ralfy review 899 Extras - The challenge of re-branding a whisky

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Rebranding and changing logos and imagery can be very dangerous. Our brains have a pattern recognition program that adapt to particular images so that we can recognize them immediately in a crowded store. If you radically change the image the loyal customer loses that immediate recognition of the label when looking at the hundreds of bottles on the shelf at the store. Smart rebranding only makes minute changes to the images over time, Johnnie Walker for example. Most radical reimaging of a brand is usually an attempt to capture a new customer but it can potentially lose a loyal one in the process as they feel they have lost the familiar.

[@alehhandro1]

Truer words never been spoken!

[@toolthoughts]

Good points, but I'd be careful about using concepts like "program". The hardware/software paradigm of cognition that is so often used these days is suspect. The mind and nervous system has always been talked as an analogue to whatever is the technology of the day, from pneumatics to switchboards to computers, and it has never held.

[@whompbiscuits8930]

Rebranding is what companies do when they don't want to improve quality, or especially lower it. Or when they're out of ideas. Here in the US, far more money is dedicated to marketing than to R&D or otherwise product improvement.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

It might just be me, but I think rebranding can go well, and I think how it looks on the whisky shelf does play a small part as whisky is not like just a can of beer, but something to collect, take your time with and respect. That's why I was a big fan of the Port Charlotte and Arran redesigns. Both lifted the brand and look great in the cabinet. Obviously, smell and taste are still the most important, but the presentation plays a small part in a special treat like a single malt.

[@WhiskyLock]

Balblair's old boxes were technically more of a bottle launching mechanism than a container. You could never be sure which side was going to suddenly open and jettison the bottle. But who doesn't like an element of danger when picking up an expensive bottle of scotch? And while I like the inclusion of a clear age statement, I will miss the vintage statement. Good to hear that the spirit is still good though. Cheers!

[@meeusmeeus]

Same for me with Balblair: it used to be a real good value for money with the '99 and '91 and the superb '83. But with the rebranding they no longer use this rather unique way of using the vintages on te label, but even worse is the big price rise. As for good re-brandings (for me): Arran, Carn Mor and Tamdhu.

[@simplyespresso1364]

Spot on with Carn Mor. I think their rebrand is one of the best ones. I remember getting Carn Mor in just bottles (no box) with a very simple label (almost Whisky Broker level). Not a bad thing at all...it's the juice that counts. However, I like the new style of box - simple and elegant. The new style cork is more luxurious. But the best thing is they have upped their ABV from 46% to 47.5% across the vast majority of their range, not counting the cask strength releases of course. A big win alround!

[@cancelwoke9384]

"Stick to quality". Well said Ralfy.

[@Twotonsandwich]

Old Pulteney’s recent rebrand dropped their ABV for the standard 12 year old from 43% down to 40% here in the US. And now I will probably never buy it again. Hoping Laphroaig never follows suit… but the price of the Laphroaig 10 has gone from $36 USD up to like $60. Crazy times. I know it’s missing an age statement, but Scarabus has become my go to Islay malt in recent times as it’s a great price and mostly an integrity bottling.

[@djbeacon1942]

Agreed on the OP12. Great under $45 bottle. Bought up the last 3 oval tin 43% here and now only see the 40% cardboard box.

[@kaiserhog]

I've noticed the same thing with Laphroaig.

[@RyanTack1]

Agreed!

[@Mikego55]

I love old pulteney….the old pulteney

[@NickKean]

Scarabus also do a 10 year age statement version. The same 46% ABV as the NAS. The "batch strength" version I've not tried but if you like the 46% NAS, I'm sure you'll love the 10.

[@Mylatestdram]

I was surprised by Glenlivet 12 illicit still. Like a whole new integrity Glenlivet brand from an parallel universe.

