ralfy review 831 - Lagavulin 1994 D.E. @43%vol: (Igv.4/498)

[@mrnosebear7406]

I finished a Lagavulin 1984 DE 2 years ago. It was fantastic. I opened a Talisker 1988 DE last christmas. It is empty now and guess what I loved it. Superb stuff. Yes, the yesteryear whiskies are often fine. Cheers from Germany

[@vibingwithvinyl]

I love the clicker. It's the comic relief at the end.

[@jimmclaughlin8546]

These videos have been my weekly highlights during this interesting time. Thank you, sir!

[@j-rocd9507]

10 years ago I came into the possession of a bottle of Laphroaig 10 and soon after a bottle of Macallan 18. You helped me appreciate those then. Here it is 10 years later. I know a bit now. Thank you Ralfy.

[@snail415]

I’m in the same boat. Been at this since the beginning of the ride, and it has saved me so much time, money and energy. Granted I still expend a lot of it, but only in the right directions for the right reasons. Pre-pandemic, my job had me traveling all over the place. I always pretended I’d never get the chance to go to those numerous states and countries again, so I sought-out unique bottles. And look at us now. Japanese edition of Blanton’s? Check. German independent bottling of PX Lagavulin? Check. Arizona mesquite-smoked single malt? Check. And on and on. When I open my whiskey cabinet, every time, it’s special to me. It remains so because people like Ralfy do what they do. Cheers.

[@robfut9954]

How was that Macallan 18?

[@j-rocd9507]

@@robfut9954 Do you really need to ask? It is like a warm hug on a chilly night. A beautiful gesture from a good friend. It's delicious.

[@robfut9954]

J-Roc D ironically I’ve never tasted a Macallan, will have to bump it up in my list. Is the 12 still good?

[@j-rocd9507]

@@robfut9954 it's ok but the 18 is something special. Glenmorangie Nectar D' Or is really good to for a lesser price.

[@differentspirits4157]

I actually had a bottle of this exact (1994) edition! I made my notes a good eight years ago, but as a useful comparison here's a copy-paste: Lagavulin Distiller's Edition 1994-2010 (OB, 43%, $75) Nose: Lagavulin with a sherry overcoat. Peat, sour fruit and vegetation, hand soap. Sweet sherry stuff - raisins, brown sugar, whole milk hot cocoa. Hints of coffee, something lightly floral or herbal. Black currants, rose petals. More Lagavulin funky-fruitiness coming through after a moment (swamp fruit, if that makes sense). Not as complex or as dense as the standard 16, but less austere. Palate: Again, Lagavulin mellowed with heavy sherry. Slight fruity sweetness at first, mellowing into mixed herbs, swamp vegetation, raisins, and thick swampy peat. Touch of coal ash. Pear and black pepper; brine; touch of milk chocolate/white chocolate and ginger powder. Finish is surprisingly short. Overall, quite good but a step down from the cerebral 16 and spectacular 12. Would make great "sessionable" Scotch if it were cheaper. Score: 87/100 As for what I'm buying extra of for enjoying in the years to come, it's actually not malts. I have a pretty big box just devoted to high-proof tequila (go for it anytime you see one, at least in the states they're stunningly cheap for how good they are) and quality unaged rums. Whisk(e)y is wonderful but goddamn is it expensive right now.

[@BrokenSet]

Hand soap? Is that positive?

[@differentspirits4157]

@@BrokenSet I guess so? I don't remember, I wrote these notes almost a decade ago!

[@Tantrum777]

I remember that Lagavulin review it was in the snow!

[@jasonkeating9958]

I remember buying Lagavulin distillers edition in waitrose for £50 those same bottles are now £300 The current edition is just about reasonable sort of 👍

[@pamlongville5663]

Gosh I love your videos. Have watched every one of them over the years. Thank you for the entertainment, education and review. Sláinte

[@billyboy9810]

I think with the more modern bottlings of single malts that it's the whiskies that rely on the sherry casks that aren't as good as maybe they once were. The more spirit driven malts like Deanston, Kilkerran or even the Bladnoch 10 you reviewed, which was fantastic, seem to be getting better. They have upped their game because they needed to. Cheers for another great show Ralfy.

[@jammose6208]

Just picked up two bottles of the Lagavulin 1991 DE - hope they’re nice!

[@robfut9954]

As someone who drank Lagavulian 16 regularly in the early 2000’s I can confirm that indeed that was a far far far superior “generation” of the brand. The stuff now almost isn’t recognizable to me as what I remember drinking then. Like a close cousin, but not the same quite.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I agree.

[@Atomic_Haggis]

Great to see your channel Ralfy. Glad to be watching. Excellent review.

