Rob, you’re mentioning these worst whiskies while you’ve got a bottle of Springbank in front of you. Id recommend adding pictures of the bottles you’re talking about into the video and NOT showing Springbank while you’re talking about them. It’s sends a clearer message. To add emphasis you could show prices that these bottles are selling for as the shock of the price tags will drive your point home.
Great video & list but may have been more clearly understood with a few slight name substitutions spoken regardless of bottles listed in text on screen Five Worst Valued Whiskeys 5. corryvreckan 4. corryvreckan 3. corryvreckan 2. corryvreckan 1. corryvreckan Bottles recommended instead are corryvreckan corryvreckan corryvreckan corryvreckan corryvreckan corryvreckan corryvreckan corryvreckan corryvreckan To really drive your point while your speaking of all these corryvreckans call the favorable springbank 8 in front of you a corryvreckan too.
Rob, really enjoyed this format with lots of details and substitute options!! A 25 year I loved based on a sample was the Bunnahabhain but very tough to find under 500.
GREAT list here, with super valid arguments. I strongly agree about the Yamazaki 18 being insanely overpriced, and I couldn’t agree more with your recommendation of the Nikka Straight from the Barrel. That is one of my favorite Japanese bottles, and readily available on the shelf. Thanks for the great video, and congrats on the Springbank 8!
I remember Nikka From the Barrel sold for $25ish at Osaka in May 2018. Bought 2, brought it back to Toronto, opened and had it along with Macallan Edition no.2 (special request), and Louis XIII.
Four roses single barrels are awesome, I definitely agree. None of the bottles you mentioned would ever be purchased by me because of their ridiculous prices. Only reason I’ve ever had a bottle of Blantons was when a friend gifted it to me. Good choices, great video.
Good call, totally agree. We are living in silly times and just goes to show you the income disparity in the world. I am glad their are still very good whiskies in the 12 year range. Sure whisky is a luxury product, but silly prices...but I suppose you can say thing about fancy cars too.
Gran video Rob, realmente hace unos cuantos años el whisky está desmejorando radicalmente, sobre todo las marcas más famosas, porque se está convirtiendo en objeto de coleccionistas, no precisamente para degustar y saborear. Los grandes fondos de inversión están apostando a incrementos absurdos en los precios de algunos de éstos whiskies. Muchas gracias por ilustrarnos al respecto.
Yamazaki is hard to substitute due to the cask types used and the blend ratio of the casks. In a world where the trend is moving towards single cask, cask strength with little to no blending involved Yamazaki like art in a bottle
My o my just in a matter of months since your worst value whiskies video Rob, things have totally gone downhill as far as prices go. Great call out to those high in price low in character offerings. The real question is where is the bottom on these skyrocketing crazy prices? I suspect this is only going to get worst as every week the whiskies are getting more expensive everywhere.
Just curious: can you get Elmer T. Lee and, if so, how much does it cost? I swapped a Blanton's SFTB for one a while ago and I think both of us were happy! Gold is actually the only Blanton's I've bought more than one glass of... and I won't be buying myself a whole bottle.
Great video Rob. I am glad people are starting to realize who is going to end up paying for that fancy state of the art new Macallan Distillery. In Mexico the 18 is 450 USD at 40% 😂. Cheers mate!
Great video - especially that you're naming the price you have to pay in Canada so that on can compare it to the centrakl european market; also great that you delivering some alternatives! 👌
I love bruichladdich but have to agree the octomore is way beyond reasonably priced. I tasted one some years ago and yes, it's great. I even have to say it has some creamy smoothness I haven't found in any other peaty malt. But even so I'm not ready to pay up hundreds of bucks just for that. Others manage to come close enough for a fraction. Like you said, kilchoman has a very similar profile. I had my first taste of them and kilchoman is phenomenal.
Great video, Rob. I'd go as far to say that everything from each of those 5 distilleries is overpriced. I'll never waste my money on any of these bottles, or other ones like them.
I hear ya, I'm a springbank fan myself... but anything upwards from the 10 year old is absurdly priced to me. I would have loved to get a hold of the 18 yo and upwards but just the 2 bottles of 15 yo already burnt a hole in my pocket. I'll have to let these ones pass and maybe one day I'm lucky enough to get a sample or once the hype is gone get their recent bottlings for a good price.
Was able to get the 15 for $150 cad which I felt was fair but I could imagine retailers jacking up the price despite the low cost they get it at from the distillery.
@@WhiskyInThe6 was similar for me and I haven't tasted them yet. And I know the distillery doesn't jack up the prices but traders do. I'm confident they're worth their money, and I'd even be confident the older expressions are as well. Just have to wait for the right time and save up some.
Must admit, as much as I love springbank... what we heard here about octomore is now happening to springbank... $90-100 for 10... $150-175 for 15, can’t find much else ever and it you do, it’s hella expensive. Values today exist, compass box orchard house, kilchoman, classic laddie, port Charlotte, ledaig, Arran, glenallachie... all better values than springbank. Unfortunately, I feel others will come up in price vs overpriced ones coming down... the days or reasonably priced scotch in particular may be fading.
@@lukebarnett1478 you live in US? In austria you still get 10 for 60. But yeah i agree when it takes overhand, go elsewhere. There will always be value to be found, we just have to be flexible.
Hey bro love the channel- not from 6, but married a girl from the 6.. I feel like it’s hard to find Spring Bank here in Texas where I live. Any advice?
In europe (outside Uk) the sherry oak 18 is almost impossible to find, last one i saw in a internet shop was around 700 eur.... The fine oak and double cask 18 are between 300 and 400 eur. I dont know who is buying those bottles...
Its people like you and me and generate these absurd prices for this stuff. 10 ,20 thousand dollars, That's insane. but people are so obsessed with what others around them think. Most don't even know whiskey just know brands. How can you spend $300 or $400 and more and then have a cigar with this. I love cigars but would never drink an uber expensive dram with one. That's a shame. But I really like McCallan 18, especially the older versions. Supply ,Diamond and entitlement. Its subjective. I.E., I prefer the Corryvrechin over the Ugiie, but I'm in the minority Thanks for another stellar review!
