ralfy review 898 Extras - Whisky Packaging add to cost.

[@mcomiskey7]

As a man who used to put the fancy tubes/boxes that come with a bottle on a conveyor belt for 12hrs a day I'm here to tell you it's all fur coat no knickers stuff. It's absolutely not needed, just a waste of cardboard and an even greater waste of 12 hours.

[@dominiccummings1893]

Bruichladdich have been offering customers the choice of whether they want the metal tube or not for an extra cost for a while now as part of their environmental efforts.

[@michaelhislop4840]

Yes. Springbank wasn't first off the block with this idea.

[@martinbeen]

@@michaelhislop4840 Both damn expansive brands.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I’ve studied wine marketing and branding in college and through WSET as well as whisky marketing. The label can be like a man wearing a nice suit or a woman in a beautiful dress. It says nothing about the character or capabilities of the person but it makes a very good impression. Even more, when dating bling goes a very long way - a watch, a necklace, jewelry. But it’s the contents of the bottle and the character of the person that will turn a person into a loyal customer or a future spouse.

[@hombreleon]

Ralfy: “I have no use for these cardboard containers.” Foodquig: “Allow me to introduce you to my interior designer.”

[@anthonylambert4523]

I keep all my tubes, boxes and containers on display on shelves in my "man cave" Good memories of good Whiskies long gone..

[@ribonucleic]

Better still, fill the empty bottles with iced tea and leave them out.

[@HostileButHonourable]

I could live with the lack of a tube as long as ALL relevant info is on the bottle label. As you know well Ralfy, some distillers limit info on the bottle label. I do like the cardboard tubes with metal ends tbh as well as the Midleton VR wood boxes which are great for storage. I use them in my workshop for storing all sorts. But all packaging should fully and instantly separable and recyclable in this day and age for sure. No mixed media like plastic bonded to card etc. That would be a good start.

[@James-zo6xq]

Whilst it's nice, thr metal/paper tube construction is very difficult to separate. It'll be phased out for sure to pure paper in the coming years.

[@marcwhiskey]

Presentation is also for the gift givers. They have a price point in mind for the gift and find what looks fanciest for their friend, spouse, boss, etc., and kind of just go with that, if they don't have a list to know what they like. It works in that regard. The enthusiast looks past that for the most part.

[@keithl7700]

Astute and valid - good point

[@James-zo6xq]

Its easier to wrap! Although, I do like a basic tissue paper wrap rather than a gift bag etc etc. Dont get me started on cards....

[@alexk3088]

Reducing bottles from 750ml to 700ml sure is enviro-friendly - roughly same amount of glass/packaging to carry less product. And reduced strength whisky sure is environmental, using all that energy to cart around more water and less whisky. Science! Solid rant, Ralfy.

[@utoobia]

Also, a distiller incurs extra costs with adding the water, chill filtration and color. Time is money.

[@FerNightwalker]

I have to say that without all the help provided by whisky enthusiasts I would not been able to learn how to choose my whisky correctly, and thus save good money. Another great video, exposing great truths!!! Thanks Ralfy

[@ralphwatten2426]

Word of mouth is the best advertising a brand could have. The same with every business. Quality service or product.

[@awhiskybond8545]

I have worked in design and I can tell you that packaging can sell any product. I’ve heard folk in the supermarket isles “That one comes with a nice box”, I know packaging sells. Ultimately that’s what distilleries rely on, demand and sales. Some distilleries don’t have the fairytale of Springbank or the hype of Macallan. I don’t mind whiskies trying to target that market, but it won’t get me interested and I’m happy with that. I personally wouldn’t waste my time with Tullibardine. There’s so much choice with Indy bottlers and even they have caved into presentation, Carn Mor for example. Each to their own Ralfy my man.

[@awhiskybond8545]

Comparing any distillery to Springbank is harsh, demand is high and if everyone done releases as small as Springbank then we would all be sipping Bells before bed.

