These are pretty safe bets... | 7 Great Brands to try as IBs

[@davewilson6018]

Drink more IB's than OB's. You nailed most of your list. I would add Ledaig, Glenrothes, Glenturret and Glenlivet to the list. I mostly drink Signatory, and out of the 200 or so I have had, only a couple disappointed, so an amazing record of high quality and fair prices.

[@GOTAisMe]

Linkwood is the one that I would add. I don't see a ton of IBs in my area but Linkwood is one that relatively easy to find, is reasonably priced and always seems to deliver with a nice fruity profile.

[@peatbull3426]

100% agreed. i bought recently Cadenhead's Linkwood 10yo in CS and can confirm its super oily fruit bomb just fantastic £50 🤠🥂🙋🏻‍♂️

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Blair Athol is another one too. Good suggestion with Linkwood

[@DJMJRyder]

100% came to say the same. Also, Old Pulteney deserves to be cask strength as it's so light that it's weak even at 46%

[@LeonScheppink]

Wanting to explore the IB world a bit more, lists like this are more than welcome. 👌🏻

[@leojudkins2040]

Currrently dramming an Elements Of Isla Sherry cask-matured @54.5 % abv made with three-quarters Laphroaig to one-quarter... yep, Caol Ila! The sherry influence is strong, but peat+sherry is one of my favourites. Really opens up with some water. A good Speyside sherried blend is the Old Perth for those not so interested in peat.

[@Fudjo]

Great list! For other good peated IB whiskies, Ledaig and Bunnahabhain are also excellent. Peated IB Bunnahabhain is sometimes labeled "Stoisha". Definitely agreed on Highland Park. I've had a few great ones over the past several years, including one I got last year from Cadenhead's.

[@olivierbeltrami]

The SMWS had a lot of fantastic Ardmore (66.*) and Longmorn (7.*) until about 2016-2017.

[@murduk88]

Sneaking in a cheeky "malt mention?" During a video on indies, which we all know he loves? +10 with an option for Xtras 😉

[@speruman]

I don't know if this is generally true due to limited experience but one of my favorite bottles ever is a Malts of Scotland IB of Ledaig. It's a 14-year cask strength from a single cask. Dry autumn leaves, lots of space to play with water, and a unique angle on Ledaig distillate. I will definitely try more IB's of Ledaig, probably my favorite distillery. It's fun to compare to their excellent OB's, too.

[@laurentsteck6086]

I totally agree with you about the Longmorn distillery! Both the OB and IB are fantastic! Love the stuff they produce. My favorite IB is Adelphi! Not cheap but always fantastic stuff! Cheers

[@TheSurgeHunter]

Very surprised Linkwood wasnt on the list, that's one of my favorite IB's for sure! Lots of brands do weird and interesting Cask Finishes with their lovely spirit and most of it has been stellar. Caol Ila would be one of my favorites as well, along with Highland Park and Loch Lomond!

[@WhiskyWolf514]

Hah...nice! Great list and I love the suggestions. Probably most curious about an IB Coal Ila. Summer is almost here so I should grab an OB anyways - cause it's such a summer sipper 😎🥃🥃 Thanks for the video Geoff! Cheers and enjoy the holiday!🥃🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Caol Ila IBs are the best Caol Ilas out there. Maybe not as perfect for summer though. Cheers buddy! Having a blast already! 🥃

[@Balkonwhisky]

Hello Geoff, Now we are talking. 😅👍 Most of my Bottles are IBs and i think i keep it that way. Often the IBs offer a much wider Range of Flavours and Taste. Some are a bit much in a Certain Direction but always fun to explore. The Prices are most of the Time very fair too. These Times i tend to buy Bunnas, Linkwoods, Caol Ilas or "Secret Orkneys" , Benrinnes (more and more) Williamsons(Laphroaig), Secret Islays which are not Caol Ilas, and many Glenrandoms 😅 and of Course always looking for Longmorn. My Best Dram so far was a 24yo Glentauchers IB. 🤷🤤 I got a delicious Caol Ila 11yo open, matured in an Chateau Lafite Barrique,which is great Stuff. So are many of these Bottlings. Yes maybe sometimes i dont love em from the Start because of their Edges and Specialties but for me on my Malt journey every new Flavour or Taste is welcome. OK. Enough for now. 😅 Thanks for taking a flat Dive 😂 into IBs and sharing your Thoughts and Opinion about. I hope for more IB Content. Greetings from Germany 😎🤘

[@customer9845]

My absolute favorite IB distillery is Dailuaine. So good!