[@alexk3088]

Let's be honest, behind every rebranding there's a hired consultant [firm] or a new eager "creative director" or some such, primarily interested in promoting themselves, adding a feather to their cap, a bullet point to their resume. They are selling themselves, getting handsomely rewarded... and you're paying for it. Arguably even more than the cost of actual materials in the bottle, label, carton, etc. It's a corporate disease. A company can become (or remain) profitable, "successful" while losing the serious whisky drinker base. Even if they become the most profitable company in the world, it's no use to us. Coke, Pepsi and McDonald's are very successful. But I'm not their customer. I'm also not Macallan's customer. Or Highland Park's (anymore). Or Old Pulteney's, Glendronach's, Bowmore's, Jura's, Auchentoshan's. Except for indies. And I'm not alone. And we discuss it. We're not trying to force everyone to agree. I don't see an issue with that.

[@rkid7342]

Facts

[@RomainRiviere]

Hahahaha i just love when Laphroaig Select gets the spanking it deserves !

[@jbennison5672]

I prefer the new branding. The old one was very 2010 and wasn't aging well. The revised style, although it will not be contemporary will probably still look appropriate for a whisky in 10 or 15 years time.

[@spiced32]

The packaging and bottle shape can be important to most people. If your spending a few bob then obviously you want the presentation of it to look good. And I'd imagine most people wouldn't mind paying a little bit extra for it to look nice. As in a previous vid the Ardbeg styling looks super cool and defo earns them extra sales. My fav dram is Port Charlotte and I like their chunky bottle style in the tin tubing.

[@Alex-pr6zv]

The Arran rebranding. Better presentation, but no diminution in quality at all. The exception to the rule maybe.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . yes.

[@wenzel8286]

Dear Ralfy, that’s a great analysis with regards to mixed market signals and the traps of re-branding. That being said, as an occasional whisky drinker who did not know Balblair before this video I would add that I find the newer packaging-style more appealing with its simplicity and toned-down color scheme. I do however prefer the older bottle, especially the typography because the new font lacks a bit in terms of character. If I were to buy whisky based on the look of the packaging - which I don’t but some will - I would gravitate towards the new product quite heavily myself.

[@sundowner62james69]

Every comment you made was salient, the little monologue was magnificent! Keep up the great work Ralfy.

[@MillszAFC]

One of your best videos Ralfy. I think Springbank are another distillery that got it right, as always. Their rebrand a few years ago to the brighter colours didn't go down extremely well with everyone but if anything I think they got more attention and it is probably costing them less to do so. The cork is as utilitarian as you could ask for, the boxes are pretty much only their to help package the bottles in cases, the labels are simple and repetitive across the range, other than the colour. They made their whisky stand out, be cost effective (I assume) and easily recyclable. I must admit I avoid a whisky with a fancy box for the most part. All my packaging goes straight in the recyling bin anyway so if I see a fancy box I feel wasteful before I even buy it and ignore that whisky.

[@johnw1597]

Us malt mates just want good quality, adequately priced, non-chill filtered/natural coloured single malts. We don't need bling, and I wish distilleries would take a look at the likes of Springbank to recognise this. Just keep it simple, and keep the quality consistently good!

[@ribonucleic]

I’ve never had a drop of the stuff. But simply from a graphic design viewpoint, the new box and new bottle are both improvements over their predecessors.

[@Aircraftsystemst]

Great Extras Ralfy!👍 When I have a few drinks with the right company, I open up more and start to communicate in great detail about all sorts of topics. For example I could go on about Napoleon’s conquests in Europe and when I’m with another person who knows there history it could go on for hours.

[@argo60]

I'm still pissed at Benromach - I have bought loads of theirs and loved it, but was super angry about the 'flannel' of going back to their roots (paraphrasing). But I bought the newest iteration, just to give the benefit of the doubt and because I calmed down afterwards. Ralfy, the taste profile HAS changed. You're spot on. It's not a 'bad' change, but I DID find it sweeter. I thought it was just my palate that had changed, but after having the bespoke range for many years, I highly believe they changed the recipe somehow.

[@scottpascoe562]

Its Druss ( droos ) , its from fiction, guy named David Gemell, my fav character he wrote besides a guy called Waylander.

[@JagerLange]

Came here to ask whether it was a Gemmell reference or not.

[@ronanmcconnellable]

Bane is an another excellent character, sadly just in one book

[@scottpascoe562]

@@ronanmcconnellable YES!

