whisky review 492 - Glenlivet 21yo Archive Single Malt

. . . this one happens to be Batch 40174 and unusually for older official single malts, more reasonably priced in the UK
To comply with Google Adsense policy this video is an independent non-profit review and is not selling or linking to a site that sells the product being reviewed.

[@danfisher5]

On the toughest day of my life I am so comforted by your presence. Thank you Ralfy for giving my mind a quality malt distraction.

[@charliefoxtrotthe3rd335]

Once again, Ralfy is spot on. Shut off your cell phone, get a nice, roaring fire going, get your comfy jammies on and sip a snifter of your favorite spirit. Wine, scotch, whatever. And also what he said about quality. You know it when you experience it. You don't have to be told what is quality. It speaks for itself.

[@michaelskinner9683]

First things first! I've been tuning into Ralfy.com for a couple of years now and wanted to encourage anyone and everyone who are interested in a "Single Malt Education," as it were, to look no further than Ralfy for a "Magnificently, Massively, Marvellous, Mellow, Malty, Mentorship." I think I can safely speak for all of us subscribers when I say that THIS particular Malt Mention is for YOU Ralfy! Thank you for all of the invaluable and indispensable knowledge and wisdom you've bestowed upon myself and others. Being able to go on this journey through the world of Single Malt Whisky with your guidance has been an absolute joy and an absolute pleasure, so thank you. Secondly, I'll be venturing out into the world in the next few days to track down my next Single Malt purchase, and wanted some opinions! There are three Single Malts and one Blend that have struck my fancy this time 'round, and they are... - Glenfarclas 15yo - Old Pulteney 17yo - The Glenlivet 18yo (and last but not least..) - Johnny Walker Green Label (I've heard this is discontinued, but I found a store still stocking a number of bottles) My dilemma is that, at this time, I'm allowing myself to buy ONLY ONE. Where I hang my hat, these are all around the same price range. And so, I want to put the question to Ralfy (if he's not too busy with life and stuff) and to the rest of you (if you're not too busy with life and stuff), between these four... which would you recommend I choose?

[@ralfydotcom]

Michael Skinner . . . happy to share the malt-moments ! Glenfarclas 15 for me at the moment !

[@michaelskinner9683]

Thanks for taking the time for a quick response Ralfy! Glenfarclas 15 has been high on my radar since February 2014, and your recommendation has certainly reinforced the direction I've been leaning all this time. I'm very excited for the experience! I'm looking forward to finding out which expression of Glenfarclas will be appearing in your next review! Cheers!

[@michaelskinner9683]

Hi Ralfy, I took a photo of the Whiskey (does the spelling give away that I'm Canadian) I picked up! Here's the link to my Instagram photo. Looking forward to your upcoming reviews! Slainte mhath! instagram.com/p/4qLs2ZEkVj/

[@surfing636]

The 21yr Archive is $155, while the Nadurra 16yr is $70 in the state of Oregon, USA. Great review, Ralfy!

[@themaltbar]

Really like the direction you took in WR492. The "word" is not going to leak out Ralfy, its already out. Writing on the wall & proof is in the pudding. For us guys here I can see the changes in our attitudes and we're over 4400 miles away! yea good buddy the word is out there and the maltsters are carrying the news. When a distillery can't maintain a reliable signature its time to either re-examine prioritys or just come clean. Just can't 'just release it' guys - under some fancy NAS name. This one trick is a tired business model and to continue along in this mindset will inevitably do damage in the long run. cheers

[@peteacher52]

I like your style; easy to listen to (euphonious voice!), funny and informative.

[@1o1s1s1i1e]

Always a pleasure Ralfy! Since stumbling upon your website I'm enjoying my whisky more because I am listening to your excellent advice and drinking a better quality whisky. Already looking forward to the next review. Stay well, Ossie

[@dawsonhenderson1501]

The 21 yo archive will have to wait; but the Nadurra sounds very good and will be added to my short list. BTW, I loved your "digression." It is one of my favorites!

[@marcelo_m23]

loved it :) enjoyed every minute of this review!