@@WhiskyInThe6 I've had a casual discussion with a LCBO staff some time ago. He mentioned how Macallan kinda lost it's way of defining what Macallan is (I'm not a Macallan drinker as I have difficulties nosing it). Macallan is known to use Sherry barrels/casks in the aging which defined the style of Macallan. It is understandable obtaining sherry cask is difficult due to Spain limiting or banning export of it resulting Macallan to experiment with other combinations. The problem is that they're just releasing it because they know people will buy it due to the brand thus it feels like they're doing all sort of random combination ( Triple cask, double oak, aged, Amber, etc..). It's no wonder the price of the older bottles are going through the roof. I think it's best that Macallan needa slow down and take their time to figure out which combination works the best rather than ditching out new products every year or two.
@@scnullois Truth. Springbank society memberships closed to new applicants years ago. The cask strength 8 could be free but I can't find any value in what I can't even get.
Agreed. SB 10 is $90usd now. And good luck finding any higher age statements. Also, saying SB is great at retail is no different than saying Buffalo Trace is great at retail. Good luck finding BTAC, The Weller line etc at retail though...
Rob I am surprised you suggested the Nikka from the barrel as an alternative to Yamazaki 18. They are completely different products and the Nikka contains Scotch so it is not technically correct to suggest "at least you are getting a Japanese whisky to compare it".
Not sure it’s fully confirmed that Ben Nevis is in Nikka from the barrel but there is Nikka distillate blended in for sure. Basically suggesting that all other Japanese whisky is grossly overpriced.
@@WhiskyInThe6 Hi Rob. Nikka state on their website that From the Barrel does not comply with the new regulations. I totally agree on the pricing. I have an 18 in my bunker that cost £80 and for me it is worth around £150 ish but no more. I use to get aged Karuizawa for £200 and it was delicious but not worth several thousand.
Worst bottles I had this year was the 1792 Sweet Wheat and the Old Particular 12 year Dailuaine, ug. All Japanese whisky is overrated and overpriced against single malt Scotch equivelent pricing. IMO.
Time to go bargain hunting. I saw some Akashi single Malts and special editions in Tokyo that doesn't destroy the bank. Matsui distillery always get criticized for blending Scotch in it but if price is right, give it a shot. I still have a bottle of Kurayoshi 18yr pure malt back in 2017. Got laughed at back then.
Macallan 18y pricing is a joke, totally agree with Arran 18y and Glenallachie 18y being better. Macallan 12y sherry oak is only 65 canadian dollars in Sweden the jump upp to 18y is ridiculous
Sadly the Springbank 21's are going for a lot more than $400 here in the States.😪 For example last year I purchased one for $400, now that same store is selling it for $1,000 this year. I hope I can find one again for around $400🤞
@@WhiskyInThe6 maybe it's just the online retailers that are jacking up the prices? I haven't seen a Springbank 21 in a physical shop in a few years. I was able to find a Yamazaki 18 for $500 last month. I purchased it because that was the retail price 5 yrs ago...😅 But yes I totally agree with you. I would probably buy two Kavalan Solist Oloroso casks instead. Cheers
@@WhiskyInThe6 Thanks to you and all the other fellow whisky tubers out there. Our knowledge and awareness of what is "good" whisky has grown exponentially! Thanks for all your fun reviews Rob.👍
@@WhiskyInThe6 Sorry one last thing. On the topic of Kavalan. Have you heard the news about the new Karuizawa Distillery called Komoro? The owner has apparently hired the master blender from Kavalan to come work for him. Komoro Distillery is expected to start distilling in March. I'm excited to see what makes of this new distillery in a few years. 😁
My biggest disappointments this year: 1. SMWS Braeval 113.50 2. Deanston 12 Oloroso 3. Glenlivet licensed dram 4. Lagavulin 16 (must be the new batch, because I used to really love this one) 5. Glencadam 10 from Elixir (bottled from two casks and they must have been underactive)
Here's my problem Rob, most of my non whiskey expert friends that come over to drink always reach for Blantons and Macallan. I try to educate them on other brands and even do blind tastings with them. But at the end of the night their 3rd and 4th pours are always those big brands... 😞 thats what they reach for and as a good host I stock these on the shelf for them...
As a good host you should make a point of not having them so they have to broaden horizons. I had friends, after initially laughing at me for saying whisky from Switzerland can be really good, try some Langatun Jacob’s Dram and all agree it was fantastic. When guests have no choice they’ll try different things, and hopefully find something truly delicious that isn’t disgustingly priced.
Both are solid points here. I think some ppl would rather not dive deep into the world of whisky and simply enjoy what they know and what’s comfortable to them. However, I’m not sure I’d purchases anything I wouldn’t drink myself if I didn’t have the channel.
I really like it ----tasting a good whisky while chatting about other whiskies. Also, I think it is important for someone who knows whisky to point out overpriced ones. More important than 5 most valued whisky which is hard to pick and can be involved with personal interest.
The Macallan 18 sherry is actually $600 here in Ontario! 3 years ago I managed the Edition 2 for around $200 in Alberta so that was ok. Since then pricing is crazy.
Your turn on Macallan is refreshing. It's long overdue that the North American WhiskyTubers see that distillery for what it's become, which is not for us. Cheers!
I bought a Macallan One Night in Scotland on Earth this weekend for $120, and the clerk who knows me, after hearing me rant against it for a full minute, goes "Why are you buying this?" And I think it's like why you go on a roller coaster, only for rage. It made me angry seeing it on the shelf, paying for it, I know for a fact I'm going to be apoplectic when I open and taste it - some days you just want to experience something different XD
I agree with the Blanton's, and I'm in Europe so I can get them fairly easily. I can get regular Blanton's for 55-60 euro, Blanton's Gold for around 100 and SFTB for around 130, even though those are difficult to find. Not impossible, but difficult. All in all the normal Blanton's is just very average I'd much drink Eagle Rare which can be had for around 35 euro, plus you get an actual age statement. Heck, even Evan Williams BIB is tastier IMO.
