You've Changed... | Arran Port Cask Finish REVIEW

[@bluesmanen1]

Nice review. This one got released in Sweden today, and I got my hands on a bottle, really looking forward to try it. Regarding the price of Arran here, this one is sek749 (€66) , the Sherry Cask (Bodega)is sek599 (€53) and the 10yo is, for some od reason not avilable here at this moment in time, and it hasn't been for over 2 years, but I'm told that it will arrive later on this year. Cheers!

[@klingfu]

Då ska jag hålla utkik efter 10 åringen (Then I'll keep an eye out for the 10-year-old)

[@Paasken]

Am I crazy for being 100% sure I saw this video the other day? And then it was removed/taken down? Anyway great video as always Geoff. Always happy to see an upload from you 🙌

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I had to re-edit and rerelease it as KZbin took down my last video. Gotta be careful with your choice of background music, apparently! Apologies... I'll be back to a normal posting schedule next week. Cheers! 🥃

[@chentim1751]

@@Gwhisky no kidding ?! Background music ?!

[@Gwhisky]

@chentim1751 Yes, it's just a matter of reading the fine print. I was careless with my choice of music. Lesson learned! 🥃

[@marty_sugar]

@@Gwhisky you should have stick with some jammy ´n juicy there

[@alexanderroyle]

Yes to the port cask comparisons idea please! Cheers :)

[@Gwhisky]

Yessir! 🥃

[@paulandrew1052]

Just opened a bottle of this…. Solid 85 for me…. Interesting twist on a very consistent base spirit

[@hingcheung]

Wouldn't mind seeing the port comparison video 😄 By the way, just curious. Since you were not a major fan of the earlier release, what made you decide to give this another go with so many options and choices out there?

[@Gwhisky]

This was my friend's call. He's a bigger fan of this line than I am and we split the bottle. A lot of my bottles are splits with him, which is actually a good thing because much of we buy together I might not buy for myself. 🥃

[@luminar5]

I love anything port finished, carn’t wait for the comparisons.

[@Gwhisky]

It'll be out in a couple weeks! 🥃

[@JeffWhisky]

Very Pro Port here! I have eyed up this Arran a couple of times but yet to pull the trigger. A blind Port battle would be great. The question is, was you Jammy or was you Juicy?

[@Gwhisky]

I think you'd get along just fine with this one, Jeff. Worth picking up! Juicy Juicy baby. 😎

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Petition to do your next review in the Jammy & Juicy rap style

[@Gwhisky]

2023 reunion tour in the works. Stay tuned. 🥃

[@carlmartinlinder]

I think when you talk about your preference for Port matured. There is a significant difference between Ruby and Tawny port. In my experience Tawny is usually a better finish (full maturation). Arran port I only have th eold bottling so I am excitied for the new one.

[@Gwhisky]

True! Like sherry and wine, port offers up a good amount of variety in flavour. Something I need to investigate more, as I'm much less familiar with port than I am sherry or wine. 🥃

[@austintierney4828]

@@Gwhisky Tawny is the best imo...not as sweet as the ruby and not so rich like reserve/vintage/LBV port, so a nice balance.

[@summoning111]

Subscribed. A port cask finish comparison sounds amazing 🍻 are you able to include glendronach as well ? . Great vid. Sláinte

[@Gwhisky]

Sadly I didn't have the Glendronach on hand. Cheers. 🥃

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I enjoyed these already, so if they are improving, I better go out and grab a bottle. Thanks for sharing, cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I'm really glad I came back to this after some time had passed. You might find the some improvement, yourself. Cheers! 🥃

[@thewhiskydad89]

Hi Jeff: I had a generic question. Will you be reviewing the Fettecairn 16 -3rd release? Thanks John

[@Gwhisky]

It's one I'd be interested in picking up and trying at some point. Really enjoyed the first two. I've yet to see it in my market, but if I do you can expect a review. 🥃

[@jackthepickledhound]

Great perspective. I really appreciate your openness to the cask influence. I always need to be reminded of the significance of the previous contents of the wood. I have a few port cask whiskys. ABV really helps. My journey changes regularly. I always want to buy something interesting but some days it's about the FOMO and some days it's about cask curiosity and some days it's about whisky I want to drink. Wine casks take us pretty far from the starting point and I don't even know what a quintessential single malt scotch is anymore.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I don't think any of us are immune to the FOMO side of whisky buying, even when we're self-aware of it. But ultimately it should be the last thing you mentioned... whisky you want to drink. Matter of filtering out the noise and knowing what works for you. Glencadam. Glencadam 10 is quintessential single malt scotch. 😉🥃

[@peathead4450]

Thanks for re-reviewing, Geoff ... albeit not a whisky that will be on my bucketlist. But hey, can't be a party every time. Happy to leave this one to those of you that do like port cask finished whiskies. And I truly hope you'll enjoy. Slàinte mhath

[@Gwhisky]

Hah thanks buddy. Always supportive even when the whisky isn't for you. Appreciate it! 🙏🥃

[@FABiOTiS]

Looking forward to you spitting some throwback Jammy 'n Juicy bars in future reviews, Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

Fits into my grand plan to slowly transition Gwhisky into a hip-hop channel. 😂

[@jimmyjazz4605]

Good video, haven't tried this one yet but I have all three wine cask finishes on my shelf 👀

[@Gwhisky]

It's a good one. Hard to go wrong with Arran. 😉

[@lightplays2181]

Wow my onest favorite whisky ) good review Geoff . I now you liked this whisky ) Cheers !

