The Rarest & Most Expensive Whisky I've had

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In this video, I embark on a journey to find two of the rarest and most expensive whiskies in the world.
Many of these distilleries are now closed, making them incredibly rare and expensive. But I'm determined to find them and taste them for myself.
Along the way, I'll be talking to whisky experts, diving deep into the history, and sharing my thoughts on the rare & old whisky industry. If you're interested in rare and expensive whiskies, then join me as we explore the holy grail of bottled history.
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Disclaimer: This video is only a reflection of my personal opinion and perspective.

[@DrewBills]

Cool content....but can we all pause and just admire the video editing and story telling here? No one beats Phil as a video producer in Whiskytube....no one!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Appreciate that Drew!

[@indianpeathead2043]

The production quality of the video is top notch.

[@derickzellar6632]

The thing I always find amazing about this hobby is how poetic and romantic those who truly love the experience of whisky can be about a bottle, or glass, or sample. It's artistry, and how we convey that is so immensely interesting.

[@primewhisky]

Have a 27y Port Ellen and have tried several Rosebank, Brora and St Magdalene, Mosstowie, Glen Esk. Almost everyone was exceptional😋😋

[@dominikgarbauer6883]

My dad happened to have a bottle of Port Ellen and didn't even know how special it was. Needless to say we drank all of it. It was quite an unusual Islay whisky with almost minty flavors and really a nice light color.

[@Alex-pr6zv]

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to try some a couple of years ago when a friend, whose father was a whisky dealer back in the 1980s and 1990s, brought over a bottle of Port Ellen dated, I think, 1980. All I can remember was this sublime drinking experience and being a little surprised by how subtle the peatiness was, possibly tempered by time. I thought it was was more Skye than Islay.

[@eatsmokedrink]

I think port ellen can be so h it and miss. we have had a few of them, a hell of a historical dram though but the price today! wow. insanity

[@SuperDutchjohn]

Port Ellens were to me the most disapointing closed distillery bottlings, Brora's and Ladyburns were fantastic, the best I have ever had, just as some amazing Caperdonics, Imperials, Rosebanks, Littlemills, you name them. And lets not forget a whole bunch of closed single grains distilleries, they are under-estimated, but when you have tasted the ones from the 50's and 60's you are blown away! The whiskies of today are not even CLOSE to the whiskies of yesteryears!

[@eatsmokedrink]

Sadly you are right. Today's whisky is so economically and marketing driven. Perfect example is Ardbeg - the new releases are taking the piss. @@SuperDutchjohn

[@SuperDutchjohn]

What about Bowmore, and what about McCallan, the 25 years old is slapped around the face by the 25 years old Glengoyne! The saddest part is that you pay the price for that! The whiskies I appreciate the most these days are Bruichladdich, Glen Scotia, Bunnahabhain and whiskies from independant bottlers, because they deliver almost always better quality for a better price!@@eatsmokedrink

[@crystalmethshrimp]

Your best video by far Phil! I can tell a lot of time and effort went into the editing to the point where its starting to cross from KZbin over to a tv show caliber. I have no doubt if this was back in the 90’s you would be a director on the BBC.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

What a compliment! Grateful to have you watching! 🥃

[@karanmehra1221]

I remember drinking a dram of Port Ellen 21 (1989 Bottling) at a friend’s place (It was a gift from my friend’s dad) and it just blew my mind.

[@briankinard4576]

I’m fortunate enough to have several closed/lost distillery bottlings in my whisky cabinet, including to Rosebank you sampled in the video. The longer the bottle has been open, the more tropical fruit flavors I get from it. Bananas? Maybe just my own senses but amazing stuff, never to be replicated.

[@eatsmokedrink]

i reckon rosebank is not overhyped, though expensive as balls. rosebank is awesome!!

[@NatsTown]

Your enthusiasm made me genuinely happy for you!

