ralfy review 758 - Glenallachie 12yo @ 46%vol

[@TheParadigmShiftTV]

Went to a whisky event last night here in Vancouver and this was the standout bottle of the night for me and my friends. I mentioned to the guy doing the pouring that this is Ralfy's pick of the year and he said at least a dozen others have told him the same thing. You've got fans in Canada Ralfy!

[@whiteleghorn6835]

Just opened this with a group of other 12 year old sherry, this was the only one hat had dramatic changes from beginning mid and finish. Not as telling on the nose but on taste, outstanding

[@Im_Old_Gregg]

I just got a bottle here in March 2021 and it's quite a bit darker in color than whats in this video. Still natural color and very dark for 12 years.

[@willemkilian9563]

I love being able to open a new bottle and sit down with the video of you reviewing it! Even from the first dram, I can tell that this one is special. Cheers, Ralfy!

[@phillewis3108]

Wow, this is so good! Opened it last night. I bought it because I wanted to eke out my bottle if 10yo batch 6. This is about a third of the price, but is 90% the whisky, at least!

[@Ivo--]

Hi Ralfy. Did you imagine 10 years ago that your opinion would steer the availability of whiskies? Incredible.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . never saw it coming. It's not me though, the internet must take credit as it give a voice to the little people.

[@danahead7806]

I just bought my first bottle of this. Can't wait to try it. I will watch your review again as I open the bottle. Thanks for the review.

[@wp2746]

Just bought mine to, how was yours xD

[@middleagedmodding8579]

This is an outstanding single malt and I'm glad you thought so too. It beat out 5 other competitors in blind tasting at our whiskey tasting club a couple of weeks back.

[@marquepadley2715]

It just so happens that when you announced this bottle as whisky of the year I was in my liquor store shortly after, and was blown away to see it on our shelves on the West coast of Canada, so I bought a bottle, and glad I did as it sold out the next day, I think in part to your Great Review. Thank you Sir for the reviews and look forward to many more.

[@Brad-ic4bp]

Thank you for reiterating the importance of honesty in liquid color. And having just noticed this is another brand to add to my short list of non-colored scotches, I've been trying to read and watch Glenallachie reviews to figure out which one to try first. There are literally 8 different varieties on the shelf of my local liquor store - of different ages, ABVs and prices. This video is the deciding factor - I'll go with the 12 year. Update: I bought a bottle, I like it, but Glenfarclas 12 is still better, in my opinion (and Glenfarclas 17 is the best overall). But then I've only been a scotch drinker for 2 years now, so I still have a lot to learn and taste.

[@bongson691]

Hi ralfy I finally got my bottle of glenallachie 12year old down to the shoulder and I agree with you 💯 % it is a good whiskey and deserves a whiskey of the year 2019, thanks for turning me on to the glenallachie whiskeys, I love all of the core range glenallachie's, I really enjoy the 13 year old oloroso puncheon that I bought bottles of, and happy 10th anniversary year of your blogs on whiskeys, I am a devoted fan of your videos, and I watch them all, and sometimes watch ⌚ them over and over, cheers ralfy, and look forward to seeing more reviews !!!

[@jsbhatti1979]

10 years contribution to sharing whisky on the tubes 👍

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

I bought this back in 2019 when the video came out. I really liked it it was a pretty original taste with both modern and traditional elements but very rich, almost a bit busy, and explorable. I found that it really opened up in the bottle over time as well, showcasing its’ range much more. Just ordered another one yesterday on a sale, I am really looking forward to revisiting it …

[@albertmiller3082]

Great New Year to you, Ralfy- the premier Integrity Vlogger in the Matrix indeed. Looking forward to the forthcoming discussions around “Integrity” bottlings. Fantastic component to add after a decade of unsurpassed achievement, making a superior Vlog even better, I trust. You carry yourself with integrity, sir. Well done.

[@snail415]

As a modern budget-whiskey drinker, I’ve considered a strategy (as an American consumer) to blend at home more. Laugh if you like but I often use Johnnie Walker 12 or Glenmorangie Original as a base, and then add a tiny bit of Glenfarclas 12 or Laphroaig 10 depending on my mood/day. I save nicer stuff for only special occasions. I appreciate a solid offering, but can’t justify $100 every time a bottle runs low. I’d be interested if others have attempted home-blending in a systematic way with any success, and would like Ralfy to peel that onion more in future episodes.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . a strategy that works very well !