[@ursoouindio]

Thanks for the list Geoff! IBs is huge topic that deserve more love from whiskytube

[@andrewbutler7681]

That's a pretty good list. I would add: Clynelish, Linkwood, Ben Nevis, Bunnahabhain, Caperdonich, Glen Moray, Glen Ord, Glenrothes and Tullibardine (just based on ones I have 3 or more different IBs of).

[@robertmason2311]

Clynelish is one of my all time favourites, such a shame that anything with a decent presentation tends to be very expensive.

[@theodosios2615]

No joke, I actually thought the thumbnail said A Guide to IBS. I'm thinking... Okay, interesting new direction for the channel.

[@michaelwood3203]

I have a fantastic Auchroisk by James Eadie, an excellent Craigellachie from AD Rattray, and a beatiful Linkwood from Carn Mor. That said, I’m really loving the Blended malts and think you could devote a video sharing your unrivaled views, and possibly expertise on this topic.

[@stevedemarsico924]

Had an Alexander Murray version of Bruccladich and it was fantastic

[@ps3inquisition441]

The best IB I’ve had recently was a 15 year cask strength Craigellachie. It’s heaven in a bottle.

[@Gwhisky]

Craigellachie IBs can be killers! 🥃

[@dhkim3986]

I don't ever remember trying a bad IB. Loved that you covered this topic. I understand that most channels won't cover it for the reason of it not being a mainstream product but at this stage of my whiskey journey, I think it would make more sense to delve into IBs more; kinda like going for store barrel pick bourbons and ryes. They tend to offer more quality and value.

[@johnmcdonald7339]

I’ve had some lovely heavily peated Glenturret IBs recently

[@xxacidmv]

Here is to our mirthful Mainstream Malty Maestro 🥃

[@bzzz1800]

To the malt mention 😂

[@Koby616]

IBS is out of my price range. But it was fun to watch your video. I have the same problem that I can't taste all the whiskey's I want 😅

[@eviltrain24]

Can’t say what distilleries do well as I.B.’s since my collection is a scattershot based on (K&L) employee reviews* and whiskybase where applicable. I just try to find the best bottles I can. The I.B.’s that I’m more likely to gamble on …sometimes is based on the distilleries reputation as an I.B. Perhaps more often it’s because the distillery uses worm tubs which often adds heft to the mouthfeel and depth to the flavors. *I’ve gone deep into I.B.’s in large part due to K&L Wines in the S.F. Bay Area. They have an in house team that travels to Scotland every year to buy barrels just for their 3 stores. And they always offer them up at prices that can’t be beat.

[@ItalNico]

K&L? Never heard of them. Shhh! 😇

[@SimonneNZ]

I have IBs of Caol Ila, Ardmore, Mortlach, and BenRinnes. They are all bourbon barrel matured and are all really good. I haven't tried OBs from Ardmore, Mortlach or BenRinnes but I have the Caol Ila 12-year-old and the IB is much better even though it is younger. Others I am interested in getting are Linkwood and Bunnahabhain Staoisha. Linkwood in particular seems to be readily available here as an IB. Cheers!

[@jackthepickledhound]

Indies.....thanks for the content. HP, Mortlach are always on my radar. An Ardmore can give Laph10 CS some competition. Indies are the only way to deal with Deagio. There was a time there was half dozen Caol Ilas on the shelf. I do see bottles of blend filler like Dailuaine and Linkwood and I think the malt and distillery character, or lack of character will be evident no matter what casks. So this is a good list if we are looking for more interesting drams.

[@johng.7560]

A very cool nod to Ralfy with the malt mention. As for IB's, i'm just happy to find regular bottlings on the shelf.