[@petespencer-smith5059]

Dear Ralfy Hi there, i'm new to your wonderful channel and I just wanted to say thankyou for existing. I came for the whiskey and ended up staying for the conversation. After exploring the wealth of material you have curated and with a fondness of peated single malts, I have recently ordered a bottle of Ardbeg 10 year old and a bottle of Longrow 18 Year Old. Anyway, just wanted to share my appreciation for your work and my excitement for the recently ordered whiskey. Sincerely, Pete Spencer-Smith

[@Andre-nt4dn]

I like to have my bottles in a box. That looks so much nicer on the shelves, and it keeps the bottles in the dark, keeping the sunshine out. And it prevents the bottles from breaking when falling down or during transport.

[@cheyannei5983]

Those boxes are already in a box to transport. All they need is a cardboard carton to hold the bottles in place.

[@robfut9954]

I agree, it’s nice. I don’t want to have to pay extra for a weird display box. But having a box is nice for storage. And frankly so few bottles of high end scotch are sold that it hardly matters with regards to waste/recycling.

[@mincey808]

My girlfriend works with a skincare company and she's amazed at the cost (at her estimation) of some bottles, labels, boxes, etc to produce. Presentation is part of the experience in my opinion but the quality of what's in the packaging takes precedence for me so I'll happily buy a signatory edradour with a standard bottle and label rather than the fanciest embossed bottle and labelling with a slightly less wonderful spirit inside.

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

Great video Ralfy!!! May I suggest a side by side video or series comparing same distillery but different age bottles? Or perhaps side by side between official bottle and independent from the same distillery. God bless!

[@J.Harry.T]

I have just been given a bottle of whisky, for looking after someone’s pets and for which I am very grateful. The whisky was in a very elaborate bottle, with very attractive paper labels on it. The bottle was in a very elaborate, shiny, coloured tin. The tin was in a pretty striped paper carrier bag, which was inside a plastic, duty-free shop, carrier bag. Madness!

[@KNURKonesur]

A nice example is nc'Nean who let you choose if you want the tube or not when buying online directly from the distillery online shop, and if you don't fancy the decorative tube (which is recycled paper anyway), you get a little 2GBP discount as far as I recall.

[@mindtwister1984]

Amazing alt analysis on whisky. You are the 1st to discuss packaging. Love it. What's next? The shape and colour of the bottle, the cork, the cap, the logo....

[@delicatpizza3981]

Whisky up-to-date marketing master class in twenty minutes. Thanks, Ralfy!!!!! I've got a 6xArran 10y 46% box here in Madrid last Friday 31€ each. Guess why?

[@TheShredfest89]

You know ralfy. I use my scotch bottles for pepper/vinegar/herb sauces. Add an universal olive oil dispenser on top and scratch off the label and were good to go. Try buying a glass bottle on amazon

[@cheyannei5983]

That's an incredible re-use idea. Recycling is the final solution, not the first!

[@ARGONUAT]

I once heard someone describe this process as “putting lipstick on a pig”.

[@antipodesman]

Glass is perhaps best recycled in the landfill. The cost of taking it to the landfill in the weekly pickup is less than recycling by other methods. You are definately right about the waste of the box in whisky packaging.

[@pauldunecat]

Springbank was my malt of choice back in the nineties though mid aughts. Was amazing and I could afford the young and mature. I had to go off spirits but they are a name I share when people ask for a recommendation even to this day.

[@Narses3]

Agreed with almost everything here (as usual) , one thing that resonated is the fettercairn comment, it is almost the anthesis of a malt sippers distillery BUT they have gone and released a bottling that has got everyone talking about them, I wonder how they did that ?!?!? Distilleries need to wisen up quickly!

[@davidelourenco2537]

Nc nean already entered the market with that statment - if you dont want packaging we sell it without and give it a discount. They still get their margin and nothing pops out on the shelves like a great whisky at a low price. Cheers

[@asmolbean9300]

Having an iconic bottle with a thick bottom is all the presentation you really need. Macallan has really got that down in my opinion. Their bottle design is really nice to have sat on a shelf for special occasions. The rest of the time I'm just drinking random supermarket blended stuff because I just mix it with apple juice or coke or something and rarely get the mood (or money lol) to sit and sip single malts. I'd also say, the whisky industry needs to take a leaf out of the gin industry with nice bottle design.

