vPub Live - Where's the Value? 2024 Edition

Remember we once had regular vPub visits asking this question? You could argue that we should've been doing more of these, especially as the prices have increased in recent years.
However, so invasive has price been as a topic that it bled into almost every subject we covered. It's been a challenge finding themes for the vPub that avoid the thorny subject of price.
That doesn't mean we shouldn't cover it - in fact the opposite is true. Call out hikes, cynicism and gouging, absolutely. But we also need to work to keep the vPub light and fun, that's easier with more positive subject matter.
So, how about we look at the positive, how about we look to places where prices -and keeping them keen - have been prioritised. How about we celebrate the places where we've been surprised by fairness. It does exist.
If we're going to call out the nasty, it's only fair to highlight the nice.
What have you seen as positive moves to keep good liquid accessible and fairly priced in 2024?
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Time stamps:
0:00 - Opening
2:30 - Brief intro to topic
6:00 - Welcoming in the lounge
16:10 - Value in official bottlings
38:54 - Value form new distilleries
55:59 - Value in official cask strength
1:11:40 - Value from independent bottlers
1:30:28 - Value from cask strength indies
1:50:24 - Value in new releases
2:03:03 - Value and something special?
2:13:08 - Probably the best value in 2024
*30yo is North British - NOT Invergordon
2:19:58 - Quiz at the End

[@Aqvavitae]

Express time stamps Time stamps: 0:00 - Opening 2:30 - Brief intro to topic 6:00 - Welcoming in the lounge 16:10 - Value in official bottlings 38:54 - Value form new distilleries 55:59 - Value in official cask strength 1:11:40 - Value from independent bottlers 1:30:28 - Value from cask strength indies 1:50:24 - Value in new releases 2:03:03 - Value and something special? 2:13:08 - Probably the best value in 2024 *30yo is North British - NOT Invergordon 2:19:58 - Quiz at the End

[@danielwilliams7925]

Catching up now Roy

[@ccuellar6212]

The hardest working man in whisky-tube.

[@drewfromaz7740]

Love how you go to the trouble of adding time stamps Roy 🙏 Makes it so nice for those of us that have to watch the replay. Cheers!

[@hamo4558]

This is a must watch for anyone new to whisky, and a healthy check-in and reminder of what's out there for those of us watching our pennies !

[@WarrenCharlesTanner]

A huge thank you @Aqvavitae for the warm welcome to my first live VPub; long time replay viewer, but yesterday was my first chance to tune in for the real thing. Your work is much appreciated - keeping us all informed and the flames lit on our various whisky voyages. Slainte!

[@WarrenCharlesTanner]

Also @Aqvavitae apologies in advance for what may be a dumb question, but how can I go about getting my membership?

[@WarrenCharlesTanner]

That's me sorted; Join button wasn't appearing because of iOS. Cheers!

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks Warren and my pleasure to welcome you in! Yes - the join button doesn't appear on iOS, only Android and desktops, glad you're sorted and welcome onboard!

[@WarrenCharlesTanner]

Catching up on the replay @Aqvavitae and I really appreciate your sentiments at the 1:47:00-ish timestamp; feeling very seen. As a teacher and father of 3 on a budget, I very diligently ration my bottles across 6 week intervals. As a result, my bottle selection process tends to be pretty discerning and researched; adds to the passion and enjoyment imo!

[@barrycullen]

Thanks Roy. It's great to hear that some producers are doing what they can to provide value in a challenging market

[@kimoliver5848]

Interesting about 1770 Glasgow. For me price and value is very important. I have a sample set i need to try again. If the prices are coming down it might be interesting. I stocked up an Arran 10 and Glencadam 10 on sale for 29/33 Euro. This is good value for me and other whiskys have to compare with it. SV 100 proof does that for me. Stocked up on it as well :)

[@Aqvavitae]

Some of those samples sets could be from back when I had one - the whisky was pretty young back then, I can't help but notice a lick of maturity to more recent releases. I hope you find one you connect with!

[@khaldounsamman9128]

I only hunt for my faves at discount. I just picked up 4 bottles of Tamdhu 18 at a liquor store that was discontinuing it for $80 USD. I'd never pay the full price they're asking now.