[@davet7185]

Ow do Ralfy? Well another birthday has passed me by (1962 was a good year don't you think?) - not only did I get a cracking bottle of Bunnahabhain 12 y.o and a pair of Glencairn glasses.......I also got your book! Oh happy day :) Just wanted to thank you too for your informative, erudite and thoroughly absorbing vlogs. As someone relatively new to the single malt whisky journey, I have learnt so much from you already; keep up the sterling work Ralfy; slainte mhath.

[@billmonteith1161]

Promise ya Ralfy, I'm not virtue signaling with my recycle bin. That's the state signaling for me lol! Thanks for a great rant and agree that marketing is a scourge on us all.

[@jayeonline]

Surprised there was no mention of Highland Park.

[@alexk3088]

They deserve all the flack they catch for those kitschy bottles.

[@jayeonline]

@@alexk3088 Along with a decline in quality it completely turned me off HP.

[@robfut9954]

To be fair that new shade of blue is quite beautiful, really makes the whiskey’s color pop.

[@neilynmafan3975]

It’s all about the whisky at the end of the evening , but if it cost £5 more and arrives with a wooden box, beautiful bottle and some Viking twaddle ,,,, I’m sold, every time. Can’t help it! I would only cry if Bunnah or Kilchoman rebranded and got it horribly wrong. Am I alone in thinking Dalmore have lost the plot? Surely minimum standard for ‘quality brand ‘ has to be 46%. Great work Ralfy, always interested, don’t always agree, but always learn . Thankyou, and just finished your second book, whilst ‘working’ from home.

[@greigmartin4339]

Benromach and Glengoyne are firmly in the same bracket to me. Both recognise 40% isn’t turning many heads at the specialist retailers but are afraid to commit to 46% throughout the range. No mans land. Neither of these brands are to be found in uk supermarkets, maybe once upon a time but definitely not now. It’s all Glenbigspender next to Bowmore next to Tamnavulin next to Singelton next to Jura. Quality is thin on the ground.

[@crouly79]

I’ve waited for so long for this video because my emotions are so similar according to BalBalir and their new marketing position Nice video! Cheers Ralfy’

[@DayKlight]

now Im heavily curious about that rum, I recently bought the Hampden Overproof (8years and cask strength) and it is stunning (if you enjoy the heavy Esther taste) :)

[@ericaudio]

Thank you for speaking out on recycling!

[@NicolasMD85]

Highland Park, the new package! Yes, it has that wow effect, honouring all of the sudden their viking legacy and all that marketing stuff cleverly presented. And sure, it does look very attractive, modern, exclusive, shinny, but we should really talk about the cost. Do I love my new bottle 10 euros more compared to the old bottle that was just fine? No I don't, because I like their whisky, and I would really love to keep that extra money, and instead of buying 3 bottles that had that new fansy, trendy makeover, I could get 4 bottles of the same stuff just a year ago.

[@kirbyculp3449]

I had HP a few years ago and it was one the scotches that helped me to appreciate bourbon.

[@alexk3088]

I love Highland Park malt. As for the "wow effect", when I saw the viking rebranding, my reaction was: "wow, that's gaudy!" :)

[@NicolasMD85]

@@alexk3088 exactly, that wow effect is surely there, for me personally it's a bit too much, but for the unexpected buyer, for someone who just wants to find appropriate girf for anniversary, birthday, Christmas or whatever, this is surely package to look for. But at the end of the day, I'm simply not okay with paying for their extravagant marketing, especially at this moment of time when commodity goods are getting out of reach for more and more people.

[@alexk3088]

@@NicolasMD85 and as someone who's been gifted one of those new bottles I'll keep saying: "wow, that's kitschy" ;)

[@kirbyculp3449]

@@alexk3088 Early Times Bottled-in-Bond. 0% kitsch, 100% flavor.

