ralfy review 1059 Extras - Building your 'experienced' STASH.

[@TheSurgeHunter]

My stash is getting more and more interesting and tuned to my preferences, mostly IB's and Cask Strength stuff. I've owned more than I need for a while but building that stash is such a fun hobby.

[@CaptainWilloughby777]

MERRY CHRISTMAS, RALFY! I am pulling a bottle of Edradour Caledonia out of the stash for the wife and I to enjoy this Christmas Eve. And I want to wish a very Merry Christmas to all the malt mates from the Emerald Coast of Florida.

[@peterfinucane8122]

Play a recording of the song while tasting Caledonia.

[@DJMJRyder]

Excellent dram for Christmas!

[@rami26s1]

My stash strategy changed over the year from having a representation of a variety of whiskies to simply having whiskies I’m excited about. About 50 bottles of quality bottlings.

[@riancreamer6904]

A stash is great for many reasons: I have back ups of bottles I like. Smug mode - on! One may, relatively quickly, develop enough of one to ensure they need never buy another bottle. As prices hike, this is a great position to be in. I buy when, and what I know I'll like, and at a price that's, agreeable. It's on my terms. Last, the value of my stash is likely to only increase. Sure, I want to drink them, but the reality is that I simply won't be able to, especially as I continue to buy more. As the man here has said before, whisky in the hand is better than money in a bank! The option to trade or resell is a nice place to be at. I just pray I don't have a fire 😄 🎇💥

[@nutyyyy]

Ended up with three bottles of Signatory Macallan this christmas. One bottle has been opened and it's a stunner so i'll be keeping the other two for future drinking. The bottle is 13 years old, cask strength and was only £45 from Royal Mile Whiskies here in Edinburgh

[@robfut9954]

Merry Christmas, Ralfy and malt mates! Thanks for the conversation all these years…

[@jamescostigan3721]

Stashing through the snow With my favorite integrity malts Oh now nice to slowly sip These drams with so few faults Slàinte Mhath, Slàinte Mhath, Slàinte Mhath all the way Merry Christmas to you, Ralfy, and a Happy Hogmanay

[@kaiserhog]

Merry Christmas 🎅 Ralfy and Malt Mates!

[@alexanderphillips6179]

I'd say most of Springbank which goes to retail in the UK is sold 'privately'. Relatively large retailers put them on their sites listed as 'sold out' yet next time there's an auction douens appear.

[@greigmartin4339]

Been buying a lot of 18+ year olds in the past couple of years for my stash as it was assumed I wouldn’t be able to afford them in future. I am now seeing that there’s a lot of these now selling for well below RRP at auction. The long awaited bursting of the bubble seems to be underway.

[@michaelgonzalez347]

My stash is small due to the fact that I do like to open and try the bottles I do buy. Some bottles I buy and put aside until have quality alone time to open, taste and enjoy quietly with no distractions. The good part is those quiet times are hard to come by and the whiskey doesn't get open which eventually becomes a stash. I know prices are going to be higher in 2025 and harder to get in the US without the shipping and tariff fees, therefore my buying will be extremely limited and decrease greatly. The good thing is that I have plenty to enjoy now. The FOMO is indeed there for me at times. Some bottles you see that come out or are already out there are real good quality bottles at reasonable prices. The fear is not missing out on the bottle, for me it's the missing out at the low price now before the prices increase or double.

[@stuartmiller9648]

Very informative video..thanks for sharing this.....i hope to add more quality to my stash...so far have Octomore,Kilkerran,Lochlea,Longrow,Ardbeg,Port Charlotte etc....love the Islay malts.....hope to pick up a Campbeltown Loch next..cheers!!!

[@johng4991]

All you say is correct. Can you remember queen margot 8yr old whisky from lidl's ? Lovely stuff I knew it would not last so had the good sense to get s dozen bottles and put in my stash.

[@everwind5691]

Ralfy, I don't have a big whisky budget, but if I find a whisky I really connect with I will buy a bunker version because what I have learned is that Whisky expressions come and go, and replacing a whisky you really love can be hard. You introduced me to Old Pultney 17. Boy am I glad a have a bunker with one of those in it. I rely on WhiskyTube for the special edition stuff. Buy before try is just not an option where I live so whisky reviews of the special editions are very helpful in preventing buyer's remorse. Happy Holidays!

[@ttcheeser]

Ralfy dropping knowledge on Christmas Morning! I have been "bunkering" bottles and buying backups for years.Thanks Ralfy, enjoy the Holidays!

[@KevinOhlin]

Every bottle in the stash is open because every bottle is for drinking and sharing.

[@afkafk129]

Liar.

[@graham2954]

@@afkafk129 calm down child.