[@Aqvavitae]

Thanks a cracking price - and it's a great whisky, but I'm not paying what they're asking here in the UK... I hope word of those discounts makes it back to the owners.

[@chrisbearg]

Really enjoyed catching this on replay Roy; I am a bit behind due to summer activities. Love the shout out about Tomatin Cask Strength, one of my favorite drams and very hard to reach past. Cheers

[@majornut9728]

Catching up on a value vPub! Great Stuff! Sipping on a value bottle I found last month. Loch Lomond 15yo Fruit and Honey for about 42 EUR.

[@DrumondArt]

Loved the vPub! Bottles, bottles, bottles, belters! That Glasgow 1770 Manzanilla will probably be my whisky of the year, unbelievable! Supposedly, another batch coming early next year. Also just bought the Peated Cask Strength and an Oloroso Single Cask today. And now you tell us they will drop the prices? What a time to start being a fan :D Ahah Slàinte, Roy!

[@Aqvavitae]

So glad you're enjoying it - haven't seen an Oloroso SC, wow. Cheers DA and thanks for catching it as always!

[@DrumondArt]

@@Aqvavitae It’s a Germany exclusive, from where I mostly import to Portugal. At this point I’m tempted to try all their cask experiments. Also, finally we are starting to get stock of the Ardnahoe, can’t wait to try it. :) Cheers!

[@SimonneNZ]

Another good vPub Roy and my third 10/10 in a row on the quiz, Woohoo! . Quite a few of those bottles aren't available here, and currently I have only seen the 500mL Glasgow bottles. I would have to say the stand-out for value for me is the Arran QC. It was recently on special here for $89 NZD (~43 pounds) which is an excellent price for an OB cask strength whisky. Glencadam 10 is around $85, and Arran 10 is normally somewhere between $80-90 depending on the retailer. Love Craigellachie 13 too but the price has risen a bit since I bought my bottle. It is a public holiday here next Friday, so looking forward to catching another live vPub. Cheers!

[@hellswidd4628]

Fab Vpub this evening with some interesting choices! Three in a row ! Chuffed with that 😊 Much love as always from the two of us

[@NZDave]

Agree with your comments on Ardnamurchan tonight. PL cask, Madeira Cask, Rum Cask, Sherry Cask all belters, all unreal value!!

[@Aqvavitae]

Congrats Hellen and keep it up - I thought last night's would have been a tough one, but so many nailed it. Well done!

[@Aqvavitae]

@@NZDave They're doing great things and I feel like it's just going to get better...

[@alasdair_gray]

Another excellent and very "valuable" vPub Roy. Thank you for putting this together. Glasgow distillery are just getting better and better. Similar to @DrumondArt below the Glasgow Manzanilla is a dirty,funky,smokey delight. Love it. Recent Old Perth Manzanilla is also another one of great value. Signatory are doing the right things in the industry. Interested to see if we will ever get any 100 proof releases other than sherry bombs. Thompson bros are also doing everything right. With their blends and the prices of their independent single cask releases are absolutely spot on.

[@Aqvavitae]

It's great when we find the value, but when we find consensus in it and others in the community are enjoying it too, it reinforces our confidence to speak loudly about it. thanks for the role you play Alasdair!

[@NZDave]

I still have a mental block to buying blends (I know!🤦‍♂) but my value find of 2024 remains the Speyburn 18, still $160 (£80ish) here which is outrageous value, from your list has to be Craigellachie 13 - $135 for 1L gave me an non-sherry "oh wow" moment, loving it.. (9/10****)

[@Aqvavitae]

I'm over that and loving blends that bring good levels of enjoyment. Woven are in the sights now, just looking to explore what they're doing too. Glad you're seeing value on the Speyburn too, and enjoying that Craigellachie!

[@SimonneNZ]

@@Aqvavitae Woven is available here in NZ through Glengarry Wines but in 500mL bottles. Are they 500mL bottles in the UK? Glengarry also stock Wemyss blended malts which can be good value when on sale. Cheers!

[@SimonneNZ]

I picked up a bottle of Speyburn 18 for that price too, excellent value for an 18-year-old. Unfortunately missed out on the 1L Craigellachie. Cheers!

