I've visited Cadenhead in Campbeltown, Signatory Vintage in Pitlochry and the Gordon & MacPhail shop in Elgin. My collection almost only holds independently bottled whisky. I like the small batches / single casks at cask strength.
@undivided_unified3 жыл бұрын
Ralfy can breakdown and keeps up with all the relationships and partnerships between distilleries like a gossip columnist does for the royal family... the man is just in the know!
@kendallaugustine133 жыл бұрын
Sorry to be so off topic but does any of you know of a method to get back into an instagram account? I somehow forgot my login password. I love any assistance you can offer me.
@blazejason55513 жыл бұрын
@Kendall Augustine instablaster =)
@kendallaugustine133 жыл бұрын
@Blaze Jason i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
@kendallaugustine133 жыл бұрын
@Blaze Jason it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much, you really help me out !
@blazejason55513 жыл бұрын
@Kendall Augustine Happy to help :)
@AlReyn3 жыл бұрын
This is such an interesting topic Ralfy I never fail to learn something when I watch your videos. Thanks again for sharing.
@dominicfyfe23983 жыл бұрын
I recall it was Murray McDavid who famously bottled Laphroaig as Leapfrog. And at around that time had a Rosebank 8 in their range. All for sensible money...
@remaniac13 жыл бұрын
An early defining whisky experience for me was comparing Bowmore 12, with a Signatory Bowmore 12, with a Cadenhead Bowmore 12. The independent bottlings were as different to each other as they were superior to the official Bowmore.
@Funkyflykiwi Жыл бұрын
They were likely cask strength and non chill filtered. Unlike Bowmore 12 ..which is also coloured
@danandrews81023 жыл бұрын
Not so much an independent bottler, but I’ve found The Whiskey Exchange to often have some superb single cask selections bottled exclusively for them. I have a couple of bottles of a single cask 14yo Old Pulteney that was bottled for them, cask strength and aged only in Sherry casks. It’s honestly one of the best single malts I’ve ever tasted. I’m a big fan of Berry Bros and Rudd but I’m branching out into Cadenheads and Signatory. Independent bottlers are an exciting genre of whisky, it’s always like a surprise gift that you don’t know what your getting as opposed to core ranges from distilleries. You mentioned Bourbon too and I also snagged a single cask bottling of Corn Whiskey from Heaven Hill that was bottled by The Single Cask in Scotland. It’s 10yrs old and very, very good.
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . your right about retailer-indi-bottlings.
@willemkilian95633 жыл бұрын
Interesting and informative. That's why I love watching these great vlogs!
@simonridge66073 жыл бұрын
Really informative. We are lucky in Ayr to have Robbie’s Drams who know their product inside out. If I’ve learned anything, chat to your local retailer, they live whisky, take pride in their products and will hopefully give you their opinions and recommendations. Brilliant video as always.
@whsm55763 жыл бұрын
Hi Ralfy, I think you’ll find that Gordon & MacPhail, for one, don’t buy ‘casks’ from the distilleries. They supply their own casks which they have filled by the distillery. I think many others do the same. You probably meant that when you said the independent bottlers buy casks, but it was slightly confusing.
@stihlnz3 жыл бұрын
I had a 17 yr Laphroiag from Adelphi ... amazing. incredible and pricey, and I wish more than any dram I've purchased that I'd bought 2 more. The SMWS ( Single Malt Whiskey Society) has a good name for powerful drams but $$ again.
@ZZTX3 жыл бұрын
I find myself again lamenting the sale of David Stirk's Creative Whisky Company (Exclusive Malts/Regions). I work at an American liquor store where we did several tastings of CWC products, and there was hardly a weak release in their portfolio. I especially loved their Exclusive Regions line; high-quality 50% ABV scotch for $50, which is practically a steal in the world of single malt, let alone independently-bottled product. I have a few bottles of theirs I've been saving for special occasions, including a 26-year-old '87 Bunnahabhain. Cheers from the States!
@rohahouse3 жыл бұрын
I can say i still haven’t had a adelphi that let me down..... Also the whisky’s of ardnamurchan aren’t letting me down. Considering that it’s still young. It really has potential. Although i agree the Adelphi bottles are getting crazy prices....
@Ridabu9 ай бұрын
I agree, they are VERY good.
