I must admit, I've never been a whisky consumer. I was press ganged by a couple of buddies who were long into their whisky journey to try drams in a hotel we were staying in. to say it was a revelation was an understatement. I hadn't touched a whisky since I was a teenager and hated it when i was young. After my buddies made me see the light I started buying the odd bottle of the back of some of your reviews about 8 years ago. I then had a hiatus for a few years as life got in the way but returned when covid struck. I had about 4 bottles from 2014 to 2020 now I am sitting with about 75 and not one purchased from a supermarket. Cheers to ya Ralfy 🥃
When you talk about whisky culture it is exactly that. It is so different from anything else. I enjoy equally drinking the stuff and chatting about it. It is so much more enjoyable than just getting drunk on anything and everything. I am 8 years now into my ‘whisky apprenticeship’ and loving every moment. Thanks for the malt moments Ralfy.
Dearest Ralfy, I am happy to hear you mention inflation and tough times. I am glad I have 40 bottles of various single malts, all of which are non chilled filtered and naturally coloured and 46% or higher . This year’s prices are frankly too expensive so I have reduced my weekly consumption to two drams ( always after dinner with my pipe ) and yes I certainly take my time! I have enough to last me a few years I reckon. You’re sincerity is always much appreciated. Grazie 🙏 ciao 👋 S.
Fantastic information. I'm just starting this journey and I find that there's so much to learn and experience. Love the videos, love the insight. Cheers from Argentina!
One of those inspirational videos, especially for the newer followers, but it's also wonderful stuff for the older fans, like myself, to get some of that unique love from Ralfy! ❤️ All the best mate, may we celebrate 1000th video soon! 🔥👍🔝
As a resident of Phoenix, I must say the bowl of water suggestion is amazing. What I had been doing is keeping my glass in a wine cooler set at 52F. I'd pull it out and pour a dram and the room temp (78F) whiskey would cool a bit that way. I even put a bottle of Glenfiddich in the cooler once... Bad idea. Well, I just tried the cool water in a bowl with a dram of Laphroaig Lore and thoroughly enjoyed it. You've never steered me wrong, Ralfy, but this tip has seriously recalibrated my enjoyment of whisky. Slàinte!
Living in Australia cats and dogs can bring some interesting trophies home. We gave our cat to a friend who had a mouse problem on a small 10 acre property. We visited one weekend and our friend was excited to show us what our cat had brought home that morning. Our friend led us to a covered bbq where the cat's trophy had been placed, as he opened the lid a large angry highly venomous brown snake rear it's head to strike.
A couple of years ago I did not know what to buy at all. My first single malt was a Cardhu 12. Than I saw many of your reviews, and realised what I should and should not buy. Now I have over 100 bottles , mostly Speyside and Campbeltown. And all with an age statement. So, thank you for you help on my journey. Keep going my friend !
Been watching your channel for a few month now Ralfy have to say thank you for the education on whisky. Buy the odd bottle of Malt, however for the past couple of years have purchased more sipping Rums there seem to be more and more Scottish rums coming onto the market many are excellent. Going to Lochcarron soon on holiday I plan to buy a good Malt and a good sipping rum to take with me so will be keeping a keen eye on your channel. Slanj.
Since I started watching your channel, Ralfy, I have changed my way of watering my whiskies. Going from straw/pippet to a teaspoon. A small revilation in my opinion 😃. Thank you for that! 😊
Haha my initiation into Islay/peated scotch was Laphroaig Triple Cask. I was only a few months or so into my whisky journey and didn't think I'd enjoy the heavily peated stuff based on descriptions... Upon my first sip I was changed, amazed and converted. It was the most interesting liquor I'd ever encountered and my love affair with good peated Scotch will last a lifetime. For me I should have started on peated Scotch - to me it didn't taste harsh or rough at all - it tasted rich, full bodied, intricate and intriguing.
Some of the best drams I had was the night dram that I didn't finish and left with a lead on to have after lunch the next day.. The whisky just opened like a book and all words were clear. Cheers!