Man when you did Yam 18 I was like mac 18 is the alternative. I kinda vomited when you referenced kavalan.... I get the asian thing but kavalan is on another level than those bottles ;) Might as well have said red label and springbank 25 :) Cheer rob.
@@WhiskyInThe6 the opposite buddy! Kavalan is the finest whisky in the world. But the difference between a mac and a kavalan is the same as mac vs red. Just worlds apart.
@@WhiskyInThe6 nothing. I think we're still missing. I think macallan is an exceptionally boring whisky with no flaws but nothing at all good about it. Kavalan is the opposite, exceptionally great whisky. A mac 18 today might not even be an 85 out of 100. Heck it might be an 80 but I haven't had a recent one to see if their sherry quality has continued to diminish.
I pretty much agree. I’ll just point out that yeah things are overpriced, non-integrity water downed and color added bottling’s to just maximize profits and add fluff, and by purchasing your only encouraging and validating the distillery’s behavior. But at the end of the day your paying for an experience that will be unique from other bottles, for better or worse, and that experience and value is subjective and unique to every individual person. MaCallan is a perfect example. They could be doing SOOOO much better from the bottom to the top. But I haven’t found another scotch out there yet that gives me the exact experience that a Macallan gives. Hopefully one day distilleries will have a war of integrity that transforms majority of the market to cask strength, non-chill filter, no coloring added, 1st fill quality casks with higher stated ages at a reasonable price. Customer before profits. But that day probably won’t come anytime soon. Till then it’s up to the market where we go from here. Until then keep preaching this valuable knowledge because the people and the whiskey producers need to hear it. Thanks Rob, rant over 😆 Cheers 🥃
Number 1 and number 2 would be right at the top of my list. The Macallan 15 is reasonable but the 18 is 2 to 3 times the price which is ridiculous. Arran 18 is not only cheaper, but better. Yamazaki 18 is nice, nothing more than nice. Kavalan Vino Barrique blows it away in every sense.
Can't complain about anything on that list. Macalan and Dalmore are obvious status symbols and have been for a long time. Octomore has always been a rip-off, in my opinion, but folks keep buying it so Bruichladdich keep selling it. Yamazaki 18 is virtually a discontinued product. I never see it anywhere so it's become as ridiculously priced as, err....all other discontinued Japanese whisky Blanton's is a joke but so is half the bourbon world. Why not put Pappy on the list? My list would certainly include Balvenie 21. The price is ridiculous for a 40% whisky. How about the now piss poor value of Talisker 18 which has just seen a 100% price increase. Glengoyne 21 is pretty awful value these days even if it's better than Macallan. I'd put on my list any whisky that is 15 years old and costs more than £100. I think I would include an Irish whisky on that list as a representation of the terrible value of the Irish whiskey industry. Finally, I have to include Ardbeg's spectacularly successful annual Ardbeg Day rip-off. People are suckered into forking out way too much (for a NAS!) for the sake of bragging ownership rights.
Agree with everything here WT. I actually have a running list of unmentioned honourable mentions in the description. I’ll have to add the Balvenie 21 but Balvenie is definitely represented there. Pappy as well. Cheers my friend.
With Pappy and the others by Buffalo Trace you are actually referring to secondary pricing though, although you can forget about getting them at retail. A few years ago I scored a few Glengoyne 25's at under $400 here in Canada (certainly not Ontario) as well as Octomore's .3's at very reasonable prices (under $200) but those days are indeed gone.
@@robertzemko6590 Shhhh, Robert, I didn't want to offend anybody, particularly in this video, but there's a certain Campbelltown distillery which apparently sells at retail price but you can't find it anywhere. You have to be a whisky insider or go to the distillery itself to find a bottle. Their current 21 year old retailed (is that the word) for £260. They really are on the naughty list in my book but folk seem to be more forgiving about them.
@@WhiskyInThe6 if you do then, talking about the outrageous price increases, the Talisker 18 is certainly worthy of mention. Literally 100% jump in like a year with zero justification except that Diageo are greedy shits. I also expect the next round of Diageo special releases to be egregiously expensive too.
Can't disagree with your choices Rob but that Springbank 8 is a poor choice to accompany it - it was only available to Society Members (and that is a closed shop) and is now hideously overpriced on secondary.
Fair enough. My grievances are directed primarily at distilleries themselves. They unfortunately can’t control the greasy retails stores. I do understand your point though. Cheers.
I put it this way, anything Macallan, Dalmore and Yamazaki. When it comes to price / quality all these distilleries are absolute joke. With Octomore you at least get quality and integrity whisky which is not a case with any of those brands. BTW, All Octomores have vintage which technically make them as old as the vintage on the label. Based on regulations if they put a vintage they cannot add anything older or younger to that bottle. It’s a same situation for Springbank Local Barley as well.
laphroaig cairdeas for around 100$? what year are your prices based on? You recommended a Springbank 25 to replace a Macallan 25?, they are not even the same style! and good luck buying any Springbank in Canada at all let alone a 25yr, or a 21yr, or the Springbank society single cask. Recommending against rare and inaccessible whiskies just to push forth stuff that is equally inaccessible is just absurd, why dont you start recommending G&M Linkwood 1972 for 1400$ thats way cheaper
Obviously you just retained the parts of the video you felt could support your agenda which is clearly to be a Karen. Laphroaig Cairdeas is available at the LCBO for the price I suggested every year including 2022. I gave plenty of available options at much lower prices for each terribly priced whisky. I merely used Springbank as an example of something every whisky drinker wants yet manages to be a fraction of the price of Macallan. Better quality from start to finish at a much lower price even if you were to purchase from auction. Thanks for coming out Karen.