[@fotografi4fun]

I tried a Berrys´ 1974 (37 year) this weekend. Not nearly as rare as this, but to me the rarest I have and probably ever will try. Distilled the year before I was born. Kind of mind blowing for “something in a bottle”. Time travel in a bottle is the right term 😊 Not the best whisky I had, but I loved it.

[@Adrian802]

No worry. It will be rare very soon. 😅

[@robertchandler6254]

It's not from a closed distillery, but he oldest I have is a 40 year old 1969 Glenrothes, part of the 'Octave' release by independent bottler Duncan Taylor. I think I paid about $500 AUD for it about 10 years ago. That one has stayed in a dark and cool place in the storeroom since I've owned it. I've promised I'll only crack it for something of truly once in a lifetime importance.

[@klizzt]

To a whisky pleb like me it just goes to show that only a certain fraction of the value in whisky collecting is based around the quality of the liquid in bottle and age, rarity and prestige play a large part as well (to me much too large to the point that I lose interest in most of it). I'm happy for those that have the expendable income and enjoy the thrill of the hunt and rare finds, but for now I'm more than content with what I can currently pick up with a bit of research and recommendations (from people like you).

[@NoNonsenseWhisky]

I'm constantly surprised by the drams I'm able to try. Once I managed to try a Laphroaig from the 70's just because I knew a rep at a festival. So many incredible drams out there

[@CameronWaldon]

Awesome! A few years ago, Shene Estate Distillery just north of Hobart was purchased by Lark. I purchased all five of their core range (and a few others to drink) and they are now impossible to get. Not technically a lost distillery, but you’ll never be able to buy them again, so I’m holding onto them for a long while.

[@tjdinfl]

Distilled in 1975, bottled in 2009…you get the feeling they knew what was coming. Like a grandfather giving each of his grandsons a fine pocketknife. Even though he knew at the time, that the boys didn’t really appreciate a fine pocketknife, but one day they would.

[@bendoingthing]

Fellow kiwi here. Just want to say I love your videos! Keep it up!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Ben! Great to have ya watching

[@011humphrey]

When I started drinking whisky in the early 90's. It was al about blends. If you had a 12 year old it was considered to be a good whisky and there where not many of them. A single malt would be even harder to find (at least where I live). Back then the processes of making whisky's were not designed for long ageing (as far as I know). Tasting a old whisky which gives such a nice experiance is a real treat then. Nice video once again 🥃

[@gatdellobregat]

My rarest whisky I've had was a 24yo Littlemill bottled by Cadenhead at 53,7%, sampled last year at the Sofia Whisky Fest in Bulgaria. Needless to say it blew my socks off, being so drinkable even at cask strength, plus a ridiculously long finish. Looking forward for this year's edition, who knows what rarity I may find there. Happy you could taste those unicorns and shared your magical moments with us. Cheers from Romania! 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Loved this one, buddy. One of your more reflective videos. Does a great job of capturing the magic and excitement of trying one of those "once in a lifetime" whiskies. Well done! 🥃

[@elchinofatman1]

I’ve got a bottle of the ‘Otago’ whiskey, bottle 11/384 from the Willowbank brewery that got bought out and closed in Dunedin. Haven’t tried it yet. Easily the most expensive bottle I own.

[@kamahhl]

Beautiful video, I'm glad you are uploading content more often now ❤

[@budj13]

Fantastic! This video is engaging, full of interesting details, and so artfully crafted. Your content is exceptional. Thank you, Phil.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Bud!

[@rhayes458]

Thank you for sharing this! As an American whiskey drinker, the way you tell the story and take us on a journey is so awesome! You inspire me to branch out into other international whisky. Thanks for investing the time and energy into your videos!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks so much! Means a lot!

[@luisgarrido2166]

It's great having the opportunity of experiment such rare whiskies through a vídeo. Congrats!!!

[@thewhiskyscribe]

Great exploration. Another reason modern whisky will taste different to those old distilleries is that around the 1970s most of the Scottish distilleries shifted to a barley variety developed for higher yield. Some, like Waterford Distillery, would argue that the original barley varieties produced more flavour.

