They're all fantastic | 10 Great Cask Strength Whiskies

[@trapperkcmo3460]

never apologize for your whisky. never!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah true. 🥃

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

Again a great list, Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks buddy! 🥃

[@CameronWaldon]

Ralfy just torched the RB12 CS! Thanks to you, TheGrail, first Phil and a few others, I have nearly all of these now!

[@Gwhisky]

Awesome! And yeah I heard Ralfy did t like his Redbreast CS. It's a batch product, so possibly he got a lesser batch? Really hope the overall quality isn't declining...

[@saevar69]

gotta love those list..well done...cheers from Iceland

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Saevar. 🥃

[@henrieliot]

AD 02.22 CS Kilkerran 8yo CS and my fav like you SB12 CS

[@Gwhisky]

A man of taste! 🥃

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Nailed the top two. Enjoy almost all of them

[@andynelson5864]

Solid list, Geoff. Definitely some expected expressions mentioned because they deserve the spotlight. There should be some kind of law that makes sure we all have at least two or three cask-strength bottles on hand at all times! Currently, I'm digging a particularly steamy love affair with the Kilkerran HP Batch 6. Rich, complex, big...unequivocally delicious. And now it gets a buddy on my shelf since I bought my first Ardnamurchan CS (02.22) just a few hours ago. Will begin that experience tomorrow. It's only several feet away as I write this...talk about testing my strength to resist temptation! Man, the journey never grows dull...

[@Gwhisky]

Hah glad to hear you're enjoying the Kilkerran. Sadly I haven't seen any of the Heavily Peated expressions here in Taiwan for ages. I'd definitely love to come back to them. The Ardnamurchan didn't blow me away initially, but I seemed to enjoy it more and more each time I came back to it. It's a slow burner initially, but an excellent bottle. Enjoy Andy! 🥃

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, as always an excellent list video. Got a few CS IB bottles in my stash but the OB’s that I’ve got are , Benromach 2009 , 2010,bunnha 2022, Laphraiog 10 CS, Ardbeg Ugi, Bowmore 10 tempest batch 6, Aberlour A’bunadh batch 60, Redbreast 12 CS,Glen Allachie 10 CS batch 3,Nádurra FF,Nàdurra Olorosso, and Nàdurra 16 ( a beautiful CS malt). Add to the list wild turkey rare breed.Slàinte Geoff

[@Gwhisky]

Damn that's a hell of a collection! Nice to see the old Nadurra 16 get a name drop in there. And those Tempests were fantastic whiskies! Can vouch for literally every single bottle on your shelf. Wonderful choices, my friend. 🥃

[@Rohit_M]

Great list G. My list of opened and some in stash, Laphroaig 10CS, Glenallachie 10 CS, Bunna 12CS, Lagavulin 12 2018 & 2021, Benromach 2008 CS, Abundah, Ardbeg Corry & Ugi, Victoriana, Glenfarclas 105, Irish Bluespot 7, Arran the Bothy & Sherry CS, Auchentoshan 12 CS (in stash yet to try). With the exception of maybe 3 unopened on this list, I have tried and loved all of them.

[@Gwhisky]

Great options on your end too, buddy. There's just too many great cs whiskies out there to fit on one list... Cheers! 🥃

[@Burrloin]

I just purchased Arran Sherry Cask. Love it!

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Nice list Geoff, I'm surprised not to see any Solists out there from you :) To add a few Arran Bothy, Machrie Moor CS, Kilchoman Machir Bay CS, Cotswolds Foundeer's Choice and Talisker 57 North (if it's considered CS) Cheers!

[@arunduvvuri3630]

Talisker 57 is not Cask Strength but it's imperial proof, according to EU standards.. Truly an excellent whisky.. +1 on ur Kilchoman Machir Bay CS pick

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

@@arunduvvuri3630 Yeah I thought it might not be CS but didn't know about the Imperial Proof part, thanks for the info. Also it would've been way too convenient if their cask strength coincided with their actual coordinates 😃

[@arunduvvuri3630]

@@thewhiskyenthusiast LOL yea..

[@Gwhisky]

Machrie Moor CS you say? That needs to be investigated. Great picks, buddy! 🥃

[@heretobrew]

I bought this recently, and I'd love for you to review it... if only to orient Arran peat in relation to Islay and mainland.