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@Bowman1999]

Hey Geoff great video. I'm a fan of Port ,especially Tawny Port, the Arran Port Cask is the only Arran in my collection at the moment, definitely need to correct that! I do like Madeira more then Port. What are your thoughts on Madeira? Also would love to see a blind side by side.

[@Gwhisky]

I've had some excellent Madeira whiskies, and if I'm speaking generally I'd say that I prefer a Madeira influence to a Port influence. But, of course, it all comes down to execution. Thanks for watching. Cheers! 🥃

[@chrisbergin390]

I gotta take a moment to appreciate how easy on the eye that bottle is

[@Gwhisky]

Gotta love Arran bottles! 🥃

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

I like your positive view on the future, I told my children to give you a call. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great idea to have a "port contest" , count me in. I am curious about your opinion on the Dalmore

[@Gwhisky]

😂😂😂 Dalmore Port is decent. I've not done a review on it yet. Too many other things to get to first, but I might get around to a full review of it at some point. Either way I'll be discussing it in the side-by-side, which hopefully I'll have out in a couple weeks. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@louisdanao]

Have not had this. Would like to see a comparison against Quinta Ruban and Angel's Envy, both I've tried already.

[@Gwhisky]

Angels Envy... I don't think that's sold here. Not sure about a bourbon with port influence, but I suppose it could work if well executed. Cheers Louis. 🥃

[@dramman-onlydramnodrama4845]

Hey G, if you do a port comparison try to get your hands on a Glenallachie port wood finish. Yummy in the tummy…..ironically that was the name of MY rap group back in the day.

[@Gwhisky]

Not one I've got in the collection at the moment, unfortunately. Shame... it would be a nice addition to the lineup. Cheers!

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

Watching this made me want to get a replacement for my Quinta Ruban that's long gone... hmmmm... My brother inlaw mentioned he could sell his for a good price... he needs room in his cabinet and who needs a Quinta Ruban when they have a Balvenie 21y Portwood. I remember to really enjoy my 14y Quinta Ruban, but it was one of my first whiskies (I'm a 40 year old whisky noob) so it would also be nice to see what I think of it now. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

I had a the early versions (there's been a few) and the 14 so far is my favourite. A lot of nostalgia for some of the Quinta Rubens of the past, but they never did much for me. This one's solid! 🥃

[@vktay3198]

The idea of comparing the (choice of alcohol) with the whisky is interesting. Reminded me of Australian whisky Lark finished with Chinotto cask ... Which included mixing the drink with whisky ...😢

[@seanstacey3223]

Hi Geoff, sounds like a good idea for a topic to me! 👍Also, how about a tutorial one about how to properly taste and appreciate whisky for us newbies? Have just subscribed to your channel after deciding to get properly into the world of whisky. Love your videos by the way!

[@Gwhisky]

I've never done a "how to approach whisky" video, although it's something to consider! Cheers and thanks for watching, Sean! 🥃

[@whiskyinsv]

I did a recent blind between the wine cask finishes and this one was my least favorite! The Amarone was my favorite!

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you enjoyed the Amarone. I had it recently and it's just a bit too sweet for me. Still good, though. 🥃

[@howardbecdove9780]

Lol. 5 mins in and I said out loud “he’s going to give it 86” I bought the Sauternes, Amarone and port finishes as a 3 pack deal at a good price. I’ve yet to finish the Sauternes, and haven’t opened the Port yet. The first two I probably wouldn’t buy again. Not interesting enough for me. My favorites remain the Quarter cask and then the 10. Thanks for the review.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah am I getting too predictable these days? 😂 The Sauternes I had once a couple years back. Nice, but nothing special if memory serves. The Amarone has good flavours, but it's simply too sweet for me. This newer Port release outshines both imo. 🥃

[@howardbecdove9780]

@@Gwhisky BTW have you changed anything with your sound. It might be just me, but since you’ve changed set ups, you sound more distant. The sound is not as warm as it was. Just thought I’d mention it.

[@OdysseasK]

Always like me a good comparison video, so I'd definitely be interested in you making it happen! In all seriousness though, one of the first serious whiskies I ever tried was the old Quinta Ruban 12, brings back memories... It was good, although I don't really tend to buy anything that's wine matured/finished anymore, it just feels like cheating to be honest. I would much rather drink that Sherry/Port/Madeira/Sauternes since the stuff is so fantastic, but that's just me. As always, thank you for the video!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for watching. Yeah wine finishes can be hit-or-miss for me too. Cheers! 🥃

[@troublesome89]

Do you like Bladnoch Vinaya? Maybe do a review.

