ralfy review 858 - Whisky for 2021 - Arran 10yo @46%vol:

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[@MrWombat22]

Having this in Petrinja, Croatia now after earthquake 6.4, so happy bottle survived, this makes it even more precious!!!

[@grbadalamenti]

Glad you are ok, I was seated in Verona Italy and the shake was very clear to me...I was amazed to find out the earthquake was in Croatia

[@dogwalker666]

Oh you had an earthquake that must be so scary hope your all ok, enjoy your Arran it's my favourite.

[@h1n1worm]

hope all of your slivovica and lozovaca are survived aswell

[@MrWombat22]

@@h1n1worm miracle, not a single bottle was smashed... God of spirit is merciful!

[@samdutton]

Good to hear you're OK (and the whisky!) Happy memories of drinking superb wine in Croatia - ancient grape varieties I'd never heard of.

[@anklespanker]

When you hear Ralfy say "just saying" or "just sharing", you know you just got hit with a truth bomb.

[@Malt454]

Yep, when he feels he has to cover himself against legal action, you KNOW that, like most news, it's something that someone in (whisky) authority doesn't want said.

[@sharpdressedman8109]

@@Malt454, accompanied by „this is just a personal opinion“

[@kyemajor8024]

I dont mean to be off topic but does anyone know a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my login password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@moisesasa3687]

@Kye Major Instablaster =)

[@kyemajor8024]

@Moises Asa thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and Im trying it out atm. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@Cr0wnKings]

"Bad casks make bad whiskeys" perfect slogan for a t-shirt

[@jamesalastair]

Hi Ralfy, My local liquor store here in Washington D.C. took the price from $49.99 to $74.99 the day after your WOTY video. They also failed to fulfill my order at the lower price and offered a refund. The name of the shop is Hop, Cask, and Barrel.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . that's them named and shamed !

[@brian6x]

$50 to 75 ?? = a 50% increase. That's just awful.

[@dogwalker666]

That's disgusting behaviour.

[@Hotlog69]

Was it available and in stock at this location before the review or was it sold out?

[@jamesalastair]

@@Hotlog69 It was listed as available and in stock. I don't know how accurate their website is and they don't list quantities available. Although I can tell you that they have removed out of stock bottles like Springbank 12 in the past.

[@DavidWolber]

Here to thank you for all of your reviews and rants! I'm joining in 2024 to say that the Arran 10 of the future is still delicious and complex and lovely. Serious quality in the botttle. Thank you for your insights and integrity. Shine on!

[@ashersspicekitchen5965]

I absolutely love the tangents you go on Ralfy. It’s something we can all relate to.

[@brego129]

Well said Ralfy. I am getting to know a bottle of Glenallachie 12 year old right now and it's amazing how much you discover taking your time over the course of the bottle with a wee dram here and a wee dram there. I look forward to trying Arran 10 year old. Interesting fact: My bottle of Glenallachie 12 is much darker than my bottle of Glendronach 12.

[@woodandbone9175]

Ralfy thanks again for all the education! I bought a bottle of Arran 10 yesterday here in the US. My carton and label are green. ? I am having a dram as I send this and my first impression is, WOW.

[@matthijs4434]

I was sipping an Ardbeg 10 while I noticed this popped up. I also happen to have said Arran 10 on my shelf but I opted for some smoky kick to warm me up this winter day. Best wishes to you Ralfy and I am looking forward to your content in 2021!

[@TheAndyPeacock]

Happy new year, Ralfy! Looking forward to a fresh new year of Ralfy Reviews. My brother really enjoyed your book which I bought him for Christmas - he’s enjoying ‘malt moments’ with the Laphroaig 10 cask strength and Springbank 15 which he gratefully received off the back of your reviews. Don’t know what I’d do without you...

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . Gled to hear he's enjoying my book, thanks for buying it.

[@mrnosebear7406]

Dear Ralfy, Thanks for this fine review. You are totally right. The Arran 10 years is an excellent whisky that deserves being the single malt Scotch whisky of year. Thank you for sharing your comments and thoughts with us.