[@yoursinsincerely39]

Nice list Geoff! I would add the Daftmill 15 (incredible stuff), Port charlotte cask exploration series (MRC01 or OLC01), Kilkerran 8 CS, Blue Spot CS, Balvenie Tun 1509 (batch 5 especially. It is unfortunate that the prices are currently astronomical). I haven't heard of the Liora. Sounds interesting. I'll keep an eye out for that. Love Bladnoch. I have a 10 stashed away for the future. The 11 is lovely as well. The SB 12 is undoubtedly the best of them all. I have 3 different expressions and frugally pouring myself a dram every 4-5 months or so. The only way I can get them now is when I visit the distillery. Got the 2022, 100% Bourbon CS last time. Phew. What a dram!

[@Gwhisky]

Daftmill might be a bit too fancy for this list, but I've not doubt it's incredible. They're very hard to come by and very expensive in Taiwan, and I'm not sure when or if I'll get the pleasure of getting my own bottle. The Kilkerran, Blue Spot, and Balvenie are all on the wishlist. Liora is wonderful stuff. I just saw a post from Bladnoch on Instagram stating that it's getting a release in the US and Australia, so it seems this will be an internationally available core range very soon, which is good news. Lucky you to have so much SB12 on hand. If I could go back in time... 🥃

[@DeesoSaeed]

Missed the Aberlour A'bunadh D: Probably one of the few cask strenght's that's readily available in my country.

[@Gwhisky]

A'bunadh is fantastic. Should have been included! 🥃

[@ChoongAndy]

Thanks G. I thought you could have included the Port Charlotte cask exploration series.

[@Gwhisky]

They would have topped the list had I thought to include them. Just way too many great whiskies to include! 🥃

[@bart6526]

Great list again, my shelf agrees 👍. Adding honorable mentions Kilkerran 8 and Glanallachie 10 and 2 blended high strength: Timorous Beastie 12 and Rock Oyster CS. Also check out lots of CS IB Ardlairs on offer lately. Enjoyed the video, pls keep them coming.

[@Gwhisky]

Loads of great whiskies weren't included here... great suggestions! Nice to see the TB12 Cask Strength get some love. I just had a dram earlier tonight. Beautiful stuff! 🥃

[@tom4711]

Nice Video! Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is really great! I also will try to get Bunnahabhain 12 CS.

[@Gwhisky]

Bunna 12 is amazing. I'm sure you'll enjoy! 🥃

[@cnwilliams59]

Great list! All are winners. The Redbreast is just too good. Wife got it for me for Christmas and before new years I was down a third of the bottle lol.

[@Gwhisky]

Beautiful whisky. Glad you're enjoying! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

Very nice HP cs , Arran port , Caol Ila 15 unpit. Amrut fusion.

[@Gwhisky]

Good ones! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

@@Gwhisky )

[@doctorzombie9799]

Yes, the Bunnahabhain 12 CS is amazing!

[@Gwhisky]

Yes!

[@tommysimpsonandtheloadeddice]

Please review the Machir Bay Cask Strength.

[@bengreen8970]

The Bunna 12yo CS 2023 is even better!!! I have 2 bottles and many more in my warehouse in Australia

[@timloucks4325]

I’ll add honorable mentions for Glenallachie 10, Kilkerran 8, Arran Quarter Cask or Sherry & Glengoyne. Cheers.

[@Gwhisky]

All great mentions! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

Hi Geoff ! Cask strength whisky .... Yes it's superr , i like ))) Slainte !

[@Gwhisky]

Absolutely! Cheers my friend! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

@@Gwhisky : )

[@christianstark2381]

Love it that you put Liora in the list. Bought it when there still were no reviews out there and it was brand-new and wasn't disappointed. Very very fine stuff.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I bought it just based off of the 11. There still doesn't seem to be much out there on it, but it's fantastic! 🥃

[@beatroot_red]

Glen Garioch 15 for the sherry lovers.

[@Gwhisky]

Ah, YES! Should have been included! 🥃

[@ursoouindio]

Beautiful!

