whisky review 547 - Allt-a-bhainne 21yo Cadenhead Cask (Revisited after a year)

. . . awkward single malt from Scotland which tends to be relegated to filling out blended scotch, but decent versions exist in the Indi-bottlers, occasionally.
This video represents a personal opinion and perspective only.
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.

[@geoffolehane]

I like your plain old fashioned reviews. Thanks for sharing.

[@Cobropta]

Never too old! I'm a long time martial artist and it was great to find out that you used to train as well. Best of luck to you, Ralfy! Cheers!

[@MrRsd1963]

May your passes be fast, safe and true. Best of luck on The Flats Ralfy

[@motorhead4870]

I don't think you pass anyone, it is a timed run.

[@StevenCalwas]

Before you identified the artwork as a photograph, I thought it was a painting. I was going to inquire whether the artist would give me lessons. As a photo, it's very painterly, like a Dutch master's.Very atmospheric. I admire your sensitive eye.

[@michaelpollard921]

Cheers and good luck Ralfy!

[@jamesd.wheeler6190]

Best of luck Ralfy! but be careful because we love you!

[@1o1s1s1i1e]

Great review Ralfy, always so damn interesting! As are you my friend. Best of luck on a record breaking run, and a safe one! If I was up to it physically I would be there to cheer you on. I hope you put up a video of your run. Be well, and safe travels. Sincerely, Ossie

[@AntonioRodriguez-xv3sn]

Best of luck Ralfy. Return safe and younger we need to share more malt moments with you.

[@erikkz]

Just finished a bottle of Allt-A-Bhainne from van Wees (Ultimate). It was an easy going uncomplicated fruity malt. Rated it 80/100, was fine for a starter to help open up the palate.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Best of luck Ralfy - reminds me of that film with Antony Hopkins -The World's Fastest Indian - about Bonneville - cheers!

[@mirqo9657]

Wish you and your Bonneville team best of luck dear malt mate!

[@wadew9444]

The best of luck Ralfy! Enjoy all of your reviews and look forward each week for new one. (FIREPLACE). I enjoy the end of the year reviews near the fireplace and can you do more there? I'd love an artwork and will try to get one. A malt mention: "Hello my money managing malt mates". Thanks, Wade from New York.

[@doctor594]

A true renaissance man you are, Sir!

[@scottblountii9231]

I would kill to hang that canvas in my home. If only I could attend the art show but I live in the US. Any chance of non-personalized versions of them going up for sale online to be shipped internationally one day?

[@johnstumbler1406]

Dropped a whole 5 points since you last reviewed it? Glad I'm not alone in blowing hot and cold about individual malts.

[@BrothuhV84]

Ralfy you should make a T shirt designed around that picture behind you. If you had that background on a grey shirt with your name on it I bet it would sell! Loved the review! Cheers!

[@thewhiskybothy]

BrothuhV84 . . . thanks for the inspiration.

[@philipeagleton8447]

Good luck at Bonneville mate!! As ever, an interesting review.

[@dksculpture]

Good luck with your record attempts ... stay safe. Godspeed!

[@peatymalt8879]

I'd like to know more about why province matters so much. Especially the science behind the statement. I understand how water chemistry, air temp and physical perimeters like that effect the whiskey being mashed, fermented & distilled, but it sounds like there may be more to it than that. Any links to literature about the subject would be much appreciated, and be careful out there on the Bonneville Salt flats! Good luck Ralfy!!

[@johnhenfrey5936]

Well you are full of surprises Ralfy. I am in Edinburgh in September, and will be popping across to the, Bon Accord. So if it isn't too far away, I will go and see your Artwork, great review as usual, though I would have liked to have seen this distillery, get an higher Mark, I won't bother sourcing a bottle now. Triumph Bonneville Motorbikes, is that particular model, named after the event?

[@thewhiskybothy]

John Henfrey . . . yes, Triumph named the bike after the place.

[@cato451]

You are a crack up Ralfy. I will admit to different scores in my tasting notes too. As they oxidize they change. Some better and some worse. It happens.

[@1992OGW]

The word you are looking for is "terroir"; a proper wine anorak term! Also, what were the dates for your exhibition? I happen to be up near Oban for a couple of weeks in September.

