whisky review 329 - whisky of the year 2012

[@Silverstack3r]

Thank you Ralfy for all the excellent and quality commentary this year.

[@ncdadecuunc]

I really appreciate your videos and the attention you out into your insights. I look forward to 2013 learning. Happy New Year from North Carolina USA. God bless!

[@JBL626]

Ralfy, you have indeed added more enjoyment to my life. You're a wonderful educator, entertainer, and all-around great chap who makes the world a better place. Twice per week, we get not only informed whisky reviews, we're also reminded that there are kind, decent, ethical people left in the world. Looking forward to more great vlogs (and a new jumper?) in 2013. The happiest of New Years to you.

[@allbunsglazing]

I was obsessed with that fire going out lol

[@andyk69]

Thankyou again Ralfy for another wonderful year of reviews. I look forward to the cooler months here on the Gold Coast again so i can too crank open a whisky for a tipple or too. So much more appreciated in the cooler times. God Bless

[@rememberkarma]

My whiskey of the year was Glenfarclas 175 Anniversary. Haven't tried Ralfy's but hope to do so soon. Thanks for the gentle wise words from one Malt Mate to another. From Sydney Australia, where the new year will kick in earlier than most!

[@curtishopkins4160]

Merry Christmas. and all the best for the new year. Thanks for all you have shared. Best regards, Curtis

[@MBeezil]

Happy new year to all!!! Thanks for a great 2012 Ralfy, here's to looking forward to wonderful malt moments in 2013.

[@Euphorica]

Appreciate all your work Ralfy. All the best in 2013.

[@bajsbopper]

Great choice Ralfy of whisky of the year! Well deserved for the Masters of Sherry maturation!

[@whiskypeat]

Thanks for another excellent year of reviews and relevant information Ralfy..wish your mum and yourself good health and again a fine year with tasty drams to review...

[@jimmyjoy21]

I'm glad you picked this whisky. This was the first single malt I bought - exactly a year ago and I used your review to make that decision. Since then I've had alot of variety, Ardbegs, Aberlour, Lagavulin 16, Laga.Distillers EDT, Octomore 4.2, The Laddie 10 etc. but I will never forget the Gelndronach. It was a beautiful Whisky and started something I've been enjoying for a year now. I must order another bottle!

[@scotchnstogies]

Wonderful end of year vlog Ralfy. I must say, your vlogs are something I look forward to every week. I've learned a great deal from you over the last year or so I've been watching. May 2013 be wonderful and malty for you sir. Cheers please dont stop sharing your insightful and expansive knowledge of high quality spirits.

[@lnlarxg]

great whisky of the year Ralfy and many thanks for a great 2012 vlogs,Happy New Year!

[@OldSoul76]

Thanks Ralfy for all these informative an entertaining videos. I've learned so much this past year and look foward to another great year. Happy New Year to all!

[@bryanf7899]

great year Ralfy. cheers all of you malty megatrons (from the old transformers (which represent Glendronachs - natural colors,non chill- filtered and bumblebee was a volkswagon ) not the new transformers (which represent media marketing, johnny walker chill- filtered caramel coloured and bumblebee is a sexy camaro)). beauty is things being just what they are. thank you Robert Pirsig for two wonderful books about Quality and Ralfy on your crusade for quality in whisky!

[@donaldnielson3805]

Thanks Ralfy for all those reviews and imformative advice and opinions on my whisky education journey ........All the best to you in 2013 .

[@ChrisFlew]

Bought some tonight, and came by your channel to check out what you've been reviewing recently. Making up a new shortlist to check out!

[@halbritt]

Finally picked up a bottle of this and was blown away. Was a little pricy by comparison some other things in my cupboard, but well worth it. Thanks!

[@narbezohrabi245]

Happy New Year to all the malt mates out there. Ralfy would never ask us to because thats the kind of quality guy he is but lets all not forget to click the "like" button for these amazing videos. Its the least we can do as im sure it helps him out and allows him to continue making these incredible videos. Thank you Ralfy and lets all keep the chase up for finding the perfect dram.