Couldn't agree with you more. For years I've been saying Macallan and Dalmore are overpriced and under deliver. Mac 18 & 12 have gotten out of control for pricing and drink thin on the palate. But there will always be that customer seeking out those bottles, because their dumb! Great review.
@@WhiskyInThe6 I get it. But I'm sticking with Dumb. LOL.. I try and educate my customers to alternatives, but they are brainwashed. They say how smooth Macallan and Dalmore are. I say of course they are, their 40-43%.. I then ask them, how was the flavor and they really don't elaborate on that other than it was smooth. So their Dumb! Hope your doing well also.
Fall 2022 : A-l-l bottles at KGBO are of poor value : exhcange rate GBP = 1.45 CAD, but we are paying like 1988 at 2.2 x - - - for the last 10 years ! ! ! . . . always love your honesty, Teach . ------------------- "I dont like this video because ..." your rant is just too damn civilized : cut somebody, maul someone, trample on the face of them greedy basta... i mean sons of da gun .... etc... (( and u r not even inhaling them cigars). LOL
I totally agree with the Yamazaki not just the 18, but the Nas and the 12 too. I just came back from Japan and couldn't find any trace except in high end places in Ginza selling for over a grand ( no thxx). I ended up getting Kurayoshi 21yr for 1/3 of the price. As for Macallan ( my previous boss recalled how it use to be 100 to 200 bucks for the 18), I think the worst value are those grandpa aged Scotch. Aside from bragging rights and rarity, Macallan knows they're going to sell at auctions and to be snapped up in Asia. Each time they claimed to be the oldest and another bottle claiming to be older pops up. Just wait and see when they release the 100yr version. ( at least they're fun to read about)
Rob seems like a good guy, but it's like you are competing with Mike & Narby to be the most out of touch WhiskyTuber. How many of your viewers do you think you are stopping from buying a Dalmore 25? Oh man it was in my cart and I was about to click buy, glad I caught this video. Now on to this GREAT value Springbank, which you cannot get, for Society members only, which you cannot join. Can't wait to see what's next.
Fair enough. Didn’t think it would do the topic justice not to bring the likes of Macallan, Dalmore and Yamazaki. I think the options given for each category makes this video apply to a broad audience. Could be wrong though. I speak to why I reviewed the Springbank 8 in this video.
Nice video. More people need to call these brands that are ripping off customers.
Thanks buddy
Is it a socialist thing to blame a company? Customers walk in willingly and pay--so who's to blame?
Rob, you’re mentioning these worst whiskies while you’ve got a bottle of Springbank in front of you. Id recommend adding pictures of the bottles you’re talking about into the video and NOT showing Springbank while you’re talking about them. It’s sends a clearer message. To add emphasis you could show prices that these bottles are selling for as the shock of the price tags will drive your point home.
Thanks for the advice Erik. Cheers.
Great video & list but may have been more clearly understood with a few slight name substitutions spoken regardless of bottles listed in text on screen
Five Worst Valued Whiskeys
5. corryvreckan
4. corryvreckan
3. corryvreckan
2. corryvreckan
1. corryvreckan
Bottles recommended instead are
corryvreckan corryvreckan corryvreckan
corryvreckan corryvreckan corryvreckan
corryvreckan corryvreckan corryvreckan
To really drive your point while your speaking of all these corryvreckans call the favorable springbank 8 in front of you a corryvreckan too.
Rob, really enjoyed this format with lots of details and substitute options!!
A 25 year I loved based on a sample was the Bunnahabhain but very tough to find under 500.
That’s a great option actually. Wish I remembered to mention it.
I've had the old Bunnahabhain 25 and it's great. Don't know how the new versions are though.
@@keithpetersen560 I would like to try a newer one. I can’t imagine the quality dropped much if at all based on what I’ve been hearing.
@@WhiskyInThe6 I hope the quality hasn't dropped. Bunna is great and has a lot of potential to stay great. Narby said the new 18 yr is very good.
I literally purchased a Bunna 25 in June here in Alberta for $400. Deals abound in some places.
GREAT list here, with super valid arguments. I strongly agree about the Yamazaki 18 being insanely overpriced, and I couldn’t agree more with your recommendation of the Nikka Straight from the Barrel. That is one of my favorite Japanese bottles, and readily available on the shelf.
Thanks for the great video, and congrats on the Springbank 8!
Thanks Christian, cheers buddy.
I remember Nikka From the Barrel sold for $25ish at Osaka in May 2018. Bought 2, brought it back to Toronto, opened and had it along with Macallan Edition no.2 (special request), and Louis XIII.
Four roses single barrels are awesome, I definitely agree. None of the bottles you mentioned would ever be purchased by me because of their ridiculous prices. Only reason I’ve ever had a bottle of Blantons was when a friend gifted it to me. Good choices, great video.
Thank you. Cheers 🙏🏻
Great video Rob. Something had to be said. Whisky prices are getting out of hand. Do more of these. Cheers buddy 👍
Long time no see buddy. Hope all is well. Cheers!
Thanks for the honest and comprehensive video. Should be a regular type of video from more reviewers.
Happy you enjoyed it Cliff. Cheers!
Good list. I agree for the most part. They're raising prices "just because". We must vote with our dollars.
Good call, totally agree. We are living in silly times and just goes to show you the income disparity in the world. I am glad their are still very good whiskies in the 12 year range. Sure whisky is a luxury product, but silly prices...but I suppose you can say thing about fancy cars too.
Very true. All luxury items I guess.
Gran video Rob, realmente hace unos cuantos años el whisky está desmejorando radicalmente, sobre todo las marcas más famosas, porque se está convirtiendo en objeto de coleccionistas, no precisamente para degustar y saborear. Los grandes fondos de inversión están apostando a incrementos absurdos en los precios de algunos de éstos whiskies. Muchas gracias por ilustrarnos al respecto.
