ralfy review 832 Extras - Introducing some decent N.A.S. whiskies.

[@alexk3088]

A sheep farmer was tending his flock when a city slicker rolled up in his fancy flashy car, hopped out and said, "Hey, if I tell you exactly how many sheep you have, can I take one?" The farmer nods, so the city slicker opens his laptop, calls up some satellite photos, runs some algorithms, and announces, "You have 1,432 sheep." Impressed, the farmer says, "You're right. Go ahead and take one." So the city slicker loads one of the animals into the backseat of the car. "Now," says the farmer, "I'll bet all my sheep against your car that I can tell you what you do for a living." A gaming sort, the city slicker says, "Sure." "You're a consultant," says the farmer. "Wow!" says the consultant. "How'd you know?" "Well," says the farmer, "you came from nowhere even though I never called for you. You drive a flashy car, and wear a fancy suit. You charged me for information I already knew, answering a question I didn't ask. And you don't even know anything about my business. Now give me back my dog."

[@finallydone8640]

this is the only channel where the vierwer gets ecxitied when the host enters with a bucket

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

haha true !

[@d.townzen1337]

I'm happy I found this channel, it's like watching a wise whiskey uncle pass on his knowledge and wisdom. Happy to watch.

[@ianmacbrooke4617]

Heh, that's what my lads and lasses call me, though they call me the whisky dick just as often. TTFN

[@linoleumbonypart385]

A lot to watch to catch up then....

[@d.townzen1337]

@@linoleumbonypart385 over the last 2 weeks I'm about 80 episodes so lots of ground to cover still, but it gives me a nice backlog to cover 😀

[@danterojas2164]

Ralfy is the best whisky reviewer on KZbin!

[@redfish7081]

You're in good hands.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Great overhand volley back at us. Nothing but respect for you Ralfy. Cheers!

[@RomainRiviere]

you remained totally polite and honest in your rant though just like he did. I love scotch whisky and I believe you both played a major role in my Whisky journey.

[@mosesumike]

TEDDY KGB ...100% agreed!!

[@krishnar3493]

Hey Rob, good to cya here

[@UsedBrain4U]

I love a nice back and forth. 6 woke a Giant! 👏👏👏

[@graemeelliott4147]

This is why Ralfy is the best whisky reviewer. Passion and honesty. Good on you Sir!

[@Sktttrbrain]

"Now you know why I don't review N.A.S. whiskies; because it's the thin end of the wedge. And the more that wedge is battered in, between the customer and the people who care about making good liquor, the more dangerous it gets for our wallets and the quality of what we buy. It's that simple." - A perfectly summarised thesis statement from Ralfy c. 2020.

[@alecky1972]

Fast forward 3 yrs and a blended non age statement whisky is ralfys whisky of the year!

[@Fatty-qh5jx]

Are u serious?

[@Fatty-qh5jx]

Holy cow ur right. Maclean's Nose Blended NAS Scotch Whisky. Haha. I’m sure it must be great then.

[@alecky1972]

@Fatty-qh5jx I haven't tried it, seems hard to get here in Ireland but i whole heartedly trust ralfy's opinion.

[@tsquared5162]

No idea if you will see this or not, but I just wanted to tell you that I find your content refreshing, original and extremely educational. I am just starting on my whisky journey and your advice is extremely valuable and it is evident in your videos that you are a kind soul. I read your book and really enjoyed it. I actually managed to get a 35cl bottle of Bladnoch 15 year in an auction with that same sheep head label on it. It isn't the same one you purchased after your visit and reviewed afterwards, but it's a little piece of Ralfy history that I will enjoy. I will of course keep the bottle as a novelty, but the whisky inside will not sit on a shelf for decades. It will be enjoyed! Keep up the great work. You are preaching the whisky gospel and I wish every distillery owner was subscribed to your channel!

[@budj13]

"This information is precious" says it all. NAS is simply a form of lack of information for the consumer. Lack of information equals risk. The more information on the bottle the better the customer can manage their personal risk. If I have to go to website to learn about a whisky, that is better than no information available, but the average person won't go to that trouble. Transparency of the information is the most powerful marketing to me!