[@budj13]

Great choice, Ralfy. You said it well, this is a distillery that I trust at all ages. I certainly miss the discontinued 14, but maybe it will be back in a few years.

[@jrm_music7229]

Not much sherry but definitely honey, pineapple, honeydew ..nose translates to the palette.. goes great with touch a of water .. compared this with Aberlour 12 from Spey side.. that is very much sherry vanilla and all spice ! Two different malts but .. the Arran 10 is smoother compared to the Aberlour 12 ! It’s cheaper and non chill filtered ! Great buy ! 46% vs Aberlour 12s 40% ! I really enjoyed this dram Ralfy ! Both great Scotch’s but this one is a home run at its price point ! Thank you and cheers 🥃! And a happy New Year 🎊!!

[@azteca1986de]

Sir ralfy, the only one Whisky "Influencer" who has both feet on the ground! RESPECT and Greetings from Munich, Germany

[@grantgallagher8592]

Greetings from a Scot in New Jersey. I just love the passion in your reviews. Thanks for this. I remember that Arran began when I was first married, and the opportunity arose to 'buy forward' to the first bottling (which was going to be 5 YO, I believe). Anyway, it wasn't affordable and I didn't. Consequently, I have not yet ever tasted Arran. I'm going to have to now! Be well and keep it up! Oh man, you "grrrr'd". My wife does that...

[@steveno7058]

Thanks Ralfy for introducing me to Arran a couple years ago. Now it’s one of my favorite distilleries

[@onYTsince2008]

They nail it on quality every single time, whether it's NAS or aged. NC, NCF and usually over 46% abv. Gotta treasure those! 💕🔥🥃

[@alessandromyer]

Happy New Year, from London, Ralfy! This is in the basket - might as well press click now for a forthcoming new lockdown flavour! Thanks for the review - my excuse to buy a bottle 🤫

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

I know you are not a fan of NAS Whisky but the Arran sherry cask/Bodega and Quarter cask/Bothy are outstanding cask strength bottles at a value price. Just saying. Cheers and Happy New Year

[@unityproject2279]

Hi Ralfy. Supporting my local bottle shop and they only had the nas barrell reverse Arran.. didn't care for it initially, but after a few drams, whack! Casks don't lie, textured and rich. I think I will recommend the range.

[@iancrombie8862]

I like a malt that doesnt hang around twiddling its thumbs.😂👍👍

[@nohandle257]

Just uncorked my second bottle of Arran 10. Quite happy with it. I think I prefer it to the Bunnahabhain 12. I must concur on your comments on the loose cork and short neck of the bottle however. Obvious why the Bunnahabhain went with the squatty bottle but still put a real neck on it. I'm seriously considering decanting the Arran into an empty Bunnahabhain bottle.

[@timredd]

Bought 48 bottles of Arran single malt back in 1992-3. Founders Reserve 43%. Straight from the distillery while visiting. Still have 10 bottles left. Best purchase I ever made. Beautiful Whiskey.

[@dariocomi2599]

Having been impressed by the Deanston 12, let's try this one then!

[@HistoryNiche]

Just ordered a bottle of this following on from you enthusiasm for Arran. Enjoyed the Glencadam 10 year old. I can see the major difference between these "smaller" independent brands. Better whisky less marketing.

[@mlgardner8]

Great review. Thank you, Ralfy. Picked up this bottle a few weeks ago and am thoroughly enjoying it.

[@joer9643]

Currently sitting here drinking a dram of this stuff. Malt mates I can confirm it’s a beauty, very complex and a pleasure to sit and enjoy. Thanks for recommending this Ralfy.

[@mateusz.w.nawrocki]

Thank you, Ralfy. Just bought it for a week off at my countryside cottage house. It's an impressive, elegant dram. I would never have even considered it without your recommendation.