[@thewhiskybothy]

iamoli . . . month of September at Inverarity121

[@markw6031]

Genuine best wishes to you at Bonneville.

[@edg5218]

Hello Ralfy enjoy your reviews ! I have a question on a subject you talked about a while ago, about decanters. When you use smaller whiskey bottles to transfer from a larger bottle, should you wash the bottle after using and what would you use. Or just rinse out with some cheap spirit? I can't seem to find a definitive answer on this subject . Thanks Ed

[@thewhiskybothy]

Ed G wash and drip dry.

[@edg5218]

Thanks Ralfy !

[@jeffreydarby59]

Hey Ralfy, I just purchased a bottle Cadenhead Cask strength 21 yo from the Lark Bar in Hobart, I found it pleasing...I'm coming to Scotland in the new year feb/march love to have a dram or two with you...I may bring some of Tasmania's finest to sample and review, let me know if if your interested?

[@chrish12345]

Ralfy would you include Glenlossie or Macduff in those whiskies that have no provenance, I don't recall you ever mentioning them in all these years.

[@thewhiskybothy]

chrish12345 . . . yes. Some good versions of these malts exist, but also many 'average' ones.

[@tylerkent100]

As usual, great review! But Ralfy, Ralfy, please explain: You're wearing some heavy clothes and a warm fuzzy jacket over them, as well as a spiffy touring cap!! Tell me, is it really cold in that bothy of yours in the middle of August???

[@projectbalrog2140]

hey ralfy i live in Australia and love me a good whisky but despite few exeption (tobermory etc) i prefer my whisky on ice can you suggest some good whiskys to start drinking neat .....also have you reviewed any Australian whiskey

[@thewhiskybothy]

Makenzi Harrison . . . Aussi whisky reviews in the archive, and try any Johnnie Walkers with ice.

[@mirqo9657]

Makenzi Harrison To start drinking neat..I still suggest Highland Park 12. cheers mate.

[@jimhorne861]

All the best !

[@MrPainfulTruth]

good luck Ralfy stay on your bike. I assume you have done high speed runs before?

[@luc137]

When you treat alcohol with respect, alcohol respect us! Ralfy, the philosopher

[@retiredfromthejob9319]

ralfy. Only 3 ounces on the plane. How will you last. and Which one will your pit crew be bringing?

[@FoodReviews_0C12]

Best of luck ralfy!

[@RadioLaboratory]

Ralfy,wats the main reason 4 such a dip in quality points a yr. L8er? (finish??) cheers

[@thewhiskybothy]

Radio Laboratory . . . adverse oxidisation in the bottle has changed the character, mainly.

[@TheJohn8765]

It's perfectly reasonable to assert location matters. Some places have nightly fogs, whereas 1 km away, it's much drier. *Terroir* matters. If your casks are breathing out (the angels' share), they sure as hell are breathing in.

[@viciouswolf1111]

This is fantastic, glad to hear your doing this, what date is the art exhibition?

[@thewhiskybothy]

viciouswolf1111 Month of September at Inverarity121 185a Bath Street in Glasgow.

[@briand2507]

Hope to meet you on the salt flats Ralfy. Be careful.

[@krauz111]

are you going to sell those online and worldwide? Best of luck from Mexico, love you

[@thewhiskybothy]

Carlos Reyes . . . on display and selling at www.inverarity121.com in Glasgow during September.

[@krauz111]

***** great will buy one for sure

[@kellyj5389]

Great job

[@deloreanfan81]

very good review

[@chrisaghayan9897]

Hey Ralfy how much for the that art/photograph sir? I have serious interested. thank you

[@thewhiskybothy]

Chris Aghayan . . . I have not set a price yet as I am waiting for feed back from art&whisky friends. A vlog will be presented showing a walk-around of all the pictures in September and include prices for the exhibits.

[@timchounard3851]

I'm only down in Vegas Ralfy so who knows, I may just come up to cheer you on! As a motorcycle rider myself, with a few miles under my belt,I'd love to see you be successful in your attempts! I am a big fan of your reviews Ralfy and I'd like to learn more about how I may obtain one of those fund raising photos you're putting out, if it's possible being on this side of the pond...Feel free to send a private message. 😊👍

[@kaiserhog]

Ralfy: Best of luck at Bonneville and here to hoping that State of Utah will save the salt flats.