Agreed - just about every whisky I open I try at full strength, a wee splash of water and a moderate helping of water to see how it evolves. I'll also usually add a bit more water to my first dram of the night and then add slightly less to subsequent drams as my palate adjusts to the alcohol.
I think this fact (time in the glass) is the one thing I needed to learn more than any other thing when it came to drinking single malt whisky. As a brewer and lover of craft beer, (where you mostly drink the beer cold and don't leave it sitting in the glass longer than necessary) this is 180 degrees different. But it's a pleasure to slow down and savor the whisky - especially when enjoying your drink with a cigar. Two different worlds. I'm really beginning to enjoy these single malt whiskies, trying my 3rd different one this past week and a half.
Interestingly Ralfy, I'm surprised that in our consumer led lives, that a company hasn't actually released 'whisky bollocks'. They would come in a wrinkled leathery pouch that shrinks in the freezer, and the balls inside would chill a blended whisky wonderfully. Coming to a supermarket shelf soon - 'whisky bollocks', they would fly out the door. Cheers Ralfy!
Excellent points all around and so topical because I was just having a conversation about adding water with several friends the other day. My example was Wild Turkey 101 but it could be any whiskey of good quality. The point I was making was 'adding a little water to a whiskey and letting it sit for a bit (min per year) can be the difference between a mediocre, good, or an amazing experience.' Whiskey should be enjoyed, not 'consumed' or sucked down like soda pop. The moment I stopped trying to enjoy every whiskey neat, to slow down, add some water, take my time, was the moment my journey truly began.
RALFY thank you so much for this awesome information. Totally makes the whiskey experience what its expected to be. Take time and experience whiskey and life! Thank you my friend!👍🥃💯🙏
Hola Ralfy, muchas gracias por tan valiosa información, sobre todo para los que vivimos en países ecuatoriales. Esto servirá para mejorar mis percepciones con cualquier espirituoso que desee saborear.
I really enjoyed this extra. You mentioned a few things that, I have learned, are important for truly enjoying a good spirit. You also touched on some of the clichés & BS that creep into this hobby. I try to look past them, however it does get a little annoying sometimes! I had a good chuckle! Thanks Ralfy! Keep up the good work!
I live in Southern California where it can get fairly warm to hot in the summer season. My whisky collection is in a normal un cooled environment so if I pour from the bottle in the summer the whisky may be @ 75 degrees or more which tastes terrible to my palate and not enjoyable. For me I found by experimentation that the stainless steel whisky cubes which I keep in the freezer work great for me. I target my whisky to 58 to 63 degrees fahrenheit. Easy cleanup and provides a great whisky experience for me. I highly recommend them......Slainte!
Something to add, I find it rewarding to also test if I prefer a whisky with slightly higher strength and smaller sips or lower strength and bigger sips. Some whiskies work better diluted heavily with water, some reward you with better mouth feel when you dilute them less. Also a good method to make tasting a well known whisky more interesting. Can be very different. So much to learn, so little time to do it and so much fun :)
That's so funny you mention the downside of starting out with Laphroaig Select, because that was the first Scotch I ever bought and tried. It could have just as easily been my last, if I hadn't then gone a few steps further to read a lot of online articles and view videos like yours - ultimately leading me to the Speyside distilleries and brands that have not a molecule of peat:).
Ralfy, you are Leo Tolstoy from the whiskey world) Big greetings from Russia! We love you very much and try not to miss any of your videos. Thanks for your passionate work!
I bought a bottle of Nikka Single Malt Yoichi Japanese Whisky recently and can taste the wood of the cask, the malted barley, and a touch of peat even I think. Please review this Ralfy as it would be great to hear your thoughts on this whisky. I am liking it quite alot! Its price is relatively low, a bit too sweet for me, and it has a screw top.
Switched from quality beer to bourbon, and just this week, some Scotch! In finding your channel, I found a lover of good whisky, but in quality, and in honor of the history of these fine specimens! Your suggestions are registering with me, and just saying hello from Missouri - Slàinte Mhath!