[@jacquesshiet5643]

😂​@@afkafk129

[@WhooshFlyingHorse444]

Wise words my friend. Good, honest, accurate advice & commentary based on knowledgable experience. Thank you.

[@chentim1751]

Merry Christmas Ralfy and all mates!!

[@michaelwood3203]

The important thing about buying or stashing whisky is that it is something you will eventually enjoy. Buying to sell it for a profit may seem clever but why whisky if all you want to do is become a commodity trader?

[@germantarapow9112]

Nailed it. Those people should make their businesses elsewhere

[@pl3317]

Nothing wrong with combining business with your hobby. I've often managed to afford a bottle by selling another.

[@michaelwood3203]

I do agree that if you are a whisky enthusiast then it there is nothing wrong with trading.

[@sundowner62james69]

Brilliant Extra ! Thanks Ralfy . All the best for 2025.

[@WBO-lp3cp]

Got a small stash, I buy what I like or what I want to compare. Got some blends from the '80s and 90's, got some interesting single malts and stuff I still need to try. Any stash is a good stash. A year's worth of sipping.

[@marcwhiskey]

Ive done a good job resisting fomo as i gained experience. Better judge of true value on certain things. Or knowing if I'll truly like it, before i buy. It's helping keep the collection in check a bit while still enjoying what I've got and not worrying if I dont have a certain bottle. I'll wait til I see it at a price I like.

[@jamesbroadfoot5269]

Ralfy - perhaps you can make a video of the 'perfect' 12 bottle stash? Taking into consideration quality, affordability, rarity (future rarity - AKA buy now!). You could do 3 entry level, 3 mid, 3 high, 3 top tier scotches... just a thought. Happy New Year!

[@dariopatricelli]

Speaking of marketing... I'd like to have your opinion on Glenglassaugh Sandend, voted best whisky by Whisky Advocate last year. I've bought it on amazon for 50 euro which i think it's a good price, but still didnt opened. Your extras are super!

[@TheSurgeHunter]

I know you didnt ask my opinion, but I personally really like it, Gwhisky also has it as his whisky of 2024 which was a surprise to me. I'd say you bought a good one!

[@dariopatricelli]

@TheSurgeHunter every opinion is welcome! Thanks maybe i'll open It tonight. Let' s hope Ralfy will however review it!

[@jackthepickledhound]

Even a corporate multinational can produce an integrity bottling. I have a bottle of Torfa in my stash. Before I bought the Sandend for $74 USD I really abaorbed the reviews of all the new core range. I didn't want to buy all three like I did with the Meikle Tor. I expect I'll have no regrets with the Sandend.

[@robfut9954]

I’m starting to be priced out of the scotch market, honestly. I refuse to pay $60-$80 for a 12 year old scotch that used to be $49 four years ago. It’s unacceptable. I’m beginning to buy less scotch and put more of my money into buying quality rums.

[@stevelandwonder4760]

Speaking truth to power as always. Keep on rocking in 2025 Ralfy..

[@Mylatestdram]

Happy Christmas to all your Maltmates! I spoil myself a little bit with reasures from my stash, before all the fuzz with the family is gonna happen and my tastebuds are overstimulated with fatty meats and sweets.

[@Soldano999]

Last year i stocked up around 60 bottle. Chasing whisky has become a hobby in itself. I'm a collector so that's natural for me/

[@jackthepickledhound]

My stash and my collection is my pride and joy. I'm sure I'll never drink all the whisky I own with no regrets. I have very little e150 and very few chill filtered bottles. Yet I'm still confused as to why they don't respect me enough to state it on the label. For my budget and sanity i have to limit myself to single malts that i actually come across in my travels. Even though I have been known to go on whisky hunting drives with no other purpose. I'm a little nervous now that ASM is a thing. Its been easy to tame the bourbon and rye OCD but if i start seeing some better quality domestic single malts i might have to go explore there as well

[@SaltyCuban]

FOMO is definitely the biggest issue for most whisky aficionados. Sometimes there ARE excellent bottles that we simply will miss out on due to a variety of reasons. My latest was the Benromach CS 2012-2014. Pretty much not available. More will come along. Also the Bunnahabhain 21 CS. Very pricey. Another one that comes to mind that more appropriately fits the bill is Roseisle first edition. I can still buy it here in Florida but it goes for $170. Maybe It’s a good price. It has some good reviews here and there. It’s 12 yrs CS. Collectible I suppose for whoever cares. But it’s not a must have whisky. There are always gems abound for far less money. The trick is being informed to act on them. Lastly, don’t fret. If you miss out on a genuinely good offering. There will be others. You just have to keep informed and be ready to buy if the price is right for you.

