ralfy review - Whisky Of The Year 2017

If you like my content you can buy me a 'wee dram' at / ralfy , thanks !
This video represents a personal opinion and perspective only.
To comply with Google Adsense policy this video is an independent non-profit review and is not selling or linking to a site that sells the product being reviewed.

[@russell3733]

Yep, Glencadam are doing so many things right and ticking all the important boxes. Most importantly, they've got the balance right between distillery character and oak maturation - both are clearly in evidence with neither overpowering the other. A beautiful floral drop, with grassy and hay notes, some honey and citrus, superb mouthfeel, and all held together by that oak maturation in ex-bourbon barrels. Just goes to show what can be done when you let the whisky get on with it in active casks, and refrain from fancy finishing or any other gimmickry. A great choice, Ralfy - all the best for 2018! But please, don't divide your vids into two halves. Your trademark is the longer, wonderfully rambling video review, which clearly marks it off from all the others. And that's why so many viewers keep coming back to your vids (including this one). Cheers!

[@bluehorizon4799]

Ralfy, As a fellow malty I find great pleasure in spending quality time with a wee dram and my 'friend' from across the waters Atlantic. I too live in a northern clime and appreciate a good, crackling fire to warm the outside and a fine whisky to warm within. You are a treasure of information but, more importantly, a person of integrity. I appreciate my time with you and sharing information and recommendations with my sons toward their appreciation and enjoyment of quality spirits and lessons of life. Thank you, and all the best for 2018!

[@dermateduidelijk]

Ralfy's whisky of the year anouncement is a moment to look out for every year: thanks ralfy! You never disappoint us. Just slightly disappointing you will divide your vlogs in 2 separate pieces. Myself, i like to be soaked into those 'ralfy treatment' for a full 20 minutes 👌also i like how the actual whisky review widens almost seemlessly into ralfy's 'philosophical talks' about the world of whisky, society and life in general. Keep doing this, ralfy, for the benefit of all of us, whisky- and lifelovers!

[@MrRichiekaye]

You've not undermined the reputation of Scotch whiskey in my mind. I buy more of it because of your reviews!!

[@schlimmerdurst]

What I really like is to share bottles in a group - one buys a bottle and sells its contents as samples to others at cost price. This way you can have the best of all worlds - a large amount of impressions, that are genuine (one from the group buys the bottle from a shelf, after all, therefore avoiding the problem of "special samples" you mentioned), and that are affordable even for more expensive products.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . great idea !

[@IIIShrikeIII]

Keep on going with your excellent reviews, you are defending the quality of scotch whisky against the greed of the industry, see you in 2018

[@obiwankenobi729]

Hi Ralfy, Just wanna say that they way you've ended the video almost brought me to tears. It's a pleasure watching your videos and seeing someone with such a big passion in whisky trying to keep the producers aware that traditions are more important than money. I've just turned 40 and slowly gave up wine drinking to whisky and now, after not too long time(but actively educated) of enjoying whisky, I can confirm that drinking whisky is drinking Art & History !!!

[@Souchirouu]

When ever I'm stressed, worried or otherwise burdened by life I'll pack a bottle of whiskey, and a glass in my backpack and go out at 3 AM at night, find a bench somewhere out of the way of the public and pour myself a glass and watch the night sky and listen quite sounds of night creatures going about their business, pondering life and the universe. Quite time with a quality whiskey will mend the soul better than any amount of sleep or distracting noise from people or technology.

[@knarfzxc]

. . . drams now and Zen . . .

[@andylucas6962]

That's a great story. will have to try this out soon, would be great to do this as the sun rises.. Cheers for the idea

[@zevlovex222]

Wow:) seems like a nice “clear your mind” manual:) I will try it some night:)

[@welshtoro3256]

Happy Christmas Ralfy. I for one, and many others I'm sure, admire your independence of thought. You have not undermined the Whisky industry, quite the opposite. I've been drinking Malt for 30 years and there's much about the industry right now that is completely up its own arse. I'm very pleased that you have the experience and confidence to speak your mind. I love the Glencadam 15 but it's been our little secret. The cat's out of the bag now (just kidding). It's a beautiful ex-bourbon with a few years on it giving it a delightful touch of oak and it ticks all the right boxes as you say. Right up my street for sure. All the best.