[@agrainofmalt]

Yes, yes, and yes. Benrinnes and Indie Ardmore... one of my first SMWS bottles was an Ardmore and it was a belter. I have a Longmorn from Maltman currently that is delicious. Ben Nevis is another one, depending on where you are. Ben Nevis and Mortlach prices have started getting a bit silly though, sadly, so already moving away from them. Enjoying Glentauchers and Craigellachie, and started exploring Glen Garioch 👌

[@saltxl]

In my experience Linkwood is very solid as an IB. Also a grassy and very floral and fragrant style. Light but weighty profile. James Eadie and Signatory make very tasty ones.

[@Gwhisky]

Linkwood makes excellent IBs. Should have been included! 🥃

[@cookieMonsterSincho]

Ordered a MOM Christmas Macduff, blind… I know it’s good!

[@Nivekrassan]

I’ve got an Ardmore 15 by Gordon and MacPhail. My only IB purchase other than Caol Ila 110 proof. Not many IB options in Mississippi and the ones we do have are priced very high

[@exup76]

Speaking of Mortlach sherry bomb… Signatory Edradour 10 year old 1st Fill Sherry Butt # 409 Binny's Handpicked 2012 blew me away !

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Old (20yrish) refill bourbon hogshead bottles from distilleries that are known for sherry casks are great for tasting the spirit character. Glengoyne and Tamdhu in particular are ones I have had and really enjoyed. Cheers

[@kingnorre5103]

Strange, I was expecting a list of independent bottlers, not a list of distilleries. Maybe you should make a list of your 7 favourite independent bottlers also? 😊 Btw, you are so right about Ardmore. 👍

[@andrewbutler7681]

Just to be cheeky: based on bottles owned (in descending order) my top 7 IBs would be Gordon & MacPhail, Thompson Bros, Morrison & Mackay/Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers/Càrn Mòr, That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Berry Bros & Rudd, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited and Douglas Laing & Co. (of course, there are several runners-up like Elixir Distillers/Speciality Drinks, Wm Cadenhead's and Signatory Vintage).

[@kingnorre5103]

Btw, if anyone is interested in IBs there’s a great book called “Independent Scotch, the history of independent bottlers” by David Stirk. Highly recommend. 👍

[@raphaelschmid3839]

Great list Geoff! I‘ve enjoyed every IB of Ben Nevis so far, so it would certainly be on my personal list.

[@mattholton9341]

Dailuaine is my favorite IB distillery. Also like IB versions of Blair Athol, Glen Grant, Linkwood, Aultmore and Craigellachie.

[@Gwhisky]

All excellent picks! 🥃

[@agrainofmalt]

Teaninich, also!

[@Phuiston]

In Grain Whisky world IBs are a must. I'm not sure if I've ever even seen old OB grain whisky. I'm talking about stuff like 18-35yo North British, Invergordon, Port Dundas and even Loch Lomond. Plenty of very high quality affordable IBs available for single grain fans.

[@ryanvh14]

Thanks, Geoff! Traveling this summer and looking to pick up some IBs. This is really helpful!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for watching, Ryan! 🥃

[@krisforsline6050]

Very surprised Clynelish wasn’t on this list. Kept waiting for it to appear. Should have been in top three. With such a limited OB line, those that love the Brora style have to go to IBs here. Big miss not having on the list, or at minimum, mentioning. Gwhisky, if you kept it off the list to help it remain a lesser known brand, then bravo!

[@NoteworthyWhisky]

Great list! I would add Glen Elgin as well. It seems to be available from every IB and it does well in any cask. Cheers!

[@BIGM-gg9ln]

Malt mention!! Shout out to Ralphy!!!

[@ItalNico]

I've yet to have a bad or even mediocre IB from Signatory or Gordon & MacPhail. Almost all of them have been excellent. I've also had great experiences with Douglas Laing bottles, The Ultimate Whisky Company, and Lady of the Glen. I attend a lot of SMWS events and they are mostly really good although their bottles can be a bit pricey. James Eadie, Elixir and Hart Brothers are also quite good but I have less experience with them than others. I recently picked up a stunning IB from Pintail, but I've yet to try more from them so YMMV.

[@bzzz1800]

First experience... Gordon Mc Fail discovery Bunna... 43% abv instead of original 46 why why? Had no knowledge enough those days, learned the lesson.😂 Not even going to try connoisseurs choice in my region will cost couple of grands...