[@sunilthomasgeorge2222]

Hey raphly I'm drunk . dang . I watch ur whiskey reviews to date they r class apart and as much I would say as a master blender

[@maharaja15947]

How is for motorcycle Ralfy? Still Riding it ?

[@thewhiskybothy]

Ranjit . . . out on trail bike at the moment getting off-road terrain practice to get bike-fit.

[@Danevv]

Ralfy, the malt mention has already been mentioned & the particular malt has already been reviewed (blog nmbr 459). Take note & much love :)

[@thewhiskybothy]

Danevv . . . your right ! I had forgotten all about that and got my bottles mixed up on the to-do shelf, not sure now whether to delete the vlog or just let it carry on ! . . . what do you think ?

[@Danevv]

***** I think you should leave it be. It represents an alternative perspective on a curiositas type of malt, which I presume was to a great extent dismissed my many malt mates here with review 459. What I, personally, find a bit odd is the sheer gap in both malt marks. You place much emphasis on water and the way it interacts with the spirit in the original review. Nevertheless, I think it is a further notch up on the malt experience gauge, so leave it be. What is more, you are getting us warmed up for your upcoming Bonneville challenge and we, I am certain of it, take heed and thoroughly support your effort.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . it stays then, I have up-dated the Title of the vlog, thanks for your perspective.

[@mirqo9657]

***** hmm..a new review this wednesday would be much appreciated, malt mate! :-)

[@johnstumbler1406]

Indeed.

[@xixit]

Good luck in Bonneville. :D

[@scottwinfrey519]

If you could only drink one single malt scotch for the rest of your life, what would it be?

[@robotsongs]

What happened to your Triskelion?

[@thewhiskybothy]

robotsongs . . . fell off the wall.

[@robotsongs]

***** Well, friend, we need to build a new wall.

[@xander6464]

Good luck! You should consider spilling just a drop or two of Scotch on each of your artworks. It could be your unique trademark...Much like the way Hitchcock appeared in most of his films and the way that there is a Superman in every episode of Seinfeld. There are many others I could name and I think you should have one, too, and a drop of spilled Scotch sounds perfect.

[@thewhiskybothy]

xander6464 . . . thanks for the suggestion.

[@PeatSmokey]

***** yesss! Take those pics of your favorite sites and scenes enjoy them! However to make it truly yours, reflecting your personality and work ethic take a few of those pics w/you down by the waters edge set up a little inexpensive kit and paint or sketch the ones you really enjoy. One does not need to be a painter or artist to express ourselves...start out "abstract" and as you improve your skills break it down even more and capture the soul of the picture. Abstract art is making a reappearance and w/the luxury of time and a beach to reflect your perspective intent you will be knocked out at what you can accomplish. Read some instruction if need be Ralfy but the reason that I had commented in the first place was to let you know you have "way more expression" to share. The results may very well amaze you. Peace

[@PeatSmokey]

PeatSmokey Ralfy you could even start small and sketch or paint obscure whiskey bottle labels in a abstract collage., Anything worthwhile is never easy. Nothing ventured nothing gained. I think you're more likely to produce something truly special if its indeed yours-from your heart rather than thru digital magic and/or simple photo (Photoshop) enhancements. shoot if George Bush, Tony Curtis or Anthony Quinn can do it from scratch, you certainly should give it a shot! give yourself a month or two, see where it goes and if you are displeased you can always go back and continue along the lines of your existing efforts. Take a chair down to the beach at low tide and sketch the rocks and such! I bet you have it in you to be great. (You asked me rite?! ;)

[@robertbishop1609]

Can we buy that picture?

[@thewhiskybothy]

robert bishop . . .yes, at Inverarity121 wine shop in Glasgow during September.

[@robertbishop1609]

***** was hoping it would be available for purchase online :(

[@thewhiskybothy]

Inverarity121.com are online

[@robertbishop1609]

***** says site under construction, I'll keep checking

[@bbasidium7018]

OK, I'll bite. As a long time viewer of your blogs, I want to support you. But I want a picture from your bothy with the symbol that has since fallen off the wall of your bothy of the three legs, chasing around or whatever that symbol is. It used to hand from the bothy bulkhead behind you a little to the right of the barrel where you are sitting. I'll buy one. Drive safe our friend and mentor of Scotch. Let us know when you are competing - some of us fans in the states might like to attend!