[@shugaroony]

Hope you had a great Christmas WT, and plenty of great malt moments for 2018!

[@welshtoro3256]

Thank you very much Saltire. I hope you are having a good time too. I'm off to Rhossili Bay today and I'll toast a dram to you and Ralfy when I get there. Cheers

[@act-one9235]

I've learnt soooo much from you Ralfy! And 9 out of 10 times I agree with your assessment! If the whiskys good you tell it to the people, not just tell them but get excited about it! Your passion comes through in your reviews! It's simple, well crafted whisky gets a good review, bad ones do not. It's that simple. Thanks for the malt moments. Happy Yule to you 🌲

[@musketmerve1436]

My advice: do the reviews like you have been. I think that somewhere between the technical intertwined with the waxing poetic of experience, lies the magic of your reviews. In life, it is sometimes difficult to separate certain things. Less frequent reviews, or longer reviews would not bother me a bit. With whatever you choose, thanks for sharing your magnificent malt memory and melancholy with your malt mates. Merry Christmas, and happy 2018!

[@thespiritsafe]

Dear spirits industry: since I started watching Ralfy, I have bought more scotch whisky than I did before. Ralfy is not damaging scotch whisky sales.

[@LSfan22]

Cheers Ralfy, you're a well-spoken gentleman and I appreciate your comments on the importance of time in peace and solitude. Merry new year.

[@roundballrolls2762]

Thanks Ralfy. You put my brother and me onto single malt whisky and we are loving the journey. HAVE a GREAT NEW YEAR.

[@JamieClark]

Too bad about splitting the videos, that’s part of the charm and part of how we’ve all learned so much here! We understand why, though, and if there are shills leaving bad comments, dislikes, et cetera. It’s a shame, and hopefully they soon see what a **SERVICE** you’re doing the industry as well as the consumers. Thank you from the USA - Happy holiday and here’s to a smooth and malty new year!

[@cantbendknee]

Sorry to hear about the bullying behind the scenes. Wish you could name and shame but why waste time. This year I enjoyed many drams in the local pub thanks to your recommendations and I'm still enjoying glen scotia 15. I think you should stick to the usual format. Some may like to watch with a dram and it's more cohesive to hear the full story. Happy new year!

[@jamesa678]

I often look forward to the second half of a Ralfy video sometimes more than the actual whisky review. He's a very knowledgeable and interesting bloke. If half the country has the patience to watch bloody Eastenders for half an hour every day then surely a full length Ralfy video is worth watching a couple of times a month.

[@aarondangelo6313]

Ralfy, you have the best reviews, very informative and thought provoking. Sorry you are getting flak from other corners. We all appreciate you, and even other reviewers have praised you and mentioned you for your reviews. The length isn't bite sized but they are so much more in depth and that is what makes you reviews so good. Keep up the good work my friend! Much love from across the pond in the US :)

[@TheAntaust]

You've never been derogatory about whiskey, just honest. Which is why we watch

[@argo60]

Thanks for another year of reviews! It's always been a pleasure to hear your thoughts, anecdotes, experience, and ire with various spirits. I hadn't realized that you have been doing it for 8 years already! Time flies my friend - the only way I feel we can slow down the passage of time is to sit down with a wonderful dram, listening to great music, and sip the warmth of provenance for a while. Cheers for your reviews in 2017 and I look forward to your new style of review in 2018!

[@JimmyLeg]

Mr. Mitchell I respectfully decline to take the advice given concerning spending quiet time alone with my favourite spirit. I would much rather spend it in front of my laptop sharing the experience with you, the King of all Maltmates. Thanks for the many years of senior moments, laughs, and wisdom. May there be many more to come. Cheers from New Scotland.

[@folkmarcmetal]

You are so right about the Laphroaig select and Dalwhinnie 15, i bought both earlier this year they really were disappointments. About taking an hour for yourself sitting next to a fireplace, i just moved to a new home located about 15 minutes away from the civilized world, my PC was back at the old home, no internet connection, and i was tired from working all day. So i sat down by the fireplace (never had one before) and sipped on a lagavulin 16, the silence and peace of mind was amazing, so relaxing. I should really do that more often, but its so difficult with the phones, computers, and stress of work and daily life. Most people (me included) just RUN through their life, only to fall asleep exhausted at the end of the day to do it again the next day. So challenge accepted

[@seanmacdonald5243]

Nice, anything Lagavulin would be an ideal fireplace dram on a cold winters night. I recently got my fireplace working again and had a nice sit down with some coal ila.

