whisky review 243 - Johnnie Walker Blue Label

[@420burezuitto]

Could we get a re-review for 2021? Would be interested to see if there is any change in quality in your opinion.

[@noodlefart1029384756]

was thinking of getting a bottle to try but thing ill grab a couple bottles of ardbeg instead

[@tomgibson9620]

But why, it will always be OK. You buy the label not the content. It is about the marketing costs not the ingredients and the taste... as Ralfy rightly said. I would suggest getting some Japanese blends if you like it very smooth. They should be better than the blue label... but there is maybe not that much prestige coming with a Nikka when showing it around to BBQ party guests that don‘t have a clue about whisky. For this occasion one wants the big brands to show off and for the Blue Label everybody will have at least a price tag in mind 😉

[@mark4lev]

He’s done reviews of 1980’s Johnny walker compared to the new stuff. Night and day. The old stuff is king

[@k4gsxrks]

Great video. As a novice whisky connoisseur, I'm glad I got the collection pack (red, black, gold, blue) 4x200ml as a grad gift. Blue label displays itself as a super high quality product but what it really is, is just a status symbol people like to show off. It's like Grey Goose vodka.

[@AaronBenjBrown]

Oh Ralfy, thank you so much for posting these. All my life I hated scotch, all I'd ever had was blended whiskeys and always thought they were vile. Then by chance I went to a local scotch bar for dinner here in St. Louis, 'The Scottish Arms'. The waiter suggested a dram of Gglenmorangie finished in a burgundy cask, my first single malt, and I became an immediate convert. It's great to find a place where I can get the straight dope as it were from such an authentic and entertaining gentleman.

[@michaeljamieson3582]

I feel like blue label is one of those things that people pull out at parties to impress people they don’t really like.

[@michaelgoodwin593]

Agree, and the product placement in films etc really shows what it is. I've a bottle from my early days of whiskey drinking and there's a confusing mix of whiskeys going on in the bottle in my opinion and its fairly bland after it drops off. Any Bowmore or Laphroig from a supermarket is a better buy I rekon

[@williammacneill956]

Michael Jamieson lol

[@naturallyaspirated8893]

Couldn't have said it better myself

[@naturallyaspirated8893]

@@williammacneill956 q

[@1061shrink1061]

It's a shame as well, because it gives people a bad impression of the brand or of blends in general. I was very anti JW and against the concept of blends. But recently someone gave me a few drams from a bottle of their Blue Label Ghost & Rare collection (the port ellen one). It was simply one of the finest whisky's i'd tasted at that point, and remains a highlight. So much so that I had to go out and buy myself a bottle. That said, Having recently tried Red and Black label in local bars, I found them utterly uninspiring. So I guess as with monkeys and typewriters, they're bound to get it right once in a while ;)

[@Bob-Maplethorpe]

I just bought this last weekend because... well, because I had a couple hundred bucks burning a hole in my pocket. It was something I just wanted for my collection and to experience because there is so much image associated with it. On tasting, it simply reminded me of a Johnny Walker Black that was very rounded and lacked any type of burn. I never look for "smoothness" in my whisky, but this stuff is very noticeably smoothed somehow. It comes with a subtle handshake and then simply slips out of the room. This said, I suggested that this whisky would be most enjoyed by those who are very new to drinking scotch whisky.

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

It's overfiltered, then has junk added to try to bring back a little character. Ultimately, it falls very flat like a boxed wine. Not bad, but not good. Very "anodyne", lol.

[@scottclarke1350]

I do quite like it, quite fresh with a nice subtle saltiness a bit of a sugary sweetness, some green apple and a mild oaky finish. I quite enjoy drinking it but I was also gifted my bottle as a leaving present from Diageo so I would probably be a bit more critical if I’d paid for it myself. I definitely wouldn’t buy it, for the money I think you could get much more interesting whiskies

[@tsnewsad]

outstanding review. the last few minutes where you expound on the pros and cons of what super brands bring to the table was refreshingly thoughtful and well-balanced. My hat off to you, sir.