[@waynemontpetit8181]

I'm not usually a sucker for packaging, however I did just recently buy a bottle of Tullamore D.E.W. 12 because of the cool box LOL.

[@digitaldemocracyai-rob]

Guilty I bought a Glenturret for the bottle which is very impressive.

[@RomainRiviere]

Guilty, bought a bottle of Dalmore and used the plastic moose head as a skull trophy

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

Tullamore DEWIT! - By D. Sidious

[@waynemontpetit8181]

@@RomainRiviere Their packaging is legit 🌝

[@ACHUNDOI]

Brilliant video educating the distillery owners about what a complete waste of time and money packaging is.Well done SPRINGBANK 👍

[@gaganasi799]

let's not forget Bruichladdich offer the option of purchasing without a tin!

[@HerbertDuckshort]

Ralfy’s right. If I go online and discover that my local supermarket has one of my favourite malts on offer then by the time I get to the store ( usually the next day )……….they’re all gone. All of them.

[@RomainRiviere]

I knew someone who'd rather have the packaging than the actual bottle of Laphroaig Select.

[@digitaldemocracyai-rob]

Laphroaig Select. He has a point. Wouldn't drink the stuff myself.

[@tbjtbj4786]

Doesn't that go for any scotch? 😆 lol

[@RomainRiviere]

@whiskyrunner hahaha

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

I don't care much about fancy packaging, I just need relevant info and something to offer a bit of shade and moderate protection during transportation. A brown paper bag would more or less do frankly ...

[@stevewhan7308]

I’m wondering whether the box (even a simple one) is useful for longer term shelf storage, because it keeps the bottle out of the light, and maybe mitigates against higher storage temperatures?

[@ionz75]

God if every distillery would just give me a cask-strength bottle that hasn't been messed around with I'd be so happy.

[@kryszian675]

I loved that ralfy man, having read his book and watching his videos from the day I switched from alcohol consumer to a single malt enthusiast. I wanna stress out that this man… is the most important voice for scotch single malt… just saying! Here we go, now you know! Oh how I wish to just share a night of drams with you, but not having much to say to you. That’s how it is, as sad as real. Keep going man, from my heart!

[@thisarfingai]

As someone who teaches Branding, Positioning & Corporate Identity for a living, your presentation here is the best I have seen. I highly recommend the wee book (barely more than a pamphlet) 'Positioning' by Ries & Trout. Cheer to you mate.

[@yumingwang4233]

Agree entirely with the packaging stuff. Just need the bottle. Also the speed of internet recommendations... many times I have checked Ralfy or Roy videos a couple of days later and can't find the bottles available...all sold out. Same with the oswa nominations. Got to be fast with the keyboard and don't dither. That surely is not a good outcome? Is it? I can't buy my dram now because it got oswa nominated. Just being selfish. Like when I took a road trip up the west coast, across the middle and then down the A9, spotted a sign that said "distillery visitor center". Took a look and it was a cafe with a bar. Only five bottles there: one age statement, two blends and two NAS malts. No glass and chrome cabinets with £3000 bottles. I asked for a taste and was told to wait till 10am! So at 10.01 I tasted the malts and they were amazing. Absolutely marvellous. Not a chance I'll tell you which distillery that was. But, you already know.

[@seanreeves3503]

Spot-on as always what you say comes from the heart and it is also true.

[@calebsteingruber6906]

Anymore it's the simplistic bottles/packagings that stand out, less is most definitely more, Springbank, Glenfarclas and Arran for the win...Highland Park and Dalmore I don't even notice from the blinding bling.

[@whiskypapanotango2908]

Excellent! Go go Springbank!

