more rum reviews 2016 - Sang Som + Foursquare Port + Appleton 21yo

[@SaftoRangen]

I love this format. It's so refreshing to see good quality content that entertains without any elaborate editing like on-screen text or an intro/outro clip. Not even any visible cuts. Amazing.

[@francisd2386]

Ah! Finally, a good review of Appleton 21.

[@baka3489]

Tried Appleton Estate 21 and is the best rum I had tasted so far. Learned a lot from your video. Keep doing the great work, this world needs more of it.

[@John-iq4cj]

Appleton Estate 21 year old is incredible! There’s aspects about it that remind me of a good Glenfarclas single malt. I’m gonna buy another couple of bottles 👌🏻

[@Temperdgrump]

I bought the 4square and I'm not disappointed. It has the vibrancy of a young white rum, where you can still smell a pure cane alcohol nip but, once it settles down, the port is on point. Easily drinkable, good kick, and a nice complexity. I enjoy it more than some older 12yr rums. I agree with your review, it's busy and not your generic sweet rum.

[@WhiskyWhistle]

I received a bottle of Sang Som as a gift not long ago - very palatable! Excited you're reviewing it, Ralfy. I also received a bottle of Hong Thong which is rather unusual, to be kind. I don't even know what to call that one!

[@lawrencearon4135]

93/100. Now that's a Ralfy Review you don't see very often...for any spirit. I'll be buying a bottle of Appleton's 21 (have to special order it from the state-run stores here in Pennsylvania). They're asking $118 (USD). Well worth the price of admission for curiosity's sake alone.

[@jporiordan9120]

Congrats on smashing past 70,000 suscribers Ralfy. Not hard to see why. Fun, informative and quirky reviews. Love them!!

[@ilikethingsfromjapan]

sang som is the business!!! helps when you drink it somewhere sunny

[@TheJusnic82]

I love appleton 21, I hate 99% of rums because they are too sweet for my liking but appleton has a great taste that isnt sweet

[@paulk8072]

Knowledgeable AND likeable, such a rare combination in a human. Much respect from Australia, God Bless.

[@10isdad]

I'm on my third bottle of Foursquare Port Cask rum. Love the stuff!!!

[@TheBritishLegions]

such a great review.. I love Foursquare that rum is one of my fave in recent times. However Admiral Rodney XO is still my top one. but it's expensive now..

[@kellydrover1994]

Thanks Ralfy for a great Rum reminiscence .......

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

On the subject of E150a Caramel colouring, I remember a Bruichladdich video from a few years ago where Jim McEwan says that adding E150a to single malt is the same as drinking whisky with Coca Cola.

[@johnhenfrey5936]

Thanks for the review Ralfy. A pleasure to watch as always, hopefully back to Whisky next week.

[@AlBowly]

What he does not mention is the price. Sangsom for the money is fantastic about 300 baht a bottle ,six pounds sterling. It is light and not too overpowering. Made in Thailand ,if you ever go there buy it, you will not regret it I can assure you.

[@davidryan5482]

Chris. Harfoot Are you joking? Sangsom is cheap gut rot - splitting headache nail polish remover.

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Ralfy, what is that black stuff on the wall? It looks like mould.

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Reb Mordechai . . . it is mould, the bothy is cold and damp, it's traditional.

[@thefatrumpirate9749]

+ralfystuff Thanks for the Magnificent Molasses Mention!

[@haycutales6951]

Hi Ralfy, I have a couple of questions/suggestions. I wonder if you would consider reviewing reviewing Asda's Islay Single Malt. This whisky is something I find myself quite preoccupied with at the moment because it seems to be something of an enigma: I find it to be quite complex but a difficult one to place. The peat seems too big to come from anything other than Laphroaig, yet the bonfire type notes are almost completely absent and it is the medicinal and unsmoked mossy notes which really come through. I think the chances are that it is a young Laphroaig which has been stored in casks which impart an oaky/vanilla flavour more quickly than Laphroaig's typical Maker's Mark casks. By any stretch, I would really be interested to hear your judgement on this whisky. On another note, I have two other requests for reviews. Would you consider reviewing the Laphraoig PX cask? I recently tried a dram in an airport and found it to be a really interesting expression of Laphroaig (possibly the best!) but I could not try it side-by-side with other Laphroaig's so I am uncertain of how to place it. To me, it seems that that it strikes the best balance of imparting flavours from the cask whilst maintaining the peat flavours. For example, the Quarter Cask is perhaps my favourite Laphroaig because of the added complexity over the 10. Yet there is a slight reservation, for me, with the Quarter Cask because it loses a little edge from the peat. Similarly the Triple Wood is a nice development upon the Quarter Cask yet loses too much peat. In contrast, the PX Cask seems to manage to marry both profiles nicely: if the big peat is what you want it's there, yet if you want to go a bit deeper there is plenty to explore. On another note, I suppose I wonder if you would consider rereviewing the Triple Wood. I acknowledge that it wasn't really up to standard a couple of years ago but having tried it recently I think this expression has changed slightly and it seems a lot better than it used to be.

