ralfy review 834 Extras - The art of adding water to whisky.

[@PyroRob69]

Your brother Clive sent me over here. I have been missing good whisky talk.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . welcome !

[@lalalandd123]

LOL i heard him put down the massive clicker right at the start

[@TheSam1902]

Just came here to check on the clicker, but his channel is nevertheless quite interesting !

[@confusedkemono]

thats what im here for.

[@cali_weejock]

I’ve just spent 5 weeks in Scotland. Sadly I was saying goodbye to my mother at Daldowie 😔 Although a sad event, I was able to stay with my father during my time there. We shared a few drams as we have in the past. He’s always added water to his drams but tends to drown it with double the amount of H2O! I’ve tried to educate him with your methods but to no avail. It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. At the end of the day, if he enjoys it I’ll leave him to it. Just glad to spend time with him. Thanks for sharing Ralfy. 🙏🏻

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . .happy to share !

[@davet7185]

I discovered very early into my malt journey how much influence the addition of water makes to a dram; some I find don't need it and others react well and the flavour notes and taste open up and improve the overall experience. At the end of the day it's personal choice, but invariably one that always needs to be considered when that malt moment comes your way. Thank you as always Ralfy.

[@nutyyyy]

Great advice as always Ralfy. Leaving my single cask bottling of cask strength 18 year old Springbank to sit in the glass for 30 minutes to an hour with water absolutely enhances the dram - it was a night and day difference.

[@Miata822]

Came for the clicker, stayed for the whiskey.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Interesting point about adding less water to older whiskies. Thanks for the video Ralfy.

[@sq7249]

After 3 and 1/2 years I finished each and every one of your videos Ralfy, many saw 2 or 3 times, even the 20' of the weaver! ;) big fan here!

[@mikeweathers5726]

I just got my copy of Search For a Whisky Bothy earlier today in my mailbox today and already can’t put it down. I enjoy your reviews and extras very much and have been watching them for the last 4 years. Excellent series, very interesting and informative as well as entertaining. I look forward to many more reviews and will be eagerly awaiting your second book.

[@alyr9640]

Hello Dear Sir! Nothing like finding that sweet spot with water. ❤️ I have a fancy glass straw that Santa put in my stocking last Christmas. 😬. But! My collection of Ralfy recommended plastic pringles lids is really coming along! 😁. Have a wonderful week!

[@FSAS]

Flawless performance by the Big Clive Clicker. I must agree Ralfy, if you really want to experience a whisky you need to try it neat, with water, more water, and maybe even ice just to explore what it brings out in the whisky. Sure you'll find out what doesn't work from whisky to whisky but then you'll have that point of reference to call back on in the future. Cheers 🥃 - Patrick

[@plageran]

Ice and only ice

[@aimokulaus]

@@plageran ...is the only thing you do not add to a Scotch single malt whisky :)

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Dear Ralph , I watched your videos over the years and appreciated your sincerity and kindness towards us whiskey 🥃 lovers. Your independence video solidifies my opinion and I am sure I echo many others in saying “keep up the great integrity “! Bravo 👏 grazie 🙏 from 🇮🇹 Milan. Ciao 👋 S.

[@Peter_S_]

Interesting talk and I must admit I love the giant clicker at the end combined with Ralfy's smile when activating it.

[@Sheepsville]

Glad to see the big red button working :) Despite not being a participant of alcoholic beverages, I find you interesting to listen to and I have learnt stuff about whiskey that I will probably never put into practice. I'll just have to live my life knowing that; should I ever be called upon to assist in the correct consumption of vintage malts, I will be able to confidently advise the precise amount of dilution required to fully appreciate the flavours present. :)

[@71samrath]

Ralfy you have no competition.. one and only on KZbin

[@petros1815]

The Clicker works!

[@greigmartin4339]

No extras on Tuesday. Was getting worried big clives clicker deleted the channel.

[@maltymission]

That 's exactly the sort of prank a big brother would pull!

[@JETJOOBOY]

I think it could do a LOT WORSE than that.

[@firenado4295]

@@JETJOOBOY is this a challenge?

[@pimpz7409]

Another great video, I know you've visited this topic before but I'll never stop learning, I just want to say thanks for making these great videos

[@RPDekka]

I don’t drink whisky, in fact I drink so little of anything I’m basically teetotal, but I’ve thrown a sub your way because I enjoy watching people speak with passion about what they love.