[@zonietdantoch1]

Excellent choice !! GlenDronach has (my opinion) the best sherry whiskies! Keep up the good work and a great 2013 from Holland !!!

[@Euphorica]

I grabbed a copy of the movie Ralfy and enjoyed it very much. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

[@jstonehouse]

I enjoy your end of year vlogs. I have been enjoying the odd drop of Clos Martin 1986 which was definitely a worthwhile purchase. Thanks for putting me on to it. Best wishes for 2013.

[@DandyTravel]

Happy new year Ralfy. Thanx for your great, much appreciated reviews. You aroused my interest in Whisky in the 1st place. And it's because of you, I will attend the Victoria Whisky Festival next month (I'll come all the way from Europe). Really looking forward to it.

[@cato451]

Another great year of reviews Ralfy. Thank you and Happy 2013!

[@stormrealestate]

I have had this one in the back of my mind all year since watching this video. Just put the last known bottle in the DC area on hold for pickup tomorrow! After I ordered I watched your full review. I have to say, probably the bottle I am most excited to open in my short stint with scotch whisky so far.

[@MrKuyaJ]

Happy New Year Ralfy! I have learned so much from you this year and the result is better quality whisky has been bought and more importantly, more quality whisky is available to us the punter! You have really helped the whisky customer really become apart of the great tradition of Scotland. I am planning to fly over to the home of Scotch and really come to grips why it has become the great tradition it has become! Cheers and Tally ho Ralfy! Happy New Year from California. ken

[@HookahBurdar]

Ralfy, your vídeos are improving year by year or ather day by day. I have learnt so much from them, and not only about whisky, nor only about distillates. They are, you are so inspirational! I really appreciate your wisdom and your "savoir vivre". I just hope you'll keep doing so well in 2013, and we'll be able to enjoy lie and our hobbies despite the dull economic situation. I wish everyone a verry happy New Year! ¡Feliz año 2013, amigo!

[@urjeurje]

Happy new year Ralfy! I've been enjoying your videos almost as much as I've enjoyed my malts over the last year :) Also, I rather appreciate all the life lessons you sneak in while talking about your whiskies... Here's to life!

[@FrankDr3bin]

Ralfy, you clearly seem to be better at reviewing whiskies than making a fire ;-) Love your accent, by the way. Always a great pleasure to listen to you.

[@derekaleixo4592]

Hey Ralfy. Happy New Year! Thank you for all your reviews... I will be finishing off the new year with the Glenfiddich Single Malt "Cask of Dreams" Canadian Edition. I hope you get a chance to try this malt and review in the new year :)

[@SWMattmakai]

Happy new year Ralfy! This year was good for me as I stumbled by your channel. I'll be looking forward to your reviews in the new year!!

[@joellanc82]

thank you for this. I will be following your advice this holiday season. thank you again

[@ignoredyoualready]

Wish I was sitting near an open fire sipping a whisky! Looking forward to your vids in 2013, really like your stories and points and view.

[@qwitchie]

Have a bottle of the '93 GlenDronach sitting waiting to be opened, very excited to see the review of this.

[@funicats]

Happy New Year Malt Maestro! Thanks for sharing with us what you enjoy so much, now looking forward to some interseting new malty meshuga'as in 2013. Le'chaim!

[@liljnnaps1]

My great grandmother used to have a sherry every day at 5 oclock ( in the evening :) In my limited experience tasting whiskys ive always been drawn to the sherry cask influence. I will do my best to find this one even though im in Finland. Thnaks for the review and have a great new years. regards James

[@MrJoris0123]

Happy new year ! Very nice review, I will be looking for this bottle. I Haven't been able to thank you for the Bruichladdich you recommended last year, it was a topper ! Amazing video's, I can't wait to follow you for another year ! Waw, time flies fast watching Ralfy. Kind regards and best wishes.

[@moristar]

I have it in my local wine dealer! Was waiting for this whole december to pleasure myself with good whisky for New Year! ) Happy New year, Ralfy! Thank you very much for what you are doing!