[@DrumondArt]

Nice one, Geoff! Glentauchers, Glenburgie, Caol Ila and Ardmore IBs are the ones I've been buying more, because their OBs are not that great and/or practically non-existent. Linkwood, Benrinnes and Craigellachie are some I want to start trying and maybe buying next, even if Craigellachie OBs are some of my favourites whiskies, totally not a problem there ;)

[@011humphrey]

So far I tasted IB's from Glenallachie, Ledaig, Tamnavullin and of course Coal Ila; none of them where disappointing. I am curious if there are Irish IB's though.

[@paulfarrell4039]

Greetings from Thailand. Good list and I agree with your selections I have examples if each. Your approach is sensible and proposes what is generally available in most markets, without getting bogged down in the impossible task of individual releases. 2 more distilleries I would add are Loch Lomond, it has a great variety to choose from. This distillery is still thankfully under the radar and recovering from a earlier bad name in Malt. Look for Croftengea and Inchfad, if you can still find it. Balmenach has good young Sherry casks around 9-12 years, which generally break the bank.

[@cato451]

I don't see a lot of IB Highland Park on the shelves much anymore. I wish I did. As far as Longmorn goes, yes one of the best IBs I've ever had was a Longmorn. Nice list G

[@klingfu]

Great review as always.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks! 🙏

[@phatzwave4424]

Caol Ila is one of my favorite IB's to buy. Lately have been finding young sherry/refill sherry casked. Yummy!

[@richard9045]

Signatory Vintage Caol Isla is much better than the OB imo!

[@Simon.6478]

Glen Moray has some amazing IB, way better than the generic core range.

[@masterdad-zf9po]

I’ll give just about any IB a chance at the right price. Often distilleries I’ve never heard of. I used to visit G&M in Glasgow twice a year when I had a kid studying there. I’d buy any of their bottlings. Caol ILA definitely is often available and it’s hard not to love. Just finishing up a G&M 25yo HP single cask (lovely). Never heard of macduff, but I’ll keep it on the radar. I’ve had a number of mortlach IBs - decent stuff but not always a hit. Haven’t seen an old Pultney IB, but I’d definitely buy one if I saw it. Ardmore I’d give a shot as an IB, but have never seen one. Benrinnes sounds interesting as an IB Lonmorn for sure. I have a few other isla (and other) IB single casks that are yearning to be opened. They just need to be patient while other bottles get finished off. Cheers!

[@murgh]

Hurrah, thanks a lot. Great general toolkit video.

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, haven’t had a Highland Park or Longmorn IB the rest on your list ,yes. Would also say Craigellachie, Linkwood, Ledaig and Clynelish. Slàinte Geoff 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Good ones! 🥃

[@balintpernecker624]

I just had several IB Benriachs (Hart Brothers, Gordon&MacPhail, Signatory CS, MSWD Carn Mòr, SMWS) and all of them were fantastic, except the SMWS (which was too young, harsh, unrefined). I think it is not really up to the distillet, but more like the bottler... If they handle the spirit/barrel with care and competance, it can be a good product. Otherwise they can ruin a good spirit easily. So I totally agree that IBs are a mixed bag, but really worth exploring. I am also a Benriach fanboy 😅

[@jameskaaden6437]

Ardmore IBs are best if they have been re-racked. Not always the best casks straight from the distillery. Caol Ila is getting more expensive for the older expressions unfortunately. 100% agree on Longmorn. Amazing distillery. I would add Tomatin and Glen Grant as IB releases, especially the older age statements. Also Bruichladdich, but I have a massive soft spot there, so I am a bit biased!

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Nice list Geoff, Ardmore is definitely up there. I tried a few Macallan IBs and man they are soooo different than the OBs. Much much better where for the duration of sipping it you don't hate Macallan for being overpriced but hate them for not putting out these bangers when they're capable of doing so! Cheers sir, great video as always!

[@patrickscott258]

Once again, a superb video. You are appreciated

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks so much, Patrick. Likewise! 🥃

[@thenavajoknow]

Great choices, Geoff. I love Caol Ila and HP to bits, but have found the OBs increasingly disappointing for years now, also overpriced in the higher age range. And that Viking Schtick is a battle axe size pain...I'm enjoying SMWS and Sansibar (German IB) HPs currently. Blair Athol has a great nutty sweet house style that makes for delicious sherried IBs.