[@jadebishop3849]

Sang Som . . . that drink has induced many a hangover from hell whilst on my travels - drank by the 'bucket' load;) ! Could not be drinking it neat though . . . shudders! Fair play for giving it a mention :)

[@elisei5667]

Gongrats for 70 k subscribers! Keep the good job rolling!

[@TheSoteriologist]

Hi Ralfy, the Sherry discussion has gone into the next round at "Sherry and Whisky IV" I uploaded a couple of days ago. Seems like we're both right, but two distillers answered so far and agreed with me. Cheers !

[@michaeltortorich2042]

Hey, Ralfy! The liquor specialist store in my area just received in stock Foursquare Rum 2004 Vintage Single Blended Rum aged in ex Bourbon Casks Barrel Proof (59% ABV). I'm hoping It might be a stunner. Also, can't wait to see the Bonneville Trophy atop your shelf! Sincere congratulations to you, malt mate. With thanks, -Michael (USA)

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . probably very good rum !

[@redechelon37]

Ralfy, you're the bomb. =] I love your whiskey reviews, possibly love your rum reviews even more. I'd peg you as someone who likes Foursquare rums... great rum, simple packaging, independent. a Doorly's 12 or similar review would be a treat! Sláinte

[@antiquariancrafts2454]

I've just made my first online whisky purchase after watching your videos on the subject. Bought a Connemara and a bottle of Appleton's 12 year old (couldn't afford the 21 year old).

[@StevenCalwas]

Fascinating and valuable information about the hydrometer tests. I gave up rum years ago because added sugar creates a dangerous health risk for me. Rum and spirit producers who add sugar without mentioning it on the label are criminally negligent, IMO.

[@thefatrumpirate9749]

+Steven Calwas It's not about Health Risks or Calories (though I accept that point). It is more about producers pretending the taste is due to ageing, great blending, out of this world techniques when in actual fact they just add sugar and other additives to make their otherwise unremarkable rum seem great.

[@StevenCalwas]

+thefatrumpirate Yes, it's good to shine a light on the marketing fluff. But exposing false marketing claims adds even more value when it prevents someone from drinking their non-labeled sugar-enhanced spirit and getting violently ill or possibly dying from it. I'm not exaggerating the health dangers for some people, myself included, of inadvertently ingesting sugar. So I thank you and others for exposing the marketing fluff and also possibly saving lives. A worthwhile and valuable service.

[@BorisLikesBeer13]

Hi Ralfy, i really enjoyed the Smith and Cross thank you for the recommendation! Is there any chance for a Brandy or even a Jenever review in the future, i really enjoy the malternative video's. Thank you for the content!

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Boris R . . . other spirit reviews will happen over time !

[@SpiceyMcHaggis1]

Ralfy, I was wondering if you ever scored a prefect 100 single malt scotch and what was the most expensive single malt you had the pleasure of tasting?

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Charles Manning . . . I doubt that will ever happen.

[@sehrajsinghvirk5273]

hello sir health experts say that 1.drinling neat is more dangetous(so does drinling water in a seperate tumbler before n after balance the harm?) 2.drinling empty stomach s harmful(so if after consuming 240ml if one takes healthy meal,is it fine?or eating simultaneously s necessary?BECAUSE WE ARE NPT USED TO DRINKING AFTER DINNER

[@sehrajsinghvirk5273]

drinking* ,dangerous*....we(indians)

[@sehrajsinghvirk5273]

+Sehraj Singh Virk and sir(ralfy) :))

[@LazerLockon]

Ralfy you said you like the thick, viscus rums. Have you had Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva? Amazing rum from Venezuela

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Grant Messmer . . . yes, some good stuff there !

[@Pansilinos]

Hello you ralfy malt master ! i've heard that JW green label is back to the markets nowadays ! yep ! how about to give it a lovely re review ? Cheers Your malt mentioner (Bader)

[@mirqo9657]

+. That would be fine while It is (still)avaliable..not for a long time I assume.