[@johng5710]

I don't know how people can buy a special bottle and then just "sit on it" for a year or more, unless you intend on reselling it for a profit or they are backup bottles. I pretty much open new bottles immediately because I'm too excited to try them.

[@thomasmichael6509]

I think part of it is if it’s a super special bottle that you’ll probably never be able to find again (without paying secondary), you wanna make sure you save it for the right occasion. You can always open a sealed bottle. You can never reseal it again.

[@martingrafton4844]

Exactly the same here.

[@peatbull3426]

​​@@thomasmichael6509life is too short to wait for special occasion which mostly never come. Thats the problem. Make every single day a special occasion and drink good stuff. We dont need any guard whisky its BS

[@triktrak_1451]

Yeah, my every bottle is open-- except for the backups. And I'm focused on deepening my backup stash right now. There's so many beautiful, available drams which are jumping in price as we speak.

[@anthonysillett6678]

Gone crazy at my beginning, bought nearly 300 bottles now, but now mmmmmmmmmm now different !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@peterdawson9408]

Merry Christmas Ralfy 🥃

[@John_Krone]

Wise words. Thank you

[@killerbites3963]

Yeah your right Ralfy I once had a bottle of Arbelour 14 and payed £55 and it was utter rubbish so much a gave the bottle away to a less experienced whisky fan

[@JeremyLoncar]

Merry Christmas Ralfy! My stash is a bit limited but I’m sure when you make it back across the pond, I can find something that would work for you!

[@janhemony8630]

Thank you Ralfy for your video's and all the best for 2025 ! Greetings from Amsterdam from a true listener

[@miserablerhurensohn]

We have a state run liquor system and in one way, that has limitations but on the other hand, The prices are held throughout the state and they don't play games with popularity or demand. When I find something new, I do my research on it and if I'm convinced to buy one and if it IS good, I immediately get more that most likely came from the same case. That goes in the stash and now, I just hope I live long enough into retirement to drink them all. I know first hand, everything in there will be enjoyed immensely. The stash currently sits at 226 unopened bottles. Good thing I live alone. That takes up some space.

[@mark5ization]

You can't be too miserable with that many bottles! 😋😁

[@miserablerhurensohn]

@@mark5ization I'm definitely not miserable. Frank Zappa translated that into English as Ugly-Son-Of-A-Bitch. All the good Zappa references were taken when I came up with that youtube handle.

[@peatbull3426]

Its impresive but if drink 1 bottle a month you need 20 years to get empty all of them. Its simply to much. If you drink more than that or drink every day you meet seroius health problems, believe me. And being under preasure to drink off all your bottles you simply increase your drinking increase risk to stay healthy. Remember, its alkohol, ethanol, poison. Enjoy your whisky and stay safe anyway 🥂

[@steventhompson9319]

Just come across this channel and love it. I'm a whisky dabbler looking develop my palette and knowledge, and this channel is ideal. Thanks, Ralphy. Any recommendations on Whisky podcasts?

[@afkafk129]

I don’t care if a shop sells allocated bottles for market price. Msrp is a suggestion and often the cost is not great compared to it.

[@MancunianStacker]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Ralffy!!! 😊

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

Well the current model seems to be working for the industry. That is not going to change. The informed few seem to be in the minority.

[@chickneasarthur39]

Ralfy- why does my scotch get bitter when I add water. Even just a few drops will make it bitter and more water makes it worse. Ive tried all kinds of water , even distilled. Some scotches do not exhibit this effect. Some of the sherry based do not. For example Bunnahabhain or tamdhu cask. Also seems to be only bottles opened for a while. Not freshly opened, Can you comment on whats happening and how to prevent? Or , am I just losing my taste for scotch after 40 years of enjoyment?

[@thomasrogers3008]

I've had a similar problem before, added water and it tasted acidic, lactic, really disgusting. I since have been more specific with the amount of water I add, and only add filtered/softened water and the problem seems to have stopped.

[@chickneasarthur39]

@@thomasrogers3008 Thanks for the info. I have a calculated spread sheet on how much water to add per ounce for 40 % based on botle strength and are using a mm syringe. taste is a bitterness on swollowing. water added gradually.

[@stanleymoore8084]

Hi ralfy what are your options on wolf burn whisky ?…????

[@myevokebab]

I'm guilty of FOMO I admit

[@johnzajac9849]

Nollaig Chridheil!

[@DanteRising]

This is exactly what is happening with vinyl records these days. Too many LTD editions

[@thomasrogers3008]

I bought Port Charlotte 10 on the recommendation of a plethora of youtubers, and was very disappointed with it. Tasted like new make rubber, and sherbert. Didn't get any of the gorgeous sounding flavours the KZbinrs described. Not sure if I have a bad batch but it doesn't taste good, whereas other bottles I've purchased like Ledaig 10, Sanaig, Glenfarclas 15, etc have all been absolutely banging. Anyone else had a bad experience with PC10?