[@louiejones4092]

I just bought a bottle of this yesterday it was the first time me my brother and dad have ever tasted a 21year old whisky and wow we all thought it was amazing. I'm going to try and hang on to the rest of the bottle for Christmas lol

[@Seprahs]

Thanks to your tutelage. I have picked up a nice bottle of Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera vat. Very enjoyable. I will continue to look and study whiskey. So I may enjoy more like this in the future.

[@Bynming]

Thanks Ralfy, you are a scholar and a gentleman.

[@carscigarsscotchnwatches5158]

Thanks for putting into words what I was thinking when I tried this one. The Glenlivet 21 left me wanting something more. It isn't bad, but after having the older Nadurra bottling and the 18, I don't feel that the 21 does enough for me to warrant paying the exorbitant prices being asked these days. I will give it this much it is consistent from year to year. I have bought this one every 2-3 years and it is the same for the most part. From us Major Malt Malfunctionaries(made this word up) ;)

[@whiskyflu]

Ralfy could you do a re-review of the Glenlivet 18 so that we get a good perspective on the 21?

[@justamotorcycleenthusiast9800]

Will be something I ask for a birthday or Christmas gift!

[@Ridabu]

You're confirming my impressions on this whisky. It's extremely pure and solid quality. Glenlivet is undeniable there. But it just comes short. It doesn'nt lose face, it just fades off a bit anonymously. Composed but lacking.

[@davidefremov8368]

Got Glenlivet 16 Nadurra, and I have to agree with the comment about the Nadurra line. A very pleasant whisky, even though the 48% strength makes it a bit tricky to strike the right balance with water.

[@wackyschnappsbrothers121]

great review Ralfy

[@3fingerroll]

excellent video ralfy : i look forward to your videos , so interesting and entertaining ..

[@StefaanLesage]

You made some really good points on Marketing, NAS and Pricing there *****

[@themaltbar]

Hi Ralfy. Here's something to maybe hopefully consider; Maybe during one WR down the road you could maybe give us maltmates, the next months 'review whiskies' so we can obtain them and review the analysis right along with you. (maybe accessible budget scotch or blends??) We think it can be quite productive and unique doing a "real time" side by side with the 'Great One'. and it can give us a good purchasing plan and an immediate appreciation of the spirit that you will be reviewing. Think about it Ralfy. Its really not a bad idea. Thanks maltmate. cheers

[@federere1000]

Hi there Ralfy, thank you for your videos and knowledge! It's been less than a year since i began my journey into the whisky world, and I have tried to taste as much as i can find. I have bought a bottle of The Famous Grouse which I found too sweet (both on the nose and mouth) and a little too "confusing", i noted a scent of overripe fruit which annoyed me a bit. I am now looking forward to buy my first single malt bottle, my doubts are between Glenlivet 12, Highland Park 12 and Aberlour 10. What would you recommend to an absolute beginner? Thank you FB

[@michaellynch1589]

Cant wait for Christmas deals to come about.

[@ast453000]

A beautiful review, Ralfy! You didn't sell me on the Glenlivet 21 - not that that's what you wanted to do, of course. I don't like Glenlivet. They're still too commercial for me. It will take a lot for me to trust that brand again. But the second half of the video was really quite something else. Well done!

[@morrisnell]

Another great review and yes tv is shit.

[@Demiler]

The description on this one got my full attention; Tobacco and leather in nose, and a fragile finish, sounds so elegant as a all. Something complex you would like to taste methodically with tender. ¡¡I think i'll have some whisky tomorrow!!

[@johnhenfrey5936]

Thanks for the review Ralfy. It's a pity you don't name and shame some of these distilleries, who are charging these over the top prices, hope you enjoyed your bottle of, Robinsons, Old Tom.

[@BigWhisky27]

Ralfy! Last year i tried bunnahabhain 18 for the first time. It was outstanding. One of the best whiskys ive tried. Seriously. I had it again recently and found it to be completely unremarkable. Just dencent. How can things charge so quickly? Particularly older whiskies. Is it the cask or blending at the distillery of the malts? I am so confused!

[@MrGrxxx123]

good review... good Glenlivet scotch! ralfy shines again

[@MrGrxxx123]

amen, Ralfy , throw away the cell phone.. dam cell phones!

[@31NRN13]

as you are reaching review 500, i wanted to see if you are planning to organize the videos in playlists. Because i think it will be neat if you make playlists for single malt, blended, wine, bourbon, scotch, canadian, and so on. It makes it much easier to find your videos. Just a thought. Great Video!