[@hoosierken]

Have a great 2013 Ralphy. Ive been watching your reviews for some time now. You've helped me learn about the aromas snd flavors that are found in this wonderful spirit. Stay well. My best from Indiana in the USA. Only a couple of hours from the great Kentucky bourbon distilleries.

[@CamiloSanchez1979]

Happy New Years Ralfy, we will continue following you for the next 25 years

[@MNHygge]

Ralfy, I lost my sense of smell for about two weeks this year because of sinus issues. It was a AMAZING once I got it back. I never understood how much sense of smell is used, even just to orient yourself in your surroundings. Cheers!

[@eclap78]

Also have to say that I totally agree with you on the top whisky of 2012. Love the Glendronach 15yo revival, I'm on my 3rd bottle since late October and it's my favorite new whisky of this year. Also loved the Tobermory 10, very very good and the Deanston 12yo you recommended was fantastic too!

[@CitizenKirkwood]

Nice to see you totally hammered for the New Year.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Salutations for Hogmanay Ralfy, hopefully spelled right there....loved all the reviews, looking forward to many more and whisky knowledge!

[@felixmcscotch4250]

Splendid choice, Ralfy! The Revival is my favorite, too, and I have you to thank for that. Seeing your breath in this vlog begs a question; Do you keep your scotch inventory in your chilled Mann cave, or do you recommend a warmer environment? Your reviews are very much appreciated, sir, and I wish you a very Happy New Year!

[@vahitbilgen]

Thank you Ralfy for your great reviews, I learned a lot as an amateur whisky lover. Recently I got Linkwood Single Malt 30yo as a birthday present. Before opening the bottle I would like to get your comments (or maybe even a review). Happy new year!

[@StevenCalwas]

Happy New Year, Ralfy! Thanks for the spirit-ual education! And that includes the reviews of mezcal, which has become my main beverage. You've already reviewed the Del Maguey Chichicapa. I've since tried all the Del Magueys and many other brands. If you ever get the mezcal itch again, I can recommend the Del Maguey Minero (right up there with the Chichicapa) and the Mezcalero's #4 release. Great stuff!

[@DemonmachinE]

I saw this on the shelf at my local store next to Batch 46 of Aberlour A'bunadh. Remembered that this was you WOTY 2012, and saw that Batch 46 of A'bunadh was considered somewhat lesser when compared to some previous batches, so I picked it up. Looking forward to cracking it tonight for a glass or two. :D

[@DomCrathern]

Happy new year Ralfy from me and my family to yours. All the best.

[@DrZaiusBE]

Happy New Year Ralfy! All the best from Belgium! Thanks for everything!

[@TimvanHelsdingen]

Hey Ralfy! Have a great new year! Looking forward to another year of whisky reviews. Have been watching them since the very beginning and they are very interesting. Can't believe it's been a year already... I totally forgot to try out your whisky of the year 2011 this year (was bruidladdich 10 if i recall correctly right?) I'll be having a whisky night with friends on new years eve, so i'm sure to start the year right. Might just buy this glendronach tomorrow if i can find it. Cheers!

[@fishking3810]

happy new years ralfy! i raise my new glencairn crystal glass to you on this new year. my lovely wife gave me a monogrammed whiskey glass and a bottle of Jameson for christmas. all thanks to your video on whiskey glasses!

[@prodigaltrev]

It was the whisky of the year last year....I believe. Excellent whisky

[@ZeffiesMC]

A lot of your advice can be used in more than just whiskey drinkers/makers; great seeing someone so passionate about something. Keep it up, definitely looking forward to 2013 reviews. :)

[@Malt454]

Great vlog, Ralfy, and it touches on some great points.NAS bottlings, combined with indifferent casking, is hurting whisky (to say nothing of the credibility lost by distillers who claim "age doesn't matter" while charging big prices for aged expressions). The accountants and the marketing people need to get out of the way in many distilleries. Quality trumps hype, and people need to do their own research and thinking. Sláinte and Happy New Year!

[@RadioLaboratory]

Hey Ralfy. Great end o' yr review. Thanx4 a terificly informativ, hugly entertaining 2012. 4me mate, uv often gon outta yor way w/helpful insight that wudv bin nearly imposible to uncovr elsewher. 4that Ralfy cant thanku enuf! Wishin u all th happiness, health n good fortun n th new year. Big Luv maltmate! cheers.