[@gamblestyle7337]

I've only just recently started exploring whisk(e)y and I had wondered why some people turn their nose up at the NAS bottles. My first inclination was it was just elitism, or snobbery...but they way you explained it really brought it to light. This is a reason why having maestros of malt magnificence majestically and meticulously maze through the myriad of magical mash makings is a must! I could have been easily lead astray by unscrupulous advertising. Thank you for the perspective Ralfy! You are doing the good work, sir.

[@alexk3088]

Snobbery and elitism would be looking down at people who enjoy NAS. Calling out the producers for concealing age is altogether different :)

[@davidbroughall3782]

Speaking of package sizes. I don't know about over there, but here in Canada, and probably the US, all sorts of food products are coming in ever smaller packages, like juice for example, from standard 2 litre cartons, to 1.75 to now 1.65. The price doesn't change, but you get less. That's how you give the customer the illusion that food prices are stable.

[@Bob-ts2tu]

It's all over the uk, & we have a name for it - shrinkflation. - it's basically lying and cheating in my book, just to rip you off. GL

[@jeremywhite9643]

I love it; 20 min. in "don't get me started" always informative and entertaining.

[@WhiskyWhistle]

I’m happy to see this, Ralfy. There are loads, loads of new whisky drinkers out there who let brands and the blogs/vlogs they’ve bought walk all over them. Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃

[@krishnar3493]

Hi Mark, hope you well, my friend. You went on Lagavulin rampage of late just like Ralfy. Looking forward for more of your insights

[@WhiskyWhistle]

Krishna R hey Krishna! Yes haha quite a random yet lucky occurrence for me! Thanks muchly bud Happy Canada Day to you and @ralphydotcom 🥃🥃🥃🥃

[@alexk3088]

Epic video, Ralfy, EPIC! I gotta say, it was because of you that I went on a search of above 40% cognac and armagnac a couple of years ago. I found them. Single cru, single barrel, single grape, single vineyard, single oak variety, etc. Distilled on the lees (or not), above 40%, no colorant, no boisé, no chill filtration - these do exist, although not all in one bottling. Cost less than the overbranded stuff from big negotiants. Hopefully with more people looking for these we'll get more variety from the smaller farmers.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . happy to share the knowledge !

[@paulcaswell2813]

@@thewhiskybothy These days I'd take Armagnac over Cognac anyday. It's like comparing Campbeltown with a supermarket sub £15 own brand 'Scotch'!

[@jimwocha4949]

@@paulcaswell2813 me too. Armagnac is a severely underrated spirit.

[@alexk3088]

I'm at the point of the video where Ralfy pulled out a Longrow Peated. Ralfy, you taught me well - I bought it when I had the opportunity precisely because I learned from you that peated whiskies are peatier at younger age. And because Springbank. Of course, also learned that from you. This is very gratifying :)

[@RyanBellMusic]

Lore is absolutely phenomenal. I don't understand folks that love Laphroaig that don't like this bottle.

[@alessandrovigano8149]

How does it compare to an ardbeg uigeadail or corryvreckan, considered I'm very fond of both and I can get them for much cheaper (oogie for 65,corry for 75, lore for 95, euros that is) Thanks un advance

[@T0bi1983]

@@alessandrovigano8149 Where do you live? In Germany you can get Lore for about 63 €. In The Netherlands even for a bit less than 60 sometimes. It got much cheaper since it was released.

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

@@T0bi1983 It is around 115 € in France, crazy taxes & margins here.....

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

@@alessandrovigano8149 Completely different....it is sweeter, rounder, fruitier (with a sherry influence) while the 2 Ardbeg quoted are more or less heavily peated, but Lore has some more than decent character, of what I remember, so it is on my wishlist, though too expensive in France value wise

[@chadkiesow5511]

I love the Oogie and would still recommend picking up the Lore, excellent bottle!

[@Watchman999]

This is top tier content but I have to say that the last 10 seconds is what keeps me coming back for more.

[@VFJ-kk4mk]

Kilchoman Sanaig! Especially the "Dark Batch". Came for the fancy bottle, stayed for the taste! NAS, 46 % ABV, UCF, NC.

[@Zephon9]

I think this was one of the best Ralfy videos ever...

[@dlsbob]

Absolutely loved this episode! Ralfy, you never disappoint! Thank you for all you do in educating the malty masses in such a fun way!

