ralfy review 951 Extras - Distilleries Alive, Hidden, Mothballed, Dead

[@justinwanhk]

Ralfy, however hard you try, we will be making as many purchasing mistakes as you have done over our journeys, if not more 🤣

[@markjackson6669]

This type of knowledge is why I love to watch Ralfy. As well as the stories and the rants, and even the reviews as well. :) Just joking, the reviews are great too. I do like that Ralfy has an appreciation of all types of Scotch, i.e. nonpeated, peated, sherried, light and so on and he rates them based on their "type." He doesn't say this one rates low because it has no peat and I like peaty whisky. I do appreciate that. I can't say that of all the Whiskytubers.

[@dannyhebenton9326]

Thank you for the Malt Mention Ralfy. I'm so far behind I'm just now catching up after being out of the country for the last few months. Cheers Mr Mitchell 🥃

[@skeletonmakesgood]

An excellent book which I can highly recommend on "dead" distilleries is Scotch Missed by Brian Townsend. The latest revision is the 4th edition published in 2015.

[@nohandle257]

Whew. Just did all 3 1/2 hours of the OSWAs. Took extensive notes. It was wonderful! Thank you!

[@Nicolas_Allende]

Your videos are malt moments in themselves. Thank you for sharing. PS: A malt mention, if you will: Multiple munching meddling matitos.

[@thewhiskybothy]

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

[@danswank3378]

If you like ryes IMHO old overholt is a good old fashioned rye you may get in USA. Hope you can find in UK

[@daleriggins4138]

I enjoy old overholt I am currently working through a BIB bottle that is quite nice.

[@chuckletourneau5542]

I'm rethinking my semi-serious goal of trying a single malt from every active distillery in Scotland. The moving target is daunting as is the steadily rising cost of this hobby. I can't even find a definitive list of active distilleries... lol!

[@theboyheedmackay2229]

Try miniatures

[@michaelgmarks]

Correction Blanton's is Mash bill No. 2 which is their higher rye mash bill. Buffalo Trace is Mash bill No. 1, which is the lower rye mash bill. None of the ones you mentioned have any wheat in the mash bill. The Buffalo Trace products that have wheat in the mash bill are Wellers and of course all the Pappy products. Elijah Craig is of course a Heaven Hill product with a corn, rye, barley mash bill. If you want to get good info on US products so you put out correct info, just ask me first and I'll do the research for you. That aside, thank you Ralfy for the years of great reviews and information you have and are giving us. You are greatly appreciated.

[@rami26s1]

Wheat aside, it’s interesting that Ralfy did notice that Blanton’s is in fact bland..one of the most overrated products I’ve experienced.

[@richardbostan4286]

@@rami26s1 -- The Blanton's line are all single barrel products. You could have got tasted from "bad barrel." I can't think of any other explanation for your poor experience because the Blanton's I have tasted was certainly not bland, and was actually much better than the standard Buffalo Trace bottling that Ralfy seems to like.

[@rami26s1]

@@richardbostan4286 Hi Richard. I’ve tasted many bottlings. The only one I found great was a store pick from 10 years ago. I don’t think it’s bad whiskey. It’s just unimpressive to me. I actually prefer Elmer and Eagle Rare 10 or EHT small batch. Maybe just personal taste.

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Excellent information dear Ralfy thanks 🙏 ciao S.

[@MrLachlanmackenzie]

I wonder if there is a dedicated history book of distilleries that goes into the nitty gritty of why some distilleries seemed to survive and others died out. It seems to be more just than quality that plays a part.

[@paulusgaming]

There are definitely other reasons distilleries close. Millburn and Banff for instance produced some great whiskies, but Millburn kept flooding all the time and Banff burned down 3 times in about half a century, so when whisky became less popular in the 1980's and there was an oversupply these were quickly shuttered and demolished for reasons that don't have to do with taste.

[@timthewhiskynut477]

Didn't realise Scapa wasn't producing! Still doing tours and bottling etc, but I've never followed them closely.

[@stephendarlingbrown]

Fun fact - Rosebank stills were actually stolen for scrap copper in 2008. Im glad to be able to see the redevelopment of Rosebank only stay 10 mins from it.

[@ralphwatten2426]

I'm not a terribly experienced as a Scotch drinker but the sound of "not terribly expensive" has a certain ring to my ears. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks ralfy.

[@Pew7070]

Now you really made me curious about your whisky choice for me to try on the new year. Waiting with much anticipation!

[@Balkonwhisky]

Thanks for the Informations, Ralfy.

[@WhiskeyLore]

I know you've moved to mainly scotch single malts. I'd love to see you attempt some American rye whiskies (not high rye bourbons, or ryes with a large amount of corn). I find rye whiskey is similar to peated whisky, in that it loses too much of its own unique character if it spends too much time in a cask. The complexity and range of flavors in rye dwarf bourbon. Cool to know Scapa isn't full time. Thanks for the breakdown.