[@peterbradshaw8177]

Very interesting that you grade Black Label higher than Blue. Which makes me happy....because I'm trying (for the first time) Black Label as I type this.

[@VRichardsn]

First time I see one of his reviews, and even though I know _nothing_ about whisky, I must say I really liked his style. I think I will continue watching his other reviews. Keep up the good work!

[@jkocol]

I was in the same boat. I saw Ralfy on his brother Clive's channel where they were reviewing a Russian MRE, and of course Clive promoted this channel. I dropped in to check out Ralfy right after, not because Clive recommended it, but because the way they interacted together I had to check it out. I was very pleasantly surprised at the work Ralfy does here. I will never understand whisky the way Ralfy does, but I may learn to sound like I know a thing or two.

[@rormister1]

Ralphy Mate, I want to say how brilliant your style is, i just love how your opinions are all ways true to what you actually believe and how you never get warped or influenced by prices or surrounding hype on whiskys, you just tell us what you really think. A rare quality in most humans these days. keep up your good work mate :)

[@OzClawhammer]

Sounds like Johnnie Walker is selling the "sizzle" and not the steak.

[@mettyuu1]

for sure it does ralfy, this issue has always got me perplexed. It cannot be possible that diageo hold a method and recipe that always gives the exact same results, but thanks for your thought

[@BrandonRhoten]

Ralfy - I'm one of those big, multi-national company marketers. Kudos to you. I rely on your reviews to invest in potential whisky's to buy and try. Keep up the awesome work!

[@DeadGlassEyes]

Glenmorangie Original is so, so good. I'm glad your friends enjoyed it. It's one of my favorites.

[@medamasensei]

not a whiskey drinker at all but appreciate your expertise and passion for whiskey. i also appreciate how eloquently you talk and describe the whiskey. hats off to you.

[@PeatSmokey]

Boy oh boy Ralfy, can recognize immediately when you are ready to trash a Whisk(e)y by the up-side-down smirk that you employ upon your first taste of the condemned spirit... I love it! ...that part of your reviews... in this case though as in many, its agreed my spirited friend...Too BIG for its briches at the obscene price it commands. Goodjob Ralfy, good call.

[@jak0075]

My first whiskey. My first intro to the world. Thanks to a hunger to learn and your videos, I now have plenty of single malts that took many years of hard work, and love of the craft to produce. In my job, I’m able to help people get away from popular names and set them on their scotch journey with bottles and names I trust. Each giving a unique impression on each people the way they did on me. Thanks Ralfy

[@logwind]

I'm not a drinker. I don't even drink beer. I know nothing about whiskey. Stumbled upon this video somehow and really enjoyed your detailed review. Nice to see someone passionate about something. Cheers.

[@mrcheezle3910]

Ralphy.... first off your the man . I won a bottle of this whiskey in a raffle and I dont even drink but im anxious to taste it based on how its talked about .

[@1stMemberEver]

One of the most insightful reviews of all. Thanks Ralfy!

[@multitudinal]

I appreciate your consideration for those of us living in far flung corners of the planet. Im spending a year teaching abroad in Vietnam, and sure enough the shelves of the local supermarket are rammed with Johnnie Walker.

[@xyzpdq1122]

Ralfy, I appreciate your advocacy of moderation. I've noticed that as I get older, my beer, wine, and spirits budget is the same as when I was younger, if not more. And yet I am drinking far less. Just buying more of the good stuff!

[@theanswer0001]

This is the first Ralfy video I've seen and it was a great watch. At one point I wanted to go down to my wife's spice cupboard and sniff around so I could keep up with your flavor and note descriptions. I am a rather new whiskey drinker. As a sailor I was able to have a sip of Johnnie Walker Blue at Ferrarri World in Dubai. It didn't leave a big impression on me. However, in Hong Kong, China, I had some Lagavulin 16 year. I have been in love since. Thank you for the great review.