[@Allouran]

You would hardly call the Springbank box an OTT presentation in any way regardless. Arran has some of the most OTT boxes (tubes, tins, violins...) and though they are lovely they just become waste in the end as you only ever need one pencil case :)

[@toolthoughts]

A simple, sturdy cardboard tube protects the bottle nicely, if there has to be a packaging. Beyond that I don't care if they just slap a sticker on it to tell me what's inside. I do appreciate a nicely designed label, especially if they manage to do it economically. Same with bottle shapes. Doing a lot with little is what's impressive. Don't make it awkward just to be different. Extra trinkets are mostly a turn off. But then again, some people prefer to wear clothes with huge brand logos on them, so I guess something for everyone. Those supermarket loyalty cards... if we had a chain here that made a policy of never taking part in that racket, that's where I'd go.

[@scottyblog]

I must admit though, that I like some of the “expensive” packaging. Why? Dual uses for keeping odds and ends inside. Tubes are great to decorate your bar. Wooden boxes like the ones Booker’s bourbon comes in are great for table side condiments, silverware and menus. Presentation boxes are nice for keeping bar back tools in like strainers and stir sticks.

[@alexk3088]

I use mine in similar ways... however: we pay actual money for them, yet we're not given that choice, it's "baked in". If same items were sold separately for a price, the question becomes: would we necessarily buy them? I know I wouldn't. I'd rather print out flat images of the same artwork/designs as posters. Just a thought.

[@WhiskeyNovice]

Very good Ralfy. All very valid points.

[@johnbatty7452]

Feta kim and Tim the villain - you've got to love the sub-titles ...

[@norry1636]

The fancy packaging (which you pay for) is not for the discerning drinker. Those gold and glossy embossed boxes/tubes are there to tempt the gift buyer who will purchase it for your Christmas/birthday/wedding present. It looks great, right? That is the main idea. Doesn't matter what is inside.

[@kareliask]

Definitely agreed that there's an audacious aspect to the anti-branding of including no boxes. It's become synonymous with quality to me given how many indie bottlings do without them. When distilleries begin incorporating over-sized elements, cloth, magnets, etc, I don't think of how premium it feels, I think of what a pain in the butt it will be to dismantle and recycle, and the overall excess and waste. I agree that the thousand pound special editions cost so much that this fancy packaging is much less of a concern, but drinker-oriented malts feel so strange with this packaging. Dalmore is a big offender here. I am a bit of a hypocrite, though, as I do think the metal coating around the collar and stopper is a bit of an institution and contributes to the experience of opening a bottle. Ardbeg's plastic ones always feel cheap compared to 95% of similar price-points that use metal.

[@cheyannei5983]

The metal foil can be chucked in the landfill. Not to be a downer, but one day we'll run out of materials, and we'll turn to mining our own landfills for materials, to treat as ore. That metal foil is fine for such use, but the plastic is waste forever.

[@johnglazebrook5671]

Nice to hear Ralfys views on bottles. Its good the bottle is totally recyclable, I worry about the energy needed/wasted on creating bottles in the first place. Im interested in Diageos approach with their view to bottling Johnny Walker in paper bottles, without the plastic coating inside the paper bottle.

[@martijnseverin]

Very True, im a novice malt mate 😉. Been on your channel for a year and a half now (about). Really find your almost "fatherly advice" so helpfull. And the changing market and internet use by malt mates makes the world so very small. The flannel from the single malts was what pulled me in dalmore 15 first single malt. Now educated by your videos which i watch every time they come out. And the older ones made me look so differently to the single Malts that on my own it would have taken years to obtain.. I keep sharing your vids to. Thank you and keep up the good work😉👍 almost my birthday on the 19th and your two books are on top of my birthday wishlist 😊👍.. Oh and my wife wants to visite the bothy 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍

[@greglewis9895]

I see lots of people who keep the tins, boxes,etc. I read them then get rid of them. Most of what’s printed on them is just marketing fluff.