[@steeno1985]

Great review as always. I got a bottle of the 12 year Spanish virgin oak finish recently and it's a really tasty dram. Also tried the standard 12 year in the shop, good stuff too. 👍

[@keithdude30]

Great review as always Ralphy. Just wanted to say congrats on the approaching ten year anniversary here on KZbin (I believe review 1 was 15/02/09). That's a hell of an achievement. Only been with you for last couple of years but you've been invaluable in helping with my Whisky journey, so thank you. And here's to another ten years. 👏

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks !

[@sydbracing-u5r]

Just opened third bottle since first seeing Ralfy's review four years ago. Still great. Listen to Ralfy!

[@samengland6706]

Tried it at the Whisky fringe last year, really nice and affordable dram which is all I ask for. I really enjoyed the 10 year old cask strength they have released too, again nice and affordable. Keep up the good work.

[@sunzeneise]

My dear Ralfy, It’s going to be a luck 2019 for me. After you announced your malt of the year 2019. I found some on line, and ordered it. This monring I listened to this review, and my order of 2 bottled arrived at my fron dooor in Sedona withint 2 hours. I amd novice taster, and I confess that you floavor litinies often baffle my palate. But, the Glenallachienosed and arrived as you said -with true joy. Worthy of at least your 90, perhpas more. Thank you.

[@thewhiskybothy]

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

[@vajdaistvan6194]

Managed to get one the last week. Just opened it and what I immediately noticed is that it has a much darker color. Can't really describe its taste or compare it to your notes since I am relatively new to whisky, but I am enjoying it. Thanks Ralfy!

[@wp2746]

The whisky gets darker every year, it could be the sherry casks giving it a bit more color every time.

[@mynameisee333]

You are a master of your craft sir. I look forward to all your videos. Cheers!

[@familiewillems3645]

I have all of the core range of Glanallachie at home and i must admit … i like the 10 y old the most … good to have different opinions ... good work r.

[@Mose2305]

Great review Ralfy on the GlenAllachie 12, I hope Billy Walker stays for a while as Master Distiller and there are still bottles available. Cheers to great 2019!

[@vanwoudt]

Thank you, Ralfy! I have found my favorite whisky. This stuff is truly amazing!

[@nohandle257]

Took me a few days to believe anything behind such horrid packaging could be worth my money but due to your recommendation and the fact this whisky seems to actually be available ... I have now added it to my list of half a dozen or so to go looking for. Thank you.

[@alexmackenziemusic1323]

Ralfy’s whisky of the year, and already it’s unavailable anywhere online because everyone has snapped it up 😆

[@timoleary5815]

Ralfy, thanks so much for the review's. Spent the last month watching oodles of them and have learnt so much. I've enjoyed whisky for sometime but very clumsily, not now though with your help. Getting so much more from my drams now, but my bank balance has taken a hammering! I love this whisky, bursting with fruity flavour that reveals more at each tasting.

[@elduderino3120]

Lots of reviews suggest that this bottle has improved since this video was made and a number of tastemakers put this 12 year Right at the Top of their best-of lists. Am going to hunt down a bottle asap!

[@skalamaz3]

soo glad you got back the cask again. the old paint sample with your website was funny but love the chalk. Hello malty 2019!

[@tobelieve627]

Had this today, omg not disappointing whatsoever. It’s so good, complex, delicious, fun, enjoyable.

[@Goettel]

Playing a 12 year old chord of Aultmore, Aberlour and Glenallachie with a nice cigar and Ceylon tea. To your good health, Sir! Hard to pick a favorite, though :-)

[@toallthosewholive]

Aultmore is hugely underrated!

[@timoleinonen6819]

Thanks Ralfy, lovely as always, highly respected.

[@lawrencestack7416]

Love your reviews over here in the USA!

[@outdoorsummiteer399]

The Glenallachie 12 really is something different it goes from a ok single malt , then you put a tiple of water in to wow and incredible amazing whiskey, I never added water to my whiskey but ralfy your the expert I tried it . Without doubt got to be one of the best out there, the nose, and especially the pallet, it's every whiskey drinkers dream. U will not be disappointed

[@Grant0610]

I have just spotted a face behind you in the bothy! Maybe too much GlenAllachie 12 for me! 😁

[@Sidecutt3]

I hope that this whisky would be available in Finland some of these days.

[@jeanventura1]

finally got a bottle of this in South Africa. I enjoyed the crap out of tasting this with your review

[@sergeimalynovskyi4940]

Try also Glenallachie 10 yo cask strength. I found it more complex (even though younger) with a richer profile. It’s a sweet fruit with strong spices.

[@tobelieve627]

I haven’t found it here, if I do, I will.