Gracias por ver. Salute 🙏🏻
Yamazaki is hard to substitute due to the cask types used and the blend ratio of the casks. In a world where the trend is moving towards single cask, cask strength with little to no blending involved Yamazaki like art in a bottle
Fair enough. It’s still bottle too weak and simply isn’t a whisky drinkers style anymore.
My o my just in a matter of months since your worst value whiskies video Rob, things have totally gone downhill as far as prices go. Great call out to those high in price low in character offerings. The real question is where is the bottom on these skyrocketing crazy prices? I suspect this is only going to get worst as every week the whiskies are getting more expensive everywhere.
Ya it’s just going to get worse from here.
Just curious: can you get Elmer T. Lee and, if so, how much does it cost? I swapped a Blanton's SFTB for one a while ago and I think both of us were happy! Gold is actually the only Blanton's I've bought more than one glass of... and I won't be buying myself a whole bottle.
Impossible to get etl up this way. Haven’t tried it in a while. If everyone is happy then it was a great trade.
Great video Rob. I am glad people are starting to realize who is going to end up paying for that fancy state of the art new Macallan Distillery. In Mexico the 18 is 450 USD at 40% 😂. Cheers mate!
Cheers my friend.
Great video - especially that you're naming the price you have to pay in Canada so that on can compare it to the centrakl european market; also great that you delivering some alternatives! 👌
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you found this useful. Cheers.
Great Job Rob! I agree with all your choices. If you are drinking whisk(e)y for the flavor and not for the hype, stay away from these clout drams.
Thanks Joseph. Hope you’re doing well. Cheers buddy 🙏🏻.
I love bruichladdich but have to agree the octomore is way beyond reasonably priced. I tasted one some years ago and yes, it's great. I even have to say it has some creamy smoothness I haven't found in any other peaty malt. But even so I'm not ready to pay up hundreds of bucks just for that. Others manage to come close enough for a fraction. Like you said, kilchoman has a very similar profile. I had my first taste of them and kilchoman is phenomenal.
Even the port charlotte 10 is reasonable. Not sure why they bother with the fancy bottle if it means jacking up the price that much.
Agreed, and I love Octomore, but the prices/quality ratio doesn’t make sense anymore.
Love the honest reviews. It is greatly appreciated. Keep up the great reviews
love that the lists are back!
Lol
Great video, Rob. I'd go as far to say that everything from each of those 5 distilleries is overpriced. I'll never waste my money on any of these bottles, or other ones like them.
Cheers buddy
I hear ya, I'm a springbank fan myself... but anything upwards from the 10 year old is absurdly priced to me. I would have loved to get a hold of the 18 yo and upwards but just the 2 bottles of 15 yo already burnt a hole in my pocket. I'll have to let these ones pass and maybe one day I'm lucky enough to get a sample or once the hype is gone get their recent bottlings for a good price.
Was able to get the 15 for $150 cad which I felt was fair but I could imagine retailers jacking up the price despite the low cost they get it at from the distillery.
@@WhiskyInThe6 was similar for me and I haven't tasted them yet. And I know the distillery doesn't jack up the prices but traders do. I'm confident they're worth their money, and I'd even be confident the older expressions are as well. Just have to wait for the right time and save up some.
Must admit, as much as I love springbank... what we heard here about octomore is now happening to springbank... $90-100 for 10... $150-175 for 15, can’t find much else ever and it you do, it’s hella expensive. Values today exist, compass box orchard house, kilchoman, classic laddie, port Charlotte, ledaig, Arran, glenallachie... all better values than springbank. Unfortunately, I feel others will come up in price vs overpriced ones coming down... the days or reasonably priced scotch in particular may be fading.
@@lukebarnett1478 you live in US? In austria you still get 10 for 60. But yeah i agree when it takes overhand, go elsewhere. There will always be value to be found, we just have to be flexible.
Hey bro love the channel- not from 6, but married a girl from the 6.. I feel like it’s hard to find Spring Bank here in Texas where I live. Any advice?
Man it’s become impossible up here. If Texas allows you to important you’re almost better off trying uk auction.
Well said! Totally agree as good as Octomore are, not worth the money especially for such a very young age.
Cheers 🥃
Ya it’s unfortunate. Cheers buddy.
Never understood the pricing on the mac 18. They are so out of the 18yo class by price its stupid. Really well said, a joke.
I actually have the global average. Here in Ontario it’s $600 cad.
In europe (outside Uk) the sherry oak 18 is almost impossible to find, last one i saw in a internet shop was around 700 eur.... The fine oak and double cask 18 are between 300 and 400 eur. I dont know who is buying those bottles...
Its people like you and me and generate these absurd prices for this stuff. 10 ,20 thousand dollars, That's insane. but people are so obsessed with what others around them think. Most don't even know whiskey just know brands. How can you spend $300 or $400 and more and then have a cigar with this. I love cigars but would never drink an uber expensive dram with one. That's a shame. But I really like McCallan 18, especially the older versions. Supply ,Diamond and entitlement. Its subjective. I.E., I prefer the Corryvrechin over the Ugiie, but I'm in the minority Thanks for another stellar review!
Cheers fratello 🙏🏻
Dumb question…… but what is this society membership you mentioned with that springbank 8yr?
They’ve since cancelled it. But it’s basically the ability to get Society releases from Springbank
Couldn’t agree with you more regarding your #1 pick. Macallen is the very definition of the Emperor’s New Clothes.
Ya it’s simply not that good anymore.
@@WhiskyInThe6 I've had a casual discussion with a LCBO staff some time ago. He mentioned how Macallan kinda lost it's way of defining what Macallan is (I'm not a Macallan drinker as I have difficulties nosing it). Macallan is known to use Sherry barrels/casks in the aging which defined the style of Macallan. It is understandable obtaining sherry cask is difficult due to Spain limiting or banning export of it resulting Macallan to experiment with other combinations. The problem is that they're just releasing it because they know people will buy it due to the brand thus it feels like they're doing all sort of random combination ( Triple cask, double oak, aged, Amber, etc..). It's no wonder the price of the older bottles are going through the roof. I think it's best that Macallan needa slow down and take their time to figure out which combination works the best rather than ditching out new products every year or two.