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

GREAT TOPIC ! I am a big proponent of putting water in. Just one drop to start. It's not about dilution but about changing the chemistry of what's in the glass especially NCF NC bottles. Especially with cask strength bottles if you add very small amounts then wait and taste then repeat there is a whole spectrum of flavors to discover as you water it down slowly in just one bottle.

[@Sharnoy1]

Here in Finland it's not so easy to get into whisky. Our taxation makes the alcohol price extremely high, the variety is quite poor especially with certain products, hardly any independent bottling. Finnish whisky is rising its head, and is quite successful, but it's very expensive and quite rare. But we do have one MAJOR advantage however. We are known for having the BEST tap water in the world! So no need to buy bottled water to use with the whisky. Just enjoy the fresh, cool and pure water straight out of the tap. I think it's kinda neat :) Keep your great videos coming, Ralfy!

[@sundowner62james69]

Top video ! I have to admit I've drowned to many drams in the past . Thanks Ralfy.

[@dannymckinlay8365]

Really enjoying the extras videos Ralfy. I starting reading your book yesterday. I didn't realise you used to live in Partick, I grew up on Stewartville street. We were almost neighbours!

[@billk9856]

Thanks Ralfy. The lesson I learned is not to add water based on the abv. As I progressed to better quality cask strength drams I was being disappointed but then I realised I was drowning the dram ... so as you say ... now ... always one drop at a time.

[@kirbyculp3449]

In central Texas much of the drinking water is pumped from underground aquifers. The mineral content of magnesium and calcium is fantastically high. Making coffee, tea, ice, soup, and so on with distilled water really improves the flavors. That problem does not exist in Scotland.

[@Peter_S_]

Texas has many problems that don't exist in Scotland, but Texas BBQ is still the best food in the world.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . good point !

[@differentspirits4157]

OMG I literally just put up my own update to the classic Ralfy video on adding water to spirits yesterday. I had a bottle of Hampden to help out and I still feel outmatched.

[@evillevan7886]

Love the extras, and looking forward to reading your book!

[@JohnClulow]

Wow! This channel is fantastic ! Life is full of fortuitous accidents.

[@venumadhav6796]

Hey hi Ralfy nice video.. Yes. Offcourse we need. To. Add. Some. Water. to know the right flavors🥃🥃

[@SimplyElectronicsOfficial]

Hi Ralfy, I have wanted to get into whiskey but found the taste repulsive. It's a shame because I enjoy watching your content and learning about it. Is it a taste that one can acquire or is it just not for me?

[@robertfortier2136]

*Personally, I found my dislike for whiskey when I was younger was due to the cheap, low quality drams I was tasting. As I aged, acquired more money and a better tasting pallet, I purchased more expensive, older and more quality whiskies.* *The comparison from when I was younger was like night and day. Try better mid range ages and quality of whiskies at a pub. You should notice the difference. Good luck.*

[@scottgillespie4781]

Simply Electronics Not sure how much exploring you have done of whisky and the journey would be too long to share in a comment. Others will know more than me but on one one of the scale you have Glenkechie and the other Ardbeg or Lagavoulin. They may be some goal posts that get you started on the proper end of the spectrum. I am a whisky lover who is trying to get a taste for bourbon (my Canadian wallet wishes I had started there) and it is a tough one for me. I am not a fan but every once in a while I find one I like. Last point would be to focus on the experience from the colour to the aroma then to the taste. I believe that time spent appreciating the elements of the dram before it “hits your tongue” help build the experience beyond just a taste. My 2cents worth ...

[@neilkooiman6308]

@@scottgillespie4781 As a fellow Canadian who did start with Bourbon before crossing the Ocean, If you tell me your flavour profile and I might be able to point you in one of several directions. Four Roses would be a good one to start with if you haven't tried it yet..then Four Roses Barrel Strength if you like the like their entry level product.

[@scottgillespie4781]

Neil Kooiman thanks for that! I will give it a try as I have not yet. I have tried Woodbridge reserve which was “good” but didn’t move me like I had hoped. Bulleit both the yellow and orange label (?) were close to delicious for me but.... It’s not like I NEED an extension to my current vice however I see how much pleasure some get from the drink and am sure I am missing something - heehee

[@alexk3088]

re: "found the taste repulsive". The "elephant in the room" question here: what did you try? I felt all brown spirits were repulsive, despite trying to sip several times until I tried XO cognac and Glenlivet 12, Glenmorangie 10. Suddenly it "clicked" and I was exploring. Prior to that I did try various "ok" bourbons, lower grade cognac, Jack Daniels, but not scotch. It may take a few tries for you to find the right "first dram" but after that, if you like it, you will gradually broaden out. Just remember: you're not "drinking", you're sipping, like very hot coffee (and you're afraid of burning your tongue). Even very good spirits can be disgusting if gulped down the way people drink "shots".