[@ryoder6279]

Picked up a couple of bottles of Arran 10 a few weeks ago in Chicago(Binnys). The packaging has been updated with new look. It’s a very good dram indeed.

[@kylelegg6837]

My friends and I visited Arran cycling to Islay, it was not a planned stop, but I was happy we had time to fit it in. I was pretty impressed and it was an absolutely beautiful location. We tried the 10 year, 25 year, Amarone cask, Oloroso cask, and a few of their peated cask strength drams. They were all really nice. I probably overlooked them a bit as I was really looking forward to my first trip to Islay.

[@Andre-nt4dn]

Because of your great review, I bought a bottle. Had never heard of it. I must say Ralfy, this Arran 10 yo is a wonderful experience !!

[@jezhellewell7690]

“I won’t give you the full list, but it’s a long list”! More Ralfy gold.

[@randyd.7076]

Bravo! I've just received my Arron 10 y.o. today!!!

[@onYTsince2008]

Slainte Mhath🔥🥃

[@uwkcal]

I ordered 3 for myself! Its on the way!!

[@MrBartolomeo22]

Hey, I'm newcomer to the channel and the world of whisky. Before I discovered your channel, I was mostly a wine person; didn't give much thought into spirits, especially looking at the prices they sell for in my country. This bottle though was quite affordable, so I decided to go for it... and it turned out marvelous. Thank you so much Ralfy for the recommendation. I will probably get at least two more bottles, and save them for the time I would like to revisit my first single malt whisky experience.

[@johnbryce2104]

Hi there ralfy my dad watched all your videos religiously he was a fanatic in whisky, I know its maybe a big ask can I possibly get a short out for my dad (Andy) he sadly passed away late last year thanks keep it up love the content

[@davidwelch4841]

Happy New Year Ralphy. I had just thought of you a hour ago looking forward to your first video of the year. Much serious reviews in 2021👍

[@edwards2145]

Hello Ralphy, our favorite malty maverick magistrate! The Arran range is worthy of your malty integrity approval. Always with moderation! PS, I never put water water into my Single Malts before, but you have a malty point sir. It can work wonders.

[@edwards2145]

Hello malty magistrate. I grabbed the last Arran 18 and 10 from my local. Now, it's no where to be found. Springbank 15 also hard to find. Glendronach 18 too! If you have a moment, should we grab them if they pop up?

[@billyboy9810]

The Arran 10 and the Ardbeg 10 are both really close for me on points (89-90 out of 100), but the Bladnoch just edges it. The Bladnoch is becoming harder to get so I think the Arran ticks all the boxes with it's availability. The Ledaig 10 would have also made my list, great show as always Ralfy and all the best for 2021.

[@gauravsoni3265]

bought one today finally. €35 a bottle. Drinking it now and i can see why Ralfy liked this one so much. This whisky is pushing the *value for money* bar super high. Chameleon whisky,, It started with oaky and citrus notes for me and now it's getting sweeter and sherry notes. Wooww.

[@ureasmith3049]

I have no idea what he's talking about but enjoy hearing him ramble.

[@JayKiley-di5jd]

Ralphy's reviews are the best! I love the term "volume of flavor". The higher the ABV, the higher the volume of flavor (VOF); well put sir!

[@bobgartin4165]

Tried this for the first time today. Really, really delicious whisky, Thank you Ralfy!

[@mikedarroch1384]

Love the arran malt... I thought the quater cask was superb!

[@whiskycentral]

Happy New Year Ralfy! I can't wait to try this one!

[@tommyg5095]

You should honestly pass on this one... not that good actually...

[@mattharte7334]

I bought a bottle of Arran 10 year old back when you reviewed it five or six months ago and really enjoyed the malt. It would be great if you could revisit and review Springbank 10 year old as it's been a while! Cheers.

[@manuelnaranjo3255]

Good idea, also the CS

[@natural1952]

@@manuelnaranjo3255 New release out recently, too.