[@MrBetoCabrera]

Es la primera vez que alguien comparte el mismo punto de vista de un servidor y amigo, Ralfy; estoy completamente de acuerdo contigo, incluso yo de hubiera dado la calificación de 80. Te felicito por desenmascarar a todos los productos de la Mercadotecnia. Feliz Año y saludos desde Mérida, Yucatán. Mexico

[@ross1880]

Great review! I bought this for my Dad's 70th birthday. I got it just for the label. Thanks

[@allendewitt1]

As a consumer of single malts and blended scotch whisky, both have their merits. A mega brand like johnnie Walker has the luxury of accessibility of several single malts to create their blends. This is great for the consumer. The master blender has the ability to take pieces of single malts and blend to create desired complexity. There is a reason johnnie Walker black is sold everywhere. It’s consistent, a little smoke from coal ila and or talisker as well as other well known single malts combined with grain whisky. Scotch drinker for over twenty years...still a fan of some blends..particularly johnnie Walker black. Kind regards

[@1122stardust]

Ralphy you are too funny comparing jw to corn flakes. Soo true. currently sipping bowmore legend....not bad at all. Auchentoshin classic is next. Your reviews always make me want to get a dram right away. Your scenes and video quality are excellent. Love the barrel !!

[@barrywilson2409]

Change my jacket once a year, I love it Ralphie never change the truth is in the Scotch …. , from a scotch descendent in the US Georgia.

[@DaveInBridport]

I'm a whisky novice. Enjoying this channel immensely...

[@richXPT707]

I once bought a glass of this at a restaurant and had my friends each take a sip. None of them are scotch drinkers but they all liked it. Good times with friends, what more can you ask for?

[@skillet4068]

Your expression at 5:29 says it all!

[@SoapAcademy]

Like WTF I just spent $250 on this!!! 🤣🤣

[@AXHEJAZ]

Smart man! I really enjoyed your intelligent review; I appreciated your explanation for your opinion and 82/100 score. I agree 100% with your opinion and that's because it made logical sense to me.

[@JakeChief]

With you Ralfy. I got all the Johnnie Walker's in my collection and i prefer the Green Label over the Blue.Excellent review my friend.

[@CabWall]

Hello there. Great thing you have going here. Very helpful. Thank you very much. I'm new to the world of Scotch, & Irish whisky. My wife bought me a bottle of Blue Label around 2 years ago.Not impressed. Going with affordability, I like The Balvenie,& Highland Park. Being Canadian, I'm eager to try Glen Breton. I watched your review, & now I'm much less reluctant to give it a try. Kinda hard for me to spend close to $100 on something I've heard absolutely nothing about. Thanks so much.

[@miserablerhurensohn]

Thank you for this one. I've tried all the JWs except for this one because most of what I've read says that it's not worth the price. Apparently, it's not even the best JW. Of the lower tier, I do like the Green Label which has some of my favorite single malts and in fact, my regular drink is a 50/50 mix of Caol Ila and Talisker.

[@RimsterVision]

Excellent video as always Ralfy! You should have your own tv show.

[@panadero6666]

he said it " Excellent Green label" my poison of choice blue for especial occasions

[@Kariakas]

I'm no whisky drinker but besides the prestige that attracts people, I find that the few times I've had blue label what stood out to me was the smoothness, it seems to evaporate as you swallow it and it never hits the stomach. I think the people who do like blue label is because of the extreme smoothness. Of course the marketing does account for more people than those that truly like it and it's probably not edgy enough for experienced whiskey drinkers. Thanks for the review, always interesting.

[@jerandai]

Truth to power. Cynical but fair. Telling it like it is. Ralfy, you're righteous, loving, and clear as an unmuddied water. Cheers to you.

[@Watcher3223]

I've tried this blend a couple of times and, each time I've had it, it doesn't exactly impress me as being worth its rather high price. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. But, as you'll agree, there are better scotches for less. I would rather use the money to buy a couple of bottles of Oban 14 or a few bottles of Macallan 12 or Glenfiddich 15.

[@nonphotogenicful]

Macallan 12 double cask?

[@Dennisjay9]

OH YEAH! That's a $40 sip baby!

[@ghanesh786]

buy bottle $165 Costco

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

And worth $40-50. Maybe.