[@alexk3088]

Very true. I like the artwork on some of them and keep them to "decorate" the top of my whisky cabinet, shelves, and a future whisky "study". But that's because it's a default. If I had a choice, I'd rather pay less and not have them. Like we don't with most bourbons/ryes here in the US. So in my mind a basic carton with some tasteful artwork allows for a gift presentation while not adding much in terms of costs. Paper tube is tops, above that and it's extravagant and unnecessary. I bought a Mortlach "Rare Old" on clearance and the "fancy" box with locking plastic lid is cumbersome and looks ridiculous, especially on the discount shelf :)

[@garethsheppard240]

Speak truth! I do like your passionate, nearly-rants 😃 For a future vid it would be helpful to have an extras with a rundown of your reference point whiskies, so we can get our bearings (standard versus integrity quality, sherry or peat overcoat versus proper maturation, wood influence versus proper ageing, etc. and maybe for malternatives too. As for the price inflation, I've been patronising Cadenheads rather a lot recently; the Venezuelan rum is excellent 😉

[@trevoyzeng7821]

Great video Ralfy! By the way have you tried the Highland Park Cask Strength releases? Quite a nice dram, especially release no.2 in my view.

[@digitaldemocracyai-rob]

Trying to pull the flannel and fluff over our eyes. There should be a Ralfy price scale on which whiskies should be placed according to age and cask. E.g. Deanston 18 - 80 euro. This could be the benchmark price for the age and cask.

[@logansowers1674]

Hello Ralfy! Im currently reading your first book and find it engaging and entertaining. May the rest of your 2021 be filled with plenty of lovely malt moments.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks for buying my book.

[@MarchMeadow]

I hate the boxes/containers! I reckon they must cost as much as the whisky itself. I'd rather have the whisky. I always leave the box at the supermarket - they can recycle it rather than me do it. France has just passed a law banning the use of plastic on vegetables and fruits - can we have some of this in the UK, please? Great video, Ralfy!

[@Dafoodmaster]

I've got to say this is one of the prettiest boxes in whisky, Ralfy. Was unaware there was a plastic layer on there though, kind of disappointing.

[@AlReyn]

Cut through the nonsense as per usual Ralfy. Another useful & insightful review thank you - makes perfect sense - packaging schmackaging!!

[@mrgreatshot7278]

An excellent and well said video. Thank you Sir and I hope the people that need to take this video to heart, do. 🥃

[@bzzz1800]

Just finished Bunnahabhain 11 yo by Gordon & Maphail, one of 5 officially imported bottles in Russian market.... Should've bought the original 12 yo bottling it appears, yet GM was enjoyable. Absolutely irrelevant to the subject matter, but hey. Next step - Kilchoman. Question: Loch Gorm or PX cask (both readily available)?

[@KNURKonesur]

Both are great! Not very different from each other to be honest.

[@bzzz1800]

@@KNURKonesur thought so. The difference being 2 sherry varieties. The price virtually equal. And since I've tasted nothing of Kilchoman to this day, really it's a matter of choice... Thank you for the advice!

[@hemicuda75]

i really really hate those packagings - i just want the bottle and the whisky. Sometimes it's quit hard to recycle those boxes correctly in switzerland (tin, cardbox, wood, etc.)

[@hemicuda75]

now i need a Laphroaig ;-)

[@i.d.2261]

Springbank: Let's get rid of packaging. Meanwhile at another Islay distillery: Let's make a packaging with pictures of sports cars on it, so 2nd market prices are going nuts...

[@h3llbring0r]

Springbank wanted to replace the thin cardboard boxes with tubes. However, something went wrong in production and they had to throw them away. THEREFORE there are Springbank bottles without boxes or tubes for the time being.

[@HostileButHonourable]

@@h3llbring0r from the bumph on their website it comes across as a permanent decision. The cynic in me would agree that what your saying is more likely the real reason rather than any eco crusade.

[@samuel_excels]

Um... Springbank is a Campbeltown distillery not an Islay but I see your point. Springbank is for the drinkers, stupid marketing guff used by some other distilleries is for collectors.

[@martinbeen]

Yeah, but here i can buy a Glen Scotia 15 for 45 Euro and a Sbank 15 for 130 Euro, so i ain't that impressed with Sbank.