[@HistoryNiche]

I have been drinking this for a month. Initially not bowled over but I came back to this one night and the flavour changes over time. Depending on your own mood, time. Yeah it's nice but changes over your time drinking the bottle your opinion changes. Reccomend this.

[@Egonator78]

Like with all your reviews, I really appreciate the honestness you put into it. Will definitely try this one. Last year Deanston recommendation was excellent. I have really enjoyed it. I am still deep in the magic of discovering new flavors and new whisky stories. Thanks for your dedication which helps me in this.

[@xiamengbaby]

This is a re-re-review. The first one was in May, 2015 scored an 89.

[@asmith6647]

Happy New Year to you Ralfy. It looks pure Baltic in your wee bothy there ❄️❄️ A good dram at a very reasonable price indeed. I bought one for my wee pal who loves it too.

[@evenflowcss]

Cheers Ralfy! Your word is very powerful in my country. After you declared Arran 10 as your 2021 Whisky of the Year, I can no longer find it on the shelves in the Philippines. Happy New Year!

[@gcbrain2933]

Dear ralphy. Due to the location close to the sea it is not grrrrr, its arrrrrr... 😉

[@newfie252]

My first ever malt moment was this whiskey based on your review. But not the recent review, the review from a few years ago. Thank you sir. Amazing whiskey.

[@chopsandarchie7015]

top review of a top malt. thanks Ralfy

[@Asmoc23]

Great pick! I say quality/price you can't find any better. This and Deanston 12 are top whiskies.

[@coppullcaveman]

I bought the 10yr on the back of your last review having never tried an Arran bottling. Glad to say, you can really taste the quality in the spirit.

[@MrAD68]

I did the same and really enjoyed it. I had one in my Amazon basket just waiting for the whisky of the year to buy too so just bought 3 👍

[@Musketeer009]

Hi Ralfy. Just bought a bottle. Hope I enjoy it as much as you have. Cheers and Happy New Year to you.

[@killerbites3963]

Just got a Arran 10y old to replace a depleted Glenfiddich 15y old, and boy I’m very impressed with it so far and it’s a new bottle :) I can see why it gets whisky of the year award , such a steal from Amazon at £35.

[@thedraminator6103]

Ralfy, New hat and coat 👌 looks like Santa was very good to you fellow. Have a great 2021.

[@capt.lovestarii2752]

Oddly enough, the next year's vintage after the 10 year old is the 18 year old as the 14 year old was discontinued for whatever reason. A fabulous 10 year old, I should add.

[@lowhangingvegetable]

If you live in Belgium they have a 14 year old exclusively for the Belgian market and Luxembourg I think. I'd imagine it was a stock issue as they've said it will return at some point.

[@rolfbjorn9937]

I have a bottle of the Arran 10 yo that I bought 3-4 years ago. Bottle design was different. It tastes like buttery vanilla cookies/biscuits with a hint of fruit.

[@reysalamin2766]

Thanks Ralfy for the recommendation I tried it and it is very good, I put a few drops of water and left it to rest for 12 hours the result was wonderful a honey with vanilla and floral and fruity spices, I am going to buy another bottle for my bar, and it's about priced below brands that use colorants, 40% and cold filter, but I won't mention names ...😂

[@timoleinonen6819]

Super, absolutely lovely. Keep going strong, Ralfy, wishing you all the best for this year!

[@flipper2gv]

"...rather than the imposition of cask flavors onto the malt." Ahhh, that describes very well how I feel about Balvenie.

[@VoxGothica]

The most overrated distillery

[@alejandrochavez6084]

Woohoo! 1500 Like! =) (catching up months worth of reviews!) Gave myself a bottle of this for the Holidays! Ralfy, is The Arran the same as Arran? My daughter gave me a bottle of The Arran a few years ago and I will be tasting both soon!