Great list Rob! Rich people buying on hype and shelf display. 😆
Yep. Cheers.
Except Springbank anything is impossible to find anymore (especially not at retail) so SB is also in same category now
Fair enough. Their retail prices are still some of the best in the market but you’re 100% correct about availability.
@@WhiskyInThe6 problem is retail price does not mean anything when u can't find it at retail.
@@scnullois Truth. Springbank society memberships closed to new applicants years ago. The cask strength 8 could be free but I can't find any value in what I can't even get.
@@scnullois totally agree. Just not sure I can fault the distillery for that.
Agreed. SB 10 is $90usd now. And good luck finding any higher age statements. Also, saying SB is great at retail is no different than saying Buffalo Trace is great at retail. Good luck finding BTAC, The Weller line etc at retail though...
Rob I am surprised you suggested the Nikka from the barrel as an alternative to Yamazaki 18. They are completely different products and the Nikka contains Scotch so it is not technically correct to suggest "at least you are getting a Japanese whisky to compare it".
Not sure it’s fully confirmed that Ben Nevis is in Nikka from the barrel but there is Nikka distillate blended in for sure. Basically suggesting that all other Japanese whisky is grossly overpriced.
@@WhiskyInThe6 Hi Rob. Nikka state on their website that From the Barrel does not comply with the new regulations. I totally agree on the pricing. I have an 18 in my bunker that cost £80 and for me it is worth around £150 ish but no more. I use to get aged Karuizawa for £200 and it was delicious but not worth several thousand.
Worst bottles I had this year was the 1792 Sweet Wheat and the Old Particular 12 year Dailuaine, ug. All Japanese whisky is overrated and overpriced against single malt Scotch equivelent pricing. IMO.
100%
Time to go bargain hunting. I saw some Akashi single Malts and special editions in Tokyo that doesn't destroy the bank. Matsui distillery always get criticized for blending Scotch in it but if price is right, give it a shot. I still have a bottle of Kurayoshi 18yr pure malt back in 2017. Got laughed at back then.
Great video, thanks for the info.
Thank buddy. Cheer.
Rob, I really appreciate your videos. They save me thousands of potentially wasted $$$.
That’s awesome to hear Joe. Glad I can help. Cheers 🙏🏻
Macallan 18y pricing is a joke, totally agree with Arran 18y and Glenallachie 18y being better.
Macallan 12y sherry oak is only 65 canadian dollars in Sweden the jump upp to 18y is ridiculous
It’s really sad what they’ve done.
That 12 year sherry oak here in Canada is $160 !!!! The Swedish price is great value.
Sadly the Springbank 21's are going for a lot more than $400 here in the States.😪 For example last year I purchased one for $400, now that same store is selling it for $1,000 this year. I hope I can find one again for around $400🤞
That’s actually very surprising. Most places is you find a Springbank 21 retail it’s less than $500.
@@WhiskyInThe6 maybe it's just the online retailers that are jacking up the prices? I haven't seen a Springbank 21 in a physical shop in a few years. I was able to find a Yamazaki 18 for $500 last month. I purchased it because that was the retail price 5 yrs ago...😅 But yes I totally agree with you. I would probably buy two Kavalan Solist Oloroso casks instead. Cheers
@@jeffreykasel3387 that is actually a decent price. You’re lucky to find it for that. Two kavalans are better though for sure. Cheers Jeffrey 🙏🏻
@@WhiskyInThe6 Thanks to you and all the other fellow whisky tubers out there. Our knowledge and awareness of what is "good" whisky has grown exponentially! Thanks for all your fun reviews Rob.👍
@@WhiskyInThe6 Sorry one last thing. On the topic of Kavalan. Have you heard the news about the new Karuizawa Distillery called Komoro? The owner has apparently hired the master blender from Kavalan to come work for him. Komoro Distillery is expected to start distilling in March. I'm excited to see what makes of this new distillery in a few years. 😁
My biggest disappointments this year:
1. SMWS Braeval 113.50
2. Deanston 12 Oloroso
3. Glenlivet licensed dram
4. Lagavulin 16 (must be the new batch, because I used to really love this one)
5. Glencadam 10 from Elixir (bottled from two casks and they must have been underactive)
So sad what’s happened to lag 16.
@@WhiskyInThe6 so I guess I’m not the only one noticing. For me it’s gotten overly sweet almost artificial.
Lost, bottle broke of Octmore during the move down south....I got really nice deal as it was a going away discount gift...
That’s never good.
Here's my problem Rob, most of my non whiskey expert friends that come over to drink always reach for Blantons and Macallan. I try to educate them on other brands and even do blind tastings with them. But at the end of the night their 3rd and 4th pours are always those big brands... 😞 thats what they reach for and as a good host I stock these on the shelf for them...
As a good host you should make a point of not having them so they have to broaden horizons. I had friends, after initially laughing at me for saying whisky from Switzerland can be really good, try some Langatun Jacob’s Dram and all agree it was fantastic. When guests have no choice they’ll try different things, and hopefully find something truly delicious that isn’t disgustingly priced.
Both are solid points here. I think some ppl would rather not dive deep into the world of whisky and simply enjoy what they know and what’s comfortable to them. However, I’m not sure I’d purchases anything I wouldn’t drink myself if I didn’t have the channel.
I really like it ----tasting a good whisky while chatting about other whiskies.
Also, I think it is important for someone who knows whisky to point out overpriced ones. More important than 5 most valued whisky which is hard to pick and can be involved with personal interest.
Thanks buddy. Cheers!
The Macallan 18 sherry is actually $600 here in Ontario! 3 years ago I managed the Edition 2 for around $200 in Alberta so that was ok. Since then pricing is crazy.
You’re right lol. Was thinking global average but ya it’s ridiculous here.
Your turn on Macallan is refreshing. It's long overdue that the North American WhiskyTubers see that distillery for what it's become, which is not for us. Cheers!