[@xhosa156]

Congratulations Ralfy on getting your Whisky of the Year nearly sold out in the states after your video came out. Retailers can barely keep up after your recommendation. (But I got my hands on one!)

[@williamleckrone1628]

I just posted on a video from 2011 about a review of pig-nose and sheep dip and I said I would watch some more reviews before I choose to subscribe to your channel although I immediately like your style. This is my second video of your review that I have watched granted it's like 6 years later but I'm halfway through this video and I'm now going to subscribe, I feel you are genuine and I feel you care about whiskey, all whiskeys in general and by me being a new person that favors myself a connoisseur of whiskey I appreciate your dedication to the industry and what you do. I am 49 years old, almost 50 in a couple months and I've always been a whiskey fan and never a beer fan but I am just recently starting to have a real appreciation for the pure rawness of drinking whiskey straight, neat or on the rocks or was a splash or drop or 2 of water, because of until now I've usually just chased my whiskey or mix it with Pepsi or Coke or Scotch whisky with ginger ale. I would like to end by asking you if there's any suggestions you would have to give to me as a newcomer to this whole new thing that I want to be involved in and the more detail you can give me the better , please also keep I mind I'm s huge bourbon fanatic and a lover of cask strength bottles, my only real scotch so far has been DoubleWood Balvenie which I really enjoy and Irish favorite is cask strength Red Breast and I wish you a great 2018

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . have a good malt-moment journey in 2018 !

[@MrSnowmobilefreak]

Ralfy, I hope you never worry about keeping your reviews short. I think most of us enjoy watching you especially for the added extras! Also, I really think you could easily start uploading audio podcasts of your reviews. Happy new year!

[@Tomislav_B.]

Hats off to Ralfy👍You're carrying the torch man! Merry Christmas and happy New Year from Croatia!

[@nickbovee4372]

Merry Christmas from Holland Ralfy, or "zalig Kerstfeest" in Dutch! Thank you for all your advice and information, also non-whisky related, it sure was and is a true (whisky) journey, gaining experience allong the way. I look forward to all future reviews from you. Kind regards, Nick.

[@jagsingh5652]

Hi Ralfy, shame to hear that some in the Whiskey industry are not so welcoming to your views. Your vlogs have really helped keep me invested in my exploration of malts. Your position on age statements, colouring and chill filtration is right and for the right reasons. It could come across as snobbery but you explain why really well. Too many vloggers/review sites spurting out the same standard BS out there and it gets boring and doesnt help me decide what malt to spend my hard earned money on. You really add value that other bloggers do not. So really glad you are sticking to your guns. Happy new year and look for many more reviews! Cheers.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks, happy to share the Journey !

[@danielfelipevillarealramir468]

Keep sticking to your guns ralfy! It's why we love you and why I won't stop watching and listening to your reviews 🤘

[@unterwegsmitodysseus6204]

Thank you Ralfy! Your Malt-of-the-Year-Video is always one of my Must-Haves between Christmas and "Silvester" - as we call the last day of the year here in Germany. :-)I'm looking forward to your atmospheric video on new years eve ...Keep tasting and judging in 2018! We all love you! Good health and all the best,Oliver

[@1o1s1s1i1e]

Great review to end the year Ralfy! Some of us come for the words of wisdom as well as the whisky review. The label is the contract! I spend a lot of time choosing my whisky, and thank's to you I know what to look for. I'm old enough to remember the smell of coal burning on a cold winter's walk to school, and the sight and sounds of coal going down the chute into the coal bin. My Grandmother could bank a fire using coal and wood to keep the house warm all night. We could use a fire here this morning, -14f and we won't get above zero for several days, thank goodness I'm well stocked on whisky! Happy New Year Ralfy! Be well, Ossie

[@welshtoro3256]

Happy Christmas Ossie. Hope you are doing well.

[@JimmyLeg]

I'm watching this late but best wishes for the New Year Ossie. Your always a friendly and genuine voice here. Good health to you and those you care about.