[@leojudkins2040]

Hadn't realised Ardna will be putting out 10yr juice this year! Something to look forward to

[@michaelwood3203]

Another catch up viewed. The price/quality proposition adds to the fun of researching, choosing and tasting. It is more always satisfying to buy well. My happiest deals so far this year are the Talisker Parley at £45 and Classic Laddie at £23. But sometimes it is not the discount but availability that is the pleasure, securing a bottle that is not often available or in short supply. It all adds to the pleasure.

[@markoneill5110]

It is difficult to be disappointed when you know that you haven't had to overpay.

[@Aqvavitae]

Amen! It really does make a difference, when we pay over the odds, we're asking a lot of the whisky and sometimes it just can't live up to the price.

[@brucebernauer711]

Cheers Roy. Further to the Thomson Bros $158 here, 35 Pounds in GB. The exchange rate is usually around 2:1 for more common Whiskies, for example, Deanston 12, Glencadam 10 & Reserve Andalucia all can picked up, on line and bricks & mortar, for around $90. Tomatin 12 a little less, and Craig 13 a little more. These compare pretty well with GB prices, especially taking into account transport costs. I can find only 2 suppliers of the Thompson Bros, the one I just found is a better price at $130. Lack of competition so they charge like a wounded bull.

[@Aqvavitae]

I like the wounded bull line, but not the sentiment behind it - shame indeed. Frustrating isn't it. I know of quite a few US based pals who buy at auction and ship under consolidation, is this open to you Bruce?

[@robcalder5140]

Shipping and taxes man make this a little less appealing. Best bet is to go on holiday with someone (or two) that don't drink and bring back every ml of your duty free allowance. Or just be patient and pick your battles. For example Craigallachie 17 is currently discounted for equivalent of £70.

[@brucebernauer711]

@@Aqvavitae Chasing Whisky at auction is not really an option for me, small Whisky budget (age pension). I do ok though. Between on line and bricks & mortar, I can usually get my faves (Mentioned above) at around 2 Aussie Dollars to 1 British Pound, and occasionally spreading my wings for some others on offer for a good price. FOMO is always present though. 😄😄 Sadly, too many Aussie " consumer " Whisky drinkers see price as an indication of quality, and this only encourages some retailers to price gouge. I never buy without doing my homework first. As always, thank you for the vPub and reviews, and the knowledge you and your guests pass on to we Barflies. Slainte

[@brucebernauer711]

@@robcalder5140 Hi Rob. Are you an Aussie? Always good to share local knowledge.

[@bobsander4589]

Catching up yet again on replay but thanks Roy for even more whisky reminders of where to find value. Can't disagree with any of your picks.

[@bennyfriis601]

Great vPub, Roy. So good to be back live for me as well, although I'll have to battle the too-little-sleep syndrome today 😊 A OB that will most definitely make the value list here (with Danish price levels in mind), is Speyburn 15. It's priced at the same level as Craigellachie 13 and with the price of sherry casks in mind and even 2 years older, it's a good choice as a more sherried whisky for the list.

[@Aqvavitae]

You won't get any argument form me there. It's amazing value, and I notice in the UK the 18 is on offer right now... so tempted... must resist! Nice to have you live Benny

[@MarkHanson-du3qs]

@@Aqvavitae I just cracked the 18 over the weekend while camping. Of course the cork broke but had a wine screw so was able to enjoy it. I paid around 120 cad for it and at that price it is totally worth it.

[@giandrammingaround9344]

Hi Roy, great vPub. Totally agreeon the Old Perth, great range (and their Mac Talla -s are generally very good too). We're not buying much nowadays, but tempted to get a bottled from the new Signatory range... ouch!

[@lassekorsholmjrgensen4508]

Fantastic V pub theme . Thursday is a special day thanks to you all ❤

[@chrisjepson5050]

Another insightful couple of hours. I've just returned from a visit to East Fife where, in a shop in a small fishing town they had Springbank 15 @ £140 and the 12 cask strength £160. Hence we walked out without making a purchase. We then drove onto Kingsbarns distillery and purchased their Doocot £46. Happy days.