[@mymic208]

Hey Ralfy, you tried any of the compagnie des indes rums yet? Serge speaks very highly of them.

[@dane5896]

Ralfy, have you tried Ron Zacapa XO? A delicious solera aged batch of rums 6 to 25 years-old. Matured in the mountains of Guatemala, and it is finished in Cognac casks. Excellent!

[@Ivo--]

+Dan E And 26 gram per liter of added sugar. I'm not letting that ruin the enjoyment of a, in my opinion, excellent rum though. :)

[@viciouswolf1111]

Ralfy, I have 15 to 20 glasses of alcohol (small portions) a week. Am I at risk of alcoholism. I take 1-2 nights out a week as dry nights. My family (who go out and get wasted at the weekend, yet think that is acceptable) has started saying their concerned, personally I found it despicably hypocritical, but what would you say?

[@thewhiskybothy]

+viciouswolf1111 . . . thats about three a day, I would cut to half that for a few weeks and see how you get on !

[@viciouswolf1111]

***** Thanks, I'll give it a go. Thanks for responding aswell, certainly thought it was a long shot. :)

[@Daehawk]

I loved Appleton the best until I tried Pyrat. I also find Kraken nice. Never seen you review it. Too cheap?

[@anax4476]

want to get my hands on some foursquare!

[@sniffy6999999]

Enjoyable Ralphy. You Big Clive's brother.? Another interesting web site. Good on you both, stacks of good and often funny information..

[@MrDobberdude]

try the sangsom special rum

[@B_n_Y]

Ralfy, what do u make of Capovilla / Velier's - PMG Liberation Rhum Rhum?

[@walshd14]

Rum recommendation, ralfy: Ron de Barrelito, from Puerto Rico. Tough to source--I've only seen it in Puerto Rico itself and in some parts of the Eastern U.S.--but fantastic stuff, and family-owned to boot.

[@thewhiskybothy]

+David Walsh . . . I will look out for this one !

[@tibbhuti]

sangsom for LIFE ! !

[@tibbhuti]

great review nevertheless thank you ralfystuff

[@JoFreddieRevDr]

I like the standard Appleton Estate, a lot nicer than the native Bundaberg , but that is a very low bar, I can get the 21 yr old her, but is is over $200 in my local bottle shop.

[@jackwood8307]

Thanks Ralfy, brilliant as usual.

[@paddy8736]

Few things: as ever an awesome and insightful review Ralfy. Ralfy: have you tried the Signatory Cask Strength bottling of Bunnahabhain, Heavily Peated yet? Be keen to hear your thoughts! Everyone: Appleton 21 is currently going cheap(er) on amazon(.co.uk)... Does anyone have an opinion on older Signatory version of Jura?...

[@thewhiskybothy]

+George Ashdown . . . many indi-bottlings of Bunna-peat are excellent. Check Whiskybase for reviews

[@paddy8736]

+ralfystuff many thanks. Will do. Looking forward to trying the Appleton Estate 21 when it arrives!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . the AE21 is currently on offer at amazon.co.uk

[@paddy8736]

+ralfystuff yup. See my first post :)

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . . so that's where I saw it !!! oooops, forgot your first comment was about this malt-mate. The Santa Theresa 1796 is also a good 'un too !

[@pgprentice]

Give that bottle of Sang Som to Big Clod and have him run it through his holy water maker.

[@xixit]

I agree on the nose on the Foursquare rum, but not on the taste/finish. At least here in Denmark, the batches I've tried have been really weak, uninspiring, and, well, off-putting. The nose, however, is phenomenal! But as we should all know, tastes differ. :)

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

I really enjoyed the review even though I find rum far too sweet for my taste. I was very interested in your comments about identifying overuse of Caramel colouring. Please do a master class on the effects of E150a colouring so that we can recognise this abuse ourselves. What's the difference between different kinds of sweetness. Sweetness from the new spirit, sweetness from the wood cask, sweetness from the sherry/port/wine/rum and sweetness from the E150a! I mentioned to you in a comment a few weeks ago that I bought a bottle of Glen Scotia 15 and I was very dissapointed with it. It states matured in American Ex-Bourbon casks on the bottle yet has this overpowering sickly sweet sacherine toffee taste to it. Interesting that looking in Malt Whisky Year Book 2016, he states that it has been finnished in Ex-Sherry casks yet there is no mention of this on the bottle or Web site! Is the sickly sweetness from the E150a or sherry casks?