[@lyacoubian]

Fantastic choices Geoff. What a list..!!!! #1 and 2 are in my liquor cabinet..!!! My personal list would include Aberlour A'Bunadh Alba, Glen Scotia Victoriana and Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof. 🥃

[@whatsthepoint170]

Nice flex with the Springbank! I’d be doing it too. Why do I not see Octomore on the list? Absolutely incredible

[@ramanb]

Great list Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks! 🥃

[@luijdiaz]

Recently tried Lum Reek CS 10 year, and it is fantastic, definitely reccomended.

[@Gwhisky]

That's been recommended to me several times. I'm intrigued! 🥃

[@ItalNico]

Kilkerran Heavily Peated? My personal favorite.

[@VrilYa100]

Glengoyne Cask Strength Batch 1 is also a worthy mention.

[@justwhisky]

Well presented impressive list! Cheers 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Hah thanks buddy! 🥃

[@joekeightley2287]

Awesome list Geoff! Enjoying the video on this Friday morning with a cup of coffee in hand and pretending to work 😅. Nursing my bottle of Bladnoch 11 2022 release. Just love the stuff so I’ll def keep an eye out for that CS bottling. Now only if Bruichladdich would come out with an age stated CS version of the Laddie 😮😮😮

[@Gwhisky]

Haven't tried the Bladnoch 2022 release, but the moment I come across it I'll be buying it. And yeah a CS Laddie would be incredible! 🥃

[@ronjuliana3720]

Shalom, my friend! Excellent rating, аnd almost all of these bottles I already had, or still have.👍🏻 REDBREAST FOREVER 🦜

[@Gwhisky]

Redbreast forever indeed! Hah Shalom, Ron! Cheers to you, sir! 🥃

[@carlmartinlinder]

I tired the Highland Park C.S. Batch #1, 2 & 3 blind the other day. All great but #3 was the winner. #1 & 2 are very similar. I wish I bought the Liora when I was in Taipei. Will next time. 😃

[@Gwhisky]

I'm waiting for the day that HPCS becomes more affordable here in Taiwan. I've heard a lot of good things about batch 3. Liora is fantastic... definitely one to check out! 🥃

[@anthonyamoroso4008]

Excellent The Blue Spot is GS & excellent The Redbreast 12 CS small batch is terrific

[@Gwhisky]

Need to try the Blue Spot... 🥃

[@henrieliot]

My favorites. SB CS12 AD 02.22 CS Benromach CS batch 4 Kilkerran 8yo CS and finally a few indie bottlings not to be found again

[@arunduvvuri3630]

Excellent video.. After those excellent choices on Ardbeg, Glendronach, Benromach, Bunna 12 CS 2022.. I was shocked looking at top 1 that it was not Springbank 12 and the ending in the same was such an elevation to it.. Truly phenomenal whisky, by any means.. Would have been so happy to see Kilkerran taking a spot instead of a, say HP 12 or Baldnoch.. Not saying they are bad by any means but just that Kilkerran 8 CS bottles are so good and are more or less in line with SB12, in terms of availability n cost factor

[@Gwhisky]

Kilkerran 8 is fantastic stuff, but sadly it's impossible to find in my market. The only time I've seen it here it was selling for roughly triple its recommended retail price. Too much! 🥃

[@Bowman1999]

Great list. I think I would put Blue spot on there and maybe Glengoyne cask strength. Octomore as well.

[@Gwhisky]

Haven't had the pleasure of trying Blue Spot. It's on the wishlist! 🥃

[@Bowman1999]

@@Gwhisky Its super good very vibrant, it would be good to try that against the Redbreast CS

[@peathead4450]

Interesting list, Geoff. Thanks for sharing. My focus more and more shift to IB as the choice for cask strength is way bigger. Some great OB picks for me would be: Ardbeg Corryvreckan, Glen Scotia Victoriana, Octomore and Laphroaig. Slàine mhath

[@Gwhisky]

All stunners! The Octomores I felt were a bit too pricey to include on this list, but some can be fabulous. Cheers! 🥃

[@peathead4450]

@@Gwhisky the Octomores indeed are pricy. I have however found IB' for a third the price that are kinda similar, f.e. a Staoisha of over 60%abv. That definately has my preference.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

I’m surprised the Glenfarclas 105 didn’t make this list. Going to try and find that Bladnoch now.