[@1o1s1s1i1e]

Thank's Jimmy, all the best to you and yours as well!

[@Tsubak_Yojimbo]

Ralfy, you are a true gem of the whisky internet. I love your flannel jackets as much as the drams. Happy New Year !

[@ArtMorte]

Nothing can undermine Scotch whisky more than the Scotch whisky industry itself every time they add colour and omit age statements and try to make up for poor casks by imaginative marketing.

[@cantbendknee]

Highland park

[@UnboundOdysseus]

cantbendknee By the end of 2018, Highland Park will have dropped the age statements and only the Viking Bullshit will remain. Ardbeg might even drop their 10 Year old and replace it with the An Oa. Sad times for malt lovers indeed.

[@FMichael1970]

It's why I'd rather spend my $$$ on American bourbon.

[@UnboundOdysseus]

FMichael1970 Many Bourbons are dropping their age statements too. Although at least with a straight bourbon, you KNOW there’s been no colour added.

[@FMichael1970]

UnboundOdysseus - while some have dropped their age statement - at least bourbons don't add any artificial coloring, they're usually 43% or more in abv, they use brand new casks, and they're a crap ton cheaper (at least here in the USA). Scotch whiskey has become it's own worst enemy IMHO.

[@willieswisdom]

Ralfy, thank you for YOUR time- time is worth more than money. I love this and all your reviews. By this review alone I went out and bought Glencadam 15! I'll uncork it new years eve by the fire. Thanks again!

[@loknes3924]

Oh Ralfy how I love your lifestyle and view on life, always such great insight to the simple things. It's because of you that I am enjoying my malt journey only starting a year ago. Please keep up the reviews, they're so enjoyable.

[@cknot]

I don't drink. Your brother's channel brought me here a few years ago. I'm still here. Keep doing what you do. Merry Christmas.

[@FirstAmongNerds]

Ralfy, you're one of the most charming & sincere people on KZbin, and I hope you don't listen too much to the critics. As primarily a beer & bourbon drinker, you're the only reason I got into Scotch whiskies in the first place and your channel is a welcome respite from our fast-paced world. All the best.

[@davidreynolds6718]

Yes! Ralfy you are great for the industry and it is bullshit that anyone would say otherwise. Keep sticking to your guns! We like age statements, we like information about coloring and chill filtering, and we don't appreciate the industry trying to fuzzy up the information. Some of us over here in the states would like to see more of that from our domestic distilleries. Thanks for all the malt moments Ralfy! You may not have had them with me, but I have had them with you.

[@jaxson1948]

I appreciate your honesty Ralfy! Keep up the great work! Regarding my knowledge of Scotch, you are one of my greatest sources! I am up to 26 different scotches from 12 to 18 year olds, and some undated, from all 5-regions of the homeland! It has become a great hobby and experience! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience in the craft and fine art!

[@EdwardDavian1]

Ralfy, you are one of humanity's greatest treasures and I genuinely mean that. I appreciate your thoughtful life lessons within your reviews and I always look forward to them. Thank you for all your wise words and I hope you have a magnificent New Year!

[@joshjosh320]

Happy Holidays, and wishing you a wonderful new year, Ralfy! Admittedly, I was guessing you might choose Kilkerran 12yo or possibly the BenRiach 12yo Sherry Wood as your Malt of the Year...but alas, you've blown my mind with a completely unfamiliar (for me) selection. I'll keep an eye out for this one! Also, on a tech note....the vid quality on this is AMAZING. Whatever camera/lighting setup you're using is FANTASTIC. All the best, Malt-mate!!

[@bricenip]

Look forward to this new years tradition every year!!! you rock bud and please never stop. cheers mate!!!!

[@EUBody21]

Hands down, I am so happy for your malt reviews. Starting the beginning of this year, I learned quite much from just watching you. Keep up the good work

[@petecoo1978]

Thank you Ralfy for your little speech on time, makes you sit back and think, I think I'll go and pour myself a glass now. Happy new year to you and all the malt mates.

[@michaelstone5324]

Hi Ralfy. I do find some of your videos a tad bit long, however, I think this may be one of your best. I value your opinions on these bottles and this presentation brings about a lot of valid points. Your opinion on age statements is spot on, especially since we are now seeing American bourbon follow single malt scotch and eliminate age statements. Second, I appreciate the way you defend your opinion against the naysayers at certain distilleries. Let's face it Ralfy, if your opinion didn't matter no one would need to "naysay." Keep up the fantastic work sir.