Many many thanks for all the information and experience that you are sharing with us. My understanding of whisky improved significantly after watching your videos. Really appreciate. Any malt mentions needed? I have one
You're reviews are always nuggets of whisky info and passion. After 929 do you have an index page of you're youtube topics so that we can look back more easily to delve into nuggets of yesteryear. I type this while I wait 10 mins after adding a touch of water to my 10 Arran tipple.
I have found ralfy that if you need to give it time in the glass, pour a dram , leave it and go have a beer or two, by then it's come alive and ready to dance on your taste buds.
Enjoying your thoughts as something of a apprentice and former consumer. Tasting technique and time. Acquired a Ledaig a wee while ago, can sit with a dram for an hour, in the quiet of an evening with some music on quietly. It's like a tea ceremony, pour a dram, cue up an album and contemplate.
Funny... a couple of times that I added more water into my whisky and then tried to add more whisky, I thought that it was me that it did not work... Thank you for clarifying that Ralfy, I thought I am going crazy 😁
Fluffy is a fine looking cat. We had a cat, Hobbes, that liked to try to sneak live chipmunks/ground squirrels into the house. I had to use a broom to separate them and to gently sweep the chipmunks out the door. It would inevitably leave a trail of droppings in its wake.
If the Preachers in Church would talk like you , i would be a real Believer in Higher Power(s). But they didn't , so i became a Maltmate at the endless Journey of searching for the perfect Dram. Thanks for another Perspective and Opinion. Keep doing your Thing
i noticed the oxidization the most with grape spirit. Had a CS grappa 2 days ago. when i first opened it and tasted it was very tasty but a little flat. 2 months later (2 days ago) it was so full of flavour, i had to add quite alot of water since it was so overwhelmingly intense in flavours. great stuff :D
I put one of my more difficult to delve (IME, at any rate) malts to the test this evening. Arran "The Bothy" quartercask, bottled at 56.2%. Measured 1-3/4 oz (50mL) pour, three spoons of water. I poured it just before starting to prepare dinner, and waited nearly three hours. My patience was rewarded though. Absolutely delightful and intriguing dram. Try it for yourselves, malt mates!
Interestingly I found the quarter cask tasted a bit like pineapple and it didn’t appeal to me and enjoyed the Arran sherry cask a lot more..maybe it’s my water adding skills that failed there
@@phillipcollins1103 I haven't tried the sherry cask version yet. Who knows, I might also like it better, as I do like sherried whisky. The quarter cask does seem to be trickier than most to get the best results. Sadly, Arran products are pretty scarce in my neck of the woods. 😞
Very informative Extras 👍. I find the optimum amount of water to add also varies on how much saliva you are mixing naturally in your mouth whilst sipping. I am a bit of a slobberer so tend to not use as much 😃 Any chance we can have a review of the Amazon exclusive Highland Park Viking Tribe. I know it’s not full natural presentation but at 46% and sometimes £26 I think it represents value and a good starting point for someone on their journey. Would love to see what you think of it.
I would like to add that some whiskies open up a bit more if you warm them up in the palm of your hand a while. A lot of new notes come at body temperature that aren’t there at room temperature.
Ironically Lagavulin and Laphroig were the two first whiskies I started with. It was back when I was young and we we asked the bartender what whisky would slow us down for the end of the night so we didn’t get hangovers from drinking too fast.
Ralfy. I’m somewhat new to the malt militia… I’ve been gifted a few old (unopened though 😃) bottles. Including a lagavulin 16, a glenkinchie 10, Jura 10 and glenfiddich 12. The lagavulin an glenkinchie corks snapped when I tried to open them. Can you offer the best advice to dealing with this? Thanks hopefully from another IOM resident 😉
Thank you for your thoughts…I bought Scarabus whisky NAS batch strength 57% natural color NCF for below 40 eur. I don’t know reason for buy Lap. Select and spent the same amount of eur….