[@Gwhisky]

Good luck, it seems to be limited to certain markets, which unfortunately I didn't know while I was making the video. Hope you can find it, though. Really good! 🥃

[@TheReal_DeanD]

@@Gwhisky yup. Pure unobtainium on the Bladnoch CS. Oh well. I'm moving onto some other of the suggested picks.

[@philc1884]

Nice list, very curious about the Bladnoch. I have and love the 11yr. I don't know Red Breast cask (only the regular 12yr and it's nice if nothing spl). What I do know and can emphatically vouch for is the Two Stacks Cask Strength. It is magically smooth at 130pr, super viscous and a finish that goes on for days. Best Irish I've had. Cheers.

[@Gwhisky]

I'll be on the lookout for the Two Stacks. I don't think I've seen it around in my market, though, unfortunately. Yeah it seems that Bladnoch isn't for sale in a lot of markets, unfortunately. Glad to hear you love the 11. Fantastic stuff! 🥃

[@-teacherwade4993]

Westward Cask Strength is great, and recently arrived in Taiwan.

[@Gwhisky]

Just looked it up. NT $4500 is pricey! Sounds great, though. Cheers Wade. 🥃

[@kevinnordby4808]

I’m in the Seattle area and I have to throw in a suggestion….if you can get ahold of any Westland Single Cask bottlings just do it. They are absolutely great!

[@Gwhisky]

I'd love to try it. I've heard of the brand. Seems they're making waves in the American whisky scene. Sadly they're nowhere to be found here. Appreciate the suggest, though, Kevin. I'll be on the lookout the next time I visit the States! 🥃

[@jpii8468]

RB12 CS is near the top of my list, period. I always have an open bottle and a back up 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Incredible stuff. 🥃

[@lucienvisser5405]

Great list! Funny thing. Ralfy review the Redbreast 12 CS this week. Mediocre ad best. The newer versions are probably a let down. i got a bottle of 2019 and it is really good stuff. Such a shame the Springbank 12. You have to get very lucky to find one these days. Still got some old stock bottles from years ago before the hype, happy i bought them. So i can still drink it. It will take a long time if ever for the price to come down.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I've heard that he didn't like his bottle. Surprising. My bottle was from a few years back, so like you I'm really hoping that it's not going downhill. Cheers! 🥃

[@gordonlalor]

Great list Geoff, as I'm Irish I'm happy to see Redbreast at #1. You should also look out for something in the bushmill causeway lineup, they are cask strength and tend to have different finishes for different markets. I'm going to check out that liora, I really enjoyed the 10 and 11 YO bladnochs.

[@hunamsafee2]

Solid list I currently have over half the bottles on the list in my collection (all open I'm not a savage). I need to keep an eye out for bunnahabhain cask strength

[@hannocapelle9843]

Glenfacles 105 is great stuff, good value for Money.

[@steveno7058]

Great list! Glenallechie 10 is also nice

[@Gwhisky]

It is! 🥃

[@ursoouindio]

I was expecting the Port Charlotte cask exploration series

[@Gwhisky]

They would be at the top of the list had I included them. Blaring omission! 🥃

[@WhiskyLock]

Great list. Great picks. Love it. And glad to hear that you're joining me in giving Springbank a miss until prices and availability calm down. It's just not worth losing sleep over. Cheers 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers, Shane. Yes, SB is entirely too expensive now and not something I'll be overspending on. Btw great to see you on the Vpub the other day! 🥃

[@eviltrain24]

oh damn. didn't know about the Liora but according to Bladnoch, it's not available outside the U.K.

[@Gwhisky]

Is it? I picked up my bottle here in Taiwan, but damn that sucks if it's exclusive to certain markets. That's always frustrating.

[@eviltrain24]

@@Gwhisky Well, it could be just that as a new product, it hasn't begun shipping to all designated regions. Bladnoch's website only shows it on the U.K. sub-page.