[@zuzusuperfly8363]

At LCBO, the V/X Appleton Estate and 8yo El Dorado are almost the same price. The former makes me feel ill but the latter is completely wonderful. Bizarre.

[@jonahlucky3375]

Why do thai's call it whisky?

[@gillrichy1987]

please do old monk rum 7 yrs 12 yrs or supreme

[@slaintemhath4939]

Hi Rafly How come you introduce a rum-reviews with a malt-mentions ? ;-) I'd like to suggest some rum-mentions for those malternative rum-rviews to come:roving rum rascals rebelling rum racoons P.S. Excellent review as always

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Slainte Mhath . . . your right, but my vlogs always start with a malt-mention, whatever I am reviewing.

[@neandrewthal]

Considering your negative comments about added sugar in rum I thought it was slightly strange that you gave the El Dorado 21 yo such a high mark. Do you think it`s possible that the 43% version you got in the UK has less sugar added than the very sweet 40% version we have in North America?

[@thewhiskybothy]

+neandrewthal . . . good point, but I have a fondness for sweet rums and always review 'as I find it' even when sugar syrup is added. With the 21yo I think the sugar may be added at the beginning of maturation. Many old bottles of liqueurs bought at auction are fantastic as the added sugar has mellowed so much introducing a certain characteristic quality. I think the same applies to older matured rums.

[@neandrewthal]

+ralfystuff Interesting, I never really considered that the sugar is added first. Its good that the sugar is aged with the rum but that means if they wanted to cut out the sugar it would take 21 years to check how it tastes without it!

[@thefatrumpirate9749]

It's a blend of rums with the minimum being 21 years old (according to DDL's marketing). It's unlikely it is sugared prior to ageing as they try and keep the taste consistent in commercial bottling such as this. It isn't blended with an age in mind but a taste. It is likely that this rum is only blended together around 6 months prior to bottling. Even so they would have to "tinker" with it just prior to bottling to keep consistency.

[@RichardT2112]

Funny, Appleton estate is considered mouthwash here in Canada ... At least that hold true for the "spiced" version.

[@ionz75]

Ralfy, have you had Fentiman's Cola yet? I find it way more flavorful than coca cola.

[@thewhiskybothy]

+ionz75 . . . yes, it's half-way to decent.

[@Ivo--]

Very enlightening review this.

[@samkitto010]

give the bundaberg solera a go. best rum in the world

[@SpiceyMcHaggis1]

Ok that's kinda sad to hear. I love your blog I have learned a lot from watching them.

[@kaiserhog]

In the US, the age statement has to state the age of the youngest spirit.

[@680817]

Hi Ralfy. You mention that the age statement is verifiable by the manufacturer's "note of certification" which we all tend to accept as being true. I am not saying that it is the case here but surely this " self produced certification" can be open to abuse whether in the rum or whisky industry . How do you and I actually know for sure that an age statement is authentic? Apart from their integrity, what stops a manufacturer from stating incorrect facts which cannot empirically be verified? Are warehouses ever audited?

[@thewhiskybothy]

+ANI* . . . A statement enclosed with presentation is a form of contract, but there is nothing to stop ANY spirits producer from disinformation, but if found out, deceit could be commercial disaster.

[@RadioLaboratory]

black mold can make ya sic...traditional or not

[@hinglemccringleberry5431]

Have you ever tried caroni? Amazing stuff IMHO.

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Hingle McCringleberry . . . got some in the archive cupboard !

[@hinglemccringleberry5431]

Really sad that the destillery is closed now. As a malt drinker, Caroni is one of the few rums that is not too sweet for my taste. Btw, that came to my mind yesterday: "Hello you malty murderous mobsters" :) Have nice day mate.

[@danleonard3600]

Ralfy, How about a few quality Irish recommendations with St. Patrick's Day coming soon. Age stated of course

[@johnstumbler1406]

Indeed.

[@alowishusdevadanderabercro8190]

It's all well and fine, but my day's not complete without a touch of the peat.. ;-)

[@PhilipRoussos]

Greetings! Have you ever tried Greek ouzo?

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Earl Grey . . . yes, very distinctive.

[@cadenrobl473]

hey ralphy i just started a rum distillery. would you like to try some

[@thewhiskybothy]

+guns, cars, and all around good times . . . thanks for the offer but I don't accept samples. Good luck with your mission, keep it quality.

[@cadenrobl473]

***** thanks for the reply. While at the moment it is technically moonshine i will never chemically treat my mollases or extract sugar from my mollases. And i will never bottle over 57.5 abv.