Whiskey can be a teacher. Discernment in whiskey translates to discernment in life, which leads to wisdom. Go through the motions, rush it, be not present, and you’ll miss it all.
Ralfy Extras are entertaining, true, 99% of the time extremely educational (and that 1% you just have to leave out the “extremely”) most of the time funny and above all authentic (at least they come across this way!) Malt-Mention-Idea: (malty) munchers of malt, molasses and more mighty mouthfuls (perhaps a specialized one for a rum review ;) )
By the way ralfy, have you tried the revamped talisker 10? Some reviewer I stumbled upon recently said it was more rough, less sweet but in a good way. I am not yet trustful enough because I haven't ever seen him give a negative review. Seems plausible to me that money went rather into the redesign than proper maturation.
Hey Ralf ... Thank you for just being you ... (love your books) how about ... Malfy's Morangie Medicinal Morning Moments :-) slange frae Montreal ! :-)
just to let you know that RUclips is not giving me any updates when you post a new review . I have a question .When I was born my father purchased a bottle of Alberta springs with the wooden box .It's from 1966 .There has been little or no evaporation .Is it worth selling or just keep it and drink it at the next family gathering ?????
@@thewhiskybothy I think I'm just going to crack it open on my 60th of I make it .4 years more or less won't hurt it and if I am to go before my time I'm giving my wife explicit instructions to share it at my wake ! Either way someone is going to be the guinea pig !Hopefully it won't leave a bad taste in someone's mouth to remember me by .Keep up the good Reviews .Have ever had a chance to try the no age statement dark origins by Highland park ?
An introduction for your consideration: Mission Motivated Maritimers Making Malt Memories. Andrew McPherson, Saint John, New Brunswick Canada. Really enjoy your reviews.
Hey Ralfy, community - a note on my experience with most bourbon... I find aging h20 to them is often in disagreement with my preferences. Sadly, I find the more acrid/tannic notes come out from the new oak. Also, I find less benefit because ofnthe different grain; the composition of corn has less oil and proteïne I believe, so less oils and proteïne to come out from the still. Plus, the lower temp and pot still distillation vs the largely column still is a big diff for me, as it pertains to adding h20. I have found that pot distilled bourbons and rye, and esp high right bourbons work best with h20. Thoughts anyone?
This Channel is mostly about Malt-Whiskys. On Paper they are quite equal because of the same Ingredients, but in Nose and on the Palate they can be very different. Some need much Water some are much better to enjoy neat. And this only depends in your own Preferences. Its just about personal Enjoyment.😋 I Love it
@Balcon - what is your experience adding h20 to bourbon? Irish? I still find it best with single malt/very good bkends/Japanese. Broadstroke, of course. It can really take away from some Irish, being they are fresher and delikate. And it can make bourbons bitter for me ancover things up, sometimes it makes it j to a one nite cherry bomb.
@@geo5291 Bourbon changes quite a bit with water added. I get some bottles at 100 proof and experiment by proofing a glass down to 90, 86, 80 proof to see which I prefer. Some expressions I prefer at the proof in the bottle while others improve at lower proofs. Experimentation will help you find where your preferences are for each individual bottle. I have measuring beakers in ml that make proofing down very accurate and repeatable.
Don't you change a jot wee man - wise deliberations for all travellers on the malt journey. Time in the glass is essential if we are all going to reach the zenith of these blissful moments (but keep it integrity only folks!).
I love to drink whiskey or whisky, especially cheap blended ones, HOT, I mean piping hot. I learned it from a Chinese roommate in college who majored in bio-science. Man I tell you it's just amazing. Give it try and you'll understand.
@@MilesOnTheCorner I know there's some sort of special equipment for that but I just do it the easiest way. Pour the whisky into an aluminum bottle with a lid, then place the bottle in a kettle full of boiling water and give it a minute or so
@@MilesOnTheCorner The theory is that we taste our drinks primarily through some sort of nasal cells, and the heat and and evaporation of alcohol helps
i especially appreciate this video for your thoughts about whisky, arts and sensations for other things when we begin to be a connoisseur of whisky and flavors. i share the same feeling.