[@jor-elschroeder5385]

Hi Geoff, Exceptional lineup..Redbreast 12 Cask strength is amazing and definitely worthy of the top overall pick. Blue Spot 7, would be nice on this list as well. Although, it's really difficult to get here in Canada 🇨🇦 at the moment. Thanks for your insight & picks. Jor-El

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for the kind words. Yeah I might have included the Blue Spot myself if I ever got the chance to actually try the stuff. Never made it to my market, as far as I know. Cheers! 🥃

[@whiskyflu]

Super list Geoff. Agree with your selection, especially the Redbreast 12 CS. It is a phenomenal whiskey. I would probably add Kilkerran 8yo CS and Aberlour A'bunadh. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

A'bunadh would have been no. 11. Heh. Kilkerran 8 is something I've only had the pleasure of sampling before. Impossible to get a bottle of it at any kind of reasonable price in my market, unfortunately. But yes, it's spectacular! 🥃

[@whiskyflu]

@@Gwhisky That's sad isn't it. Not so long ago Kilkerran was so easy to purchase. Now its a struggle. Flippers have gone bat shit crazy on it!

[@Gwhisky]

@bushmills19 Annoying. Can't wait for this Campbeltown gold rush to be over with. If it ever is...

[@RafaelFH]

I would like to suggest to you the Lum Reek 10 Cask Strength, it's amazing! I strongly recommend it.

[@Gwhisky]

That's been suggested before. I'm on the lookout for it! Appreciate the recommendation! 🥃

[@davieislay]

Delighted (naturally 🤷‍♂️🙈) that Bunnahabhain 12CS gets a rave review, but also liking everything else you’re saying, Geoff. 👍🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching, Davie! 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Great vid! I'd add Tomatin Cask Strength, Bowmore Vault Editions, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and Old Grand Dad 114 (Batch Strength). Also, if you can find it, keep an eye out for Scarabus Cask Strength ✌️

[@mcwaffles121593]

How is the Tomatin? I recently had the 10yr and was shocked at how smooth it was. I legit asked the salesman if there was even any whiskey in there

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@mcwaffles121593 I don't know anything about Tomatin 10, but the 12 was pretty decent stuff the last time I tried it and when it cost $35. Tomatin Cask Strength is super stuff, but I would never describe it as smooth.

[@mcwaffles121593]

@@MrChristopherMolloy good because it was a little unsettling coming from RBCS, Uigeadail, Laphroaig Cairdeas and then having to ask is there actually whiskey in here?

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@mcwaffles121593 Why? Is Tomatin 10 a 40% bottling? I've never heard of it? Most single malts, even the 40% ones, tend to still taste like whisky in my experience.

[@allanwhittle3041]

Good list Mr G ..might dive back in and try the Bladnoch Liora ( after initially liking it the 11year was a bit too strange for me ) and the Arden cask sounds worth a go, like you i have /enjoy the usual bottlings ... Springbank over hyped ,I don't really get the quality v price thing its decent whisky , but for me i wouldn't pay it .

[@Gwhisky]

The Liora and Ardnamurchan are two incredibly characterful and fun whiskies. Both worth a go. I think you'll find the LIora more accessible than the 11, although it still has that unique Bladnoch "fermenty" character. Springbank is a brand I absolutely love, but at the prices we're looking at for them now, I agree it's not worth it. That's why I'm savouring what I have left of the old stuff. Cheers Allan! 🥃

[@Northernbreed1738]

Turns out I can actually get both the Glendronach CS Batch 11 and the Tamdhu Batch Strength 6 here in Michigan, The Land of The Shitty Liquor Control Commission. I guess I could grab both (and I might), but I assume from the ranking that the Glendronach is a bit more interesting/good compared to the Tamdhu? Also, miracle of miracles, I can also get the Redbreast 12 CS!

[@jonathanbean7097]

Surprised there was absolutely zero mention of Glenallechie 10 CS 🤔

[@Gwhisky]

Glenallachie 10 is solid stuff. Was under consideration. 🥃

[@jonathanbean7097]

@@Gwhisky better than investigation! 🤣

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

I don't know if you saw this, but Ralfy recently ripped apart Redbreast Cast Strength, which I found a bit shocking as he had previously given it a 90, and it was a favorite of mine, so odd? I recently bought a bottle, but I gifted to someone at Christmas, so I actually haven't tasted it in several years.