[@Stoneman06660]

What is your take on rain water, Ralfy? Not that I get the chance often in Perth, Western Australia, mind. But given the opportunity I'll collect a bit during a downpour and use that in preference other.

[@dano4700]

Good idea. It's raining today in Perth, I'll give it a go.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . if it works, go for it !

[@jamesw6403]

Generally needs cleaning and filtering through rocks or an industrial process as it is high in contaminates

[@michaelbrown3037]

Always learning from you, Ralfy, putting that into action and then spreading the good word! Question: what’s your opinion on using distilled water for your whisky?

[@mikedarroch7247]

I have to say I am going to miss seeing if the clicker will work.

[@gsmith2000994]

1:22 "I use a Brita filter drug" also nice to see the clicker works!

[@al_kaloid]

this made me laugh more than it should have.. also appreciated the mention of Anne Frank (1:39)

[@ic3105]

My experience shows that some whiskies can be brought to clearly below 40% and they are still excellent. Others suffer from the first point of water added, even at high cask strength level. I am always excited to find the sweet spot. Disheartening to see and hear quite a number of whisky-folks refusing water as a matter of principle because “the distillers wanted it that way”, in reality boasting to drink 60% plus whisky showing how “strong” they are. They miss quite a lot!

[@alexk3088]

I couldn't say it better, I actually thought for 5 minutes and couldn't add anything to your comment. I agree wholeheartedly, they're cheating themselves. Or they have bad water, i.e. hard water.

[@johncarder819]

I use a Japanese soy sauce pitcher. It allows pouring by the drop easily.

[@Northern-Smudge4]

Or one of those eye droppers with the rubber thing 😂

[@edr777]

I've got to watch this one a few times...I've been learning the hard way with a new bottle of Redbreast Lustau. It needs just a few drops to open up and seems fussier than other whiskies I've tried. A few drops too many and all of those wonderful flavors flatten out...I've screwed it up more times than I've gotten it right. Using a straw now to just add one drop at a time and it is working well with other malts. Patience, patience and more patience.

[@plageran]

Clive sends* his regards lol! Thanks for the tip Ralph

[@swanandarole]

Hi Ralfy...just a query : some younger whiskys taste best after 20 to 30 mins of adding a bit of water...Bruichladdich 8,10,12 and Glen grant 12 come to mind...so a lot more than a minute in the glass for an year in the cask. Why is that so, or are my taste buds off 😛 ?! Agree about Dalwhinnie 😁 can't take water at all

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . it's all down to singularity ! part of the fascination of whisky.

Hello. After watching this video, I got curious: When the bottlers are thinning (?) the whisky down to 46, 43 or even 40 % ...is there any special process to it, or do they just mix it with water and are done with it?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . they just add water !

[@dannyboy5512]

Could I get some advice on the Duncan Tyler dimensions range? I was thinking of getting one of the bottlings but there's little information I can find. Like a Glen grant 26yo sherry cask, I think came out in the UK market first than another barrel they released to the US market. There's a .25% alcohol difference, different amount of bottles actually out there and a two year difference between when they were distilled.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I simply avoid the brand these days ! I don't review them.

[@amitkdas007]

I have learnt a lot from you sir. Please try and review Nirvana from Paul Johns and Maqintosh from Amrut. Both around 10 pounds each. I am sure you will be surprised of the quality. But I am not sure if you get those from India in UK. But if you get to get it, I am sure you will love these.

[@1cleandude]

What prey tell is a bothy?? Thanks Ralfy!!

[@JohnR84]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bothy

[@scottgillespie4781]

If you are really interested, Ralfy does a tour of the bothy - cant recall which episode but it is interesting. I kind of had the same question. It is apparently an old servants quarters but best to find the tour and take a look. - in any case I want one!

[@sav7568]

A bothy is a shepherd's hut. Ralfy's house was probably part of a farm many years ago.

[@neilkooiman6308]

@@scottgillespie4781 Episode 765 Extra for the Bothy tour!

[@TonyFleetwood]

Would alkaline water make a noticable difference?

[@curtishopkins4160]

Ralfy/malt mates Can someone please explain why the blenders use so much water in their whiskeys when they taste it? It can't be to prevent drunkenness because they spit it out anyway, or so the story goes. Cheers Curtis

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . to allow access to the complexities beyond alcoholic strength.