[@tucker21222]

One thing I've learned is a little bit of single malt in a whiskey blend will go long ways especially when you put a little bit of malt whiskey in a bottle of blended Scotch depending on which Scotch blend sometimes it will really make the whiskey come alive well as far as flavor anyways just as long as you add the correct portions you can create your own exquisite Scotch blend but I got to say thanks a bunch for all your information anyways take care peace love and potato chips

[@snail415]

Fantastic review. Just wave after wave of hard-earned knowledge in this one.

[@WombatPA]

Hudson Manhattan Rye whisky I think was my first big savory whisky bomb I had tried outside of peated malts. Tastes like prunes and sausage, was a big eye opener to flavors I hadn't experienced before!

[@DadbrosGarage]

I would sell everything I own just to move to Scotland and be able to collect all those rare drinks

[@portcask]

Got a bottle of the 1995 edition left, quaffed one a few years ago, picked both up at Tescos when they were £60

[@HookahBurdar]

I still have a few drams left in a bottle of Lagavulin 1993 D.E (I bought in Scotland back in 2009). I always found it very, very good indeed. I guees i added gas last time I poored mysel a dram, quite some time ago.

[@RichardHowells1234]

Good wise words ralfy! Suggest Quarter Cask 'The Bothy' from Arran if u ain't b4 bud🥳

[@dvdbloke]

There’s a lovely smokey marmalade that a local (artisan) producer makes. They are bumblees if you ever want to check it out. Bit of Bowmore in it. Very very tasty. 😊

[@charliemitton6855]

Dear ralfy. I bought your book and enjoyed it emensly. Please write a history of whisky, a history of the evolution of casks, market forces, advertising. It's a history that should be written, and I trust that you would write it with an independent, unique perspective. No one else tells it, really like it is. Thank you.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks for buying my book.

[@marclambert8596]

Ralfy can u recommend reading resources on these topics, books, writers, blogs or websites u think provide best detail and truth saying?

[@markmcmillan1075]

Ralphy, there’s a Westland 3-some in the works, thanks for the tip. You’re on fire, Ralphy.

[@danielburns7519]

I bought a bottle of this bottled in 2017 it's a full liter batch 4-506 I have not opened it yet but now I'm looking forward to it

[@mcl40000]

i quite enjoy lagavulin 8...nice light, marzipan like lagavulin. really nice for adding some lagavulin dna to a blend without overpowering it too!

[@Goettel]

Flies just add to the flavor.

[@Mr_Blootered]

I still have this bottle from 2010 when I bought it. Saving it for the right moment - so do I not have enough 'right moments' or am I just not drinking enough?!? 😆

[@unicornblends5285]

Love the video keep that content comming 👍

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . will do !

[@robfut9954]

Hey Ralfy, notice you’ve never reviewed a Singleton before. I know they have the habit of different releases in the UK/US/Asia but any chance you could give us a review on one soon? Would be interested on your opinion given the value/age they seem to offer.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . they are just not on my list, due to poor quality versions.

[@j-rocd9507]

I'm going to pour a dram of Laphroaig now to reminisce. Good drink good memories good friends.

[@wp2746]

Steampunk reading glasses ftw

[@stingfan24]

Ralfy, terrific review, thanks! Are all the black box Laga DEs pretty good? Or are certain years better than others?

[@alansmithee4895]

Smoky jam ! 😁🥃

[@SaviorAirlines]

It's such a bummer here in America, it's very difficult to find the "integrity bottlings" because you can't find where it states the E-150 or if it has been chill-filtered.

[@WhiskyBrasil]

*Nice Video !!!*

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks.

[@makinhotcoffee6230]

He looks like Geri, from Pixar's short "Geri's Game", with his reading glasses on. I vote for a live action with Ralfy as lead!

[@djscottdog1]

I had the fesile one blind and it was bloody good , and when i saw the lable i was going to buy one till i found out it was north of £200

[@danw1086]

I had a dram of the 2018 feis Isle Lagavulin. Fantastic dram but just too expensive.

[@janackermann2488]

Cheers, sadly ever since Lagavulin changed from the classic to the minty green label, quality has changed - and not for the better. Still got my '94 and '96 and I hold them near and dear for special moments.

[@mechanicalhippo493]

6 comments a minute , damn Ralfy ! Love ya from a far buddy !

[@TheChrisleekay]

Ralfy even my dash cam (£25 from Amazon) is 1080p!!!!!?

[@pfalzgraf7527]

Hi there - got your book today, looking forward to reading it! The peek I took made me look forward with even more anticipation! :)

[@marquepadley2715]

I also received my book today, to funny. Look forward to a good dram and a reading session later. Slainte'

[@popeshaves5310]

Ralfy tanks for thats for everything you do .....how about murders of magical malty magnificence ?