[@PeatLova]

Hey Ralfy! Please mention my Malt mention: "Los Tigres Del Mirador" I'm Valentin from the Dominican Republic. THANKS!!!

[@Volk219]

Hello ralfy, would you recommend getting a Machrie Moor (4th edition) from the Isle of Arran to someone who enjoys dry wine but has a soft spot for the likes of highland park (mainly smoke + peat aspect of it)? What is your opinion on this single malt and would you ever do a review of it?

[@fetus7755]

I tried the Glenlivet 21 year old at a whiskey Convention side by side with the 25-year-old. I found the Glenlivet 21 year old was superior to the 25-year-old. Do you have any thoughts or comments?

[@Seattle206723]

SOLD! @5:30

[@kellyj5389]

Great job. I live in ohio here in the states. Been trying to find springbank. It's tough. A lot of the others a bit more easy.

[@BigWhisky27]

Total wine if its near

[@nickyang1143]

frame is great on its side as a shelf for knick knacks

[@shallmaneser]

Hello Ralfy, when it comes to fruit spirits in Romania we have țuică, pálinka is more hungarian.

[@timthewhiskynut477]

Great review ralfy. Any thoughts on the new octomore 6.3? 258ppm, 64%! A huge jump.

[@fishy1oh]

how about the glenlivet nadura range ? un chill filtered and bottled at a higher strength. the classic nadura is quite a good whisky and in my opinion is worth the money, anyone's thought on the other editions ?

[@ralfydotcom]

a very good value malt-choice !

[@archerer98]

Do you also drink beer Ralphy? Just wondering. Great vid as usual.

[@howheels]

Hi Ralfy. I've come to the realization that there are few (maybe none?) distilleries putting out anything older than 16 years or so that are NOT sherry or double-matured. While I enjoy the flavors added by the additional sherry maturation, I can't help but feel it's hiding the natural character of the malt having gone the distance of 18+ years. More realistically, I'm sure it's also done to hide flaws. Do you have any insight? Can one even buy a 21+ year old traditional bourbon matured malt from an OB?

[@Cougar139tweak]

Having the last glass of mine as I watch this :( hot cinnamon finish on my batch !!

[@naturalfinish]

Definitely a very nice Glenlivet expression, however a wee bit pricey at around $225 here in Chicago, tis a shame it's chill filtered and colored

[@DaleLadDaz]

ralfy, I know you have done some rum reviews, but if you are going to do some more, could you review some like el dorado 12/15, diplomatico exclusiva reserva, zaya 12, angostura 1919/1824 etc I suspect you may deem them too coloured and sweetened perhaps but I would love to hear your opinion on them Thanks ruminating rambunctious rapscallion rum retrobate

[@JinxyLenux]

Hey raf. Should try out our Australian rum. Bundaberg Rum brands.

[@Polyfusia]

Thoughts on BenRiach Burnie Moss?

[@MrShaka1965]

I like you Ralfy.i like your style mate.

[@user-hb1ve6mc6f]

"TV is crap!" haahahaha ... so true! I love you more;) Cheers!

[@SIRUS80]

bravo

[@stranger2u19]

Hi ralfy I'm new to the hobby i purchased a bottle of glenmorangie original i liked it but i don't pick up on all the flavors and smells the bite and smell of the alcohol get to me and i feel like I'm missing out on a lot could you help me out and thanks for the great videos and stories

[@miavonni]

Are you going to review the 21?

[@alabasta02]

"Ye don't git dymunds from a sack uh shit" - Ralfy

[@Kiltedmoose1]

I had some of batch 0612K back in January. I found the bitter, spirity finish ruined the whole thing. Wrote about it on my blog and really struggled to enjoy the 21. Won't be rushing back.

[@ralfydotcom]

***** distinct batch variation is an increasing issue for single malts long term reputation, especially as the 'boom' in sales is stagnating rapidly.

[@devintyrrell7096]

Ralfy, would you ever review the glenlivet guardians chapter @48%?

[@ralfydotcom]

Devin Tyrrell no plans for now.

[@biankaseba]

+Devin Tyrrell realy good stuff. got 1/4 of the bottle left. if you ever in south florida come over and i will share with you a dram of it.