[@davejss]

Over priced and over rated. Give me the Green Label any day! Around here the blue is around $200, and the green is $49.

[@TheAmbSteve]

It's a shame they don't make green anymore :(

[@bartsomerson2099]

TheAmbSteve I live in England and in a Tesco in Sheffield I saw green label selling for £37.50

[@NolenNova33]

Green is superior to blue. Blue tastes like a watered down version of green lane.

[@theoneanton]

Morrisons and Asda, keep a look out, green can be found at £30 sometimez

[@rajo741]

Green is no better than Blue. In fact I’ve always found it raw and unpleasant. At one Walker Whiskey (for industry folk) event, the Brand Ambassador reiterated throughout 2 hours that it was designed to be consumed chilled. Okay but that didn’t make it better. And I agree that Blue is well overrated.

[@Rotaermel]

Great review! I have seen a bottle of this one at my local story and was just about buying it... Now I know better and will spend the money for single malt. Everything you said about marketing is true. I have started with whisky just some months ago but I'm very experienced with the most famous red wine - Bordeaux - and it's just the same thing. The big Châteaux don't need any marketing, they sell like hot cakes with price tags like 1000 € a bottle.

[@1timby]

I had a chance this weekend to try a JW DBL Black. I really enjoyed it as it was reminiscent of an Islay. Not quite as peaty but still well mannered. Thanks Ralfy for the honest opinion of this blend. I've been really inquisitive as to why a blend would cost so much. Now I'm glad that I didn't try some. I'll stick with my Glenfarclas 12 & Laphroaig 10.

[@NuclearBlue]

Well said Ralph really true about how many of us got started enjoying malts, my first blended whiskey was JW black label and I have learned to appreciate other varieties from there.

[@falcon048]

Wow, your discussion on blending mirrors my own experience when I decided to vat my own blends of Bourbon using 50 different bourbons. if you use little parts to make up a whole, it gets "muddy" and lost. however, if you use a strong base whiskey and then add the touches of various other whiskeys you suddenly get the balance back. Vary interesting indeed! Thanks for your review of JW Blue...I don't think i'll ever buy it now :)

[@722Jeslek]

Friend of mine was given a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue for his birthday this past Sunday. Having had Black just a couple days before down pub, I am amazed to discover that I much prefer it to its more expensive brother, regardless of any sort of value calculation.

[@Kyubeyisbestboy]

JOHNNY WALKER BLUE LABEL OH YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH ~Ghost the True Capitalist

[@Rich206L]

Ralfy, another great review and as it happens, I totally agree with you. The average price for a fifth here in New York is around $200. I have seen it as low as $165 in New Jersey. I've had it and I don't it's anything to write home about. I also agree with you about the Green Label being the best of the bunch. I was curious if you will doing a review of their Platinum Label any time soon? Cheers, Rich

[@MrPsmooth]

I will say Johnnie Walker black did get me into the world of scotch and definitely your reviews put me on the right track to trying some truly great scotch thanks

[@pulsarl2c]

JW Blue is one of the greats, the flavour is very unique and hard to describe but it's the one of the smoothest and gentle drams I've had. How about a re-review of this one btw?

[@karnac69]

I have had Blue a number of times and have been underwhelmed by its taste so I appreciated your comments. Of all the Johnnie Walkers which one do you rate the highest or think is the best value? I like the Green Label and am disappointed it's going away.

[@philipdubuque9596]

I only just came across this brilliant review. I'm a single malt enthusiast and have only encountered one 'blended' spirit that I thought was any good. (I'm sure there have been others out there) In the late '70's/early '80's there was a briefly available Glenfarclas/Glenlivet blend that was really quite good. Otherwise I tend to stick to the singles. Your honesty about these spurious blended ("branded"!) products is appreciated. Well done!

[@lupusmacbeth8784]

wow. I'm surprised. I'm a drinker of smoky black famous grouse, i did not expect my scotch to end up scoring higher than Johnnie Walker's Blue Label. makes me feel good about my taste in scotch.

[@digitalbots]

I am new to your channel, and you are by far better than some of these other so called whiskey guides. GREAT WORK RALFY!