[@driftwood9098]

yep

[@stephenmcdade490]

Bottle of this arriving in the post today (along with a Deanston 12, Edradour Caledonia and a Balblair 05)_ - happy days in Portland, Or. Might just knock off a a wee bit early. Tasting at my house. Thanks for the recommendations Ralfy; my malt mate apprenticeship continues.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . happy to share the malt-moments !

[@ashparmar7699]

Love this whisky. Great price too.

[@gregorytoddsmith9744]

You need music! Fiddle and flute! Hurdy gurdy! Bagpipes! Enjoyed the drone of the shore from your post. The intoxication of the drink with the muuuuuuuuuse. 🎵🎶

[@thewhiskyphoenix]

Is it weird that I really miss the website being represented on the paint sample card? It was a Ralfy review institution!

[@TheIPA35]

Just finished my bottle. Very good stuff!

[@tomallinson2409]

Enjoying the difference in camera perspective Ralphy. Any chance of a full bothy tour one day?

[@AndyCigars]

Agreed! Would love a 360 tour of the bothy!

[@cato451]

Tom Allinson I think you are getting the full tour. Lol. Bothy’s are usually very small.

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

Agreed (and also your mark on the cask !) & same demand (the walls are so intriguing, seem so old) for me, can we see more of your place, please?

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

So @@cato451 you mean it's not his house but just a wee outhouse ? (= no bed, no kitchen, to toilet, etc...)

[@berniemac777]

@@GregsWhiskyGuide Not sure if that's moss or mold on the walls. They were whiter a couple of years back. Not good if it's mold.

[@TYCHO2003]

The first dram out of the bottle was a bit flat, but the second day it really opened up with a drop of water... I’ve learned never to judge a Whisky at the first sip... (I even finished a bottle of Cardhu 12 after disliking it very much)...

[@badasspuppy]

I'm curious for this one. I just lost my mind on the xmas season and bought 3 bottles, so I'll have to wait a bit

[@Ebril]

Ralfy have you considered adding notes to your reviews such as "tastes similar to X, smells similar to Y" as standard? This kind of thing I find really helps someone such as myself who has tried a fair amount of whiskies but doesn't have a great deal of money for risks. Thanks for all your good work!

[@bartoloco5194]

He may even hire you as a producer of his videos XD

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Thanks for picking a wonderful Scotch that I can actually get here in Canada. Enjoyed the episode . Happy 2019!

[@reginemaeareola9822]

Whisky Neighbour not in Ontario have to drive 5-6 hours to Quebec to get my 2 bottles

[@GuppyCzar]

All you need for good Scotch is a little Tegridy.

[@sav7568]

Ralfy forgot to mention that GenAllachie is Billy Walker's latest venture. He is no longer making Glendronach which has been sold to Brown Forman, makers of Jack Daniels.

[@burkeredh]

I really like the new viewing angle, it's a wee bit more atmospheric !!

[@kirkwagner461]

I like it to. Get to see more of the bothy. Also nice to know he's got a little something there to help defend his bottles. :)

[@liseleblanc100]

Just first taste mine with you Ralfy. It is delicious. Love it. A bit expansive at 100$ (60 ponds) but seen worse. I think it is well worth it.

[@pugamusmaximus]

I just purchased this G.A. and Glen Scotia 15 today. Shrinkflation is here. GA was 700 ml bottle.

[@Enselladus]

Good to see the old cask back, never liked that table.

[@WayneOReilly]

2024 and I just got a bottle here in Montreal Quebec Canada and yes yes yes this is a fine bottle indeed.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I got a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label for a Christmas gift, and I was so stoked. I held off opening it until New Years eve, and we cracked the seal two minutes to midnight, poured four glasses, and at the stroke of midnight, we all tipped our glasses. It was good, but to be honest...it wasn't the end all be all scotch that I was expecting, especially for the price. Don't misunderstand me, it was a treat. In my top ten no doubt. Maybe I set my expectations too high, and no scotch would satisfy. My second glass, I dropped in one small glacier ice cube and that really opened it up. All the flavors and notes really came out, and perhaps I should have done that straight away.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . some brands are more about the label than the content !

[@rkostyantyn]

It's interesting, that GA 12 of late 2019 is much-much darker by colour than the 2018 release)

[@richardharris5083]

Its always nice when a sub £50 bottle shines . Do some Rums please .. 😘

[@ericcunliffe4112]

Happy New Year Ralfy!

[@glytch5]

Just to throw it out there if anyone else is looking in the comment section. Just bought a bottle in august 2022, still quite good! GH30616 here.

[@999YCM]

I like the new angle, @RalfyDotCom. Two thumbs up. Mmh.