@AndyCigars3 жыл бұрын
My favourite independent bottle has been Edradour 10yo from Signatory...delicious sherried dram. Cheers!
@tdaveniii3 жыл бұрын
Which is funny, because the owner of Signatory owns Edradour. . .
@AndyCigars3 жыл бұрын
@@tdaveniii Yep. ;)
@hhuodod22093 жыл бұрын
Im glad its someone elses favourite as well x
@barrylilley10083 жыл бұрын
Agree with many comments below. Always interesting Ralfy. Thank you. Enjoy your videos 👍
@chadg39853 жыл бұрын
Hey Ralfy, loved the video! I have always been tempted to buy an independent bottling but never have because they are quite a bit more expensive here in Canada.
@jeffsparks68813 жыл бұрын
Several years ago, was able to buy an IB of 10yo Laphroaig. Better quality, non chill filtered, and no coloring added as compared to the official bottling. All for only a few dollars more. I really miss it.
@TheWhiskyExplorer3 жыл бұрын
Ralfy! I just bought my Mother-in-Law that same Dalek! Cheers 🥃👊🏻
@rogercarr6053 жыл бұрын
I agree with Dan Andrews comment, I have had a couple of exclusives from The Whisky Exchange, a Glenfarclas 2007 Marriage of Casks at cask strength a real sherry bomb and a Signatory sherry cask bottling of Deanston 11yo at a cask strength of 66.6% yummy stuff. I find Signatory bottlings very consistent. Good stock at Edradour distillery shop if anyone goes.
@MarcelB743 жыл бұрын
This month i have 4 online zoom tastings, so in total i will taste 24 malts.. i do those tastings a lot, the organizers are liquor stores, sometimes specialized in whisky, so they do know what they should sample, the best zoom tastings are presented by the importer, (i live in holland and have great acces to independent bottelers) Sometimes the malts are below distillery quality, usually above distillery quality, but i only buy those bottles that really have that ‘wow’ factor.. Adelphi, maltman, ad rattray, carn mor are great bottelers...
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . 'zoomers' are a big deal at the moment, and whisky is very grateful to this technology !
@dannyhebenton93263 жыл бұрын
Oh brilliant, I didn't realise we got the extras early as a patron. Excellent stuff. Just saying.
@gerwinpot42303 жыл бұрын
2 weeks ago i had an online tasting from Adelphi that was presented by Graeme Mackay and Connel Mackenzie. 5 samples of Adelpi and the 6th was An Ardnamurchan (which they pronounced as Adnamurkan). I could taste the fantastic quality! The sample of Ardnamurchan itself was alsof great! They also told they like to produce a rum under the name of Adelphi! Doe me one of the best independent bottlers.
@gerwinpot42303 жыл бұрын
Doe=for
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . Promising things from Ardnamurchan !
@scottyblog3 жыл бұрын
I do appreciate though that most independent bottlers provide cask strength versions of scotch. That alone already has potential for great value.
@finallydone86403 жыл бұрын
Have personaly found the old particular range is good but some of the single grains have a harshness to them that just does not suit my pallette.The glenburghie always seem great though,in my opinion
@phillipsfit3 жыл бұрын
I just bought the FDL Talisker 10. Haven’t tried it yet but looking forward to it. Have you tried it?
@finallydone86403 жыл бұрын
@@phillipsfit Sorry can't say I've tried that one
@whiskycentral3 жыл бұрын
It was Mcmurray David, Mark Reynier for the Leapfrog bottle. :)
@TomNyon3 жыл бұрын
Mossburn also own thorabaig in skye.
@weichen72613 жыл бұрын
too bloody hard for us average whisky lovers to get “all” the information... conclusion: stay away from IB if don’t know, follow Ralfy!
@sundowner62james693 жыл бұрын
As usual , great advice ! Thanks Ralfy .
@jiajia72043 жыл бұрын
Ralfy , do you think that distillers are just clearing casks that do not fit into the blending of their range they are producing. Rather than trying to fit it in , these “different” or “unique” cask/s are sold off to wholesalers and IBs. This explains the hits and misses of IBs . It’s just business all the way down the line. It is what it is.
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . yes, that's one good reason.