[@l.s.1709]

Request: can you make an extras about the distillation cuts and how distillers can impact economics, taste etc. I am curious if for example various cuts can be matured on a different casks and later be blended or married again? Or does all the distillate end up in a big tank where a full batch is mixed before being transferred into casks?

[@terrymccormack262]

As a Falkirk boy my house is only a few minutes walk from Rosebank. I'm no longer living in the UK but visited very recently and follow the progress of Rosebank with interest. The new copper stills are in situ already. The old ones were actually stolen from the site..(Night watchman obviously snoozing) honestly, wasn't involved....😆 Good to hear you bring Rosebank up. Are you heading to Glasgow Whisky Festival? I'm travelling over from Spain for it once again!

[@davet7185]

Alive, alive oh Ralfy.......that's how we like them 😉.

[@lesliemarshall3764]

As a former Falkirk resident I've been following the rebirth of Rosebank with interest. You're right that the whisky that finally comes out will be expensive. The prices for bottles from 'rediscovered' barrels are eye-watering high. Setting a relative price point for the new product.

[@mr2gordons940]

Not only can the products from those eliminated distilleries never be repeated, but those that have changed for the worse won't again be repeating the spirits of the past. You've mentioned the decline of Talisker, it was one of the first I tried when I started catching your reviews on KZbin. I set aside a bottle of it early on and am glad I did so while on the quest to try the variety of others available to me. Same with Black Bottle, and I also set aside one of Clynelish and one of 14yo Arran after tasting those. Don't know if the latter have changed, but one I missed out on storing away was JW Green Label.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . we all need a stash.

[@garethsheppard240]

Very interesting and unique extras, thank you. And worth 👍🏻 just for honesty of "... please subscribe, you can always unsubscribe later". Not many people on YT, or elsewhere, have the stones to say that in a video.

[@michaelbushell4356]

There have been a few distilleries that have come back after seeming long dead. Besides Annandale (totally agree with the comments) there’s Glenglassaugh which was gone for 30 years or so and the fabulous Glengyle which is now known as Kilkerran. It was closed for 80 years and the buildings used for all manor of uses. The stills came from Ben Wyvis. Is there a better 12 yo on the market? There are persistent rumours of Dallas Dhu being fired up again as it’s basically complete. Finally, one cask of Starlaw has been bottled under its own name. Occasionally a bottle appears at auction.

[@philiptruitt]

Thanks Ralfy!

[@daveandrews5485]

I have a particular interest in the Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire which is close to my home town. Haven’t been able to sample their bottlings yet but I’m hopeful. 👍🏻

[@toolthoughts]

Isn't Label 5 single grain from Starlaw distillery? I actually thought it was pretty decent for a cheap whisky, despite the mainstream presentation - or sanitized as you often say. I would buy it instead of most big NAS blends if I wanted something simple or a mixer.

[@hoodwiser7652]

Very interesting, cheers. Given the increasing price of production, and challenges facing the consumer (abundance of mediocrity; poor price/quality ratio; reduction in expendable income) do you think any distillery’s at the moment could potentially be either mothballed, or “die”?

[@triplecap4307]

2:35 on. I am not a big blantons fan, but it is not wheated. In fact it is BT's high rye mashbill. So yes, as you say, let's focus on scotch single malt. LOL - just having a bit of fun.

[@loooonieeee]

I searched through the comments just to see if someone else reacted to this 😅

[@greigmartin4339]

I have high hopes that Abhainn Dearg distillery on Lewis can pull a rabbit out the hat at some point. It would be such a special thing for that unique style/setup in its location to put out something in a large enough volume that impresses. Sadly, what has trickled out the door has been underwhelming and eye wateringly expensive. I wonder how long a place like that can stay above water especially with the results of the neglected ferry infrastructure coming home to roost coupled with the fact they presumably rely a lot on the odd curious tourist with money to burn. One for the scrap heap?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . AD is a real 'fringe' distillery. Has always been an outsider, and interesting for it.

[@whompbiscuits8930]

I didn't know that Kininvie didn't offer official bottlings. I have heard of them as Ralfy said, contributing to the Monkey Shoulder blended malt along with Glenfiddich and Balvenie. At least those three distilleries were the original contributors, but my understanding now is no one knows whether MS continues to be comprised only of the aforementioned 3 distilleries or have moves on to others.

[@FatWhiskyDrinkingGuy]

Kininvie released a 23 year old, but very expensive, and really dissapointing....

[@trumpet90909]

Ralfy, 4:15 you mention Kininvie bottled as Monkey Shoulder: this was the case years ago, not sure it's accurate so much anymore. Maybe a small component is still Kininvie and not Ailsa.