[@greenvalley651]

heheh, Ralfy you are so original ,unique , your videos are a mix of knowledge, old fashion, real, honesty, down to hearth mind and funny sometimes. I love it, you are a legend to us, the whisky fans , thank you, you deserve the # of subscriber you have ,

[@ulchfirgne]

You are absolutely right Ralfy. We need to let big business know that we won't take their shit and that we still demand a certain level of quality

[@iispunkymonkeyii]

Love the passion, have only just found this channel but it’s been great and been going for over 12 years consistently - brilliant

[@MurrayCohenbluesandwhisky]

Ralfy, this video is one of your best in my opinion and most passionate. We think alike mate about many of these aspects about whisky. Good for you. Going for a cup of tea myself now here in Canada.

[@davidwelch4841]

Thank you Ralfy! Your rant against consultants and marketing in true. They're more concerned about packaging than the product inside.

[@hankbankster9700]

Thanks for the clarification, Ralfy, totally respect your views on this. The only NAS I have bought, were the Aberlour A'bunadh, I would have more respect for them and buy another if they put an age-statement on the bottle, even if it says 3 years and 1 day. NAS whisky just seems.....off....because you have no idea what you really get and the "big" companies out there price them as 18-21 year old whisky indeed. Some duty-free areas have 80% NAS now, I spent 20 minutes looking at one of these places until I found Jura the paps 19 year old. (it was crap, but at least it had integrity). Look at Kilkerran 8, it is ripped from the shelves as they are put in, because the content is wonderful and they are honest about the content. Your video about age-statement blends opened my eyes for those and I managed to secure two 30 year old Highland Queen 1561 for €90 per bottle. I liked the first and bought another for storage. (not sure if you like that one, but I found it nice, once it opened up). Great extras, thanks for the effort, Ralfy!

[@DasHemdchen]

Ralfy, I assume you spent valuable quality time in bars in Glasgow. I‘m amazed about your philosophical journey and appreciate the truths you‘re telling us buyers to be able to make better buying decisions. Greetings from Germany.

[@camilaantoniolli7616]

I am enjoying so much your reviews. There aren’t many channels about whisky in Brazil. I guess that part of that is because we don’t have access to a big variety of brands over here and also have high taxes on imports, which makes good whisky quite expensive. It’s a pity that not many of us Brazilians reach your videos, mostly due to language barriers. I recently bought a bottle of Arran 10 years, and after a review of yours, I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . good option with the Arran 10 !

[@danhammer106]

One of the few things that matter in the long run is a good warehouse with plenty of good contents. Those very few family-run distilleries have been steadily selling their whisky for 100+ years through much tougher times. And it doesn't even have to be the best malt around, just don't focus so much on the next annual ballance sheets.

[@Atthapong15]

Thank you Ralfy for your passion and standing on the side of the consumer!

[@DDugger]

Another great vid. I agree, Lore is beautiful. Uigeadail is also fantastic. These days I've been spending my money on cask strength bottlings. Be it official or independant, they just tend to be so much better. 46% at a bare minimum for an official bottling, and if the contract says it's natural color and non chill-filtered they immediately have my attention.

[@danceswithwolves7824]

Hey Ralfy, Just finished a bottle of Bruichladdich Classic Laddie. Very good stuff. And today I bought the phenomonal Glen Scotia Victoriana. Absolutely stunning NAS too. Kind regards from The Netherlands

[@linoleumbonypart385]

Did you ever have the Laddie ten...

[@danceswithwolves7824]

@@linoleumbonypart385 yes. But that's a while ago. The Port Charlotte 10 is my favorite peated.

[@sungkim2951]

It's hard to know who to trust these days. So many channels and accounts out there where people merely flex their collections, their good fortune, and their whisky inner circles and connections. Happy for them but I do often feel like an outsider getting a glimpse of what only the 1% get to enjoy. I appreciate Ralfy because I believe he genuinely cares about and looks out for the common folk. Cheers!

[@SippersSocialClub]

Great stuff. Always respect your opinion Ralfy, cheers :)

[@Quacklebush]

Loved this video. After all these years you're still on fire! Keep on keeping on!!