Right before you mentioned alchemy I was just thinking about how, anyone who studied alchemy couldn't consume whiskey with a disingenuous spirit. The quality and time spent in making the whiskey, ought to be matched with quality and time in enjoying it.
... we are getting old together, seen some video from 2017 Arran, (another timeline ... ) and all the bs our governments do, we still do our thing ... luckily. 🍀
Pizza might not be the best example to use. Pizza as an artefact of haute cuisine comes much later than its origins as a consumer good. By way of a bizarre sequences of developments within and between Italian and American cultures, the conception of pizza evolved and expanded until the conceptual framework that consumers and tourists operate within came to expect that a premium 'authentic' market segment must exist and, by so doing, created the demand that made it real. Oh there is an "Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana" to be sure, ready and willing to dictate the acceptable characteristics of a true Neapolitan Pizza (TM) and acquire the de rigueur protected designation of origin, but it was only actually founded in 1984 (making it a full 22 years younger than the invention of the Hawaiian pizza by a Greek Canadian), no doubt at the behest of a tourism marketing board. The phenomenon of a elements of a culture being re-imported after being embraced or transformed elsewhere is even known as the 'pizza effect'.
While watching this I did enjoy some Laphroaig. And while I was sipping it a bit of thyme herb that was stuck between my teeth got loose ans suddenly I had Laphroaig with thyme. Interesting and unexpected taste. The thyme was from a tomato salad btw.
ah '' pizza please , you seem to reinforce my new policy of buying single cask , cask strength from indie bottlers . thanks , you are making what i think sound not to bad = as mainstream whisky seems bland,,, the more a person studies and gets into it . ,,, yes just buying and trying heavy peated malts is just a bit daft = but it is the start of a journey and if you continue to move on to the decent speys and highlands its well worth the trip ...
I bought a whisky stone and the first time I used it I wondered why in h e hockey sticks why i bought it. Total waste of money. I think the problem is that it cools the whisky too much and kills the flavor. Total waste. You've got this big heavy thing rolling around in the glass too.
@@javieracosta3439 he refers to Canadian whisky, Japanese whisky, Indian Whisky and Irish whisky…. But he regularly distinguishes Bourbon as a distinct spirit from whisky. By all accounts, whisky is distilled grain, aged in a barrel. Canadian whisky is at least as far away from Scotch as Bourbon. I’m just curious why RALFY makes this distinction. In what way is Bourbon NOT whisky? I’m not a bourbon fan but I certainly wouldn’t begrudge it’s classification as whisky.
@@kevincobb6630 perhaps it's Ralfy's way of reminding some folks that bourbon is a whiskey. As I've witness lately in the US a bottle with the words "bourbon" on the label causes a near hysteria among some people. But a just as stellar release made in America that says "whiskey" or "American single malt" will be passed by many a consumer.
"I've not tried it but it's a load of bollocks"..... I'm struggling with that opinion Ralphy; I'm not saying they work or don't, I'm saying that dismissing something out of hand without any experience is a bit, erm.... I dunno, shit? Just an opinion.
Funny thing is, nobody sees the downvote, but the RUclips algorithm does pick up on it and pushes it further to the front as a result. So if you dont like it, say nothing I guess. It's TRUE what your mother said, if you've got nothing nice to say...
I must admit, I've never been a whisky consumer. I was press ganged by a couple of buddies who were long into their whisky journey to try drams in a hotel we were staying in. to say it was a revelation was an understatement. I hadn't touched a whisky since I was a teenager and hated it when i was young.
After my buddies made me see the light I started buying the odd bottle of the back of some of your reviews about 8 years ago. I then had a hiatus for a few years as life got in the way but returned when covid struck. I had about 4 bottles from 2014 to 2020 now I am sitting with about 75 and not one purchased from a supermarket. Cheers to ya Ralfy 🥃
Learned so much off this man over the years.