[@jamesslivka5571]

He did seem to have a chip on his shoulder in that video

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@jamesslivka5571 I tend to enjoy his videos, but his scores seem to be a bit scattered & inconsistent of late, and the soapbox is never too far away.

[@Gwhisky]

Perhaps he got a lesser bottle? It is a batch release, after all. I seriously hope the quality isn't going downhill on that one. Such a stunner...

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@Gwhisky Perhaps.

[@jamesslivka5571]

@@Gwhisky Based on his reviews of Nikka From the Barrel and Orchard House, I sadly would agree with the soapbox mention. Just a bit bitter and stuborn in my opinion. But all in one take, whew. Flinstones, hah, that was FUNNY, I still laugh at that!.

[@elduderino3120]

Not sure if my comment appeared or I deleted it by accident - just wanted to ask about Abunadh. I last bought one back in 2014 (batch 49 IIRC?) and it was magnificent, but I’ve read some reviews that the quality has dipped in recent years. Anyone able to confirm?

[@Gwhisky]

It's not as dark or as old as it was many years back, but that's true of a lot of whiskies. It's probably best to see it for what it is today, and it's still an excellent sherry bomb! 🥃

[@dextercool]

I don't think this list could be bettered - Liora is a find! A longer list of mine might include Wild Turkey Rare Breed. Not complex but hard hitting and intense.

[@Gwhisky]

Haven't had that one in ages. Good stuff, though! 🥃

[@seanlim6138]

Not sure if this counts but I find Glenallachie 10 CS batch 8 to be awesome!!!;) Didn’t like batch 7 though. Do you mind sharing which batch of Springbank 12 CS is your favorite?

[@CS110768]

cant agree more, redbreast is extremely good and the springbank is also uniquely in its kind (got a little sample left from my depleted bottle).

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you agree. And yes... we've got to savour what we have left of our Springbanks!

[@gareth630]

Nothing wrong with those Geof, in fact tried them all. Two others I like Glengoyne ( tea pot ) 59.6% and Arran Quarter cask 56.2%. The H/P cs is great for pimping the 12yr old ;-)

[@Gwhisky]

I've heard nothing but good things about the Tea Pot Dram. Nowhere to be found in my market, sadly. And yes... HPCS is a great way to boost the 12! 🥃

[@TheWhiskyTrail]

For me for the price I paid for it and the quality of I'd definitely put Wild Turkey Rare Bread here

[@franciscodantecesario6228]

Hola soy Dante de Argentina, primero te felicito por tus videos que me entretienen mucho, entre el TAMDHU cask strenght y el GLENFARCLAS 105 cual a tu opinión en mejor , valoro mucho tu opinión saludos

[@Gwhisky]

Very cool! Thanks for watching and for the kind words! Greetings from Taiwan! 🥃

[@jeffspruance9388]

Thanks Geoff! Great list. Do you order most of these whiskeys and have them delivered?

[@Gwhisky]

Most of these I manage to find in shops here in Taiwan, but there are a select few that I bring in because their either cheaper (even with the shipping fees) or simply not available here. 🥃

[@jeffspruance9388]

@@Gwhisky appreciate that. I wouldn’t have guessed they’d be so easy to find there. I’ve been scouring the liquor stores near me in Massachusetts and the majority seem to carry daily similar and standard offerings.

[@Faisalhossain-s5h]

Bunna 12 2022 is far better thn Redbreast ! Did you put Redbreast on top because of availability? Thanks

[@cato451]

Best CS I’ve ever had is the St Magdalene 1979 19 Year Old Rare Malts 63.8%

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds impressive! Never tried a St Magdalene. 🥃

[@anthonysillett6678]

My last find of this bottle SPRINGBANK 12 CASK STRENGTH 55.90% £99.95 14-12-21 can not find another bottle, mine remains un-opened until I find another.

[@Allaluca]

Hi Geoff, which batch of Springbank 12 CS do you own? Have you tried other batches and how much do they differ? Thanks.

[@jonathanso86]

No love for the Abunadh? That should be in any top 10 CS

[@Gwhisky]

Ah damn I knew I forgot some goodies...