[@martinbeen]

If you do a great presentation and it is affordable, than i feel it is not fair to diss that brand. Taste wise, that is another discussion. My bigger concern are the brands that are damn expansive. That is why i loved your reviews for Glen Scotia 15, cat whisky Clynelish 14, Deanston 12 and Clencadam 21, affordable whiskies that are good. I dont wanna pay 100 Euro or more for a 15 year old whisky.

[@swedishburrito5073]

👍❤️🥃An enjoyable video with a really important message!

[@robfut9954]

Ardbeg comes to mind. I’ve seen a metal grill looking box before.

[@philiptruitt]

Thanks Ralfy!

[@Christians-hu1pk]

reminds me all about Johnnie walker products ... from say the celebratory blend upwards in price .. I'm not digging JW as I love their stuff and I certainly agree with you with the Laphroaig marketing strategy .. Great video

[@James-zo6xq]

Ralfy... Do you think enthusiasts understand the price breakdown of a bottle? Liquid/TAX/Glass/secondary pkg? Maybe worth exploring 👀🥃

[@familiewillems3645]

if the contents can do little, the packaging has to tear it out ... maybe

[@nickolaymiltenov]

Aluminium foil is very easily recyclable too, Ralfy. And by the way there was only one other comrade who could give such a passionate long speeches. His name was Fidel Castro. But he passed away, so now, you hold the leadership.

[@slimjim2526]

I love peat and smoky but laphroaig whisky I can’t get passed the TCP! And it ruins it for me but reviews are good ?

[@KNURKonesur]

Depends to me. I've tried about a dozen of them and 3 highlights are Quarted Cask, Lore and 10YO Cask Strength, the rest are kinda forgettable.

[@onggia850]

I agree with you. Ardbeg is my go to for peat. I prefer the sweet peat in Ardbeg over the briny peat of Laphroaig.

[@alexk3088]

Variety is the spice of life! Reviews are good = meaning lots of people enjoy that. Doesn't mean everyone has to enjoy it. I don't enjoy gin or cocktails in general, but reviews are good. I'm ok with that ;)

[@pmckeown38]

I watch all to vids I can but this was singing the same song I want to sing. Brilliant work

[@WhoeverNevermind]

Impressive video, thanks for sharing

[@danmorgan7775]

So many spirits on the shelves are sold without need of extra packaging. The bottle is the container and the label is the contract. Everything else is superfluous.

[@franklampard6316]

Fancy packaging is to whisky what LP album sleeves were to music. And that’s a good thing as far as I’m concerned.

[@jbennison5672]

You don't need to keep whisky in a box, that's what the bottle is for.

[@franklampard6316]

@@jbennison5672 - I happen to enjoy the presentation and think it’s all part of the experience.

[@jaredburns5379]

Bruichladdich was first, no?

[@albertmiller3082]

Lose the box. Invest in kegs. Sensible labels. Including a dedicated complete transparency regarding ingredients & processes used by the Distiller/Bottler.

[@NicolasMD85]

Sure, those shinny packages do catch everyone's eyes, but before I buy any whisky, or even consider if it is worth my deeper considerations, I firstly go over the youtube, check some of my favourite whisky channels (Ralfy's among the first), and then I make my mind, according to those objective opinions that I can trust if I am willing to spend my hard earned money. It's that simple, and if they don't understand how the things work today, there is no fansy package that can save them from demise.

[@andrewmainprice2179]

All my whisky is bought online so I concentrate on cost or age statement.

[@scottpascoe562]

Springbank at my closest retailer that has it is $260.00 a bottle for the 15 yo. Thanks god for Hazelburn lol

[@justoconde4619]

$260 for a 15 yo is a nonsense considering prices out of the distillery are reasonable

[@KNURKonesur]

Thank God for Hazelburn and KILKERRAN :D

[@HostileButHonourable]

@@justoconde4619 True. I just paid 82Euros for one this week.

[@scottpascoe562]

@@justoconde4619 Oh for sure. Zero chance I would ever pay that shit.