Thank you Ralfy
When you talk about whisky culture it is exactly that. It is so different from anything else. I enjoy equally drinking the stuff and chatting about it. It is so much more enjoyable than just getting drunk on anything and everything. I am 8 years now into my ‘whisky apprenticeship’ and loving every moment. Thanks for the malt moments Ralfy.
Dearest Ralfy, I am happy to hear you mention inflation and tough times. I am glad I have 40 bottles of various single malts, all of which are non chilled filtered and naturally coloured and 46% or higher . This year’s prices are frankly too expensive so I have reduced my weekly consumption to two drams ( always after dinner with my pipe ) and yes I certainly take my time! I have enough to last me a few years I reckon. You’re sincerity is always much appreciated. Grazie 🙏 ciao 👋 S.
Really been appreciating all the cat cameos lately
Didn't understand the cold filter effect about whiskey until I began watching your videos. Very informative. Love it.
Absolutely best sermon I ever heard, thanks Ralfy!
You are such a generous reviewer. My hat is off to you. This was a very well-constructed tutorial and I learned a lot. Thank you!
One of my favorite episodes I've ever watched of yours and I have watched many episodes 😁 love the positive message and overall great advice.
Fantastic information. I'm just starting this journey and I find that there's so much to learn and experience. Love the videos, love the insight. Cheers from Argentina!
One of those inspirational videos, especially for the newer followers, but it's also wonderful stuff for the older fans, like myself, to get some of that unique love from Ralfy! ❤️ All the best mate, may we celebrate 1000th video soon! 🔥👍🔝
You are the malt master ,I have learned so much from you big thanks ralfy
As a resident of Phoenix, I must say the bowl of water suggestion is amazing. What I had been doing is keeping my glass in a wine cooler set at 52F. I'd pull it out and pour a dram and the room temp (78F) whiskey would cool a bit that way. I even put a bottle of Glenfiddich in the cooler once... Bad idea.
Well, I just tried the cool water in a bowl with a dram of Laphroaig Lore and thoroughly enjoyed it. You've never steered me wrong, Ralfy, but this tip has seriously recalibrated my enjoyment of whisky. Slàinte!
Living in Australia cats and dogs can bring some interesting trophies home. We gave our cat to a friend who had a mouse problem on a small 10 acre property. We visited one weekend and our friend was excited to show us what our cat had brought home that morning. Our friend led us to a covered bbq where the cat's trophy had been placed, as he opened the lid a large angry highly venomous brown snake rear it's head to strike.
A couple of years ago I did not know what to buy at all. My first single malt was a Cardhu 12. Than I saw many of your reviews, and realised what I should and should not buy. Now I have over 100 bottles , mostly Speyside and Campbeltown. And all with an age statement. So, thank you for you help on my journey. Keep going my friend !
I fully laughed out loud with your quick story of the rabbit brought into the house by the cat....such a typical cat owner's dilemma..love it!!!
Been watching your channel for a few month now Ralfy have to say thank you for the education on whisky. Buy the odd bottle of Malt, however for the past couple of years have purchased more sipping Rums there seem to be more and more Scottish rums coming onto the market many are excellent. Going to Lochcarron soon on holiday I plan to buy a good Malt and a good sipping rum to take with me so will be keeping a keen eye on your channel. Slanj.
Since I started watching your channel, Ralfy, I have changed my way of watering my whiskies. Going from straw/pippet to a teaspoon. A small revilation in my opinion 😃. Thank you for that! 😊
Great video. Loved the waffling at the end. Thanks Ralfy!
Haha my initiation into Islay/peated scotch was Laphroaig Triple Cask. I was only a few months or so into my whisky journey and didn't think I'd enjoy the heavily peated stuff based on descriptions... Upon my first sip I was changed, amazed and converted. It was the most interesting liquor I'd ever encountered and my love affair with good peated Scotch will last a lifetime. For me I should have started on peated Scotch - to me it didn't taste harsh or rough at all - it tasted rich, full bodied, intricate and intriguing.