[@utahdetecting]

Hi Ralfy thank you for the time you take to give us all this information. 100% the best whiskey channel on youtube .I was wondering what is your opinion on Glen Grant 10 years old single malt .

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . have never seen this brand.

[@jamesangus7253]

Also with reference to Annandale. I've recently got a bottle from Whisky Me for 50 notes. Properly good value whisky.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . a far more sensible price.

[@jamesangus7253]

@@thewhiskybothy absolutely. Nice Christmas present to myself.

[@javieracosta3439]

On the point of newborn distilleries, I made the mistake of purchasing Arbikie Highland Rye, which also ties into your comments about additional grains. 48%, says Scotch whisky, so at a minimum it's a 3 year and one day old spirit, but damn, tastes like not an hour older than that. And quite the high cost of entry. Lesson learned.

[@javieracosta3439]

I went back to it after commenting. Been over 6 weeks since uncorking. The nose is still sharp but with a heavy grain note, like bran dust filling the air and a creaminess that I identify as youth. Taste is herbal. Mint and raisins. Sweet honey finish. It's become better but still challenging. While they may be on the right path, the fact that this equals Springbank 15 in price is the travesty. I dont know if the Arbikie has been hyped or is promoted much in Scotland. But here in New England USA, it was at launch as some of the investors are local to us. I will be hard pressed to buy again. As the age goes up, so does the price. Unsustainable for my wallet.

[@jamesangus7253]

Ralfy. Babes. Scapa isn't mothballed hun. It's had a huge amount of money thrown at it by Chivas to make it even bigger. Been there several times and ok the standard bottles Skirrin and Glands are piss poor reflections of what they can do but the Single Cask sherried 12 and 14 year old are mega!!!!!

[@prestonw3878]

There is a 375 ML bottle of Kininvie 23 year old 42.6 abv for $160 at my Total Wine, I'm very curious to know what it tastes like but probably won't be purchasing soon 😁

[@FatWhiskyDrinkingGuy]

Don't, it tastes like water.... i've got two.... sadly enough. Waste of money.

[@prestonw3878]

@@FatWhiskyDrinkingGuy that's what I was afraid of.

[@chrishoyt7548]

Ralphy, Scotch is good for you! Is Monkey Shoulder decent? Other than Springbank what are two other still wondering did you enjoy? Chris from Cape Breton míle fáilte

[@peterwhite507]

Blanton's is the high rye mashbill of Buffalo Trace and has a slightly higher Rye content than Buffalo Trace. You may have meant the Weller line which is wheated

[@dominiccummings1893]

He's not wrong Ralfy!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . a 'blooper', I was thinking of Makers Mark.

[@mackal]

"high rye" it's 15% (and mash bill 1 is 8%)

[@prestonw3878]

Nevertheless it's still 'Bland'tons

[@peterwhite507]

@@mackal Actually 12-15% and it is the high rye of BT. Anything else to add?

[@thewhiskyscout1238]

I agree rye mash bill bourbon’s are much more tasty than the wheat mash bill bourbon’s are.

[@joealtare9124]

Are there any "passive" distilleries that are hidden gems? In the US, we have MGP.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . no.

[@RalphMettier]

One of those Ralfy mentioned in the video, maybe. I got to try Kininvie Single Malt, both the 17 and the 23 year old, when visiting this summer (you can get them at the Glenfiddich tasting room bar), and they were both very nice indeed.

[@FatWhiskyDrinkingGuy]

@@thewhiskybothy Now that's a bit mean....👻

[@MrJBLH]

Stopped by Annandale when I was in Scotland, nice little distillery and considered picking up a tasting pack but as said the price was rather steep and with being on the way to Arran/Campbeltown/Tobermory I decided to keep the space and funds.

[@mackal]

I think Rosebank is suppose to be distilling again at this point, but who knows how the C word has ruined their time lines ...

[@pfalzgraf7527]

This was a really nice malt mention! Kininvie I knew, but the other one (Star ... something) I never heard of! I didn't know Scapa was essentially mothballed, because I HAVE drunk some. Sad to hear they are sleeping - I remember really enjoying it! Everything you describe here is not completely strange to me, but sadly not really much of a surprise. Surprises in a positive sense are, interestingly, really new distilleries like, e.g. Woolfburn or other actually new distilleries.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . Starlaw.

[@pfalzgraf7527]

@@thewhiskybothy thanks 👍

[@robfut9954]

Hopefully the Thought Police never get to you, Ralfy! And if they do, move to a new platform and we will gladly follow.

[@sachinkainth9508]

My habits are liquor, cigars and hookers, which is why I never have any money.

[@Gamescommentary]

🤣don't listen to me 😐its going to be very expensive 🤔

[@swedishburrito5073]

❤👍🥃

[@lastditch5968]

Is it possible to get 95 to 100?