It probably won’t change anything but needed to be said.
Preach! Great video, Rob!
Thanks buddy. Cheers 🙏🏻
I bought a Macallan One Night in Scotland on Earth this weekend for $120, and the clerk who knows me, after hearing me rant against it for a full minute, goes "Why are you buying this?" And I think it's like why you go on a roller coaster, only for rage. It made me angry seeing it on the shelf, paying for it, I know for a fact I'm going to be apoplectic when I open and taste it - some days you just want to experience something different XD
I hear you buddy. Cheers.
I agree with the Blanton's, and I'm in Europe so I can get them fairly easily. I can get regular Blanton's for 55-60 euro, Blanton's Gold for around 100 and SFTB for around 130, even though those are difficult to find. Not impossible, but difficult. All in all the normal Blanton's is just very average I'd much drink Eagle Rare which can be had for around 35 euro, plus you get an actual age statement. Heck, even Evan Williams BIB is tastier IMO.
This may make me a bad person, but I just love Rob lashing out on rip-offs. 😈
😊
Man when you did Yam 18 I was like mac 18 is the alternative. I kinda vomited when you referenced kavalan.... I get the asian thing but kavalan is on another level than those bottles ;) Might as well have said red label and springbank 25 :)
Cheer rob.
I’m confused. You’re suggesting Kavalan is terrible quality?
@@WhiskyInThe6 the opposite buddy! Kavalan is the finest whisky in the world. But the difference between a mac and a kavalan is the same as mac vs red. Just worlds apart.
@@topshelfdustin3060 what have you have from Mac in the last couple years that blew you away?
@@WhiskyInThe6 nothing. I think we're still missing. I think macallan is an exceptionally boring whisky with no flaws but nothing at all good about it. Kavalan is the opposite, exceptionally great whisky. A mac 18 today might not even be an 85 out of 100. Heck it might be an 80 but I haven't had a recent one to see if their sherry quality has continued to diminish.
@@topshelfdustin3060 ah ok. Sorry thought you were suggesting the opposite.
I’ll add Johnny Walker Blue to the list. Also Willet 8 year Bourbon going for $500 and is trash.
I’m the unmentioned honourable mentions in the description.
Can't disagree with these choices but I especially agree with the Blantons Gold and Octomore being on the list.
Cheers Travis
I am a huge Macallan 18yo fan, but here in Miami goes for $379.
$600 here
I pretty much agree. I’ll just point out that yeah things are overpriced, non-integrity water downed and color added bottling’s to just maximize profits and add fluff, and by purchasing your only encouraging and validating the distillery’s behavior. But at the end of the day your paying for an experience that will be unique from other bottles, for better or worse, and that experience and value is subjective and unique to every individual person. MaCallan is a perfect example. They could be doing SOOOO much better from the bottom to the top. But I haven’t found another scotch out there yet that gives me the exact experience that a Macallan gives. Hopefully one day distilleries will have a war of integrity that transforms majority of the market to cask strength, non-chill filter, no coloring added, 1st fill quality casks with higher stated ages at a reasonable price. Customer before profits. But that day probably won’t come anytime soon. Till then it’s up to the market where we go from here. Until then keep preaching this valuable knowledge because the people and the whiskey producers need to hear it. Thanks Rob, rant over 😆 Cheers 🥃
Completely agree brother. Love the rant. Cheers my friend.
Great rant
Cheers
Number 1 and number 2 would be right at the top of my list. The Macallan 15 is reasonable but the 18 is 2 to 3 times the price which is ridiculous. Arran 18 is not only cheaper, but better.
Yamazaki 18 is nice, nothing more than nice. Kavalan Vino Barrique blows it away in every sense.
Amen.
Springbank 8 sounds Grrrreat!
I wish it was a regular release of theirs.
How do you become a society member in Canada???
They’re no longer accepting applicants unfortunately.
Can't complain about anything on that list. Macalan and Dalmore are obvious status symbols and have been for a long time. Octomore has always been a rip-off, in my opinion, but folks keep buying it so Bruichladdich keep selling it. Yamazaki 18 is virtually a discontinued product. I never see it anywhere so it's become as ridiculously priced as, err....all other discontinued Japanese whisky Blanton's is a joke but so is half the bourbon world. Why not put Pappy on the list?
My list would certainly include Balvenie 21. The price is ridiculous for a 40% whisky. How about the now piss poor value of Talisker 18 which has just seen a 100% price increase. Glengoyne 21 is pretty awful value these days even if it's better than Macallan. I'd put on my list any whisky that is 15 years old and costs more than £100. I think I would include an Irish whisky on that list as a representation of the terrible value of the Irish whiskey industry. Finally, I have to include Ardbeg's spectacularly successful annual Ardbeg Day rip-off. People are suckered into forking out way too much (for a NAS!) for the sake of bragging ownership rights.
Agree with everything here WT. I actually have a running list of unmentioned honourable mentions in the description. I’ll have to add the Balvenie 21 but Balvenie is definitely represented there. Pappy as well. Cheers my friend.
With Pappy and the others by Buffalo Trace you are actually referring to secondary pricing though, although you can forget about getting them at retail. A few years ago I scored a few Glengoyne 25's at under $400 here in Canada (certainly not Ontario) as well as Octomore's .3's at very reasonable prices (under $200) but those days are indeed gone.
@@robertzemko6590 Shhhh, Robert, I didn't want to offend anybody, particularly in this video, but there's a certain Campbelltown distillery which apparently sells at retail price but you can't find it anywhere. You have to be a whisky insider or go to the distillery itself to find a bottle. Their current 21 year old retailed (is that the word) for £260. They really are on the naughty list in my book but folk seem to be more forgiving about them.
@@welshtoro3256 Yeah, not one single Springbank in Canada, but that's ok, I have a few 10's and a 15 to get me through till I die.
No Bowmore Ashton Martin edition?!?!? C’mon who do you work for?