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

This is the first Cask Strength bit I've ever seen not having the Aberlour A'bunadh on the list. Original.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah! Well, it was considered. Glad to have a bit of a plot twist, though. Cheers! 🥃

[@jackthepickledhound]

The cult of young cask strength. I am trying to get out. Last year I came across and bought every OB I could find. Most on your list plus Tomatin, Arran Bothy, Wolfburn,,,,, The idea that these NAS whisky's would be a very affordable showcase for the distillery really drew me in. I believe the KK8 started this trend and GA10 really confirmed that we are willing to praise these infantile bottles. Bunnahabhain's 12 year age statement seems to be the pinnacle. And coming full circle I haven't spent the $100 for the Highland Park yet. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about the CS but I'm trying to go for age statements over appealing prices. $100 is a lot of money for almost new make. LOL,. I still might do the Ardnamurchin and the Glendronach if the opportunity arises. Highland Park, though is all about the indie bottles.

[@Gwhisky]

Interesting topic for discussion, Jack. I definitely take your point and there are a lot of lesser whiskies where the jacked up abv is all they have going for them. A quick and cynical money-maker. But I'd argue that there are plenty that are legitimately wonderful whiskies within the category as well. Definitely wouldn't call it a cult. People want big flavour and they don't want to spend a lot of money. That leaves them with younger/NAS cask strength stuff. I love age stated stuff. It can be (but isn't always) better than the younger high abv whiskies. But the fun with whisky is we can enjoy anything we enjoy, regardless of what category it fits into. And yes... HP IBs are killers! 🥃

[@jackthepickledhound]

@@Gwhisky of the different styles of malt that we can explore, the young cask strength variety, is the one that is the easiest fall down the rabbit hole. At least for me. Last spring while hoping to get into the style, Tomatin, Glengoyne and Benromach all showed up locally. Then I found a Wolfburn and a few others. $60-75 is great. $90 or more for NAS is a bit much. I was just looking on the interwebs and one website I frequent has 3 different indie 14 year CS Macduff. All 700 ml, refill hogshead and 57-61%ABV. Prices?? $140, $160 and $185. WTF!!! At $10/year. The $140 bottle is the better side of average value I've seen lately.

[@eyemallears2647]

I’m SCARED to try cask strength coz I feel that once I do, I’ll never enjoy a 40% again. Also I’ll go broke.

[@Gwhisky]

Lol both fair points. 🥃

[@IanRautenbach-e1t]

Dont know if you're going to see and read this but if you do, I'd like to know if you've had the Wolfburn Langskip and what you think about it. 58% ABV bourbon matured whisky. Thanks.

[@Gwhisky]

I've tried a couple of Wolfburns before. I'm not sure if the Langskip was one of them, but I don't believe so. Morven and the 10, I believe.

[@supervillan326]

Gotta say the Red Breast CS is over-rated for me, (and I really wanted to love it). I have a bottle of RB CS, but the Bunna CS, A’Bunadh, Glenfarclas 105, Tomatin CS and Glendronnach CS (B11), as well as other CS whisky’s I own, are all superior “sherried” CS drams to my palate. That’s not to say the RB CS is a bad whisky, but having also had the Red Breast 12, for me, I won’t be replacing either. I guess it’s down to the personal palate of the individual, but I’ve concluded that none of the Red Breast flavours really grab my unsophisticated palate. They’re all pleasant but sadly for me, all a bit “meh”.

[@cliffordbarcliff]

Irish: Writers Tears or Blue Spot Japanese: Kaiyo Mizunara Glen Allachie Aberlour ABunadh

[@Gwhisky]

Nice! 🥃

[@players02]

Interesting list. Given a choice between those and their older variants (18, 21 years), would you still prefer those with Cask Strength?

[@Gwhisky]

For Bunna and Redbreast? Nah...

[@charshavardhan]

Drinking that Springbank is a crime that everyone wants to commit! Cheers! May that bottle magically fill to the top again and never finish.

[@ADSCP]

No Kavalan Solists? Also what do you think of Ralfy’s review on the Redbreast? He wasn’t very nice on it.

[@Gwhisky]

Solists are pretty overpriced in some markets, but they're fantastic. Yeah Ralfy's take on the Cask Strength 12 was surprising for sure.

[@phrrrp]

Can you please review Bladnoch Liora? 😬😬😬

[@Gwhisky]

Sure!