[@kkzooi]

Ralfy, i have a question (someone here might be able to answer it aswell) i have a 26 year old strathmill cherry cask(single cask bottling) that smells very musky and a bit like wet cardboard. it tastes like that aswell, drowning out most other flavours there. is still a very slight hint of cherry far into the background. When i wanted to pour me a dram last saturday when i took out the cork it disintegrated after putting it down next to the bottle and i noticed some dark gray bits falling out. do you think it might be corked like what happens to wine sometimes? i poured the content into an empty bottle and im reluctant to give it another go because it tastes so foul. i dont want to pour it down the drain, but im not eager to drink it either. what are your thoughts?

[@arturartur9403]

I have just buy the "Arran Port cask finish at 50% 70Cl " , very splendid whisky and generous in term of flavour and taste ..

[@raybriffa3534]

Yes I have that. One of my favourites.

[@SC-lo5ez]

Grrrrrrrr 😄 well done Ralfy. Thank you for the advice: the bottle is on my shelf !Happy new year 🎈! Stephane

[@davidg5308]

Happy New Year, Sir! Thanks for your reviews. I am a new Whisky mate, just getting off wine/beer to the water of life. Learning lots with your info - even had to search for "bothy"! Slangevar!

[@nohandle257]

Really like the presentation here. Though the old normal whisky shape bottles inspire a certain sort of confidence, this bottle is attractive. And I am highly put off by the wild color crammed silly font/writing of so many others.

[@Brad-ic4bp]

The only Arran I've bought/tasted so far is the 18 year-old, which shot straight to the top of my favorite list. I'll definitely try this 10 year-old. I don't expect it to be as good, but at 1/3 the price, it really shouldn't be.

[@NeilImmortal]

Loving all of the Arran age statements, especially the 18yo. Also the Sauternes which is a bit of a favourite. :)

[@joseportela205]

It is cold there my friend! Thanks for this very nice video!

[@joseportela205]

From Spain

[@TheJmb365]

Had my eye on this for a while and this has finally prompted me to order for the collection, Cheers Ralfy!

[@utoobia]

This, Bunna 12, Port Charlotte 10, anCnoc 12, Glenlivet Illicit Still…..all HUGE bang-for-the-buck whiskies.

[@AdamKeele]

I loved how much cheaper this whisky was when I first found it several years ago. One of my all-time favorite best buys for the price.

[@Supernova-1988]

Dear Ralfy, thanks for provide a honest malt of the year! i believe the people like you will change the whisky industry, maybe ten years later, many more single malt will bottle above 46% abv without colouring lol.

[@kryszian675]

Hi Ralfy, thank you again for a beautiful wisdom increasing review!! I appreciate seeing you celebrating The Arran distillery. But where do you place the NAS Finish bottles, like the 50% Sauternes, the 50% Amarone etc in this context? I had the Amarone half a year ago and it wasn‘t a real pleasure to me. So I know your opinion to NAS (close to my opinion) and I have one of your latest reviews in mind, telling the community about the relation of bad malts and high strength. Would you please find a second or two telling us, how can a beautiful honorable distillery release malts like the 3 or 4 of the finish series? I‘m really looking forward for maybe receiving an answer.. but now i make my miles trying to get one bottle of this at my local whisky dealer, even though I have to cross the border to my neighbor country. Take care...

[@markbunyan9092]

Hi, I am an Arranach and albeit bias the 10 year old takes a bit of beating ! Have you tried any of the 3 from the Arran Smugglers series ?

[@guntherdc7810]

just bought this bottle and can't wait to pouring in a dram of this one. I like the style of the bottle.

[@sarjbains1145]

Happy new year! I've got the 18yr old after your review, fantastic stuff.

[@michaelmacleod5431]

Ralfy great video , out of curiosity what would be your go to bottom shelf blend ?

[@manuelnaranjo3255]

Check out the vids, there is one with a Lidl/Aldi-Blend in 2019/2020.

[@chriswitham8736]

Arran 10 YO is a whisky that I previously hadn't got on with and I've not had any for a good while. I kept trying it in bars and never getting beyond thinking "it's OK - at best". Now I've gone and bought a bottle and it's your fault! And it's great. But, it's a different whisky or recipe to years gone by. My opinion is that the recent batch has used much, much better casks including a large amount of first fill Bourbon. Always worth remembering that somethings can get better than they used to be.