[@gareth630]

Do a reverse and talk about the IB crew so folks have a clue which companies are a safe bet. Like most have learned through experince and luck ;-) A top post Geoff💯

[@Gwhisky]

Good idea! 🥃

[@easer777]

Would love to try more IB's, however one thing that I dislike about the IB's, apart from them generally being more expensive than standard bottlings, is that if You find a really good one, You may never be able to find it again....;- / ;- / ;- )

[@Gwhisky]

The IB conundrum. 🥃

[@robertmason2311]

Glen Elgin - effervescent 👍

[@kewarts83]

Got to have W. D. O'Connell on this list. Best IB in Ireland! Nay, the world. 🥃

[@ironmantran]

I think Macduff Inter (SloanScott making Lauders/Waterproof ...) is not the same as MacDUFF distillery (Deveron is by Bacardi) I believe.

[@Gwhisky]

Ah damn wrong logo. Good catch! Sadly can't go back in and edit that. 😬

[@ironmantran]

@@Gwhisky (( no harm done. good vid all around, G !))

[@gareth630]

One thing to remember is that the IB bottling if good wont be there for long. Some good Linkwood out there folks 🙂

[@richardagnew4959]

Any thoughts on SMWS bottlings?

[@Gwhisky]

SMWS puts out great stuff. There's a good standard of quality from them, although they can often be overpriced. 🥃

[@romitsen3405]

@Gwhisky can you please share the link of your your whisky glass with the metal stem.

[@Gwhisky]

The brand is called Cosi Tabellini and the model is simply called "bourbon glass." Cheers! 🥃

[@romitsen3405]

@@Gwhisky Thanks so much man. Big fan btw. Cheers from Calcutta, India.

[@wallace-bv4rl]

Ardmore as a cheap supermarket bottle is OK albeit not one I’m buying anymore. As an IB I’ve had a couple of cracking Ardmores from SMWS - pretty unrecognisable!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah the IBs barely have anything to do with the (rather dull) OB bottles. 🥃

[@tommysimpsonandtheloadeddice]

Off topic but have you tried Barrel Seagrass? Seems like it would hit your palate right.

[@Gwhisky]

Haven't tried it yet! 🥃

[@atwalhome]

So if your OB is not OP try an IB which might be a SOB of a dram? 😊

[@Gwhisky]

Yes. That's what I'm saying. 🥃

[@atwalhome]

Also... You have my apologies 😀

[@GustavoLima-wp3tt]

I remember you once recommended Glenlivet IBs; are they still a good bet? Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Yes! 🥃

[@SoWeird4U]

Great video. Any chance you might consider branching out to cover Cognac and Brandy brands? I think it might be a cool side-series to do about the different tastes, old vs new bottlings and do Cognac`s justify their higher prices or can you get a good quality brandy for less?

[@Gwhisky]

Fun idea! I absolutely love brandy (my favourite malternative), but I don't think I'm quite an expert on it... 🥃

[@MaltDaddy]

What no Macallan? That’s blasphemy! 😂

[@andyking894]

I will have you know that Glenstinkie has come a long way in the last few years under their new management. Oscar McGrouch has done an excellent job turning them around, and I expect to see great things from them here soon. Educate yourself, sir!

[@Gwhisky]

Lol touché. 😉

[@deeshmond]

I’ve never had a bad BenRinnes 👍

[@vitavintiengtrakarnsuk5782]

What is IB and OB ?

[@peatbull3426]

independent bottling and official bottling 🤠🥂🙋🏻‍♂️

[@osirisgolad]

I think I would've gone with "7 brands that do a shit job of bottling their products" for the title.

[@Gwhisky]

Lol fair. 🥃

[@steeno1985]

Dailuaine?

[@Gwhisky]

I usually go by Geoff.

[@peatbull3426]

​@@Gwhisky😎😅😅😅🤘🥂🙋🏻‍♂️

[@ShivaNowbut]

First

[@chadwallace3598]

Huh?