[@jussit3909]

Well, even if we want to believe that we're rational, we really aren't. But what Ralfy said about mixed messages concerning brands sold as high quality, expensive whiskies and at the same time also sold as budget whiskies in supermarket is just true. When I see distilleries that offer non-age statement whiskies with "fascinating" names for a cheap price, it makes me wonder if this also has a negative effect on their age stated whiskies. I might still buy their cheap whiskies because they could be nice. Like Bunnahabhain's Moine that I found tasty and affordable. But I might hesitate to buy their 12 year old version. Aggressive marketing and quality just usually do not go hand in hand. If a product has a good quality, it'll hopefully get a good reputation too and then it'll sell, even without much marketing. That's how I think it should work. That'd be fair. But when distilleries start bottling Harry Potter (Game of Thrones) whiskies and stuff, I tend to look elsewhere for a good whisky. It just looks dodgy to me when they do that, even if the quality was still there.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . good comment, very articulate.

[@timthewhiskynut477]

Was hoping you'd also talk about them getting rid of the vintages, like Glenrothes etc. Also did.

[@perkristiansandgren4132]

I agree with you, befor i bougth Balblair all the time, after the re branding i have not bougth one bottle. Whas so big disepoinment at the distillery tour and the new 12,15,18 whas not anything like befor. 15 yr is desent but the oter ones did not intrested me. But hey i fond a new distillery, god fore me bad for balblair. Stay safe take care Mr. Ralfy

[@trevorkearney1134]

Hey Ralfy, I use to be a printe for over 30 yearsr until I broke my neck. I have a reasonably good idea on costs. I have the old style Balblair bottles and I can tell you they would be very costly to produce that typeofpackaging. From your video it looks like only cardboard used in the new style, thus reducing the unit price considerably. Over time this will mean more profits hopefully to continue to invest in good quality cast 👍

[@ChoongAndy]

Coincidentally, I too have stopped buying Balblair and Benromach since their rebranding.

[@seanreeves3503]

My friend I always appreciate the location that you passed on.

[@FerNightwalker]

I used to compare Glenfiddich's rebranding to what Mercedez Benz did in the past by upgrading their model designs (today their changes are very accelerated). I hope that Benriach's new image (aesthetically very interesting) be a good indication of their whisky is. Cheers Ralfy!!

[@jon3913]

As a graphic designer that has experience in whisky branding I agree with this video.

[@ottowalter6102]

Well, here in Germany recycling often means 'thermal treatment'. It just gets burned. True fact.

[@singlemaltwhiskyenthusiast9248]

Germany is brain burn

[@NicolasMD85]

They took that recycle bussing to the next level, to the CO2 and H2O, you can't get less than that. Really shameless indeed.

[@alexk3088]

Germany and most everywhere else. Nothing wrong with that, better than landfill. And certainly better than dumping into oceans. Likely generates a bit of energy in the process.

[@blablaogist]

Most rebrandings are accompanied by a change in taste and smell. Even when it's very subtle, it never changed for the better in my experience. Benromach 100 proof - what a complex and challenging whisky! It just has everything. The new cask strength ist good to but doesnt hold up. Bunnahabhain 12 - my favorutie whisky until it got the new red label and became more sherry influenced instead of that unique vanilla toffee nut explosion on the palate. And even Arran 10, still great but somehow I prefer the older version with the tropical fruits and cinnamon notes. Seems my palate isn't up to the preferred taste these days ;)

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

A lot of reviewers prefer this to the 18. I'm in the same camp Ralfy with being upset about what happened to Balblair and Old Pulteney as well. Bought quite a few vintages but have consumed most of them. Will probably get one of these at some point. Stocking up on AnCnoc while I can as they could be violated by rebranding any day now. Cheers

[@TheRealJoseramirez]

My wife sometimes used to buy wine because she liked the bottle! I never understood that. Nevertheless, I'm not entirely convinced by your argumen7t. Fashions, trends and tastes change. As with all manufacturers of consumer products, distilleries must reflect that or lose their market share. Die even. What you seem to be saying is that you'd prefer your whisky to be made in a makeshift distillery in a cave hidden somewhere up in the hills and bottled in old brown jugs. That would be an "integrity bottling" after all. Wouldn't you agree? But would it sell??? As you quite often say Ralfy, "It's business. Just business". This time it's me that's just saying.

[@alexk3088]

So true, that's why Laphroaig is losing their market share. Dying even ;) It seems the point is not to avoid rebranding but rather to avoid costly dramatic rebranding, which may or may not achieve a new enduring customer base, while risking to lose the existing one.