[@11oakdene]

@ralfydotcom I'm glad you never mentioned the 25 y/o. It's terrible! Poor casks. I'm so, so disappointed with Aaran after making a (stupid) unresearched purchase of the 25, that it puts me off trying the 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 21. Should I learn to forgive and forget!?

[@NivlasNightcapNotes]

Arran make damn fine whiskies and the 10 year old is simple lovely. Good review Ralfy.

[@albertmiller3082]

Good health and calm serenity to you all the coming year Ralfy !

[@RHTWiese]

I get much dark chocolate, and creamy macademia nuttyness with this one in the aftertaste. Thanks so much for the recommendation. I had to watch the review again while I was sipping Arran 10yo!

[@JohnsDrams]

More Bladnoch is good Bladnoch. Please tell me the 11 is still good D:

[@veithdelberg5106]

Best New Year Speech so far! There where some very interesting Opinions, quite comprehensible ... Knowledge Bombing!😜👍🏻

[@MichaelB33]

Happy new year ralph!!!?? May this 2021 brings lot’s of integrity

[@tunnelamende6214]

This whisky has got me hooked to an absolutely ridicilous degree. It's one of those bottles where you have to pour yourself another dram...and another...

[@jbennison5672]

I remember when the extras videos were introduced to keep the reviews to a ten minute video!

[@marcwhiskey]

This was not readily available near me prior to the nomination. Now I suspect it will be a while before I can get it. One online retailer already upped the price so i won't be buying from them on principle

[@tommyg5095]

Marc,,, don't fret... Be patient, because I can tell you the flavor of this one is not all that good, just ssyin'.

[@tomwoolgar478]

please review the port, sauternes and Amarone cask finish Arrans ralphy!

[@onYTsince2008]

I wish just as same as you actually. I had all those 3 also, so damn good. But Ralfy himself said that he does *not* review NAS. Kinda sucks, cause there are a few damn good NAS out there which are actually better than their "aged" counterparts!

[@JPM-Sniper]

What does it need for a mark over 90 ? I really love this Arran it’s my best malt ever, and of course I’m not a pro, I own just about 50 bottles of malt max, but this is by fare the best.

[@willemkilian9563]

This whisky was already on my radar, and I was really looking forward to buying a bottle. Now I just can't find it anymore.

[@rowluxillusion5235]

Happy New Year Ralfy

[@primalmike2484]

I love Arran. The 10 is good value at under £40. Im enjoying the arran sherry casts tonight. Any reason the whisky bible doesnt like arran (low 87 mark for the 10) saying theres 2 much fruit.

[@steveno7058]

The whisky Bible is a marketing ploy. Arran simple didn’t pay enough to get a better rating

[@johnw1597]

The only issue with drinking these quality whiskies (Arran, Springbank, Balblair) is the bad ones REALLY do stick out like a sore thumb! I'm relatively new to the whisky scene, but I have quickly learned what is a good & bad malt (to my taste), and that is mostly down to these videos. Cheers!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . good point !

[@jamesmorgan9695]

Happy New Year Sir Ralfy, lets hope the queen recognizes your service to humanities this year.

[@lassekorsholmjrgensen4508]

This Arran 10 years is going to be a price benchmark for me. At my whisky go to place I get a botle for 43 euros (Denmark). Shocking good stuff at this price.

[@gabrielluongo6363]

Naturally I’m looking for this, (and the other new Arran bottlings) and a runner-up Bladnoch. Both virtually unavailable so far in CT, USA, hope that changes, and not overly marked up. I’ll keep looking. Cheers!

[@mrjuno1]

I found two Arran 10 year 46% non-chill in Manchester CT at the honest $50 per bottle price. Different label and bottle style I hope it’s the same whisky inside!