[@scottpascoe562]

@@KNURKonesur Great, another I need to watch for lol

[@jamesangus7253]

Rumours persist that Springbank either couldn't get hold of the packaging or the packaging they got was of poor quality and unusable.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . always be wary of rumours from the 'Industry'. They can be misdirectional.

[@jamesangus7253]

@@thewhiskybothy yes they can. If it was one person then saying it then I'd not pay much attention but it was more than a few with both of the rumours.

[@pogglefishii6807]

What value there is in whisky is in the liquid, not the bottle and definitely not the outer packaging. It suffices for me that there be a simple glass bottle, provided that the label has all the relevant information. A simple cardboard tube is also acceptable should it need to be sent in the mail. Anything more than that and I’m paying more than I want to for the packaging and not the contents. (Signatory get a free pass because their metal tins can be re-used for biscuits).

[@johng5710]

I never understood the need for Scotch whisky to be packaged in a box or tube. No bourbon whiskies here in the US that I can think of are packaged in boxes and they sell just fine.

[@paulm2467]

A box is useful to keep the whisky in darkness which slows Degradation down, the truth is that a plain thin cardboard box would do the job equally well. If you have a cellar it’s not important but most people don’t. Whisky is usually opened and drank over a period of weeks or months so consistency of temperature and light helps it stay in good condition for longer. Bourbons are generally bottled and sold younger than Scotch because whiskey ages faster in the higher temperatures of the US, incidentally this might be why a lot of Bourbons barrel aged for over 8/10 years old are disappointing they tend to get too tannic and oak flavoured

[@chivse7064]

Hello sir Which one is the best whisky in the world sir ? Thanks

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . the one that gives you the most satisfaction when you drink it.

[@h1n1worm]

i listen and looking at boxes of springbank 12cs ,15 ....

[@hendrikjanriesebos1293]

All a malt needs is integrity of the product, an inert container and a label describing the contents. The rest is flannel.

[@groovejet33]

Are we having "A Wee sip" On your 900th Ralfy Review Extra's ? It only comes around once. A little summit summit is a must

[@stevegideon5419]

$129 at Total Wine here in Houston

[@iansunderland7444]

cool enough but SB sent everything out in copious amounts of tissue paper - each colour coded to match the bottle!!

[@iansunderland7444]

who's tim the villan? And Tully Bardon? The subtitles are hillarious!!

[@erikfish425]

Don’t have time to read all the comments, but has it been mentioned that Bourbon has beaten Springbank to selling without boxes by many decades?

[@HeroinesHeroH]

I'd love if it was just simple bottles with fancy labels at max. No need to pay for fancy bottles, packages, marketing and all that. Even if I'm buying a bottle as a gift I'm more interested on the taste and what that specific person likes than something aesthetic that will be thrown away when the bottle is empty.

[@TheNielskau]

Great. Now I had to go an look up Fettercairn Warehouse bottlings 😉

[@Zephon9]

This rant was epic.

[@simonridge6607]

I’m looking forward to hearing your Keynote at COP 26 Ralfy. The truth will be spoken.

[@scotchgod8478]

Springbank packaging has always been total rubbish anyways, so nobody will give a damn about it's absence anyway. What really annoys me is that I can't even find a frickin bottle anywhere anymore. Do they sell their stuff to planet Mars nowadays, or what?

[@pinanti]

Fancy boxes : f*ck off ! What's important is : SMELL ,TASTE and PRICE.

[@truxton1000]

Generally less is more. I tend to like the very simple old fashioned design. I hate themed products. I agree of gettimng rid of the box, not on expensive potentially investment whiskies, but on the cheaper stuff is no need for all that cardboard.

[@bennyfriis601]

"It's not rocket science" Bingo! 👍

[@wadew5100]

I started a new 'integrity blend' thanks Ralfy. I use little spirits at the bottom of lovely bottles to add up to amazing blend! Nice bottle will do and cork, there you go.

[@utoobia]

AnCnoc is pretty minimalist. Lol.