[@VideoNorik]

Thank you very much!

[@jasonb3019]

I love glanfiddich 12 but don't like highland park 12. What do you recommend I try next that is comparable to glenfiddich 12 with a touch more peat

[@tzakiel]

I'd like to hear your opinion on the Dalmore... 12 especially

[@RobertUWL]

hey Ralfy - thank u for all your great videos and info about our fav. spirit ! i am looking forward each week to your vlogs and i have been watching them from the very beginning ! i am a real anorak as you and i wish u great health for 2013 and of course keep your enthusiasm as high as ever ! hope u will review the Glendronach CS soon - i find it very good ! cheers and all the best from Austria a big fan

[@trikke38]

Happy 2013 Ralfy, to you and your family!

[@ArumesYT]

I'll definitely give the Glendronach a try, because Balvenie Doublewood is my second favourite (after Nadurrah). Thanks for the advice! Oh, and please be careful with that candle. It got very close to your coat a couple of times, especially at 12:36. ;-)

[@samphea]

Happy New Year! Thank you for educating us with your insights and reviews of various spirits, especially scotch. I bought a whisky that I thought is interesting and I'm hoping that you would consider it for review. That whisky is single cask bottling of 16yr Cao Ila by Douglas Laing. Your thoughts on this whisky is very much appreciated.

[@jazzyphat13]

New subscriber and i just want to say that your reviews are truly top notch!

[@camillebrenes]

Whisky of the Year eh Ralfy? :) Good news is that my local specialty shop does carry this in the US for about $71.00 a bottle. After finishing my Aberlour A'Bunadh you reviewed (my favorite thus far, my goodness) I am in the market for a new bottle and this Glendronach sounds exactly what I'm looking for. Happy New Year Ralfy, thank you for all the work you put into your vlog. -Carl Garrard (CA, USA) p.s. Malt Mention: "Hello you Merry Merry Muskateers"

[@Trebor998]

I just purchased a bottle of Glenmorangie Lasanta and did not see a review on your page. I was wondering if you had one or just some notes you can share if you have any on the Lasanta. I enjoyed it myself but was curious as to your thoughts.

[@Rataxxxes]

First of all, many thanks for the outstanding and interesting lessons on whisky! Second I was wondering if you have tried the "tawny port" finnish from Glendronach and (if so) how it compares to the revival, both being 15 yo and all. Cheers :)

[@toffi22]

Thank you Ralfy for this whisky-year.You are one of "casts" i look regularly. At the end of the year I'm thinking about this.I didn't read an entire book this year, I didn't go to the theater or a musical this year.I don't know how many youtube videos I watched, but the amount is enormous. As a German student in 9th semester this becomes critical, but a life without politics, sports, comedyshows, the whisky videos of horst lüning from whisky.de and a world without ralfy this would be horror...

[@qlpin0]

Best wishes to You Ralfy, and all of YOU: Merry Malt Drinkers!

[@runzombies]

I can't wait to see this year's jacket.

[@Polyfusia]

Have a happy New Year Ralfy. Went on short beer kick. Now I'm trying Smith and Cross Jamaican Rum which I was able to get ahold of. I wonder if you've tried it. It's a lauded Navy strength mixing rum. Some people have been saying in forums that they've eschewed Appleton Extra in favour of it.

[@wessbest]

Ralfy mate.....can you mention (again) the devices used to remove the air from opened bottles of malt whiskies.Can they be purchased on the internet ? and where? details pls. Wess Best (The Devil in Red).

[@bluecostas]

Happy New Year Ralfy! All the best for 2013, I'll be sipping along with you as usual from sunny Israel.

[@vahitbilgen]

thanks, I checked them. I will definitely wait for a special day to open it (it is expensive so I cannot afford a second bottle of it). There is still a chance that you taste it before I open the bottle :).