[@barleyman5957]

absolutly true words.... thanks for your opinion because i like the age statement whiskys much more too.... have a nice evening and cheers:)

[@gombocza]

Excellent content, happy to be here, thanks Ralfy

[@AndyCigars]

Compass Box really does things right...they are honest with the customer and do things as close to the "Ralfy Way" as I have seen anyone do it. In the rum area, Four Square is the leading integrity rum producer...they are upfront about what is in the rum and about NOT adding additional sugar like some rum makers do.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Great video. Would love to have you on our new podcast for a good old rant. Cheers Ralfy. God Bless.

[@Chokkan]

The sheer disgust on his face at 18:30. Priceless. Cheers, Ralfy!

[@58deluxe8]

Totally agree with what you are saying here. What I often wonder about though is what is the guarantee that the age statement is accurate? Business being business, there must be a temptation to slip in whisky that is younger than the stated age. How can we trust the distilleries given the 'grey squares' that you mention?

[@clintondeabreu8565]

Love watching you, how you say you not going to rant, straight after a rant. But you are correct, a lot of Australian whisky in bottled at 500mL & is sold at a huge surcharge, blaming it on limited batch sizes. By the way, you got me onto rum & I believe bourbon & Irish Whiskey is tremendous stuff.

[@simonlloyd2824]

"Pish! Pish!" We can always count on Ralfy to give it to us straight (18:30)

[@SakariHapponen]

One must draw a line in the sand. Enjoyed this one, Ralfy!

[@benrobson1177]

Great video. Happy to hear your thoughts on some NAS whisky and outlining the issues. I’ve certainly made a point of buying more age statement whisky since discovering your channel early last year. When I do buy NAS though I think it’s only fair to get higher strength and non-chill filtered. Otherwise I leave it on the shelf

[@joemcgraa8361]

Ralfy has a lot integrity ! He doesn't sell out .That is why I subscribed to his Channel

[@AlinJapan]

By the end, I found myself applauding--I do hope more folk in the whisky industry pays attention to proper labeling and bottling integrity malts.

[@RussellWarshay]

Ralfy, this is one of your finest rants!

[@Brad-ic4bp]

I've been watching your videos for a few months now and somehow missed that you were an author as well until now - I see your two books on Amazon, so I'll have to get those (I'll read them with the accent in my mind). My favorite N.A.S. scotch (and the only one I buy) is the Arran Barrel Reserve. I love their 10-year and 18-year, and I'm confident in their quality and integrity, so I can forgive the no age statement. It's lighter in [natural] color than the 10-year, and it's only 43% ABV, but as an everyday dram, I just love it, and I don't need to add water.

[@steveh.3370]

Ralfy, love this episode. You are right. I never buy cognac or Canadian whisky because they are so weak at 40%. They all taste alike. Greetings from Texas.

[@Noqster]

Had big issues with Oban Little Bay in the begining, now several months later and half a bottle it is starting to taste and smell what it should have been from the start. IMO it benefits greatly from oxidization.

[@MultiHaggismuncher]

This comes alive halfway through. Im with you in a lot of what you say here Ralfy.

[@fallendbb]

Ralfy, Arran actually state on their website that their quarter cask is matured in ex bourbon barrels for 7 years before spending 2 years in quarter casks so it’s a 9 yr old cask strength, and for £40 is great. No idea why they don’t put that info on the bottle or box though

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . that's the issue ! Why ? . . . not disclose the quality of what they make.

[@welshtoro3256]

That was a classic and of course he's right. NAS is the thin end of the wedge. Totally agree about the Cognac comment and same is true of Armagnac. 40 % is nothing for those beverages,.

[@yoursinsincerely39]

Love your reviews Ralfy. I know you had reviewed the Kavalan whiskey before. I recently tried their Solist Ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky and Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky. Being a lover of Islay whiskeys, I was quite apprehensive but was pleasantly surprised. I would love to hear your reviews on these whiskeys if you could.

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Love the Longrow NAS fantastic Whisky and a great value. I also love Bruichladdich the classic laddie but it's only NAS until you enter the code on the bottle into the website and then you get a big chart with all the information that you could ever want. It is really impressive to see the quality of what goes into what is there entry level bottle. Highly under rated and thank goodness for us to keep it well priced and available.