@steeno19852 жыл бұрын
Really interesting as always Ralfy. Any opinion on Infrequent Flyers as a relatively new independent bottler? Would be great to see a review.
@namtaffy1013 жыл бұрын
Cask Strength Finlaggan on Amazon for £34 with sub & save malt mates 😉
@sawyerfamcincy53103 жыл бұрын
Are the "Spots" Green/Yellow/Red/Blue, Irish whiskey's a similar example being sold by Mitchell & Sons but produced by Middleton???
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . yes, thats the one.
@ianhenderson30783 жыл бұрын
I started munching a handful of macadamia nuts just before starting this video!
@lanalex48263 жыл бұрын
So sad that Cadenheads discontinued the Small Batch range. That is not to say 46 ABV NCA UCF is bad whisky (I've actually had a sample of a 46ABV bottling and it was good), but losing a reliable IB range that bottled at cask strength hurts so much...
@rafaelricci88813 жыл бұрын
Hi Ralfy, in 2020 I bought a gordon&mcphail pulteney 2005..not opened yet..what should I expect?
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . I have no idea, check out whiskybase for reviews.
@egg54743 жыл бұрын
Would you have any reccomendations comparable to old pulteney 12yr, or would you say that the 21yr is worth the premium?
@purumr3 жыл бұрын
Try isle of arran, 10 years old
@whiskyflu3 жыл бұрын
Chorlton whisky has been releasing consistently good whiskies. Great quality and affordable.
@socomplex29943 жыл бұрын
Thompson’s Bro’s Too.
@whiskyflu3 жыл бұрын
@@socomplex2994 Yes but most of them are out of my budget
@socomplex29943 жыл бұрын
@@whiskyflu What About Carn Mor Strictly Limited?
@socomplex29943 жыл бұрын
I Don’t Know How He Didn’t Mention Compass Box.
@whiskyflu3 жыл бұрын
@@socomplex2994 They are good. But have been around for a while. I was referring to Chorlton amongst newer IB.
@addalittlebam3 жыл бұрын
Did Ralfy talk about the removal of the tariffs? I would like to know what he thinks how it is going to effect the industry.
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . things will just bounce along as normal, until the next tariffs.
@addalittlebam3 жыл бұрын
@@thewhiskybothy there was a bit of buzz, figuratively of course, here in the states about the tariffs and how it will affect the market. Im guessing u mean we are not out of the woods for finding a new lower cost for the consumer?
@ainstolkiner20633 жыл бұрын
Nice hanging out with you, friend
@blowfly30003 жыл бұрын
@Ralydotcom, have you had an opportunity to try Speyburn Arranta 46% or Speyburn 15yr 46%?
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . on the List !
@keithl77003 жыл бұрын
16:42 If anyone ever asks you why you should trust Ralfy
@SotoDolo3 жыл бұрын
What should be my 3rd bottle?!
@DonnerPassWhisky3 жыл бұрын
Also Signatory that owns Edraour too
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . correct, forgot to mention them.
@11thstalley963 жыл бұрын
How about Hunter Laing and Ardnahoe?
@geerakkers20603 жыл бұрын
Sometimes they put Whitlaw on the label for Highland Park.
@JPC3263 жыл бұрын
Very interesting Ralfy :)
@Watchman9993 жыл бұрын
Case in point RE: bad independent bottling, Berry Bros & Rudd did a single cask 17 year Speyside (Cask Strength) for a local store near where I live and it has to be the most disgusting thing I have EVER tasted. I enjoy sherried cask strength whiskies but I couldn't get away from the rotting wood, the fetid foul dead flesh reak (and taste) and the overall terrible experience I had from nosing to finish. It has impacted my enjoyment of heavily sherried whiskies and right or wrong I never want to drink a BBR product again. I paid a lot of money for the bottle and I can't conscience giving it away for free to anybody I know. Too bad, so sad.
@evanhayes58913 жыл бұрын
So independent bottlers don't use their own casks to age the new make spirit?
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . not always.
@evanhayes58913 жыл бұрын
@@thewhiskybothy Judging by what you said, it appears all they seem to do is buy full casks out of the distillery's warehouse.
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
@@evanhayes5891 . . . initially, but some will change casks if required for quality.