[@Gwhisky]

I've never tried it. I might pick it up eventually. 🥃

[@watkinch]

a Port comparison sounds super interesting +1

[@Gwhisky]

On the way! 🥃

[@watkinch]

@@Gwhisky pins and needles, pins and needles

[@tjross1313]

Yes to Port shootout. Haven't been a mega fan of Port matured so I've skipped the Arran's version, even though it's a distillery I very rarely say no to.

[@Gwhisky]

It's good stuff. Like you, not a huge port fan, so I would have skipped this myself had it not been a split with a friend who talked me into grabbing it. Cheers! 🥃

[@andyking894]

I would definitely like to see more port finish reviews, but only if it comes on the heels of Jammy n' Juicy's reunion tour. Don't forget to perform your number 1 single, "Joocy fer Realz." 😎

[@Gwhisky]

The world isn't ready for that, Andy. We too fresh. 🥃

[@jonathanbean7097]

how much better is arran 18 than arran 10? A little or a lot?

[@Gwhisky]

Well I've only had one bottle of Arran 18 that I picked up years ago, and apparently the newer batches are different. That being said, a lot. Big step up from the ten. Very different whiskies. 🥃

[@jonathanbean7097]

@@Gwhisky intersting, gotta get that 18 ... quite hard to find

[@yoursinsincerely39]

Arran port is indeed quite decent. Here is a strong recommendation for you: Benriach 2009, 12 years port pipe maturation, peated, 59.7%. 2021 bottling. Sipping on it right now, cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds great. I assume it's one of those blue-labeled single casks? Those can be very hit-or-miss, so it's hard to know which ones are worth it. Peated Port Benriach sounds interesting! 🥃

[@barrelvisor]

Didn’t you post this earlier this week? Could have sworn that I heard that MLK line before (not just from MLK)!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I did, but the video got taken down. Copyright strike... I didn't read the fine print about the background music I used in that video and it got removed, so I had to repost this. Apologies... things will be back to normal here next week. Cheers Andy! 🥃

[@barrelvisor]

Thought I was going mad. Love your work, not your effect on my liver, though :)

[@Gwhisky]

@andyf1722 Lol understandable. Thanks for watching, buddy! 🥃

[@eholopai]

Don’t forget the Glendronach Portwood.

[@Gwhisky]

That's one I've still never tried. I hear mixed things about it. Would fit in nicely, though. 🥃

[@eholopai]

I remember liking it because it was so different to any other whisky I owned at the time. It was my first port finished bottle, so it would be really nice to hear if there are better options out there. I have Talisker Port Ruighe at the moment, and that’s ok but a bit young and harsh IMO.

[@jockmcallister]

My favourite finish, the old port. Arran port, not be I’ve tried…

[@jockmcallister]

Spectacular grammar from me there…

[@easer777]

I don't know why You don't like the cask forward taste/influence, I'll say that thát is a great thing, any way, I'm somewhat new to this, so I may misunderstand something....

[@Gwhisky]

I should be clear... good cask influence is essential to a good whisky. You can't have one without the other. I'm looking for a balance between spirit and cask, where one doesn't overwhelm the other. I do enjoy a good sherry bomb or cask-forward whisky when they're well done, although it's not my favourite style. No shade... nothing wrong with cask forward! 🥃

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

“There’s hope for the children” lol

[@sambrewster8556]

The best of the cask finished Arrans was the Marsala finish one in my view, which is a shame as that one was the one they decided to discontinue. Like you I'd take the sherry cask over this one.

[@Gwhisky]

Forgot about that one. It was good! Cheers Sam. 🥃

[@chefmarv6499]

Good review, not sure it's worth the price I can get it for around here. That rap duo is probably why you left North America for Taiwan!

[@Gwhisky]

Well yeah, I wouldn't overspend for this. Good stuff, but not incredible. I'm fond of it because the price is fair here. North America wasn't ready for Jammy 'n Juicy. Too fresh. 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

I think I've tasted the old bottling of this, but it didn't leave a lasting impression and I don't think I ever bought that version. I was a very big fan of Arran 10 years & years ago when I could find it for $35; at $60+ today it feels a little less special. Yesterday I came across a 16yo CS IB of Isle of Arran, an interesting bottle, but it was $150, so I passed on it. Fortunately I've got some good Arrans in my stash. I've got an official 14yo, a 12yo CS, and the aforementioned 10yo. Today's prices are stripping a lot of the fun of this hobby.

[@Gwhisky]

Man that 14 is a beauty. The 12 cs batches varied, but generally very good quality. 10 is obviously a classic, even if it's hyped to death. Not a bad stash at all, Chris! 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@Gwhisky Thanks G.

[@daveandrews5485]

I love Arran whisky partly because I hail from Ayrshire, but the prices for their products in Australia mean that it’s out of my reach. Sad face.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I've heard the taxes down under are brutal. 😬

[@hilary544]

Name your cats Jammy and Juicy

[@Gwhisky]

😂😂😂

[@marty_sugar]

✌🥃🥃

[@Gwhisky]

🙏🥃🥃

[@maritimeus]

Deja vu? 😂

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I had to re-upload this one. A bit of a hassle. Back to our regularly-scheduled programming next week. Promise. 🥃