[@TheRealJoseramirez]

@@alexk3088 Yes. That's about the size of it.

[@johnbatty7452]

Great stuff that bulb layer ...

[@georgesa.videau8332]

What is the cost difference per bottle between 40% and 46% alcohol ? Thanks,

[@jirizajic2479]

I know, that it is little bit out of the topic, but I have a small curious question - what did or what gonna do in near future years Brexit with the quality of scotch, welsh and english whisky...? Is it a chance, that this quality will increase ( just a little bit) or it is " CAUSA PERDUTA "...? The increasung of prizes started some years before so called Brexit..Except Ardbeg, Bruichladdich and Laphroaig it seems, that there is no chance of better tommorows. I singly hope, that there is a chance for increasing the quality at least in scottish whisky industry.... Cheers!

[@sav7568]

The Highland Park rebranding would have to be the dumbest of the lot. All that viking rubbish has no meaning to 99% of consumers and so it turns them off. It turns me off. I don't buy HP any more because I don't know what's in the bottle so I move on to some other label that I can understand. What is the difference between Viking Heart and Viking Pride or Viking Honour ? Is Dragon Legend my style or am I more a Loyalty of the Wolf kind of guy ? How the hell would I know ?

[@alexk3088]

"Viking's Kitsch" :) I'm with you there, Malt Mate. Love their juice, stopped buying.

[@scottyblog]

I totally agree. I now only buy Highland Park if it’s an independent bottling.

[@delicatpizza3981]

Pretty interesting extra, Ralfy !!!!! Would you rebrand yourself? Not me. I prefect to be like Johnnie Walker !!! Always ahead but step by step keeping the essence makes you unique. Thanks !!!!!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . slight morphing, no major re-brands in the bothy.

[@FanOMisery]

I do like that bottle shape. I've kept an empty for the infinity. Chuck the box

[@renevanderzee108]

Druss the legend? The axfighter!

[@GlennForbes20]

What was the stunningly good rum? I just tasted a bottle of the Foursquare 2009, and loved it. Always on the look out for good rum.

[@scottyblog]

It’s the real deal. No doubt.

[@carlubambi5541]

Many times you go to a big box stores to buy a tool or some part that's in a plastic /paper package .Many time the plastic/paper package costs 10 times more than what's in the package ! Same nonsense in food products and Boose !

[@baw-mq4bt]

What are your thoughts on Patron Tequila's brand? I'd like to hear your personal opinion.

[@sav7568]

I don't speak for Ralfy but here is my two bob's worth. Patron is over hyped and over priced. The marketing guys did a great job with Patron because it is sells well all over the world at high prices. It is a pleasant enough drink but one that is not worth its price. My recommendation for best bang for the buck easy to find Tequila is Don Julio Anejo and my Favourite overall is Corralejo Anejo. Corralejo is hard to find outside USA and Mexico so don't waste too much time looking for it.

[@zhongminfan6367]

I was a loyal Glendornich buyer, but once that "natural colour"" disappeared from the bottle and carton...I can only thank to the God, at least they are honest on what they have changed...I am good at hiding what I did do or did not do myself...World peace.

[@gcbrain2933]

Lookim forward for the Rumreview. Another Hampden maybe? 😊

[@Tantrum777]

Bunnahabhain was one brand that re-branded and in my opinion they did a good job with their re-branding. Yes for me the re-branding of BalBlair was very bad news. The new 12 year old has too much sherry for my tastes, I want a 100% Bourbon aged 10 or 12 year old BalBlair but I know I won't get it.

[@miserablerhurensohn]

The last Balblair 2005 that I opened and finished, I saved the magnets before "recycling" so at least I got something out of the packaging. Anything that has magnets, I dig them out and save them. So wasteful to use them that way.

[@James-zo6xq]

That packaging is absolutely delicious! 🥃😉

[@egrsok9388]

Ralfy, I love your reviews and really appreciate drinking a new Scotch concomitantly with your commentary. However, in this one, I'm not sure what happened. Perhaps the ethanol took over and rationality was overcome by unbridled emotion. The new branding for Balblair is better, and it is still delicious.