[@cali_weejock]

On the strength of this review I purchased a bottle of this last week. I must admit the smell was fabulous but the taste was not what I was expecting. Full of overpowering citrus fruits! It was a neck pour so not a true judgment of its character. Today however, I can see why you chose this for 2019. A splendid dram and one I'm looking forward to sharing with my malt mates too. There's still three bottles in our local shop. I wonder how long they'll last... Thank you GlenAllachie for keeping the prices realistic and many thanks to you Ralfy for showcasing this product :-)

[@grouchypseudopod354]

Coming back here, finally got a bottle, to watch how Ralfy adds his water to this dram.

[@Mike-fg2gl]

Craigellachie Glenallachie. These are what we love!

[@jasonstraight3338]

The only Glenallachie I can find at the stores in my region is from an independent bottler (Battlehill) at 10 year's old and cask strength (53) wondering if this is a dram worth picking up? It is about $70.

[@djscottdog1]

I bought one , £30 chances are the price will go up haha it was £45 in cadenheads , got a 20 year old glen grant in there which excites me. £70

[@Tantrum777]

I can not buy this but I can buy a indipendant bottle 7 year old bottled at cask strenth, 55 USD. Worth a shot?

[@sergeimalynovskyi4940]

83 for an 18 yo GlenAllachie in "ralfy review 743" and 90 for GlenAllachie 12 and it's your whiskey of 2019! :) what do we (malty maniacs) know! :)

[@ColonelNachos]

Glenallachie to me seems to be nicer younger than older

[@PinkTorpedo909]

I just picked up my second bottle in March 2021. It’s much darker than the first one

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . different casks !

[@kaylashae3915]

Hey ralfy. Can we please get a revisit of this one? I’ve just bought a bottle for my partners birthday

[@centuriolegion2514]

Hello Ralfy, i love this 12 Years old Glenallachie. Now 4 Years is Past and when i look your review i ask me why the color 2023 is more darknes. is this 12 year what i like an ather that what you have taste. i wish all a good time. Peppe

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . simply the natural colour coming from the casks used for maturation. They vary in colour slightly.

[@centuriolegion2514]

@@thewhiskybothy thanks a lot Ralfy🤝🤗

[@bongson691]

Hi ralfy I'm so confused about your videos on the glenallachie 12 yr old and the glenallachie 18year old, I bought a bottle of 18year and then I bought a bottle of 12 year old that you gave 90 points, I brought them home then I watched your video on 18year old and you gave it 83 points, did I screw up? I haven't opened either bottle yet but now I'm a bit sick worrying over did I make a bad decision on the 18year old?? I'm looking for a bottle of the ralfy 10 year old glenallachie that was made for you, and I think 🤔 I have found some, a short trip of a 125 miles, fill me in ralfy on the 18year old, is it not worth while to drink, I may sell it if not !! I spent $115.00 for the bottle 🍼 cheers ralfy and may you live forever to keep us informed !!!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . my malt marks are only an opinion, I hope you enjoy the GlenAllachie 18 as much as the 12 !

[@bongson691]

@@thewhiskybothy Thanks ralfy for the reply, I sometimes forget about scotch whiskey being different to all of us, enjoy sir, and I look forward to more reviews!!!

[@andrewcuff7708]

Does anyone notice the face on the wall above ralphy’s shoulder. Once I noticed it, it’s hard to look at anything else.

[@highlandparker7912]

I liked the second half of the bottle better. At the beginning I was very disappointed. Nice nose but the palate was destroyed by the penetrant virgin oak influence. I think they just had to pimp the boring stuff they used as a basis by finishing with sherry casks and virgin oak. Glenallachie will be interesting in 10+ years when they bottle the malt they distill today. And I bet my arse that Mr Billy Walker will not be on the boat anymore. By then he has used the best casks of the old Glenallachie stock and finished the shit out of it. History repeats itself... Integrity? The 18 yo is pricy and hasn't been reviewed yet as a good value for money malt yet (maybe you like it?). The 25yo is ridiculously expensive. And I had a good laugh when I saw the single cask lineup and their prices. No coloring and ncf? This is quite standard nowadays especially when you start to establish a brand (while ncf turns more and more into a marketing strategy. They filter as well. Maybe at 5°C and noone talks about the filter dimensions). Just my thoughts though Happy new year!

[@lutzschumacher5891]

I have to agree. There are much (!) better competitors around at much better prices. Try Glengoyne 10 and 12, Arran 10, Deanston 12, etc. These are more rounded, more complex and cheaper, much better value for money. I got shortchanged by the hype. Anyway, it is a learning experience

[@markprice6911]

I normally agree with ralfy (and have acquired some excellent stuff on his recommendation); however, I've had this whisky and found it lacking. It's in the 80 to 85 range.