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Beautiful video Phil, lucky you to have tried such pieces of history 😃🥃

[@McIntyresMalts]

What a wonderful experience for you my friend, thank you for sharing it with us!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks for watching mate!

[@kierontreas5971]

Great content as always ❤

[@bartschulp7692]

The Rosebank B-roll seemed familiar and yeah.. two months ago I actually walked past it on my way the Falkirk Wheel! I didn't know it was actually reopening and had quite a significant history already, cool!

[@hannocapelle9843]

Sunday morning and a new interesting Whisky Video from you, perfect!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks for watching!

[@ursoouindio]

Tasting old bottles is always an interesting experience! I had the opportunity to try regular whiskies (glenlivet, laphroaig, Ben nevis,...) from decades ago compared to new bottlings. There is definitely something going on with the time in the bottles, even if they are not maturing, even sealed bottles oxidize their liquid. Some whiskies become incredible, some phase out... I can relate to the way you describe these much rare whiskis. Cheers

[@AdventurewithDave]

Excellent video Phil! More of this style and type of content please. I’m interested in the rare side of whisky. I tried a 15 year Port Ellen last year - beautifully smoky and classy!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Incredible! Thanks Dave

[@NWsmallbatchBrewing]

Amazing. 100% agree whisky is for drinking. Love you got to try these.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

100%. It's a special moment when whiskies like these are opened rather than just collected.

[@paulm2467]

I bought a Rare Malts Diageo bottling of Brora and later in the year a Port Ellen from the same series in Stansted airport duty free in the early 2,000’s for less than £100 each, I shared them both with friends and family over the next year or two. The Brora was the 1972 and the last time I saw it for sale it was around £9,000, (the Port Ellen goes for well over £1000 too), it was delicious and we were some of the lucky few who will ever get to drink it.

[@bearbergmann2782]

I appreciate you (both) sharing something that most of us will never get to try.

[@forlornHope]

fantastic content, much appreciation.

[@Mataz007]

Great video mate. Thank you for actually drinking the whiskey!

[@PrestigeLiquidsWW]

Thank you for sharing your experience 🍻

[@umami0247]

Good for you on getting to experience something this rare.

[@iMackinChris]

Great video!!

[@jandejonge2881]

I just saw this video. I love rare whisky and happened to have to mini bottles still full. One is the Signatory Vintage Brora 1981 and the Connoisseurs Choise Glenlochy 1977.

[@michaelnicastro2148]

I’m curious if you or anyone in the comments has tried anything from Orphan Barrel ? I know they find some barrels that were from closed distilleries and bottle them. I don’t know much about them other then that !

[@maritimeus]

Phil, I can only reply to your awesome video with this: 🤯

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Appreciate that and thanks for watching!

[@BrianCaballes]

Wow mate! I can't wait to turn 40..so I can open my rarest... Good on ya Phil! 👌👌👌 Fantastic video as always! Cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Brian! Sounds amazing! What a good occasion to save a rare bottle for.

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Many thanks for sharing this 😮Kindest regards, S.

[@dainumo]

Looks like a lot of fun! Cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers! Great to have you watching

[@user-xm1ev7dm9o]

Epic video - thanks for the trip down memory lane 👍

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers

[@TimHoekstra]

Time travel in a bottle. Magical stuff.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Once in a lifetime, but a magical event for sure. Thanks for watching Tim!

[@tonicipriano9113]

Hey Phil...love your videos mate. Just wanted to ask if you have ever tried any Sullivan's Cove and what's your thoughts about it. Have been trying to get hold of a bottle for a while....however availability is only through ballot and most of their releases are veeery expensive....is it worth buying?

[@Koby616]

Did you upload 2 same videos 😊 really cool video. Doubt I will ever get my hands on any of these. Unless some popular distillery is gonna close and I will have a bottle from the past.

