Fun, informative, idiosyncratic review as per usual. I have a bottle of latest 100% Islay in transit as we speak. I won't lament not ordering the Ardnahoe instead, though, both for the Kilchoman's smiley face but also for its sentimental value. This year's release is made from the barley that was growing on the island when my wife and I visited a decade ago. Back then, the 100% Islay was pretty easily my favorite whisky we tried at Kilchoman and the bottle we carried away with us. Much for the reasons you describe: if not better, it stood out as more singular. (That bottle--probably the 4th edition--my wife crushed when I wasn't looking, so that'll tell you how she felt too. Her Platonic spirit is probably Clear Creek slivovitz.) Excited to see how that line has developed in the years since-and to try the new kids eventually. When the (theoretical, probable) tariffs (theoretically) lift again, Ardnahoe might be releasing a 10-year-old. There's one thing to look forward to, I guess.
I guess I'll eventually make it to Islay one of these days! And I could absolutely see the 100% Islay appealing to plum brandy fans - there's a similar kind of green streak in there that makes it sort of refreshing, if not mouthwatering.
I would not worry about tariffs on fine spirits only because, congress critters love good drink. Someone is bound to slip an exception. Tariffs are more likely to be used as a negotiating tool in bilateral trade. If we start something like a toilet paper fervor over imported spirits, stores will raise their prices.
I'd desperately prefer for you to be right, but A. our President Elect has promised some kind of tariffs _across the board_ (20% is the number I keep seeing but there were others, and who really knows) and B. the last time he decided to pop off some tariffs he just pointed to the '62 Trade Expansion Act, which allows Presidents to bypass Congress completely, and there's no reason to assume he won't do the same again even with booze (critters loving good drinks or not). Using the threat of tariffs as a tactical tool might make more sense, but I invite you to speculate on the incoming administration's grasp of tactics. As for me, my responsibility on this channel is to provide useful, actionable consumer advice to my viewers and supporters as best I can, which is what I'm trying to do. I mean, I see the worst case as this: if everyone goes on a fervor well outside of the scope of this channel's viewership and empties the shelf of Ardnahoe, the outcome is the importer... bringing in more Ardnahoe. Ideally before the end of January. And that's honestly not too bad
I for one am not worried about tariffs on wine or spirits due to Trump's affinity towards the restaurant industry. I would buy a new imported car before the inauguration. On another note will you be reviewing any Armagnacs or Cognacs in the next weeks? @@differentspirits4157
@gilthefin85 That's exactly one reason to think fine spirits will be hit hard in the coming trade war. The EU's 50% tariffs on bourbon that provoked the 25% tariff on scotch were levied *because* Mitch McConnell's constituency is Kentucky distillers.
Why do I have a feeling that I already know who you voted for with remarks like that. Keep out of politics and stick with spirits. I enjoy your channel as is.
Fun, informative, idiosyncratic review as per usual. I have a bottle of latest 100% Islay in transit as we speak. I won't lament not ordering the Ardnahoe instead, though, both for the Kilchoman's smiley face but also for its sentimental value. This year's release is made from the barley that was growing on the island when my wife and I visited a decade ago. Back then, the 100% Islay was pretty easily my favorite whisky we tried at Kilchoman and the bottle we carried away with us. Much for the reasons you describe: if not better, it stood out as more singular. (That bottle--probably the 4th edition--my wife crushed when I wasn't looking, so that'll tell you how she felt too. Her Platonic spirit is probably Clear Creek slivovitz.) Excited to see how that line has developed in the years since-and to try the new kids eventually. When the (theoretical, probable) tariffs (theoretically) lift again, Ardnahoe might be releasing a 10-year-old. There's one thing to look forward to, I guess.
I guess I'll eventually make it to Islay one of these days! And I could absolutely see the 100% Islay appealing to plum brandy fans - there's a similar kind of green streak in there that makes it sort of refreshing, if not mouthwatering.
The Machir Bay is still a decent value
@@timothymuehlfeld6975 One of those bottlings that looks better and better as all the competition slowly cranks up prices...
I would not worry about tariffs on fine spirits only because, congress critters love good drink. Someone is bound to slip an exception. Tariffs are more likely to be used as a negotiating tool in bilateral trade. If we start something like a toilet paper fervor over imported spirits, stores will raise their prices.
I'd desperately prefer for you to be right, but A. our President Elect has promised some kind of tariffs _across the board_ (20% is the number I keep seeing but there were others, and who really knows) and B. the last time he decided to pop off some tariffs he just pointed to the '62 Trade Expansion Act, which allows Presidents to bypass Congress completely, and there's no reason to assume he won't do the same again even with booze (critters loving good drinks or not). Using the threat of tariffs as a tactical tool might make more sense, but I invite you to speculate on the incoming administration's grasp of tactics.
As for me, my responsibility on this channel is to provide useful, actionable consumer advice to my viewers and supporters as best I can, which is what I'm trying to do. I mean, I see the worst case as this: if everyone goes on a fervor well outside of the scope of this channel's viewership and empties the shelf of Ardnahoe, the outcome is the importer... bringing in more Ardnahoe. Ideally before the end of January. And that's honestly not too bad
Nixonian Mad Man tactics are the hallmark of Trump.@@differentspirits4157
I for one am not worried about tariffs on wine or spirits due to Trump's affinity towards the restaurant industry. I would buy a new imported car before the inauguration. On another note will you be reviewing any Armagnacs or Cognacs in the next weeks? @@differentspirits4157
France is most definitely on the agenda, yes. ☺️
@gilthefin85 That's exactly one reason to think fine spirits will be hit hard in the coming trade war. The EU's 50% tariffs on bourbon that provoked the 25% tariff on scotch were levied *because* Mitch McConnell's constituency is Kentucky distillers.
Why do I have a feeling that I already know who you voted for with remarks like that. Keep out of politics and stick with spirits. I enjoy your channel as is.
Unfortunately political policy is absolutely relevant to spirits and to the realm of consumer advice. I really wish it wasn't. 🤷