@evanhayes58913 жыл бұрын
@@thewhiskybothy I appreciate the insight, Ralfy, and encourage you to try the First Editions Tobermory 18 if you can find it!
@wessbest3 жыл бұрын
Ralphy....i see a thermometer in the background, so what is the temperature in the " Bofeh"...? Should have said "Ralfy".
@lordprefab55343 жыл бұрын
Should have said Bothy
@timhill47623 жыл бұрын
I am a relatively new subscriber so my sincere apologies if the subject has been covered already as I'm sure it has but how do you personally ensure that your palate is untainted prior to tasting?
@britishcuisineasmr40453 жыл бұрын
I don't eat for hours before and don't drink coffee after breakfast
@erikje73523 жыл бұрын
i used to be a big bowmore/macallen fan 50% of the about 10 bottles a year of whisky i got was of those 2 brands but then came the marketing asshole and re-branding this misery started about 16/17/18 years ago with both going for a big part with non age stated botteling and moronic price hikes so i stopped buying both of them them 15 years ago after a hand full of disappointments and moved on
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . a shared experience !
@vetiwearerdaimyo15923 жыл бұрын
How do I leave malt mention?
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . just mention it.
@vetiwearerdaimyo15923 жыл бұрын
@@thewhiskybothy Thanks
@SotoDolo3 жыл бұрын
I have bottles of DAFTMILL and Yamazaki. I think I spoiled my palette.
@cameronshine34653 жыл бұрын
could you please put back the sailing yacht with couple of small bottles of whiskey
@frankg20033 жыл бұрын
Hello you Malty Mississauga Marauders!
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . now on the M-mention list, thanks.
@ironmantran3 жыл бұрын
Sadly, indies never quite return to Ontario, Canada. A few bots here and there, at 200-300UKP, but that is it ! I have a tiny collection of Blackkader, James MacArthur, Provenance (D. Laing), Signatory to ration 1 per year ! They are VERY rare, so rare they MUST be good ! ! !
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . thats the theory. I think the lack of Indi botlers is a lot to do with local taxes.
@stingrae7893 жыл бұрын
I think it's hit and miss I've had a pour from a fantastic old malt cask (hunter laing) but a weak sample from a Clan Denny Caol Ila. Obviously some IBs have more reputation than others, Adelphi being one for instance. It's a great avenue for exploring whisky though. I had a taste of two IB bourbon cask Aberlours and surprisingly the younger was head and shoulders better (different IBs). So you learn some of how cask management or lack of and quality of casks affects whisky.
@paulm24673 жыл бұрын
I’ve had good results with Signatory (Springbank 69 and the best Caol ila I’ve ever had from 1975) and rare malts in the dark blue box (Brora and Port Ellen) back in the early 2,000s when the prices weren’t stupid.
@cameronshine34653 жыл бұрын
oh I'm sorry ralfy yes i see it there now :)
@andrewblatherwick87583 жыл бұрын
I can remember an indie bottling of Talisker but they weren't allowed to use the name. They used the term Isle of Skye to describe it.
@kirkwagner4613 жыл бұрын
Malt Mention out of memory? ReMarkable!
@cristianatala1013 жыл бұрын
Hello malty madrigals mornings
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . Now on the M-mention List, thanks !
@rob29313 жыл бұрын
U.S tariffs lifted. How will that help the industry?
@michaelansell25313 жыл бұрын
I would love to the the answer to your question too
@jeffsparks68813 жыл бұрын
Quite frankly, I never saw an increase in price in my area of the USA.
@manuelnaranjo32553 жыл бұрын
My guess: price keeps up, money for the retailer
@ian4363 жыл бұрын
Ralfy, they should have changed the name of that Linkwood to Keyser Soze, because after you reviewed it, whoosh it’s gone ! The next one will probably be called hens teeth. It would be interesting if you gave a terrible whisky a high score and see how it sold on the back of one of your reviews.
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
. . . that would be cynical.
@ian4363 жыл бұрын
I know you would never give us a bum steer, but the more cynical reviewers could turn a bad whisky into an instant hit before the unfortunate buyer had even tasted it.
@thewhiskybothy3 жыл бұрын
@@ian436 . . . and in doing so, destroy all their credibility. This is what happens when people accept samples in exchange for good reviews.