[@TheBritishLegions]

Happy New year Ralfy. Love the videos now in 1080p, love that you're splitting them & also love that you're going to do more spirits other than whisky. I've been following you since 2009 & you've mentioned my name in a malt mention many years ago. Yes solitude with a pipe/cigar is what a I do for a number of hours in the shed. Love it. All the best.

[@Megawatt]

Interesting comment about time and solitude. This is one of the reasons I am into astronomy, and why astronomy and whisky go together so well. When you are sitting under the stars, the rest of the world asleep, you can really detach from yourself and all the everyday bullshit and just live in the moment.

[@knarfzxc]

Further to Ralf's point, clocks only measure another clock. And one tends to get trapped into measuring everything 'the metrics' whilst at the core of our being we don't really vibrate as such . . . cheers.

[@JordOKC]

Ralfy you do more for the scotch whisky industry than just about anybody out there. I always come to you for fact based, objective, and knowledgeable reviews. You are important to modern scotch drinkers.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks !

[@First-fill]

Hi Ralfy. At the risk of getting some stick...I'm now buying only malts made IN Scotland, with NO colouring,and must have an age statement. First fill if possible. The whisky industry needs to be encouraged to do this. As I write this, I've just purchased the 18 yr Glencadam.

[@Originalredman36]

Cheers! Your extra info is what makes your reviews so valuable. Wonderful as always. Happy New Year

[@alfonsomartinez6659]

I’ve begun my malt moments journey this year thanks in many to your videos Ralfy. Thanks for the entertaining insights! Cheers from San Diego!

[@tavuzzipust7887]

Thanks Ralfy. Since I started following your reviews I've tried many more malts than ever before, even here in Australia where they tend to be rather expensive and some brands are very hard to find. Stick to your guns!

[@hook1879]

Thanks Ralfy for your reflective and thoughtful videos. I have enjoyed so many of your reviews over the years. Have a happy New Year.

[@IamFreeRu]

What a big difference in color between natural and added color. Wow. I wouldn’t mind the natural at all, but the added color is a little more pleasing to the eye.

[@roefer]

Thanks for another great year of reviews Ralfy! Your advise has been immeasurably helpful to my malt journey. Thanks!

[@juvallee]

Thank you Ralfy, you're the best reviewer in the world.

[@benbirdsall9315]

Happy 2018 Ralfy, one of your best posts yet!

[@GentlemanMasterclass]

Bless you Ralfy. You're an inspiration to me and the channel, and all of us. Thanks for the knowledge and love. Welcome to 2018 friend! -Marc from Tokyo

[@rainerbrunn-countrybluespi514]

ahhh, glencadam 15! since it has been launched this is one of my favourite standard drams. always wondered why its reputation isn´t much higher. a merry rest of christmas, ralfy!

[@Eclispestar]

thank you for your years of honesty. after i pick a nice bottle i see if you review it and try and gauge my taste. and to help educate my pallet.

[@s13iLLuminati]

I can't understand the person who would down vote any of his videos. He has such pain for good homie and brings such a wealth of knowledge and experience with such a wonderful and refined delivery. Cheers to you Ralfy! Looking forward to another year of great whiskey reviews!

[@Sharnoy1]

Thank you for another malty year with wise words Ralfy! I'm wishing you health and happy moments in 2018. Respect from Finland!

[@shugaroony]

Yes Glencadam! Just bought myself this the other week as I adore the 10 and heard great things about the 15! Waiting to springtime though as its a lighter whisky, but spring can't come around quickly enough! Have a great 2018 Ralfy and everyone here, hope your magnificent malt moments are many! Slainte mhath!

[@marquepadley2715]

I want to Thank you for your kind words of wisdom, and for your excellent and truthful reviews. I very much look forward to all your reviews in 2018, from all of us in Canada, Cheers

[@OryBand]

Happy new year Ralfy from Israel! Thanks for all your reviews and being such an important opinion maker in this industry.