[@neemguy81]

I tasted this recently and I got an overwhelming maple syrup taste. I'm probably crazy though.

[@foxtenz6346]

The naddurra is only sensible option from glenlivet for me. In tescos its on 37£ at occassion and its well matured whisky

[@Bobtubeau]

$350 AUD ... ouch.

[@cattleprods911]

GL 21 is a nice rich dram, a big improvement over GL 18.

[@pikerize]

Been watching your videos off and on, mainly when I was able to get my hands on a matching bottle of whatever you were reviewing. Decided I better subscribe. Was curious of what you felt was the best whiskey either Irish or Scottish in origin for a reasonable price. My wife is not keen on me dropping much more than $40 (about £25) on a bottle. I have to be honest, I am rather new still to discerning a good whiskey, even after about ten years of off and on drinking. Mostly drank Jameson in college, and have been on a bit of a Tullemore kick as of late. Just looking for a little advice for a good stepping off point. Thanks Ralfy!

[@ralfydotcom]

pikerize explore whats best within your budget, no hurry for expensive stuff till you really know whats best value. Good luck.

[@VicNeumann]

One of my go to favorites; ( I know, I know Heresy!) the blended Johnny Walker Black Label is a superb Scotch at a decent price. "Very consistent, very reliable, and very affordable, with great Balance and very well put together!" See Ralfy's review #14 (from way back) with an 86/100 Malt mark

[@pikerize]

***** I have had it a few times in the past. I remember enjoying it as well. But perhaps a return visit should be in order.

[@mirqo9657]

For 25 pounds..hmm..I agree..JW BL is a decent option (and It is not Heresy at all:-), however..what comes In my mind is "Tomatin legacy". It is NAS single malt but still quite decent NAS smalt. For the money..well made. Another one would be ARDMORE Traditional Unchillfiltered (around 30 pounds)..very decent one, for the money, excellent. Cheers.

[@totalbliss1]

Horse saddle polish, leather and a touch of beeswax. What more could you want in a drink?

[@jclar7210]

Great review!!, You're Spanish is just fine Ralfy, just practice a little more, ha

[@Polyfusia]

Malty Morning Glories

[@crazymadfish]

please try wray and nephew overproof white rum it is similar to a very good whisky on the nose is an aqauired taste but think it vould make a good review :-)

[@tudvalstone]

I first had this 6-7 years ago when it was both cheaper and better. And it's not batch variation - after the first wonderful bottle, the next 3 were consistently disappointing. Looking at the price now, it's ridiculous.. This is a simple, albeit refined scotch, but there's much better for less.

[@wetfart1387]

Ralfy, what is your best reviewed whiskey?

[@Iceman-xe7jo]

One of the best but a bit overpriced now in this day. Went up to $300. Ouch!

[@kellyj5389]

Glenlivet. Pretty easy to find

[@TheJusnic82]

the only non age statement whiskys I like buying are Compass Box, because really they do state the age...they tell you exactly how much of how old of whisky is in their whisky blends and its the way every non age statement should be

[@ironbooze2937]

+TheJusnic82 totally agree. Scotch Whisky Association should change the law, so consumers have more transparency and producers have to be honest with their stuff

[@GlennWillsee]

Ralfy have you ever considered doing some beers? Some nice complex artisnal beers. Like the Westmalle Tripel from Belgium or a Paulaner Hefeweizen from Germany.

[@ralfydotcom]

GlennWillsee perhaps next year, though everyone seems to prefer I stick to Scotch reviews !

[@Demiler]

***** Give it a try man. It's amazing what there is to find. And you have the technique to do it the best way posible.

[@dagfabriek]

+ralfystuff westmalle right but euh... Seriously westfleteren (made by the good old abbey people who won t increase production even though their beer is considered the best in the world) each car can pick up max two crates in 60 days... The best beer i ever had, and i worked them all, i am belgian after all... 30 euro for 24 bottles. It is incredible and another league all together. You find their website easily. There is a side trick, the commercial brewery next door was co founded by the brewery master of westfleteren, and since 1992 they bring the same recipee under the name of sint bernardus incredibly good beers and more available ( especially the 12) when you compare the westfleter and the sint bernardus there is still a difference, but they are closely related... Apparently the monks of westfleteren do deliver to the three pubs around the monastery, one is called de vrede (peace) cheers!