[@1cme1]

I'm a pretty new whisky drinker. the first whisky i ever had was Jameson, at a party of course. but since then i've loved the taste of it and recently had my first scotch which was a Johnny Walker Black label on my birthday. anyway, your videos are very informative, keep up the good work.

[@farshadp6114]

Greeting Mr Ralfy, when there is no new review and need something, I go to older videos and watch them. Very exciting, you still love good.

[@simonnides]

The funny thing is, that when I watched Your channel for the first time (like 2 years ago). I had no idea what you are talking about. I mean literally I sat with a dictionary :) Keep up the good work! And cheers form Poznan/Poland

[@blaircolwell6427]

WOW- couldn't agree with you more. From a bloke who mostly consumes my whiskey with coke. Blue Label is an opportunity (from an novice point of view) to be introduced to whiskey they way it is meant to be consumed. Its smoothness, its smokey notes, its fruity flavours. i now try out some of the great whiskeys from Tasmania because this brand, that is trusted, has pointed me toward the enjoyment of a good whisky.

[@YetkinYazici]

Fantastic review! very informative, feels like a marketing lesson. Thank you!

[@perseus123]

I first tried the Blue Label over 10 years ago in college, and since then I've never felt any desire to pay up to have another. I don't even remember what it tasted like, but I do remember thinking, "wow, all this hype and high price, and this isn't even that good." For all these years, I've wondered if I was nuts for dismissing it so quickly. Until I saw this review. Thanks Ralfy.

[@jrm_music7229]

7:30 that’s why I get my recommendations from Sir Ralfy !! He’s a Scotsman and Expert Scotch Whisky drinker !! Thanks for the many advices!! Cheers 🥂!!

[@charli99]

One of your best reviews! Cheers Ralfy.

[@18vallancel]

Aaaah I've been waiting for so many months for this review! Thank you! :D

[@meggaiwa]

good question. im new and wondered the same, because I don't drink very often, but only "expensive stuff".

[@irishscott50]

Had the red, black, and the green but never the blue because of the price. Ralfy, thanks for the review I think Ill just stick with the black. Think it tastes the best for the price.

[@SandSeven]

You nailed it with the term "super branding." It reminds me of coke vs other colas in blind taste test. While coke doesn't win in taste, it is the pinnacle of branding. With that being said, perception is reality :P

[@jakerichardson6591]

Every year for 17 years my mother in-law brings me a bottle of JW black and Chivas regal. It is so true that there must be so much going on trying to keep the recipe consistent. Comparing the two whiskies year after year against each other has been enlightening to what you just said. Some batches they get right and some they don't. Perhaps like wine and it's year, the batch should be given as much significance as the year.

[@BiGLoS2212]

another good review ralfy, i never understood why people spend so much on blended whiskey, i guess its like you stated before...BRAND and REPUTATION!, personaly i would never spend this much money on a BLENDED whiskey

[@dylanwilliams7868]

I'm drinking green label which I tried at Ralfy and other's urging. Damn it's so good!

[@Wayfarer8]

Greetings, Ralfy. You gave a Honest mark. After Blue Label we tasted Buffalo Trace bourbon and it brought more joy.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I had just sent you a comment about this Ralfy on another video and mentioned I got this for Christmas this year and was disappointed with it. It was good, but not the hype that comes with it good. I would have given it a 78/100. You got pretty darn close to my experience. Love the channel, and have gotten a few of my own malt mates to check out your stuff.

[@RuncaBoody]

Thanks so much for this review- I've been waiting 2 years to see what you think of it. All the best, Ralfy!

[@johnbonham1980]

I recently found your videos and they have been immensely useful in my growing appreciation of malts, etc. Interestingly enough, I have never found blends to be very palatable, so my real introduction to whiskeys has been in the single malts. My first bottle was Macallan Cask Strength (the one aged in sherry casks with no indication of specific year due to being blended from several different ones) and I've recently found what I believe is going to be my standard for awhile ... HP 12 year. Yum!