Some of the best drams I had was the night dram that I didn't finish and left with a lead on to have after lunch the next day.. The whisky just opened like a book and all words were clear. Cheers!
Agreed - just about every whisky I open I try at full strength, a wee splash of water and a moderate helping of water to see how it evolves. I'll also usually add a bit more water to my first dram of the night and then add slightly less to subsequent drams as my palate adjusts to the alcohol.
Ralf dear! Love how you rolled your eyes when you said "Auchentoshan" :-O
I think this fact (time in the glass) is the one thing I needed to learn more than any other thing when it came to drinking single malt whisky. As a brewer and lover of craft beer, (where you mostly drink the beer cold and don't leave it sitting in the glass longer than necessary) this is 180 degrees different. But it's a pleasure to slow down and savor the whisky - especially when enjoying your drink with a cigar. Two different worlds. I'm really beginning to enjoy these single malt whiskies, trying my 3rd different one this past week and a half.
Sheer wisdom. Thank you, Ralfy.
Interestingly Ralfy, I'm surprised that in our consumer led lives, that a company hasn't actually released 'whisky bollocks'. They would come in a wrinkled leathery pouch that shrinks in the freezer, and the balls inside would chill a blended whisky wonderfully. Coming to a supermarket shelf soon - 'whisky bollocks', they would fly out the door. Cheers Ralfy!
Excellent points all around and so topical because I was just having a conversation about adding water with several friends the other day. My example was Wild Turkey 101 but it could be any whiskey of good quality. The point I was making was 'adding a little water to a whiskey and letting it sit for a bit (min per year) can be the difference between a mediocre, good, or an amazing experience.' Whiskey should be enjoyed, not 'consumed' or sucked down like soda pop. The moment I stopped trying to enjoy every whiskey neat, to slow down, add some water, take my time, was the moment my journey truly began.
RALFY thank you so much for this awesome information. Totally makes the whiskey experience what its expected to be. Take time and experience whiskey and life! Thank you my friend!👍🥃💯🙏
American or Irish Whiskey??
@@barryhamilton7845 Scotch.
Since I have found Scotch, American Whiskey has been reduced for me. I enjoy Scotch much more than American Whiskey.
@@RABSTRAINS Ah, Scottish whisky!!
I can't wait for your next review. Thank you for your teachings. Great job.
Hola Ralfy, muchas gracias por tan valiosa información, sobre todo para los que vivimos en países ecuatoriales. Esto servirá para mejorar mis percepciones con cualquier espirituoso que desee saborear.
Fluffy🐈: Meow!
Ralfy: Oh what... you just want a treat.
(lifts his dram)
Me: No, he wouldn't... or would he?! 🤣
I really enjoyed this extra. You mentioned a few things that, I have learned, are important for truly enjoying a good spirit. You also touched on some of the clichés & BS that creep into this hobby. I try to look past them, however it does get a little annoying sometimes! I had a good chuckle! Thanks Ralfy! Keep up the good work!
I live in Southern California where it can get fairly warm to hot in the summer season. My whisky collection is in a normal un cooled environment so if I pour from the bottle in the summer the whisky may be @ 75 degrees or more which tastes terrible to my palate and not enjoyable. For me I found by experimentation that the stainless steel whisky cubes which I keep in the freezer work great for me. I target my whisky to 58 to 63 degrees fahrenheit. Easy cleanup and provides a great whisky experience for me. I highly recommend them......Slainte!
. . . if it works, go with it !
Something to add, I find it rewarding to also test if I prefer a whisky with slightly higher strength and smaller sips or lower strength and bigger sips. Some whiskies work better diluted heavily with water, some reward you with better mouth feel when you dilute them less. Also a good method to make tasting a well known whisky more interesting. Can be very different. So much to learn, so little time to do it and so much fun :)
Brilliant! Excellent insight as always.
That's so funny you mention the downside of starting out with Laphroaig Select, because that was the first Scotch I ever bought and tried. It could have just as easily been my last, if I hadn't then gone a few steps further to read a lot of online articles and view videos like yours - ultimately leading me to the Speyside distilleries and brands that have not a molecule of peat:).