[@curtishopkins4160]

@@thewhiskybothy Is this something you could elaborate on in a video review or would you regard this as an avenue not worth wandering? Seems like a chapter not visited on your site. Cheers

[@Northern-Smudge4]

I love Ralfy!! He's like a scot Danny Devito ❤️

[@johncarder819]

One of the things that I love about having a well.

[@jamesw6403]

Have you seen my cat?

[@johncarder819]

@@jamesw6403 Not that kind of well.

[@chillzwinter]

I'd keep an eye on that clicker; those solder joints were pretty 'how ya doin'.

[@prestonw3878]

So many questions! Have you changed at all in the last 10 years in your own approach to adding water to your whisky? And, do you know of any single malts that can attribute their amazing taste to the water source from which they were made? Or is the water source largely insignificant? I also am confused as to why Laphroaig suggests to add so much water on some of their CS bottles.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I have not changed a thing in 20 years.

[@prestonw3878]

@@thewhiskybothy Thank you for replying. Ralfy, you may or may not realize but you are the sail on the wee ship that mates be ridding on their malt journey. Cant thank you enough for your amazing work.

[@shaunsautorepairs5410]

Im another from big clive to check out the clicker. Seemed very sensitive at the end as it ended with what looked like just a touch... Now im here ill check out some whisky vids....

[@tonyjones9442]

Wonder what he thinks of nicola sturgeon? I'm Welsh and we have mark dripford as a leader. I'm not keen on whisky but interesting channel. Subscribed.

[@Twobarpsi]

Great topic! A Scotsman who's tight? Never! 😃 Cheers Mate!

[@driftwood9098]

look closely at the wall directly behind the bottle of Ledaig, to the right, at the 6:16 mark...

[@jrsc01.]

Looks weirdly like a big clive logo...

[@gcbrain2933]

Dear Ralfy. If you could refer to the influx of chalk content in the water in a future extra. Kind regards

[@bobsatek]

Rally, what happened to the copper water bottle? Are you not using them anymore for adding water/drinking?

[@bobsatek]

Sorry, spellcheck got me. Should have started with your proper name, Ralfy!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . still using it !

[@masoodkhan427]

Thank you sir for your lovely videos..whenever convenient can you shed light on whether whiskies would react differently to different genetics ...I.e Asians Europeans Africans ? And if so which would be a good one for the indian ppl ?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . start with local spirits, and identify what you like and dont like before progressing !

[@masoodkhan427]

ralfydotcom thank you very much sir for your reply and the wonderful videoes

[@maltymission]

Hope you tested the Big Clive clicker prior to the video to check if it wasn't an older brother pranking you and shutting down the lights in the bothie or something :)

[@999YCM]

6:47 Clean, warm and peated ?

[@robfut9954]

Berkey makes a water filter that can removes fluoride from water. I use it for drinking and of course my drams.

[@TheAmateurDriver]

Water from a Berkey is on other levels...

[@MrGusisawesome]

Whats the deal ralfy with the prices at auctions such as mctears or great western on old whiskey. Are they worth bidding on. Would you bid in such establishments? Or are you a mug to buy at them

[@tiblunku]

Just beautiful!!

[@MyChrisable]

Talk about judging a book by its cover! I only saw Ralf once in a Big Clive video and so he was saying was "f u" (if memory serves). . . thought he was a nutter! But seeing him today I have subscribed. .

[@neilingleson2626]

Burn the straw so there's no plastic waste?? Burning plastic produces toxic fumes.

[@999YCM]

~ I was gonna say.

[@chestersnapdragonmcphistic579]

I guess you gotta decide which is worse

[@Chuckiele]

Melting down plastic and turning it into new bags and bottles is physically impossible. It can be turned into fabric and end up in clothing or become things like tables and chairs, but thats not even remotely covering the waste production so a lot will end up in the environment. Burning plastic properly however breaks it down entirely and allows you to turn it into synthetic oil which can either be turned into new plastics or fuel, so this is the cleanest way to recycle it, but this requires very high temperatures which you cant get in open air, so obviously dont do it at home.

[@ericgilbert8114]

I use tap water, but only if I can't find Icelandic water. That stuff is magic

[@Mothinabox]

Excellent!

[@AndyCigars]

I still want a clicker mishap montage! ;)

[@etwadertod]

how about a glass pipette..?

[@colmboohig7567]

You know the difference between me and you, ralfy? It's a couple drinks!