[@StudioMod]

Yeah, I'm not sure I agree with this of all your reviews. It's very delicious, but you're right, doesn't go anywhere. But its not going anywhere is much more enjoyable than the senseless attempts at "going somewhere" that's found in their Red Label. In fact, I don't find any of the notes you mention to be particularly as prominent as you say. I find a rather delicious oak and almost chocolate and coffee taste all the way through that is a bit intense on arrival, but smooth beyond anything passed the entry.

[@JamieClark]

"Better than red" doesn't mean "good"

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

Yeah, he's spot-on that it's for a superficial impression of "Oh, that's good/smooth" and then forgetting about it. It's like a boxed wine. "Drinkable". "Sessionable", etc. In other words, predictable but bland and lacking character like underseasoned restaurant chain food. It isn't bad by any means, just not particularly *good*.

[@guitartricky]

Lot's of folks asking for a review of Gold. I noticed in the video that you kinda "meh-ed" at Gold. I agree, I was very disappointed with the Gold Label. I'm sure it has it's devotees and that many actually enjoy the flavor! I just found it to be way too "smokey" almost like a cigarette smoke. I really enjoy the flavor of the Blue Label but only when I'm not paying for it! If I was buying, it'd be the Green all day! Thanks for all the great videos!

[@dylvasey]

Fashionable to hate, but for me at least it's a good drop. The only other JW I'd drink is Double Black which is surprisingly good for the price.

[@dssin]

Rafly stay classy my friend.

[@milosmudroch677]

Spot on Ralfy, agreed indeed! I have managed to collect 5 last bottles of JW Green and the taste is not comparable at all. I love JW Green, but Blue label is really just for snobs.... One of your Biggest fans from Czech, Wally :-))

[@crazyzee81]

For the price of this blue you can get a Bottle of the Green Label(my personal favorite), plus a bottle of Ardbeg 10yo (quite peaty and strong but a tasty sipper) and a bottle of Laguvalin 16yo ( I havent tried the Lagavulin 16yo yet but its my next special bottle). Those are just some of the ideas I would offer but Im sure there is countless options and personal favs for everyone else.

[@krsmedley]

Ralfy I recently inherited an old bottle of sealed blue label. Looks to be quite old. Any idea how I can figure out when it was bottled? I see no marks of a bottling date anywhere on the box or bottle. Thanks so much. Love your videos and highly value your opinion.

[@ache1973]

Brilliant Ralfy!!. Regards of Fede Hollmann from Argentine. Lands of Malbec and Tango.

[@zyxomma1]

I've found Johnnie Walker to be wildly variable as of late. 3 - 4 years ago, smoke was the dominant flavor (for blue, or black). This could be pleasantly amplified with a few small ice cubes. More recent bottles have had a kind of cloying nutmeg-ish, clove-y spice. In a conversation with Jim Beveridge, I was told that this is the difference between American oak and European oak barrels. That may be the case, but I suspect they've found cheaper whiskeys to blend.

[@williammacneill956]

Nice work Ralfy. Thank God there's an honest and skilled reviewer on here. I've started using the Johnnie Walker Black test to weed out the the incompetent and shill whisky channels. And though I haven't tried it, I don't doubt that Blue's little better. Regarding blends, though with cheaper booze I go for decent vodka like Chopin--which holds its own neat and warm--over blended whisky, I actually don't mind Chivas Regal much at all.

[@cloudform]

My first whiskey was Jack Daniels. Then I tried a few others, really it was my love of brandy that started me trying higher quality whiskey. The very first was Yamasaki which was like nirvana; I could not believe I was drinking whiskey. Then I tried a few blended high end whiskeys but they couldn't begin to match Yamasaki. Today I bought a bottle of Ardbeg 10 yr. Amazing stuff. I poured myself 1.5 oz of it, drinking it now. I think I may have a new favorite.

[@miserablerhurensohn]

Yes, my first Scotch was a cheap blend when I was a young man and I was put off by it. Much later around age 50, I finally was curious enough to know what all the fuss was about single malts and other well crafted whiskies. I totally get it, now. I finally got a chance to try the Blue which was given to a friend as a gift and although I didn't quite make the face you did, I preferred the Oban 18yo that he also had. The Blue has a nice box though, doesn't it? ;)

[@garlic555]

Thank you much. I will not waste my dough. I have found the same diminishing quality curve with many different products. It can almost be defined as an economic law.