[@inationrecords7488]

HI Ralfy I wonder if you can help me? It's my friend's 50th soon and I'm looking for a cracking whisky for him that he's never had before, obviously something a little special. I know he likes 18 year old Glenlivet so I've been looking into buying this one (21 y.o. Archive) in the hope that it's at least one step up in class from that? Would the 21 year old do that do you think, or is it no better than the 18? Or can you recommend something in the same price range as this that will be that little bit special and at least one step ahead of the 18 year old Glenlivet, his previous favourite? Thank you.

[@itstotalyhappening]

Joseph Hicke I'm also just stepping into the world of fine Scotch! if you subscribe to ralfy here you will find whenever you buy a new bottle he usually has a review of it and for a novice it makes it rather fun doing your tasting along with him, and you learn along the way I know your sampling the Glenlivet 18 but tagged u here for an example :) cheers mate

[@Malt454]

The point that consumers encourage what they support with their money in terms of quality is well made. Unfortunately, it’s also true of marketing. To buy NAS-labeled bottles is to encourage more of them, and more concealment of product information down the road. It might well be RATIONAL for PRODUCERS to support NAS “because that 12 doesn’t taste like a 12 anymore”, so as to maximize profit on younger and/or substandard whisky, but such marketing does NOTHING for consumers but conceal relevant information on the one hand while aiding the “premiumization” of age-statement whisky on the other, adding another level of craziness to the “collectible” market, and resulting in drinkers paying more. To stand with whisky drinkers is to stand against NAS.

[@PeatSmokey]

Malt454 again you're spot on and sitting rite on top of the truth. I read a comment somewhere where it was said that it was us maltmates who have been the glimmering lite that has brought the deceit and underhanded NAS labeling practices into the light of day. I do agree with the comment (which I cannot seem to locate) that there were maybe 8 or 9 of us maltmates that started to cry foul close to two years now. And with a tangible degree of frustration our plea fell on deaf ears! ...rite up until recently when Ralfy got onboard believed in the truth and began to speak out on behalf of Scotch's future and maltmates everywhere. True its not going to stop anytime soon but it has always been my understanding that to move any conversation you must always "get their attention first" and if it is true (rescent scotch sales appear to bear this out) that Producers read our comments as much as watch the review itself then the "spies in the field" have gotten more than an earful of NAS dissatisfaction and the percieved half-baked shotcuts that have plagued the industry up to present day. No its not going to end overnight and will probably get worse before it gets better but as the 'old reliable scotch/blends' (HP, Lag, Blk Bottle etc.) sales begin dropping in line with their quality and maltsters becoming more discerning being attuned to the deception and bad casking, things will have to change. standard economics, quality = sales. We keep the NAS boycott alive along with a constant flow of honest and constructive comments in the forum. and DO pass the word. We really can't saddle any one person with blame but Its bewildering to wonder what took Ralfy so long to come forward but never mind that we should all be proud that he did. From here on in, none of us, we don't let go.

[@PeatSmokey]

PeatSmokey In essence, all we want is the truth! Is that too much to ask? CERTAINLY NOT !!!

[@Malt454]

PeatSmokey As Ralfy says in this review, “I’m not being overly critical here”… yes, and it shows, certainly in his very restrained criticism of NAS marketing as a whole, as opposed to just this or that unnamed NAS-labeled bottle as being young or immature - so I’m not quite as encouraged as you are. Although I don’t want to alienate his potential support, much of what Ralfy says in this review functions as an industry apology, rationalizing why producers have “had” or “needed” to go to NAS marketing and, I’m sorry, but it just doesn’t wash. Failed or unreliable cask experiments and claims of responding to demand simply DON’T justify withholding production information from consumers who are paying ever more for these bottles. One point that I DID think was very well made was that, while people can understand both sides of the issue, they ultimately have to decide between defending the interests of consumers and those of producers and, again, to stand with whisky drinkers, and not producers, is to stand against NAS. As you say, the truth isn’t too much to ask for, and thanks for the replies and comments.

