk, especially anyone with a lower tolerance for alcohol. So yes, anyone who drinks a full bottle (and especially those who put it on KZbin) are complete arse holes.

[@TheOneGlassMan]

Excellent

[@TheShredfest89]

Consider taking a break and have some bourbon. Clyde May's and EH Taylor are newer ones of interest. Weller antique as well.

[@chrissheppard5068]

Never judge a man by how much he drinks. This I was told by a wiser counsel when drinking a large amount was considered manly.

[@nassersaffarini338]

Brilliant

[@pnwesty7174]

I could duplicate my comment from #728 here. Cheers.

[@RadioLaboratory]

Ralfy ths yung cat Jimmy, from "bright insight" jus did his 1st live stream n getn tons of feedbac n patreon supr chat $£€ from folks who appreciate his chanel. sumptin 2 considr mate

[@RadioLaboratory]

It's on RITE NOW if u wanna chk it out.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . colourful character !

[@trisarjono7721]

Hi from Indonesia.

[@djscottdog1]

ahahah thats so funny she dumped him. Some night for him.

[@benbaselet2026]

Reminds me of the football hooligans who like to throw up on their chests and pass out on the street after having a fistfight.

[@mikeaddison-saipe5820]

Hi Ralfy... My story relates to my son's then girlfriend . They came around to my house a day or so after I had opened my one and only Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix. I asked if they would like to taste something special. Yes was the answer. I poured all three of us a dram.My son (educated in this by myself) nosed, tasted and was suitably appreciative. His girlfriend knocked it back in one, shrugged and said "yeah - quite nice..But then,I only drink to get drunk." My wife cracked up laughing at the expression on my face. Suffice to say I vowed never to allow that situation again. Oh, and they did go their separate ways eventually :)

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . some of life's leasons are painful !

[@joelweidenfeld471]

Here's a Flash for you Ralphy, I've always contended alcohol is a crude drug and that to drink and to enjoy that you must be practiced at it; that is to say your body needs to be conditioned!!!! So, BY the looks of it to me you have at least 2 drinks a day , I'm sure more if you compile it by the week. AND I bet you often double that on weekends making up for lost time during the week or for days you actually were proud that you gave your body a test and had no drinks if that actually happens , and if and when it does, you LIKELY are not resting your body as much as letting it detox from overdosing. THIS AMOUNT MEDICALLY QUALIFIES YOU AS AN ALCOHILIC RALPHY........Sorry...If IT makes you feel better to compare yourself to the town drunk I'm happy for you.

[@JimmyLeg]

Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) as "a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations." Alcoholism is characterized by: a prolonged period of frequent, heavy alcohol use. the inability to control drinking once it has begun. physical dependence manifested by withdrawal symptoms when the individual stops using alcohol. tolerance, or the need to use more and more alcohol to achieve the same effects. a variety of social and/or legal problems arising from alcohol use. The AMA defines "pitiful, attention seeking troll" as J*** W*********.

[@plm203]

Ralfy, what you call a******* do not exist: they are humans, to be understood in their complexities and helped improve, as you and I. By this I mean that your reaction of insulting them and not try to make them improve is not useful, for you, for them, for anybody. It is harder to be helpful, but more rewarding, and appeasing.

[@JimmyLeg]

You're absolutely right, of course. But, it does help me, as a complex human, to occasionally refer to these other humans as a*******. I find that very rewarding.

[@plm203]

I understand, but I find there is too much venting in the sense that there could be a huge lot of improvements in the people who misbehave systematically if instead of venting we tried to show them a way for them to behave right. This is the same principle as educating criminals (by e.g. making them do public interest work) instead of sending them to jail (or say physically punishing them, in some societies). Such an attitude is natural in families where people are more understanding toward one another, for instance. It is also one thing for you to vent in your privacy, and it's much more grave for Ralfy to do that as a person who pretends to educate others, on youtube. Anyway, it's an interesting issue and thanks for considering it.

[@JETJOOBOY]

Laphroaig lost my Friendship... Not due to the Whisky buy there appalling website and customer service..

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . a lot of people have been dissapointed recently.

[@shugaroony]

Aye their website is crap. Ardbeg is the same, that nonsense over the committee release of Groove the other month put me right off that. Will still buy the 10 and Oogie though! :D