[@traustimar]

Sir Raffy I hope this Email Finds you in Good Spirit (-: you should try SangThip 5y or older., T.,

[@retiredfromthejob9319]

I love the sound good glass..

[@jamesappleton9837]

I think it is a shame for sang som a few years ago it was very good quality but Like you said the E150a is far to high and the sugars to artificial it all ways makes Me feel sad to watch quality fall apart they just need the right consistancy abd help in my opinion.

[@thefatrumpirate9749]

+james appleton E150a is the least of Sang Som's worries. It's "spiced" quite heavily and its shortcomings aren't due entirely to the caramel colouring.

[@jamesappleton9837]

+thefatrumpirate yes i do agree with you there mate after trying it a third time its More of a mixer than a sipper as some stars rise some stars fall in this business i Think it was good of you to show interest in my post

[@thefatrumpirate9749]

No problem I always take an interest when rum is discussed!

[@richardbostan4286]

Only scotch whisky, you say, Ralfy? Not true. The US has the same requirement. If you have an age statement on a bottle of American whiskey, it has to apply to the youngest spirit in the bottle. That's why Heaven Hill is dropping the age statement from their Elijah Craig 12-year-old bourbon. There will still be 12-year-old whiskey in the bottle. There will just be whiskey as young as 8 years old in the bottle too.

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Richard Bostan . . . unfortunately American spirits bottled outside of the USA are not subject to the same regulation standards Whilst this may not apply to age statements it does allow E150a caramel colourant to be added without any declaration.

[@richardbostan4286]

+ralfystuff -- People should really avoid buying those spirits, which are extremely few in number relative to all the stuff that's bottled in America.

[@Ivo--]

+ralfystuff Interesting. Any examples of these bottlings?

[@thewhiskybothy]

here's an example - recenteats.blogspot.com/2013/06/pennypacker-bourbon.html

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . and another example - chuckcowdery.blogspot.com/2015/02/no-additives-in-bourbon-no-way-no-how.html

[@CrustyWhiteBread]

Foursquare avail by me for $42 American. Gonna grab a bottle real soon.

[@CrustyWhiteBread]

+ch .kuhn Ralfy...I picked up a bottle of the 5 yo Banknote today. I'm gonna pour myself a wee bit right now and re-watch that review. CHEERS!

[@thewhiskybothy]

+ch .kuhn . . . enjoy the blendy-moment.

[@-Derp-]

ralfy, very solid review of the appleton 21, you seem to have an advanced palate. mine is not that advanced. my thoughts on the appleton 21 .. its ok, not to my tastes though, theres a big hit, almost unrefined, of alcohol. (for what its worth im having one now). if you can get past that theres a great rum there with alot of complexity. the roughness puts me off though, especially in this price category. it should be alot smoother and refined. think eldorado 21, ron zacapa xo, diplomatico ambassador, dictador xo insolent, etc. these are heavy hitters producing amazing rums. appleton is good but i think it should be better at this price. fyi i paid $250 AUD ($190 USD / 136 GBP).

[@det2boy]

All of those other rums you mention have a LOT of sugar added to them. If that's what you enjoy, fine, but you can't knock Appleton for not adding anything to their rums.

[@LaJiahao]

buying rum now brb

[@ctefel]

I looked up Appleton rum here un Guatemala and the bottle presentation is much different. Check out the facebook page for Appleton rum sold in Guatemala: facebook.com/appletongt/photos/pb.205557689512567.-2207520000.1461164263./225869667481369/?type=3&theater. Do you have any information as to why the difference and if the quality varies from what is sold in your country?

[@whiskydaddy8490]

Rum runners rejoice!!!

[@trennyandcwhisky]

Another great review by Ralfy! Check out "Trenny and C" on youtube, we are just getting started in the whisky review game and would love some feedback.

[@manchuchannel9426]

mekhong whiskey

[@Dai7261]

If you are doing any more rum reviews I have one for you to review. A nice craft English rum which I have no connection to but a nice rum. Glorious Revolution White Rum spirit-masters.com/home/ Just up your alley I think.

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Dai7261 . . . sounds interesting !

[@millionaire6881]

Sang Som5555555

[@mcep]

781st!

[@JuJu-ll8rk]

5th :-)

[@JuJu-ll8rk]

+Ju Ju ... Hello Ralfy!! Would you please do a review on The Famous Grouse 18yo Vatted Malt? It would be wonderful to know your opinion on this whisky. Best regards from Argentina!