[@PeatSmokey]

Malt454 wouldn't you also love to see WR500 as a complete in depth no holds barred exposé on the "state of the NAS union"? and how it should be collectively addressed to further OUR NAS objectives? I personally think this could be a ground breaking review and a fruitful discussion that would be momentous and timely, given the 500th WR landmark. If it ever took place that is.

[@Malt454]

PeatSmokey Hope springs eternal that Ralfy WILL take this issue head-on, particularly in the context of a series of videos which wants to claim to give viewers an honest appraisal of the state of whisky today, even if only, by necessity, couched as opinion. As it plainly works against consumer interests, the expanding concealment of production information through NAS marketing is EASILY the single biggest issue currently facing drinkers, and so certainly the topic is ripe for direct discussion - and avoiding that discussion can’t help but to undermine the credibility of those who avoid it in the long run. Cheers!

[@tomzhangus]

Hello best friend at 4am.

[@anthonyjohnramsey]

could use it as a brick mold

[@royalnass1029]

where i live that is 200 bucks a bottle. that is costly

[@mysteriemannen]

Doctor who in the back, oh yes.

[@funkfugiyama8326]

Must rethink my plan on how to make diamonds...

[@WillardTurner]

Malty Molecular Malt Masters. You know, in case you do a review mentioning some of the science involved in whisky.

[@ralfydotcom]

Wil Turner . . . now on the m-mention list !

[@PeatSmokey]

***** Ralfy, do you know if "foreigners" are allowed to buy/own land on the Scotish islands? ie Man, Islay etc. Thanks. Great vid thanks again Ralfy.

[@ralfydotcom]

yes, happens all the time.

[@fuckthisfuckbullshit]

Do you live in a bothy, own one, or go out to one to shoot your videos?

[@ralfydotcom]

fuckthisfuckbullshit . . .'tis my own little Bothy !

[@heinerlauter1211]

I dont need this wood around the bottle, I want good wood around my whisky. Producers should stop this ! I like your tastings ralfy, but what youve said from 16.00 on is so true. In hard times ( and i think they will come) i dont want to have a 1000 € bottle of a overpriced whisky in my cellar, i feel more prepared for these times with 30 bottles of my balvenie 12 DW.

[@maltfusion6743]

Hmm middle of the road bland official 21yo, 43%, chillfiltered, has caramel and costs about 100£ - how on earth is this a bargain? For similar money you can get Springbank 18, Old Pulteney 21 or Glenfarclas 25. I wouldn't call those exactly cheap either but at least you get some quality in return.

[@royalnass1029]

12 year old whiskeys are nothing too fancy in my opinion. i prefer a much more aged whiskey like the 21 yo

[@petermurphy5228]

Am I the first!!??? Hi Raly

[@petermurphy5228]

ooopss Ralfy... couldn't contain my excitement. Still pushing for: Malty Members of the Maltic States

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . verified first !

[@ralfydotcom]

Peter Murphy . . . now on the m-mention list !

[@gummybearkiller1]

Bunnahabhain Toiteach, pleeeeeeaaaaasseeeeeeeeeeeee

[@ralfydotcom]

Lars Nilsson . . . will check it out !

[@60hurts]

Seconded!

[@mjanovec]

I will "third" the request for a Toiteach review...very few others on KZbin have tackled this one (the only review I can find is not in English). With independent bottlings of peated Bunnahabhain somewhat difficult to find in the USA, the Toiteach is often the only readily-available peated Bunnahabhain. But it's also somewhat expensive (around $80-90 in most places) so it's a gamble whether the quality is worth the extra price.

[@ralfydotcom]

I will look into this !

[@Rallerboy888]

Malty Mermen

[@ralfydotcom]

Rallerboy888 . . . now on the m-mention list !

[@gummybearkiller1]

2 nd

[@SkinnedLynryd]

malty malasian mobsters!

[@ralfydotcom]

SkinnedLynryd . . . now on the m-mention list !

[@Seanus32]

***** I always find it amazing when those who sniff whisky or beer can pick up on so many notes. I get the key note or two but, beyond that, can't really detect other ones. I swirl the glass but it doesn't seem to work. Interesting that!

[@ralfydotcom]

Seanus32 patience, practice, perseverance !

[@DMACK1981]

Glenlivet claims this is of natural colour.

[@miavonni]

Are you going to review the 21?