[@michaelfarkas2396]

Great video that I’ve only just got round to watching. I’d like to add another vote for you keeping the old format of longer videos! You speak about the importance of taking some time for ourselves every now and again to really chill out and just enjoy the moment - I agree, and think that this is really important. One way that I love to enjoy some quality time to myself, and I’m sure I’m not alone here, is to watch your videos; more often than not I’m enjoying a dram / tot while I do so. The longer videos give us all a great opportunity to relax, and sip along while enjoying your company and highly valued opinions and presenting style... don’t feel you need to change the video length! I, for one, think 20 odd minutes is a great length - if people can’t spare 20 minutes then they can always switch off after the half way malt mark. Anyway - you’ve got this far doing things a certain way... don’t feel you need to change that unless you actually want to. (Ps - more fireside videos please!)

[@davem62290]

Thanks for the years of honest reviews! I truly have learned to enjoy quality spirits and spend wisely.

[@rokooooo5344]

Ralfy, I love your videos! Thank you for another fine year of marvelous magnificent malt reviews.

[@zacsmith7522]

I would not still be exploring the world of whisky if it wasn't for you Ralfy! Great wisdom as always.

[@Trevo1]

Thank you Ralfy for another year of informative and entertaining reviews!

[@thewhiskycouch7886]

Thanks Ralfy, just yesterday I ordered a Glencadam 21 to expand our range, can't wait to try it. All the best for 2018!

[@AndyCigars]

Cheers to another great year of malty advice, life guidance and honesty from *Ralfy*! Thanks for doing it like you want, keeping it positive, constructive and convivial. You are a true gem, my friend. Happy 2018 to ya!

[@bobair2]

Wow,Ralph you make such good sense as does your brother! Happy new year to you and Clive-thanks guys!!!!

[@CallMeJunior]

Thanks Ralfy for another year of great reviews and commentary.

[@gman5986]

Wonderful expressive tasting that only you Ralfy can deliver!.....Thank you

[@Donc-hs4cd]

This is my Very First Ralfy Review Awesome Thank Whiskey Vault for suggesting Ralfy

[@luisp8999]

This is one of the best (if not the best) KZbin channels. Even if you don't drink a drop of whisky!

[@Captain_Lockheed]

Merry Christmas ralfy, always enjoy your videos. Entertaining and informative. Long may you continue. Slainte!

[@jdgermdog]

Dont give into the hate Ralfy, I saw your videos. They inspired me to try single malts and I truly enjoy them. Keep it up and cheers to the New Year.

[@SchrieberChris]

A quiet dram will do us very well. Time to reflect. Time to enjoy time with ourselves and others around us. Thanks for the excellent advice sir.

[@russellstauffer2994]

Thank you, Ralfy for your channel. I've learned a great deal, and no longer "swig" my whiskey, but hunt for the flavor notes in a dram like you do.The conclusions you reach about the declining quality of Scotch whiskey are true. The industry is giving in to money, and needs to get back to quality at a fair price. The maturity is important, but the results are always what tells the tale. We drink for flavor, and seek purity. Anyone who makes Scotch whiskey just for the profits isn't going to make good Scotch. It's an art, not a business. Can a robot make a good Scotch whiskey? I doubt it!

[@asherwerner]

Ralfy, I've been drinking some Mezcal recently and I think it's one of my new favourite spirits(alongside whisky and white rum). It's got a wonderful smokiness quite unlike peated whiskies and when I traveled to America it was quite well priced

[@trapperkcmo3460]

there should be 2 dates - distilled date and bottled date. thats the age statement i want to see. its about time! bless you, brother

[@chrisreneau5629]

Great review! Love your vlog! Looking forward to trying Glencadam if I can track it down. My personal favorite for the year has been Kilkerran 12yr. Excellent stuff! Look forward to your future reviews.

[@patrickogrady8933]

What a good, good man! He shares with us a valuable way to live! What a gift which can last a lifetime!

[@dimas2672]

Ralfy - I'm big fan for years - keep up ..and looking forward to more honest and uncompromising reviews

[@alemo01]

*100K ANY DAY!!* Thanks for the fantastic videos this year, Ralfy. I've learned a lot about whiskey, and other fine spirits, this year, from your videos. Cheers, From Australia.

[@votdal]

Ralfy it's so interesting to listen to you when you're going philosophic! Would like to see more of that. Maybe in separate videos sometimes?