[@MilesOnTheCorner]

Are you sure it wasn’t a ‘neck pour’? I’ve had a bottle, and I’ve now got a second as it was so good.

[@WBO-lp3cp]

Had this with the TB/BSW 6, after it was 3 quarters full and had some oxidation it really showed it's colors, first drams were very underwhelming.

[@alyamaut]

Amigo Ralfy, first of all I want to thank you for all the information provided every single time,and wishing you a lot of health, and all the best in 2025🍷🎉🤘

[@jaymciver9591]

I buy whisky to enjoy it for what it is. Even whisky samples I keep for years and go back to later are equally enjoyed... BUT.... if there are people that want to buy-hoard-keep-sell for a profit.. Let them. Who cares. We can't experience all of them.. And if some get away from us, or distilleries get out of reach (Springbank), so be it. There is ALWAYS another one to be enjoyed. There is no such thing as a "must have whisky".

[@phillipcollins1103]

I maybe am an ignoramus but I fail to understand the attraction to peated whisky..I have tried many varied peat levels and all I taste is smoke smoke and more smoke with no other taste that tasting notes might mention ..is there a trick I am missing? Is the smoke supposed to cover up all other taste? Maybe there could be a video..is it one of those marmite things? Love or hate

[@jackthepickledhound]

Yes, it's certainly divisive. Personally, I had to make a conscious commitment to explore sherry. I had enjoyed the basics like Arran 10, Craigellachie 13, and ventured down domestic bourbon and rye. Then I came across A'bunadh at a good price and then I went looking for Balvenie 15 at any price and then....Ralfy mentioned a "sherry overcoat" so I was a bit leary of bullshit finishes hiding the malt. I think I have some good ones. So now I can carefully choose how much Sherry is going to be in my stash. Peat on the other hand is only a path in the journey once I became peat blind. I loved Ledaig and Arbeg but there was a moment when a dram of Laphroaig 10 CS simply smells like candy sweetness from the bourbon barrel and not the iodine hospital. I suppose it takes a lot of exposure to peat but our senses can breakthrough the smoke and differentiate the malt. Sometimes the smoke is only evident the next morning when the whisky is dried up in the glass.

[@richardgenerazio5280]

Thank you Merry Christmas

[@miserablerhurensohn]

The 1st two bottles of single malt I ever bought were Glenlivet 18 and Highland Park 12. I opened the Glenlivet and enjoyed that then I opened the HP12 and even though it is a mild peated whisky, It shocked my system. I poured it into a mug and filled it with ice and worked my way through it. Here at 13 years later, I'm drinking all kinds of heavy peated whiskies. Not a big fan of unpeated that presents as sweet but I do enjoy a dry bitter unpeated style. For me, whiskies that don't taste like food make me feel connected to the natural world around me in ways that food can not.

[@peatbull3426]

​@@jackthepickledhoundoh i love the peat smell another morning when i take my glencairn to wash it.

[@DemarcoNaomi]

Thanks for sharing such valuable information! Could you help me with something unrelated: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). What's the best way to send them to Binance?

[@Lexohmat]

Hello, viewer from Germany here. Would you mind turning off the "Auto Dubbing" Feature? KZbin is replacing your lovely Voice with a bad AI-Translation on default - and it is so painful to listen to. If you didn't activate it on purpose, please consider deactivating it.

[@Danevv]

True, true, and true. All truth

[@1stMemberEver]

If I only could save good whiskies, but no...

[@thomasrogers3008]

Does PC10 have a neck? 😆

[@peatbull3426]

Just sholders 😅

[@DominikK45]

Every time Ralfy says he keeps the good content for his paying pals away from the low tier viewers like me, I give him a thumbs down. Power to the plebs😂👋

[@peatbull3426]

​@@decollector95👏👏👏🥂

[@telltale7266]

Dear Ralfy lashing out at the Arts is not up to your usual standard! Without art no connaisseur and without connaisseur no whisky...

[@thomasrogers3008]

I don't think Ralfy is an artist. I might be wrong, but do you get my point? Plenty of connaisseurs without art (coming from a former artist).

[@peatbull3426]

Modern art of being Ranty is welcome 🤷‍♂️

[@Shane4Bass]

Reddit?

[@matts9102]

@thewhiskybothy I think the difference is the big producers market in a broadcasting style. Small producers have a two-way conversation with people.

[@RichardHowells1234]

Chandi10 plan ABCDE