[@DominikK45]

Feels like I've heard this vPub several times before🤔

[@Aqvavitae]

You probably have. Inevitable I'll repeat content and messaging, but some of it bears repeating. Sorry if I've given you content fatigue. If you're nervous of more repetition, don't tune in in two weeks time when I cover the best of 2024 (so far) almost all of it will be shared already.

[@jonmetcalf9827]

Ref Quiz Q6: Morangie also had a Dornoch Firth Bridge commemorative 10yo in 1991 (27th August) that obvs had the word Dornoch on the label. 24 years earlier but the same answer! Currently at TWE for £350.

[@FranzG2]

The Signatory 100 proof Secret Orkney is very nice. Grabbed that Glentauchers, a Glenrothes, Aultmore, and Ardmore. Great value even after paying shipping to the USA.

[@maltymission]

After a Shilton and a value propositions marathon, happy to say i'm all caught up again. Hope to be able to turn in tonight for the 'top 10 edited' vPub. Cheers!

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

Loved the stream.

[@Aqvavitae]

Cheers my friend ! Thanks for tuning in as always

[@russell3733]

Great suggestions, Roy, for top value purchases. Agree on them all, but would add a couple which I've found to be consistently great value over the last few years while prices have been going through the roof. The Ledaig Rioja Wine Cask (NAS) has fallen into my lap mostly for €40 to €45, but on one occasion the Dutch had it on special for just €27 - so who would walk past that? My other suggestion is the Laphroaig 10yo Cask Strength - usually an annual release, but sometimes released twice annually during the covid years - which has never failed to please and has never been difficult to find. It still sells in Germany for anywhere between €70 and €80, as it has done for many years now. It might be a Beam-Suntory product, but it hasn't yet adopted a "big Boys'" price. Credit where credit is due. PS: Scotland managed a much more respectable result in its second match. A draw could well be good enough reason to raise a dram to the solid team effort. Cheers.

[@AnimeReference]

I love the Ledaig Sinclair, but here it's definitely considered a premium product from a small producer so it comes in at €50. Cask strength indies cost that so there's no way (not that anything peated and sherried comes in cheaper). Laphroaig 10CS is like €150 so I've never even tried it. Stick to indie Caol Ila which you can find closer to €40 on discount. The whisky market is wildly inconsistent, so hard to make suggestions. Best just to drink everything you can so you can make value judgements yourself.

[@andycross900]

We're currently on batch 11 for the Glenallachie CS. 🙂

[@Aqvavitae]

Yeah someone mentioned that - still the correct answers though! Cheers Andy

[@_fwd_racecar_]

being on a tight budget, my biggest wish is for more single malts to sell 375, 200, or even 50ml bottles. microbrew beers here have really tapped into that market of "poor and classy" selling 19oz cans so dont have to buy the whole 6pack

[@Aqvavitae]

Some have started doing that, but not many. Springbank did it in the last two years for their festival releases. I know a lot of folk are put off by anything other than 700/750ml, but you make a good point, especially with the over-accumulation that's happening today.

[@_fwd_racecar_]

@@Aqvavitae yah if you compare it to beer again, the 6pack is the standard, but there's 15 drams per bottle. so when trying a wide variety is the goal, i just dont need that much to get the idea. a higher price per dram is still a lower total price.

[@jimm8799]

Glencadam 10 is a good value in this area. 10 or less years is usually reasonable. Get above 10 in the U.S., and Scotch can go up quickly.

[@Aqvavitae]

Similar story emerging elsewhere these days, but I see it's always been a little like that in the US, especially for more generous age statements. Shame, thanks Jim as always!

[@leojudkins2040]

You say Tomatin, I say Ledaig!

[@davidowen2834]

Excellent VPub Roy. Got a bottle of mannochmore from this Murray McDavid series and at just over €30 for a single malt port finished is a great value buy especially when it’s pretty decent stuff too. Slàinte Roy

[@andrewjudd9001]

Unless something comes into my local stores that is remarkable (Campbelltown, Ardnamurchan, or something similar) I will turn my focus to bourbons since I live in USA and I have come to find that there are a lot of well priced delicious bourbons at entry level scotch prices easily available to me.

[@paintspot1509]

I have bottle number 177 of the midgie. Such a good bottle for its age!

[@caststrenghtconnor]

Orchard House is first class and always on my permo shelf as well