[@linoleumbonypart385]

Yes but it's not on par with the ten

[@Dankzzz]

That was about time Ralphy, Lore is the best Laphroaig I've tasted, even better than 18 years that I've had.

[@wartax5]

I believe it was ralfy whom I thought about regarding the ABV of in a much earlier video or videos and that has what has kept me being a more educated consumer - trying to look for ABV greater 40%/80 proof on any given spirit, Scottish whisky predominantly. It speaks to understanding more of the character of the spirit rather than just a blast of ethanol with dilution, in some cases.

[@markevans7244]

Thanks for this Ralfy. There is good NAS out there. I've always found quarter cask versions great...if I might add, I think Ardbeg Uigeadail is excellent too.

[@dallasshatel566]

Laphroaig Quarter Cask was the one that made me fall in love with the distillery!

[@edr777]

Really enjoyed this video, so much to think about. I was at the supermarket the other day and noted a very expensive bottle of whiskey in their little locked cabinet. I got closer and saw that it was a blend and thought who would pay so much for this? I don't recall if there was an age statement, but I'll check next time I'm there.

[@TheJools1980]

Just bought your book online, waiting for it anxiously! Greetings from Argentina! 🇦🇷🥃👋🏻

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks for buying my book !

[@willemkilian9563]

I found your book locally. Pretty pleased :) I should get a bottle of that Longrow. It's well priced and I love the Springbank distillery. I much prefer age stated whiskies though, even if they state a young age on it. Thanks for sharing, Ralfy! Totally agree with you about marketing too.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks for buying my book.

[@albertmiller3082]

Here in Michigan, Laphroiag Lore is $160 USD & Laphroiag 10 is $60. Laphroiag reports Lore has 7 to 21 year old contents. Ralfy has shown us how to ‘top off’ a dram of a less-exciting malt with a wee bit of an older richer version in order to create a much-improved but-still-economical hybrid. And it works a treat, too!! Now I look at Laphroiag Lore...& in my heart I know damn well Laphroiag took a disappointing vat of 7 year old & added “just enough 21 year old” to resuscitate the uninteresting younger spirit. And then bottled it & marketed it at 2-1/2x the price of the 10-year standard Laphroiag. They worked it exactly as Ralfy showed us. My bet is this is the whole NAS profit formula. A little mix-&-match and ZOOM goes the price.

[@Deipnosophist_the_Gastronomer]

:-) Somewhere nearby somebodies garage door is going up-down-up-down

[@johnnyjustice9988]

Laphroig Quarter cask is my sipper here in CT, right now, my first bottle, and it’s very nice expression. Deanston Virgin Oak, is another good whiskey NAS value dram.

[@grahamfraser702]

Well that was interesting Ralfy - begs the question of how do we decide which NAS Single Malts are worth buying - there are obviously some eg. Lore - if we can't sample them first must we rely on reviews? 🤔

[@tomz6594]

I love Longrow. My favorite is their Red series, but they are tough to find.

[@marcusamccoy]

I found the Ardbeg 5 “Wee Beastie”! Can’t wait for Ralfy to find and review it.

[@maltedbarleyman7834]

Damn!!! You just convinced me, Ralfy....Oh Corryvreckan how I will miss you.

[@graham2954]

Quality rant Ralfy and bang on the money re marketing fuds.

[@darkoanton5]

On their website, Arran says that the QC is aged for 7 years in 'regular casks' and then for a further two years in 'QCs'.

[@benjaminford9932]

I love your passion Ralphy. Really enjoying reading your book at the moment. 5*

[@maksymprokhorenko6350]

Thank You,RaIfy,for Your opinion!Its precious!!!

[@user-lr2zo6ug9s]

I live in Canada and can see now why Canadian whiskies (all mainstream ones) have been going downhill. It is hard to find one without chill-filteration, and no colorants added and then along with age statement...there are exceptions of-course but only a handful are bottled at more than 40%.(Lot 40 and G&W) Total Respect for ur education ralfy...!!!

[@kirbyculp3449]

Buy Bottled-in-Bond bourbon if you can find it.