[@baronofgreymatter14]

Congrats on 100k subscribers! from the whiskey Vault crew .....here's to you and many more years!

[@WikiPeoples]

Ralfy, I had a fascinating experience over the holiday with whisky. I brought my collection of Scotch to a gathering of friends and did a little blind taste test game. I selected 3 Scotch Whiskies that ranged from terrible to "nice" (reputation). Johnnie Walker Red Label, Glenlivet 12, and Macallan 12 Double Cask. ($22, $36, $55 respectively) Each whisky was given blind (friends didn't know what they were drinking)... and I asked them to rate the whiskies from "best" to "worst". The shocker? Johnnie Walker Red Label was rated #1. Glenlivet #2, and Macallan dead last! I took something from that experience... Whisky tasting isn't a hard and fast science. The industry makes blends, and chill filtered, colorant added whiskies because they need the "masses" purchase their whisky. They need people like my friends who don't drink Whisky every day to consider a bottle of Scotch next time they're at the liquor store... if that scotch is unapproachable, difficult, sharp, or as you might say "complex", it will very likely turn away a large group of buyers (albeit, novices). So while I commend your steadfast emphasis on single malt, non-chill filtered, non-colorant added Whisky... I'd like to see more consideration (and better marks!) given to those more "approachable" malts. They have their place in the world too, ya know!

[@astridr.1140]

Thank you again ralfy - have a great start into 2018 and please continue your wonderful vlogs!

[@excelsiortrading8050]

Ralfy I just wish to say happy holidays to you fellow malt bro! Thank you for years of excellent video reviews! I think I've been on board with you for bout 6 years or so now. And it's been a fantastic journey mate. I'm in Massachusetts USA and though I did a run o'time loving scotch and aged rums I find myself mostly investing in my local whisky straight bourbons, sorta my national heritage, I love the guarentee of every straight American whiskey, that 4 years is guarentee unless lesser is stated, but rarely is the case, and nothing added. I still fancy scotch, and all whisky, it really is the water of life in moderation as long as one doesn't drink too deep o' the well in one sitting lolol. I think my biggest fancy is exploring "bib"s our bottled in bonds which still go mostly under priced and unnoticed! Really fantastic and affordable whisky and if bib is on the label you can be sure of a treat and a whisky experience! Any way happy holidays brother and a happy New Year and I'll try to snag a bottle of your "2017" pick to watch the new year video with and enjoy along wit ya! I do value your system, nothing added, age statement right on the bottle etc etc.

[@philartonio202]

Bravo, you are truly a breath of fresh air. Honesty and forthrightness . Merry Christmas from Florida, USA.

[@HighlandSteam]

Hi. Just came over from BigClive (31/12/2017) and I do enjoy a nice malt. Happy new year.

[@wp2746]

Happy new year malt mates :) Thank you for the reviews and opinions Ralfy !

[@wp2746]

Finally got to taste a Glencadam 10yr, it was smooth and delicious!

[@grey1883]

Keeping it real as always. Thanks for another great year of great spirits, Ralfy!

[@gaaarp1]

Ralfy, so glad to hear you are sticking with the NAS boycott! The industry needs to hear this message. I am with you; I've stopped purchasing NAS whiskys, and try as much as possible to stay away from scotches with low ABV, colorant added, and/or chill filtration.

[@Dan_Coffeeman97]

Excellent video again Ralfy, despite the slight audio desync. I've only been interested and trying whiskies for a year and don't have much money to buy new bottles, but your videos have been a great help. I got the Cardhu 12 for christmas and have enjoyed two or so glasses of it so far. Recently I've been looking into cleaning whisky glasses, have you made a video regarding this topic or, if not, would you be interested in making such a video? Cheers again for the quality reviews! (The rum and absinthe ones included)

[@markahmadieh7003]

From minute 13:00 and on, words of gold were spoken

[@Samihakki1]

Hey ralfy, I'm with you all the way on the non age statement boycott and your strengthening, not undermining of scotch whisky's reputation. My thoughts on splitting the reviews up: I'm all for it as long as the second half is as long as possible, make that one for us folks who's favorite part of the review is that second half of extra information, fun facts, opinions and the rest of it. Happy new year!