[@thomasjones5734]

i have a natural spring down the lane where i live,the water is so pure and clean, better than all this crap that comes out off a tap!

[@kellyj5389]

I only add a wee bit. Teaspoon max

[@benjaminkappelson384]

The clicker works!

[@jimkikken8070]

Malt mention: Maltmen Making up Malt Mentions

[@thewhiskybothy]

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

[@philipfraser8723]

Question ? I love your channel no question, however something has been bothering me, a friend recommended Highland park 12 year old whisky, it's been bugging me, it reminds me of another blended whisky , Ralph can you help ?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I cant think of any blended whisky like HP12 except for Black bottle (old style) !

[@jamesw6403]

The new clicker needs an upgrade into a MASSIVE junction box for real comedy value.

[@vladimirpaunovic1485]

The art of getting big biceps! -)

[@welshwisdom]

South Wales water is the best

[@JohnR84]

Stuart Rodgers en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceredigion = many holy wells. A few drops should help ; ) www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/the-holy-wells-of-wales-2154864

[@darcksage1]

Have you gotten the button yet?

[@glennjamessephton7593]

You can hear it thud at the start

[@msilv8335]

Watch the pervious video

[@nutsnproud6932]

Big Clive sent me.

[@xXturbo86Xx]

Burn them? Are you MAD? There's a thing called RECYCLING you know!

[@jezzermeii]

I think Ralfy likes his big boy button very much.

[@umxrr8677]

CLICKER IN ACTION 11:34

[@JohnR84]

Ralfy, On September 19th for Talk Like a Pirate Day, could you review Rum & Rhum? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Talk_Like_a_Pirate_Day PS. Ask Clive to raid a local Costume Dept in case you need a new hat, eyepatch etc., etc. Expect you are still fine in the Cutlass Dept. ; )

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I will leave that to the bucaneers and bankers. They are the most successful pirates.

[@sorinsrn5442]

Sorry Ralfy...i drink my whisky neat.

[@AriesUmbra]

try adding a single drop with a pipette. its not for diluting, it's for releasing the flavours of reactive chemicals in the whisky. enjoy a dram neat, add 2 or 3 drops, and see

[@perkristiansandgren4132]

Lovly

[@nicholasmartin1881]

I have never liked water in my whisky and Ive tried it so many times. It just dimishes the quality of the whisky in my opinion .

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . if it suits you to keep your whisky neat, keep it neat !

[@nicholasmartin1881]

@@thewhiskybothy 👍🖖

[@Anya_khaos]

please don't burn the plastic straws; it produces toxic gasses! use a simple spoon instead of straws, or recycable straws, and throw straws in your usual trash to be collected.

[@mikep8182]

A drop or two of water Does it actually make a difference just stick an ice cube in there or drink it straight up

[@amitkdas007]

My apologies. Both are more or less 20 pounds each.

[@swedishburrito5073]

❤️👍🥃

[@AlReyn]

Water water everywhere not a drop to drink........

[@darklore7566]

Came here for the terrible clicker got a lesson in whisky i wasnt displeased now i might be an alcoholic

[@matthijs4434]

I must say the 'burn your straws' advice is questionable. Putting it mildly ;) Dispose of them responsibly through your separated plastic waste so they can get recycled.

[@PaulEcosse]

We are fortunate to have the cleanest tap water in the world, in Scotland. It's delicious.

[@glennandersen4748]

No we have even cleaner water some places in Norway😇

[@kirbyculp3449]

WC Fields explained, "I don't drink water, fish fuck in it".

[@shenriksson]

You really know a lot about whisky, but i prefer you brothers channel how knows everything about electronics. I only drink room temperatured "The Famous Grouse" without ice and water.

[@cato451]

Real whisky drinkers cut their whisky with whisky

[@UsedBrain4U]

I loved your little jab at sodium fluoride! Too many people have dunk that coolade.

[@antipodesman]

Disappointed to hear you are in the anti-flouride camp. The evidence for dental health is unimpeachable.

[@mrickling]

Sheer tin foil hat territory.

[@craig_z]

He also believes in "Ley lines" or energy lines or whatever the hippies are calling them these days.

[@Shane4Bass]

Hey Ralfy, what if your fitness channel becomes highly successful with over a million subscribers? Would you then give up Ralfy.com?

[@almosthuman4457]

Clive sent me here to say hello... hello.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . hello !

[@brianhennebeul1854]

Hey, a little off topic and cynical here, but is the IWC just like, the biggest, most blatant crock of shit, or what?