[@VinceW187]

Amazing editing

[@deadmansfire]

Rosebank is getting opened back up this year

[@hamo4558]

I thought you were gonna say 'Springbank" haha. Great episode mate ( as usual). Enjoy !!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Haha a little rarer than that! Thanks mate!

[@hamo4558]

@@FirstPhilWhisky Yeah, just a tad !

[@DrumondArt]

Incredible!

[@smashexentertainment676]

Rare is North Port, that was actually introduced in Parks & Rec when Ron Swanson got shot in a head, coz distillery was demolished in 1993.

[@guilhermepetti]

Nice Video!

[@C.A.Newman]

Well that's a fun treat!

[@mjck4]

what is the book shown around 0:22 please? thanks!

[@HannesHanath]

Which book is the one briefly shown in the intro?

[@brettlewis2900]

Just curious. Did you pay for the bottles or did you just pay for a dram? Like you ship them back after a sample and they only charge you on good faith? Either it's cool you got to experience those 2 bottles.

[@jcarlosvch]

Oh man! You almost made me cry with that nostalgia of tasting something that probably most of us will never will!!, jk 😂, no seriously great quality video!,and content, this community keeps getting bigger and stronger about quality drams! Congrats again!!

[@communistgreyman2078]

I’ve got a couple of special bottles. One distillery burnt down and the second the founding distiller died in a car crash.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Wow!

[@clarkehineline5864]

I’ve got a Douglas Laing 24yr Port Ellen from the NATO Anniversary and I picked up a Balvenie Vintage cask 1971 while I was in Germany. I had 2 of the Port Ellen and I drank one, I was excellent. Waiting on the Balvenie for now…. Anyone tried a Vintage Cask Balvenie?

[@aaroncampbell113]

Click on an interesting looking whiskey video and hear a kiwi accent! I was actually drawn in by the overpriced whiskey video. I'm gonna keep an eye on this channel, cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great to have you watching Aaron!

[@dazza8253]

Glenlochy. Its super ultra rare. The distillery is closed and unlike rosebank...itll never be revived.

[@rsvpurgt]

The "rare" in J&B means that it's rarely good. Maybe to clean a wound?

[@richardkilley6838]

A rare and elusive whisky, oh like springbank 10?

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

😂

[@Baris-1]

Phil, are you alright? Like really... you left with a Jack grin from the Shining...

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

😂

[@Baris-1]

@@FirstPhilWhisky so how was it? Probably not great, or?

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

@Baris-1 yeah it was good. Kinda weird too. I wouldn't buy it with my own money though, you could buy a whole collection for that

[@lightplays2181]

Wow ... Slainte !

[@flipper2gv]

Grain quality was much better before.

[@Cicero-ri8ke]

Did you ever consider that these Distilleries closed because the whiskey just wasn’t that good? You look like a young Peter Jackson by the way.

[@robertharper2158]

Scotch........not Whiskey in America, it's just Scotch!

[@SuicidalLemonade]

The true rarest whisky would be a homemede whisky where you make a single serving and don't write down or keep track of anything you put in. Probably not nice however.

[@milkyway6724]

that's so rear how ya pronounce it mate

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

About four years ago I was able to get a bottle of Cambus a closed grain distillery. Distilled September 1988 which is the month and year I met my wife so cool time machine in a bottle kind of thing. Bottled at 29 years 10 months. Used most of it to make a bunch of 8oz sample bottles of homemade blended Scotch. Fun stuff. Cheers

[@briansimpson4310]

How much did you pay for those beauties?

[@heisenbergguy7772]

All hype no substance. It’s not even that good to begin with 🤣

[@rejnormandin4658]

Solide vid Phil ! Real cool , your face was saying it all

[@fat_basturd5345]

Rare is meaningless, good is not.

[@Cezary_The_FLY_Mucha]

First Phil Whisky what you had a wonderful opportunity to try it Rosebank and Ladyburn Rare Ayrshire . NICE

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you so much! 😊