[@alexk3088]

Lot 40 is great. Frankly, I don't think this is the cause of what's happened with Canadian mainstream whiskies, it's history and culture. "Smooth" is what customers wanted from them during the US prohibition. I really hope that Canadian rye whisky develops into a full sipping spirit culture like Scotch and bourbon, they have some of the best rye in the world to offer, they just don't share it with the world ;)

[@Snorre74]

I totally agree with you. Love your rant about it, it saved my day :)

[@CoinneachMacAnndrais]

Good evening Ralfy! I trust you are well, mo braiche charaid! I have only just come across the Arran Quarter Cask whilst ordering some whiskies direct from the distillery today after watching your review of the Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. When perusing what they had to offer on their website I happened upon the Arran Quarter Cask. I then obviously had to have a wee search to see if you have reviewed this whisky, which then lead me here to my 'trusty' malt reviewer. I wondered whether you have an episode/ review number for the Arran Quarter Cask? Also as a wee side note, I had to call the Lochranza distillery in Arran as my eyesight is bad and I had made a mistake whilst ordering online. I have to say, great customer service, really nice staff and everything was taken care of within a few short minutes, no problems at all. Have a lovely week and a lovely wee dram, mo braiche charaid! Slàinte 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@stevenbrian6347]

Great insight into what NAS is all about. Have you done an Extras on “what makes a collectible Malt against a great drinking dram” would love to get your thoughts #justsayin 😉 SteveB

[@ahpadt]

green spot is one of the nicest whisk(e)ys that ive tried so far and its NAS. it's just a bit more than the base glenlivets or glenmorangies which all taste the same. green spot has character which no other whiskey is like.

[@kingzaire2444]

Have a bottle of Wee Beastie and I love it. Well priced too. It’s like sweet syrupy soot. Cheers!

[@bilbobaggins1693]

This guy is great, he cracks me up and is so interesting! Im just in search of a really sweet and complex whisky and hopefully i will find one i like as i search with ralphys help!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . Cardhu 12yo

[@bilbobaggins1693]

Thanks Ralfy - ordered it!

[@alexk3088]

For years Ralfy wouldn't review Glenmorangie's 12yo "Nectar d'Or" 46% NCF natural colored malt, which was a delicious dram and not candy-sweet, and now it's been demoted to a NAS "sauternes finish" (at the same price of previous expression). But we did get the Quinta Ruban upped to 14. Win some - lose some :)

[@davidc6863]

Ralfy. Thanks for the great information. What about Victoriana and Abunadh?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . both interesting, Victoriana is the better one.

[@tomscaramuzza4379]

Pleased to see Longrow make the list, lovely whisky and in my view a lot better than many of the Islay offerings at the same price!

[@linoleumbonypart385]

Very true can't go wrong with Longrow

[@shugaroony]

@@linoleumbonypart385 Nor any Springbank.

[@martinpaul6146]

A brilliant rant. It is a worrying trend, I work in a wine& spirits store and we are now being sent samples of nas of small distilleries such as Glencadam and Tomintoul . The market is probably forcing them to produce these. If nobody tastes and Outs the bad ones, how will it stop. Yes I would have no problem buying a 5yo malt.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . make sure you let them know as a liquor professional.

[@whiskyandsports2964]

The Longrow and Laphroaig Lore are both excellent.

[@stephanegagnon5430]

Wow your so right. Epic video. ''Make sure you use marketing people, who been in the warehouse rolling a barrel. Because those marketing people will know so much more than the office bone shallow consultant''. damn right

[@Goettel]

12:47 I'm not going to go on a rant

[@drewboyd7508]

"I'm not gonna go on a rant here, no no no..", ten minutes later he's still ranting. Classic Ralfy. :-) Anybody else tried the Arran QC? Very tempted. (Btw, I reckon Big Clive chill filtered his clicker)

[@PeterTea]

Yah but imagine how long he could go uninhibited .

[@ARGONUAT]

It is clinically impossible to not love Ralfy gone off on a “not gonna rant”!!!

[@ARGONUAT]

8 minutes in, “Don’t get me started!” We absolutely love you, Ralfy! You are a non-conformist of the highest degree!

[@mr2gordons940]

Would love to see one where he says he IS going to rant.