[@martywong822]

Agree with the dump decision of Balblair. I think taking out the vintage out and put in the core range age statements is good decision for the distiller to have more flexibility in blending their stock. If they keep pump out some vintages from time to time, few will be angry. In a vintage, it is only that year of whisky goes into the bottle, but for an age statement, they can put in older stock to pimp up the taste. However, the box and design are just dump and downgraded. I may try the 12 years old in the future (relatively reasonable price), but no more than that.

[@Corle0ne]

Funny enough the quality of many of the vintages was quite outstanding, and it was ofc a vatting of many a casks which differ widely even if filled at the same day.

[@martywong822]

@@Corle0ne Yes to a certain extend when you have good whisky in the hand. However, when you are running out of good stock, you may want to some flexibility in the bottling strategy in order to keep up the quality in taste.

[@Mikego55]

Great video, how much of our hard earned money goes to something diaphanous, my town runs a bulldozer over the bottles and bury them in another pit somewhere.

[@garyrobinson8665]

I don't need a box it just goes in the bin immediately.

[@degmar]

Amen.

[@KaranSingh-xt5bz]

Hi Ralfy, any chance for another re-review of Johnnie Walker Black Label ? In My opinion it's not as good as two or three years ago. But I'd love to hear Your opinion about this whisky.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . Will review at some point, but at the moment, it's getting 'raw' to taste.

[@KaranSingh-xt5bz]

@@thewhiskybothy Exactly My friend, it has started lacking 'flavour' and it's not as deep as it is. Thank You for Your comment.

[@Robhalifax]

I much prefer the new packaging. Simpler with bigger typeface.

[@chrisp4170]

Going to buy me some bulb layer

[@scottyblog]

You will never ever see Jack Daniels rebranded. Nor, Jim Beam. But, Wild Turkey sure did recently.

[@jon3913]

Jack Daniels has recently updated their bottle shape.

[@scottyblog]

@@jon3913 goddamn!

[@jon3913]

@@scottyblog I know, I was disappointed. Some brands should not be tampered with.

[@scottyblog]

@@jon3913 Is anything sacred anymore?

[@charliezhang4586]

Absolutely true!

[@faithful360]

Good stuff - keep it up!!

[@davidoneill913]

Nail head hit !

[@hodgesdr1]

Where are you located? I heard you say something about not leaving the island?

[@Allouran]

Ralfy lives on the Isle of Man 🇮🇲 in the Irish Sea.

[@TheMajorMaduro]

The cynic in me thinks that a price increase will never go into raising the quality of the whisky, especially with calculating marketing people and investors running the show. It's a huge problem these days. Every business has to meet projections and increase numbers every year or lose investors. I know I'm preaching to the choir, and very much in line with what you, Ralfy, are usually saying, but that is another (or THE ) reason to stay independent, but then you'll have the same problem if you need a loan from the bank to grow or help you out in times of trouble.

[@tdaveniii]

Why does a brand care about losing investors? An investor sells his/her shares to another investor, no? The company is unaffected by that transaction.

[@rasklaat2]

What of the inflation? Wages for the workforce increase year on year and so do the prices of basic commodities you need to produce the stuff. Corners have to be cut somewhere to maintain the profits for the company, or prices have to go up just to keep up with the inflation. There is no other way.

[@TheMajorMaduro]

@@tdaveniii A publicly traded company has to appease the shareholders since they are the owners after all. Many shareholders are in it for the short term, so meeting projections and maximizing earnings is very important. If shareholders aren't satisfied management gets booted. At the first sign of trouble a lot of shares get sold, and if too many shares are being sold off at once the shares lose value fast. Suddenly creditors turn their back on the company, and then what? I think you know. It's not quite the same, but I used to work for a smaller company that almost went belly up in an effort to expand because sales failed to meet projections. The investors and the bank all shut their wallet in the middle of expansion, but who were the ones pushing for growth? You guessed it!