[@thomascrombie]

I like what you said about paying for whats on the bottle, rather than whats in it. Its definitely the case once the name becomes as big as Coca Cola, but I would compare this more to Beer, since as far as sodas go, coke is alright. Bud, Miller, and Coors account for +80% of all US sales, and have the same watered down taste. With JWB, if you're paying top $ for the label, its more important that anyone can drink it, which is good if you're trying to impress someone who doesn't know the drink.

[@dannydannyl]

I've never really drank whiskey before, but I was given a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black as a gift and I found it slightly overwhelming to drink. I wasn't able to detect any of the subtle flavors that you seem to be able taste. Is it me or is it the whiskey? and will I develop my pallet the more I drink? (in moderation of course). Great videos by the way, I appreciate the the thought and care that goes into them. Best

[@Wayfarer8]

Hello, Ralfy.Could You tell about Island of Islay peatcutting. It seems like distilleries cut the island and burn it. What's about the saving of the authentic landscapes?

[@Cornflake81]

Never really went too deep in this label other than the red. Good to know about the higher shelf stuff.

[@Whiteraven77]

I love black label. I want to try out some different whiskeys. Whats great on a budget?

[@chrish12345]

@Timvanhelsdingen Sure yeah, I didn't know they recommended it served chilled, seems a bit strange but I guess its worth a try if it improves it somehow.

[@mavee4200]

I watched just to see if you were honest, and YOU ARE, I didn't like the blue lable, it was week, it was NOT what I expected. Thank you sir for your review, you are awesome.

[@Markvdl25]

if you have a bit cash to spend, what would be the best JW variant? I bought a bottle of black lable last year, had a bottle of green lable many moons ago. But what would you advice? Just a tip for a very interesting new single malt. There is a small distillery in a small Dutch where they make an excellent single malt. It's called Sculte Twentse Whisky. It is very expensive, but also quite special, but I'm a bit biased on that point :)

[@thewhiskybothy]

Green label if you can find it ! If not, Glen Elgin 12yo malt.

[@Markvdl25]

Thanks!

[@sesshorin738]

Mark van der Laan I agree with ya green lable is worth your time if you got the extra cash to spend

[@clank4001]

***** yep Green. Sadly, no longer found in my area Stateside

[@thewhiskybothy]

also look out for Swing and Swing Superior.

[@hyunki0510]

You should definitely do a review on the Hudson Whiskey line. They are just awesome.

[@johnbonham1980]

(cont) I sampled Lagavulin 16 recently at a bar and really disliked it, so I don't think I'm ready for the Islay malts, but I love how the Highland Park is, indeed, tremendously balanced. I also enjoyed a sampler bottle of Glenlivet 12 this week but found it rather boring vs. what I've drank otherwise. Most other whiskeys I've had I've felt were too heavy on flavors directly from the wood and didn't have very much complexity at all ...

[@johnbonham1980]

(cont, and sheesh sorry about the long post :-P) ... I think that part of the reason I gravitated toward the single malts for their challenge and complexity has to do with my dislike of boring beers and embrace of craft beers of various types for about a decade now. Beer drinker at all, Ralphy? Your videos are incredibly enjoyable. Keep it up and thanks!

[@Zugy011]

Ralfy, I'm thinking of buying Gold Label so i would like to know your opinion and mark for that whiskey.

[@phillipsfit]

Be great to see an up to date review of this Rafly. It’s bottled at 40% now a days as opposed to 43%.

[@crazyzee81]

They would not do a repour so I strained it into another empty cup but the damage was done. It was a very weak drink and to this day I have regretted it very much but honestly after seeing this review I will knock buying a bottle of blue off my bucket list. I was thinking of maybe buying a bottle for the next wedding or bachelor party but now I think I will try something else. Its heart-breaking to buy a bottle of something because its popular and find out it was a huge waste.