I actually really like that whisky.
$130 plus taxes to be exact. Now I saw it for $999. I still have some left in the bottle.
Insane. Still remember that review.
@@WhiskyInThe6 The resolution on that video back then was subpar
I feel like this would be an excellent foundation for the next whisky rant.
We will definitely revisit.
@@WhiskyInThe6 if you do then, talking about the outrageous price increases, the Talisker 18 is certainly worthy of mention. Literally 100% jump in like a year with zero justification except that Diageo are greedy shits. I also expect the next round of Diageo special releases to be egregiously expensive too.
I cannot stand the Thin nature of Macallan but wow does it’s nose impress/ I can see how some get tricked into Loving Macallan.
Can't disagree with your choices Rob but that Springbank 8 is a poor choice to accompany it - it was only available to Society Members (and that is a closed shop) and is now hideously overpriced on secondary.
Fair enough. My grievances are directed primarily at distilleries themselves. They unfortunately can’t control the greasy retails stores. I do understand your point though. Cheers.
Mac 18 sherry is 650$ + canadian on shelves. The 18 Double is jacked up at 550$ at SAQ… What a world eh lol
Those are absolutely disgusting prices.
I put it this way, anything Macallan, Dalmore and Yamazaki. When it comes to price / quality all these distilleries are absolute joke. With Octomore you at least get quality and integrity whisky which is not a case with any of those brands.
BTW, All Octomores have vintage which technically make them as old as the vintage on the label. Based on regulations if they put a vintage they cannot add anything older or younger to that bottle. It’s a same situation for Springbank Local Barley as well.
Well you learn something new every day. Even more of a reason to dislike Octomore. Cheers.
More of these videos please.
Working on it. Cheers.
The Yamazaki 12yo is $250 now.
Yikes
laphroaig cairdeas for around 100$? what year are your prices based on? You recommended a Springbank 25 to replace a Macallan 25?, they are not even the same style! and good luck buying any Springbank in Canada at all let alone a 25yr, or a 21yr, or the Springbank society single cask. Recommending against rare and inaccessible whiskies just to push forth stuff that is equally inaccessible is just absurd, why dont you start recommending G&M Linkwood 1972 for 1400$ thats way cheaper
Obviously you just retained the parts of the video you felt could support your agenda which is clearly to be a Karen. Laphroaig Cairdeas is available at the LCBO for the price I suggested every year including 2022. I gave plenty of available options at much lower prices for each terribly priced whisky. I merely used Springbank as an example of something every whisky drinker wants yet manages to be a fraction of the price of Macallan. Better quality from start to finish at a much lower price even if you were to purchase from auction. Thanks for coming out Karen.
Couldn't agree with you more. For years I've been saying Macallan and Dalmore are overpriced and under deliver. Mac 18 & 12 have gotten out of control for pricing and drink thin on the palate. But there will always be that customer seeking out those bottles, because their dumb! Great review.
Lol I wouldn’t say dumb. Just misinformed. Cheers Keith. Hope you’re doing well.
@@WhiskyInThe6 I get it. But I'm sticking with Dumb. LOL.. I try and educate my customers to alternatives, but they are brainwashed. They say how smooth Macallan and Dalmore are. I say of course they are, their 40-43%.. I then ask them, how was the flavor and they really don't elaborate on that other than it was smooth. So their Dumb! Hope your doing well also.
@@keithpetersen560 lol
Agreed
🙏🏻
Fall 2022 : A-l-l bottles at KGBO are of poor value : exhcange rate GBP = 1.45 CAD, but we are paying like 1988 at 2.2 x - - - for the last 10 years ! ! ! . . . always love your honesty, Teach . ------------------- "I dont like this video because ..." your rant is just too damn civilized : cut somebody, maul someone, trample on the face of them greedy basta... i mean sons of da gun .... etc... (( and u r not even inhaling them cigars). LOL
Thanks Timothy. Cheers buddy.
Nikka From The Barrel is NOT Japanese whisky it is sourced from Scotland.
Cool
Yamazaki 18 is 900+ euro now..
Insane.
Blantons gold 107 proof.
Does it vary because I saw 103 yesterday
Dalmore is severely over rated by a lot of People in the UK. Certainly not worth the price tag
Agreed
100% 🙌
🙏🏻
Yikes 18 is really expensive in CAN.
Yes. It’s crazy.
I totally agree with the Yamazaki not just the 18, but the Nas and the 12 too. I just came back from Japan and couldn't find any trace except in high end places in Ginza selling for over a grand ( no thxx). I ended up getting Kurayoshi 21yr for 1/3 of the price.
As for Macallan ( my previous boss recalled how it use to be 100 to 200 bucks for the 18), I think the worst value are those grandpa aged Scotch. Aside from bragging rights and rarity, Macallan knows they're going to sell at auctions and to be snapped up in Asia. Each time they claimed to be the oldest and another bottle claiming to be older pops up. Just wait and see when they release the 100yr version. ( at least they're fun to read about)
Ardbeg is becoming like Macallan, unfortunately
They have their 5 and 10 that save them.
@@WhiskyInThe6 Agreed, the whole core range is by far better than the recent “committee releases”
Rob seems like a good guy, but it's like you are competing with Mike & Narby to be the most out of touch WhiskyTuber. How many of your viewers do you think you are stopping from buying a Dalmore 25? Oh man it was in my cart and I was about to click buy, glad I caught this video. Now on to this GREAT value Springbank, which you cannot get, for Society members only, which you cannot join. Can't wait to see what's next.
Fair enough. Didn’t think it would do the topic justice not to bring the likes of Macallan, Dalmore and Yamazaki. I think the options given for each category makes this video apply to a broad audience. Could be wrong though. I speak to why I reviewed the Springbank 8 in this video.
Sadly, Arran 18 is no longer 1/4 of Macallan 18 now. I just saw it was $170 in my local liquor store 🥲
Depends where you buy the Mac 18 lol. $600 here.
Agreed