[@theskilled99]

Is this not the same whisky you reviewed in 459?

[@thewhiskybothy]

theskilled99 . . . it is ! I forgot all about that review and did not remove this bottle from the to-do shelf, not sure now whether to leave it or delete it and replace it with another review, what do you think ?

[@stingfan24]

***** I'd say leave it up, Ralfy! It's all part of the eccentricity of your wonderful channel. And there is new info here that is great to hear!

[@foxhound5702]

***** Replace it with a review of Glenfiddich 50 year old =P

[@stingfan24]

stingfan24 P.S. Best of luck to you and fingers crossed for much success to you and your team at Bonneville!

[@theskilled99]

***** leave it up; and do another review!

[@Keeladron]

I've been watching your reviews since the early 300s and you've changed since then ralphy quite a bit just like some of the malts you review. Your much more serious now you don't seem to have fun with it like you use to. There's a lot more demand in your voice, a hint of arrogance and egotistical notes as well some episodes. I hope this is just a phase and eventually it will play back out to the way you use to be, bubbly fun informative and non confrontational. Good review just remember some of the past as better. Lovely malt as well, cheers.

[@BrothuhV84]

***** Well let's not be too hard on Ralfy. These reviews are free and he isn't getting paid an amazing sum of money to do them. I suspect he may just be having a more serious of a day. There could be stuff happening in his life that we don't know about. We all like when his reviews are up lifting but it is his channel and his to do as he wishes. So let us send our support to him and not make him feel bad for doing something he didn't have to do for us in the first place.

[@spookytruth9307]

Did you not see Ralfy's latest rum review?! I practically laughed my arse off! Do well at the flats and let us know when your artwork is on $ale...maybe even give loyal viewers a shot at it before it goes up on the wall in Glasgow...

[@erikkz]

+Zack Shoemaker remember Ralfy encounters death and sorrow/grief in his profession every day. When someone has a day worse than normal, this might brush off in their review.

[@PeatSmokey]

Enhanced Pictures? seriously?!! blown up on canvas? then sell them for profit?... wow what a coup Ralfy. jeez mate. everybody's been doing that for years with effects-apps on the old I-phone. That's ingenious. I'm in the wrong business lol!

[@thewhiskybothy]

PeatSmokey . . . any better ideas ?

[@johncameron]

I'm sure many of your closest (virtual) malt mates would love to contribute to your world record budget. You should set up a go fund me or paypal gift account!

[@TheOneGlassMan]

Good luck Ralfy! Send my regards to smiley Pete in Inverarity 121 whom I visited in May. Check out this article regarding the Bonneville speed week cancellation in 2014 and 2015. www.autoblog.com/2015/07/22/bonneville-speed-week-canceled-2015/

[@thewhiskybothy]

TheOneGlassMan . . . interesting stuff, thanks for the link.

[@MichaelFinkelman]

Ralfy, L'chaim as we say in Judaism. That means a wish of luck and a good life to come. I wish you the best in your endeavours, but PLEASE do not stop your whisky reviews whatever you do. Mike Frederick, MD USA

[@thewhiskybothy]

Michael Finkelman . . . thank you , appreciated.

[@bardaamir01]

Michael Finkelman In Hebrew...

[@FatCandyProduction]

Melancholic Meandering malty mateys #maltmentions

[@FatCandyProduction]

Obviousz And most of luck with the Bonneville Record Times. Have you ever seen the movie: World's Fastest Indian? It's one of my favorite movies and you will love it. About a real bonneville story with a record that still stands!

[@thewhiskybothy]

Obviousz . . . a very enjoyable film.

[@Shane4Bass]

Just bought a bottle of the Allt-a-bhainne NAS version. Possibly the most bland whisky I've ever had. Hardly any flavour complexity!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I tend to agree with you, malt vodka !

[@jameshill80]

2nd. :-(

[@hhildering3196]

First

[@thewhiskybothy]

Harro Hildering . . . verified first !

[@hhildering3196]

***** Jeah! Best of luck on your adventure!

[@Alohakoa59]

You don’t have a relative that drive an Indian do you?🤭

[@FoodReviews_0C12]

Best of luck ralfy!