[@thewhiskybothy]

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

[@HOB1022]

i couldnt catch up on when you put a lit on and when you dont for older bottlings to breathe. Could you elaborate?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . when pouring anything, best to cover it while it rests before drinking.

[@perkristiansandgren4132]

Hei ralfy reely Nice video, when is it a turn to revew a PC10 ?=)

[@manuelnaranjo3255]

A few years ago 😉

[@kieranreid265]

Can I ask what you do other than gassing your bottles to preserve them?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . nothing !

[@DiKei997]

Hi Ralfy, what kind of books can you recommend about whisky blending? Thank you. I am your loyal viewer.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . None, just do it and keep notes, we learn as much from our mistakes as from our wonderful successes.

[@JimmyLeg]

Used bourbon casks produce proper whisky.

[@netanelro]

How Smokey is the whiskey?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . very, but less than the 16 !

[@kkzooi]

have you tried the Glenlivet Founder's reserve? i enjoy it, its quite fruity

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I agree, fruity, but it needs an age statement.

[@perkristiansandgren4132]

But ancnoc 18 is amasingly fruty, maybe the moast fruty out there 🤔 ,

[@davidparker4355]

Hey Ralfy, still enjoying the videos as much as when I first started watching all those years ago! Could you (or anyone else) recommend some decent online whisky communities that aren't on Facebook? I've recently deleted Facebook but I'm missing the whisky groups that I was in.

[@h1n1worm]

reddit.

[@MrSottobanco]

Your clicker is your nemesis.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I'm going to change the battery !

[@hysaf]

@@thewhiskybothy I absolutely love these clicker moments!

[@mark5ization]

@@thewhiskybothy Haven't you tried that several times already? ;-O

[@paulhoffman4712]

G'day Ralphy what happened th the copper water jug?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . discontinued in favour of glass.

[@tequilaal]

Sanny reappears as first:-)

[@Gatopardo1984]

You read the book, do you?

[@StanislavB]

I give the clicker 13/14

[@ML-sj8ti]

I used to have that bottle, finished it years ago and loved it! Looked around for a new bottle but never found one in my budget...

[@martindouwe6099]

Paxarette was banned in 1992, so I have my doubts if this was "paxaretted"

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . it was banned and reinvented as 'cask seasoning' in 1992. . . . son of paxarette.

[@peaceandwealthseeker4504]

ralfydotcom I’ve never heard of this what was it used for? Is it harmful?

[@martindouwe6099]

I thought by law the use of Paxarete became forbidden?

[@thewhiskybothy]

@@martindouwe6099 . . . it did.

[@lordprefab5534]

@@peaceandwealthseeker4504 it was sherry residue which was shot under pressure into whisky casks to "wine treat" them

[@swedishburrito5073]

❤️👍🥃

[@lockwoodhomebrewing4893]

Don't tell us about the fly, we all want one now!

[@familiewillems3645]

bright eyes ... :)

[@Tantrum777]

Malty Maticulation mates!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . now on the M-mention list, thanks.

[@ACTION87878]

Hrm, no age statement

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . yes there is, it's 15 yo. 1994 - 2010

[@ACTION87878]

@@thewhiskybothy Awesome, thanks, I completely missed that.

[@Temperdgrump]

YES! I'm happy you're finally reviewing Lagavulin again. I agree with you regarding the 12 yr old. Contemporary bottlings are good but definitely not as oily or good as bottlings of years ago. For example, I have open the 2016 200th anniversary 12 yr old and a 2011 12yr old, on Whiskybase, the 2016 has a higher rating than the 2011 Lagavulin 12. Drinking them side-by-side however, there's no way the 2016 can even hang with the 2011. The difference is not only that the 2011 has a bigger and oilier body, it's also more tar driven in the nose than the 2016. Another big difference is that the 2016 has a sweet side to it where you get a slight apple or sweet wood sugar note. The 2011 offers no such quarter to a sweeter element, it's just more powerful all around.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I think your quite right, more 'powerful'. So it may be that in ten years, Laga 12yo will be even less 'powerful'.

[@matthewjryan4574]

#dothelaga

[@nch19637]

Hi ralfy have you ever tried Longrow Sherry Cask Matured 14 Year Old Cask Strength would be interested in a review if you have it available to you.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . My last sample was peat-weak and IK needed to blens it with the CV for a decent dram.

[@nch19637]

@@thewhiskybothy cheers thanks for the info.

[@happypuppyjohn]

720p?This feels like vintage early 2010's Ralfy.