[@Polishmywhisky]

I have just opened a bottle. So much sweetness my teeth hurts :-)

[@mikeb3808]

Lookin good ralfy!

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

Ralfy : 90/100 + WOTY 2018, Ruben: 84/100, Serge: 81/100, I'm fascinated how different we can be...I say this with no value judgment, Ralfy (please don't get me wrong)...the only conclusion I draw of this = gotta taste it to make my own opinion... "C'est la vie", right ! Slainthe !

[@vishnuquick]

Do you take Serge seriously?

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

Yes, as for the others quoted, and several vloggers out there, I just know they rare differently @@vishnuquick ...just like I do on my website, it's a matter of experience for sure, but all in all it stays personal, and we have different tastes, I tend to rely -when I can't taste a bottle i'm interested in-to all of these, even if I know they are more sensitive to some aromas than others (same for me...) it might be difficult to understand for some, I reckon...

[@janez3316]

why not?@@vishnuquick

[@vishnuquick]

@@janez3316 Because he has a pattern he sticks to. It is easy to tell which whisky he would give a high score and which a low one. I don't intend to disrespect him but I stopped listening to him some time back.

[@janez3316]

Ok, well to each his own but i think personal taste is more or less a pattern and to me he is one of the most honest out there. At the same time he is one of the very few who is not making a dollar/euro or what ever out of this...Also i just like the fact that you have actually to read something (sometimes really well written) instead of just watch and stare. But all good Ralfy is the second on my list but besides him i stopped watching all the other so called experts on KZbin...@@vishnuquick

[@phillewis3108]

Great review.

[@d7sfblab]

Awhile back, the national rep ran us through some core releases and some single cask bottlings. Stunning, delicious stuff, across the board. You called it, Ralfy. I've been telling people this is the one to watch, buy and _drink_. ;)

[@chriswitham8736]

The list of peeved Scotch distillers has just gone up. Craigellachie are, at this very moment, scraping together their $26k to send off to that weird snooping place in Thailand.

[@WorldView22]

“Not a lot of peat going on here”... meaning? Is there any hint of iodine?

[@iancrombie8862]

Arriving tomorrow.😃🥃

[@sorinsrn5442]

Please show us the bothy !!!!

[@bblair2627]

Im getting this for Christmas, woop woop

[@WhiskyGold]

That ist a great one... the 18 and 25 year ones are quite good but too expensive for what the taste.

[@panzerschreck5159]

That’s a ton of water for it being not too much water

[@tzmcneill]

Great jacket!!

[@jono8884]

What specifically does aeration due to harm the taste? I recall you using wine aerators for whiskey.

[@outdoorsummiteer399]

Just ordered

[@1RebelDog1]

will ye let me come and paint the walls?

[@gregorytoddsmith9744]

It reminds one of an ancient castle or flamed barrel. Smoke tainted walls with stories to tell. Aspen tree in appearance. A man cave. Nay.......let it be.

[@andrejspanovskis6753]

Hi Ralfy! Hello from Latvia. Happy New Year! I have a question-what you think about Bowmore 10YO dark & intense?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . not a good version of Bowmore, the 15yo is better. Good luck.

[@LordGeorgeRodney]

could we please have 1080p rather than 720p?

[@rumidude]

I feel like the price of whisky has just about priced me out of the market. Presently I have a dozen or so bottles and will continue not to replace the empty bottles. Undoubtedly I will keep buying some and always have two or three, but for the most part I am done with searching and buying of whisky.

[@tonymaddison]

i found this one for £32! a real bargain

[@1RebelDog1]

@@tonymaddison you did well, i paid £42, im sure it will be worth it :))

[@rustyshackelford4503]

Truthfully I’ve had to switch to bourbon and rye. I cannot find a single standard offering 12 years or older for under $75. It’s gotten outrageous. Balvenie single barrel is up to around $200 here locally.

[@1RebelDog1]

@@rustyshackelford4503 thats £59, just get yourself a nice single malt for special occasions, im in the UK so i can still manage to get a nice bottle for relatively cheap, i dont mind paying £40 or £50 as thats all i can afford every week or 2 weeks... but yeh, its such a shame that all the finer things in life are always the most expensive :( good luck!

[@thefedorahatguy144]

I bought a bottle of 15 year old that was recommended by my local shop. Can we have a review of it please.

[@andypike1234]

I always wondered, what's about that sword?

[@christiancaragan9207]

Theres glenallachie 10yr old batch 1 batch 2 and batch 3 which one you think is good. Thank you

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Only Glenallachie 13 available near me, wondering how it compares?

[@lawrencestack7416]

I like to give that a go if I can find it. lol