[@Bob-ts2tu]

Yes, it's very good, if you have a penchant for sherry cask scotch, then go for it. GL

[@marquepadley2715]

Proof of Ralfy's point is Macallan, after dropping age statements there sales fell considerably and now they are returning to putting age statements on there bottles, in fact we have just received the new 10 year old in Canada and it's selling out.

[@JohnnyFromVirginia]

You’re heart is in it Ralfy. Always enjoy your reviews and perspective. I’m sure many of the NAS whiskies out there do run your money but I’ll say this, I’ve had some fun ones. As young as 2-3 years old, single barrel NCF single grain whiskies aged in 30 Gallon barrels that have loads of personality at 92 proof and cask strength.

[@GadgeteerZA]

So true on 'marketers'. I see way too much shallow PR and when you try to engage with them they often just don't even respond to their own posts. I used to work for a company and ran its Twitter, FB etc accounts as an over-and-above for my job, and I could meaningfully respond about any of our products or services. The first prize should be meaningful engagement with customers, not just spouting on about 'cloud' and '4IR'.

[@grantgallagher8592]

Great review and great focussed and interesting additional comment. I must try 'Lore'. Laphroig was never really on my radar, preferring Ardbeg and Lagavuilin. However, as my taste has moved away from the Lag 16 and very much towards the GOT 9yo, and discovering the excellent Kilchoman Machir Bay (and what a great example of Batch Variation THAT is). ANYWAY - I have noticed that I prefer Little Bay over 14yo, Talisker Storm, over the 10 yo, Oban and Lag Distillers edition over the 14 and 16. In the end, it's only good if you like the taste when you drink it.

[@Dankzzz]

And Lagavulin 8 and 12, had age statements think I'm going for the 8. I know you don't like so much the Bowmore, but I absolutely love the duty free 10 and 15, the 15 reminded me of the Talisker 18..

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . Lag8 Bow15 & Tal18 . . . all good !

[@RyanBellMusic]

RALFY, you are awesome. Dead on. Great vid. Appreciate you!

[@kevinblume7576]

Just ordered your book, looking forward to reading it with a nice dram and a warm fire nearby. Slàinte mhath!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks for buying my book.

[@richardsather6010]

Ralfie, thank you for exposing the bull shit marketing in whisk(e)y! Followed you a long time. I was long in the booze trade. You kept my head straight. Thank you for your passion.

[@ironmantran]

video = 10/10 - - - but - - - at 13:44 on Little Oban, start rant : one can see the disdain on your expression = priceless !

[@philiptruitt]

Thank you, Ralfy!

[@darkoanton5]

I've bought the middle three. I've never seen the last one and the Lore is outrageously priced here in Ontario Canada at CAN$195 or about US$155.

[@jaredslater1459]

Top info Ralphy! Cheers mate.

[@Nevetsmo]

You know, there's one thing that keeps running through my mind when we are talking about age statements, and that is cask deviation. It is readily apparent that a distillery does not know how their casks are going to turn out, but they want to produce a consistent product, and the years in the cask may not be as important as the cask selection that goes in the vat to maintain the consistency that the distillery is known for. I am fearful that Ralfy is encouraging age statements over distillery consistency, which would be a negative for the industry. At the same time I do see the value of the out-rightness of the industry , to tell their customers exactly what they are getting in the bottle that they are spending their hard-earned cash for, so I feel it is a double-side sword and I hope that Ralfy understands this and accepts this message. The more information the better, especially for us malt-mates that are very particular in the quality that we expect to get. Very glad to hear Ralfy excited for the Ardbeg Wee Beastie, which is a fantastic dram and I know I am eagerly anticipating the Ralfy review from this rather unique relatively young whisky - I have been enjoying a dram of this fine liquid while watching this review and am totally enjoying it at the moment! A very welcome young age statement whisky.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I hear you, but I hope I'm encouraging age statements over inconsistency . Consistent casks make for consistent whisk, and age is a basic measure of consistency.

[@alexk3088]

Imagine an annual release of something like Nadurra or Uigeadail, etc. with varying age statements, while maintaining consistency (to the best of their ability) - nothing wrong with that. Blend your best batch for the release and tell us the age, whatever it is. Let the customers get used to that. If age doesn't matter, why avoid it? It's just a number.