[@yokittykat28]

I've been a whisky drinker for about a decade now and I have to admit, Glenfiddich is a favourite of mine, But I personally dislike their latest rebrand. Infact I think the further back you go, the nicer their labels were. I really miss the coat of arms and the shape of their old labels. Their modern style gives off the impression someone in a board room sold the distillery the idea that the new look is "modern and contemporary" but imo its simply souless and boring

[@carlosortega1959]

Please bring Big Clive for review 900

[@juanmlsanabria]

I don't care much about the appareance, but many People do, that is the same reason why distillers do chillfiltering, althought i don't get why people would mind their whisky to get a little misty, i just don't get it

[@lyacoubian]

The visual rebranding was not necessarily an upgrade in this case. The new label/packaging looks dated.

[@jbennison5672]

I disagree. The new branding is relatively contemporary, but still retains a classic whisky label layout and should stand the test of time far better than the previous 2000s style graphics with slim fonts, images and contrasting colours. That just looks dated and probably did so a few years after launch, it was jist way to contemporary.

[@benmarnoch4111]

I hate to disagree with the great man, but I believe you are way off with the cost of a bottle, even a fairly chunky proprietory bottle would be less than a pound each, with a cork closure about 25p and a couple of labels roughly about the same. I do agree the cost of the individual carton is significant, particularly if its a box or even a wooden box. Remember the big boys are buying tens if not hundreds of thousands of bottles at a time and will be getting savings on the sheer economies of scale from the producers. A standard cheapest on display blend is now £14.50, nearly a tenner of that is the governments, so you can work out that the rest of the product including the spirit ain't costing that much to make, given the producer has to build in a profit margin and the retailers have their bit on top as well. That old Balblair packaging was just about my favourite, particularly with the vintages and the colour changes on the box, it just made them unique and special to me. I haven't bought one of the new ones and I doubt I ever will.

[@nohandle257]

Surprising that a distillery smart enough to eschew cold filtering, state the age of their product and properly distill age and bottle their product ... would allow some marketing punk to sway them as they have. But then, I don't like their weird bottles at all. I'll warrant those responsible for this BS at these distilleries don't even drink single malt.

[@brownwaterboys8304]

I hope you review something amazing for your 900th review :D

[@jamesw6403]

laphroaig Select

[@anewlinii]

Looks quite a bit wider to me

[@seanreeves3503]

Information.

[@swedishburrito5073]

👍❤️🥃

[@ghantakha5568]

I hate glendronach now

[@ccuellar6212]

Maybe I’m just getting old and I know that it’s not about the box/label but the look of these rebranded spirits have really turned me off of them. BalBlair, Old Pultney, Red Breast, MaCallan…and the list goes on. 👎🏼

[@Polonolo99]

This is my first negative reaction to one of your reviews (and this doesn't really count because it's concerning an extra). But you sound like a bit of a crab here when you're single out Laphroaig and Glenfiddich and Ardbeg for doing basically the same thing as Balblair. What about the rebranding of Glengoyne and Arran and even the pseudo environmental bent of Bruichladdich (doing away with their lovely tins as a way to lure the environmentally conscious and save money in the process). Just think you're being overly harsh here.

[@degmar]

Did anyone get anything out of this verbal vomit? Seriously, try scripting these rants, so you can get to the point. After listening till the end, I still don’t see what bothered you about Balblair’s new packaging. In fact, you admit that the whiskey hasn’t changed. Then, at 17:04 you state, “for the drinker it’s about the bottle and its contents”. I guess for you, it isn’t about the whiskey, since your complaints are all centered on the packaging. You rant on how expensive the old box was and how much of your money is devoted to paying for that box, then complain that they changed it. You come across as incredibly hypocritical. Change is good, change is bad. Buying for investing is good, investors are bad. Simple presentation is good, give me back my magnets.

[@seinlegman528]

What is your problem with hypocrisy anyway? keep listening carefully and perhaps something will get through.

[@degmar]

@@seinlegman528 So, you didn't get anything out of it either?

[@seinlegman528]

I got a lot thank you

[@degmar]

@@seinlegman528 I can tell. Your replies are full of insight.

[@highlander548]

I agree with degmar. Seems like this was extras for the sake of extras. If anything, balblair made a good change. Less complex and neater looking. Contents are the same. What's the prob? Ralfy rants how whisky industry is stuck in time and then when someone actually changes font on the label....wow...big no..no.

[@gcbrain2933]

Lookin forward to the Rumreview. Another Hampden maybe? 😊