[@DileepB]

Interesting #1. $85 in my market.

[@Gwhisky]

Worth that all day! 🥃

[@kamahhl]

No GlenAllachie 10 cs?

[@ouwe04]

Good list but but but cask strenght and batch strenght arent the same thing

[@murduk88]

Great list, thanks for the work, but of more importance: *never* lose the mystery pour. Not that you would, but if you did, frankly I'd have no reason to stick around until the end half the time, but that damned mystery pour has its hooks in me every time. Brilliant! 👏👏👏 Cheers!

[@doronneuhaus30]

Springbank 12CS is my favourite cask strength whisky. They do differ a lot between batches in terms of their sherry to bourbon ratio. But I have loved all the ones I've tasted and I'm lucky enough to have 4 or 5 different ones up to batch 19. Not only my favourite cask strength but possibly my favourite Springbank too. Another brilliant cask strength whisky is Kilkerran Heavily Peated. The batch 5 was amazing. 6 was a little disappointing but 7 is back to 5 level. Don't bother with the real early batches, they weren't as good.

[@robertzemko6590]

Not one of the 19 whiskys you featured or alluded to are available in Ontario Canada! Shows you what we are up against, oh well theres always milk.

[@Gwhisky]

I checked the LCBO website. A few are listed, but then when you click on them you get "product unavailable." Frustrating. Still better than the SAQ, though. 🥃

[@robertzemko6590]

@@Gwhisky Yes LCBO lists many products that have not been available for years and probably never will be. BC Liquors also govt controlled has a much better selection and the stuff is actually available, not sure about SAQ, have not checked them out lately but a few years ago they had a much better selection as well, had a neighbor pick me up 2 bottles of Glendronach 21 Parliament at SAQ for 200 bucks each about 4 yrs ago, great deal and they are actually 23 yrs old, No Glendronach 15, 18 or 21 here in Ontario in at least 4 yrs, Cheers and enjoy your cask strength delights!

[@cupid__angel__]

Do you have a cold? I think your voice sounds different... Of all these I've only tried the Tamdhu and Uigedail, the Tamdhu is great value for a cask strength.

[@Gwhisky]

I do have a cold. I was hoping it wasn't too obvious. Glad you're enjoying the Tamdhu! 🥃

[@dylanthomas7443]

Have to leave some comments after this interesting video. Springbank has something peculiar in that it leaves you uncertain when you open the bottle but then develops as you go through it. About Bunnahabhain - I never knew there was a cask strength 12 yo. Never seen it in the Canadian Market. About REDBREAST cask strength 12, have to disagree with you because its good but not worth a mention in this list. More a scotch than a Irish Whisky. One of the most interesting Whisky that you left out was the Aberlour A'Bunadh - One waits for the latest batch and you keep guessing what the next batch's ABV will be - its always more or less than the 60% mark. Though there is no age statement, its a wonderful whisky. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

[@Gwhisky]

I like A'bunadh, but I prefer everything on this list. I'm one of those old curmudgeons that whines about A'bunadhs being better back in the day. They're actually still really good, and it was a consideration for this list. Just didn't quite make the cut. Cheers Dylan! 🥃

[@daveandrews5485]

Where do you buy your tight t-shirts? Asking for a friend…

[@Gwhisky]

Baby Gap. 😂

[@yorkli8686]

Kavalan Solist Sherry cask

[@ironmantran]

Top 2 = Alberta Premium 66% Canadian 100% Rye ----- Gosling 151 Rum 75.5%. The end. (ok, ok , add, ... May be Stagg 71.5% bourbon).

[@Halliskyes]

What batch (year) do you have?

[@Gwhisky]

Of Redbreast? I believe it was 2019 or 2020. Don't remember. Not too recent, anyway.

[@jockmcallister]

Geoff, For once John doesn’t disagree with any of those! 😅

[@jockmcallister]

👏

[@Gwhisky]

Hah. Validation! 🥃

[@williamcitra7005]

kavalan solist oloroso

[@andyking894]

Look at me! I have a Springbank! I'm better than you! Geoff is nothing if not extraordinarily humble. 🤣

[@Gwhisky]

Yes. Incredibly humble. Easily the most humble person who's ever lived.