[@Tantrum777]

Love the video and the year end retrospective and you know I have been a fan of yours since almost the start. You know I started watching your stuff before you were on whisky review #30. I must say though E-150 in blends sucks! many blends that are sent out from Scotland cost an arm and a leg and I really wish they did not have any color in them! You know the USA sends out bourbon with no color added! I wish blended scotch was the same along with single malt of course. Cheers Ralfy!

[@callannyy2]

Superb 2012 ralfy, cheers!

[@NiceyNiceGuyMike]

Ralfy, have you ever considered giving a quick video tour of the bothy?

[@alaineth]

+1 to that. I find that due to the warmer climate the maturation of the kavalan whiskies are a little hurried.. it lends to a simpler profile, especially in the sweetness but it's unique, not in a sherry beast or a vanilla bourbon manner. I'd love to hear ralfy's opinion on it.

[@chrish12345]

Happy New Year Ralf, thanks for answering so many questions and guiding us. With all the sherry talk, have you ever considered reviewing an actual sherry?

[@RONINBVL]

Have a Healthy and Happy New Year Ralfy! More power to you! Mabuhay from Chicago!

[@rphsquires]

Ralfy, you legend, sir! Happy new year to you, you malty Messiah! So, would Ralfy be interested in holding tastings with visiting whisky enthusiasts in 2013?

[@notme123123]

Happy New Year, Ralfy. As 2012 comes to an end, I have to ask...how many open bottles do you have at the end of the year?

[@MooseWithFleas]

Last review we will see with Ralfy's trusty plaid jacket. It looks so warm, we will miss thee. Though we look forward to what outfit will be next!

[@ArunVerma-tv7tn]

Hi Ralfy - first of all a very happy new year to you! I have a question for you - do you know if the classic Johnnie Walker White Label still available in the market. The reason I ask is because a friend of mine recently claimed that he has got one from a duty free shop in India. So I am wondering if it's genuine and how valuable is it. Kindly let me know your thoughts on it. Thanks

[@dj3v3len]

hi Ralfy...what do you think about Laphroag PX cask?are you gonna talk about it when you talk about sherry? happy new year.. greetings from Norway

[@gunadz]

Have you managed to try anything from the King Car group in Taiwan? I'm a pretty big fan of their Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask.

[@themaltbar]

Happy New Year Ralfy. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge maltmate. So tell us Ralfy, did Nadurra make the 2012 short list. As Gln.Nadur has also been a consistently quality spirit thus far. Lets hope they keep up the great work. cheers mate.

[@nmallica]

That is an awesome room!

[@mickey6688]

Hi Ralfy, can you do a review of the Bruichladdich Laddie 10?

[@narutointel]

Happy New Year from CA.

[@SnyperMac1]

you know this may sound like a really bad plan with buying whiskey, but i like to buy a bottle uninformed. i find the surprise of what i get myself into is great. thats just me though. thanks for all the imformation and great content you've given out this year

[@eclap78]

very well said Ralfy, you have been a relevation this year and I've learned a lot from your reviews. You're my go to whisky guy. keep it up. Happy new year 2013 to you and your family. Oh btw, you might want to get some proper logs in haha :)

[@cantbendknee]

Great I'll be purchasing this asap. How can we help you get more money from advertisers, what should we be clicking on?

[@thirdeyedcitizen]

happy 2013 Ralfy!

[@ls033189]

Happy New Year to you Ralfy! Any chance we'll ever see a Bourbon make Whisky of the year?

[@NagareboshiFin]

Hi Ralfy! Angels` share was a fine movie and I`m definitely going to follow your advice about Glendronach. I`ll also add Springbank 10 in my next mailorder! (craft-oriented is the keyword? =) ) Thank you very much for another informative and inspiring vlog-year. May year 2013 be generous and kind to you. Sláinte from Finland.

[@Popsiclestick27]

Happy new year Ralfy. Interested to see your home's layout on Isle of Man. And I see coals burning, why not peat?! heheh

[@TheRobertdavie]

Enjoy the new year!!!

[@dvdbloke]

Curious to hear which single cask glendronach you are reviewing? Opened a 1993 19 yo #26 PX butt and it was fantastic for me! Happy new year Ralfy! :)