Ralfy, you are Leo Tolstoy from the whiskey world)
Big greetings from Russia! We love you very much and try not to miss any of your videos.
Thanks for your passionate work!
You are the Maltus Fermentus Mystical Order hierophant!!!! great video. Love your cat...
I bought a bottle of Nikka Single Malt Yoichi Japanese Whisky recently and can taste the wood of the cask, the malted barley, and a touch of peat even I think. Please review this Ralfy as it would be great to hear your thoughts on this whisky. I am liking it quite alot! Its price is relatively low, a bit too sweet for me, and it has a screw top.
Switched from quality beer to bourbon, and just this week, some Scotch! In finding your channel, I found a lover of good whisky, but in quality, and in honor of the history of these fine specimens! Your suggestions are registering with me, and just saying hello from Missouri - Slàinte Mhath!
Well.. I should follow your guide for the near future tasting- using enough of time for the dram and with watered down
Many many thanks for all the information and experience that you are sharing with us. My understanding of whisky improved significantly after watching your videos. Really appreciate. Any malt mentions needed? I have one
You're reviews are always nuggets of whisky info and passion. After 929 do you have an index page of you're youtube topics so that we can look back more easily to delve into nuggets of yesteryear. I type this while I wait 10 mins after adding a touch of water to my 10 Arran tipple.
I have found ralfy that if you need to give it time in the glass, pour a dram , leave it and go have a beer or two, by then it's come alive and ready to dance on your taste buds.
Enjoying your thoughts as something of a apprentice and former consumer. Tasting technique and time. Acquired a Ledaig a wee while ago, can sit with a dram for an hour, in the quiet of an evening with some music on quietly. It's like a tea ceremony, pour a dram, cue up an album and contemplate.
. . . that's the way to do it !
Another wonderful video.
If you want a real laugh, turn on the captions. The computer really has fun trying to spell Scotch whisky names.
Funny... a couple of times that I added more water into my whisky and then tried to add more whisky, I thought that it was me that it did not work... Thank you for clarifying that Ralfy, I thought I am going crazy 😁
A solid video today from the heart.
Fluffy is a fine looking cat. We had a cat, Hobbes, that liked to try to sneak live chipmunks/ground squirrels into the house. I had to use a broom to separate them and to gently sweep the chipmunks out the door. It would inevitably leave a trail of droppings in its wake.
Became a member of your patreon. You are a decent influence in todays diluted space! Thank you!
. . . welcome to the extra extras.
If the Preachers in Church would talk like you , i would be a real Believer in Higher Power(s).
But they didn't , so i became a Maltmate at the endless Journey of searching for the perfect Dram.
Thanks for another Perspective and Opinion.
Keep doing your Thing
i noticed the oxidization the most with grape spirit. Had a CS grappa 2 days ago. when i first opened it and tasted it was very tasty but a little flat. 2 months later (2 days ago) it was so full of flavour, i had to add quite alot of water since it was so overwhelmingly intense in flavours. great stuff :D
Fluffy the cat is awesome!
Came for the whisky stayed for the cat visit and food talk.
.. Cheers to you ..
I put one of my more difficult to delve (IME, at any rate) malts to the test this evening. Arran "The Bothy" quartercask, bottled at 56.2%. Measured 1-3/4 oz (50mL) pour, three spoons of water. I poured it just before starting to prepare dinner, and waited nearly three hours. My patience was rewarded though. Absolutely delightful and intriguing dram.
Try it for yourselves, malt mates!
Interestingly I found the quarter cask tasted a bit like pineapple and it didn’t appeal to me and enjoyed the Arran sherry cask a lot more..maybe it’s my water adding skills that failed there
@@phillipcollins1103 I haven't tried the sherry cask version yet. Who knows, I might also like it better, as I do like sherried whisky. The quarter cask does seem to be trickier than most to get the best results.
Sadly, Arran products are pretty scarce in my neck of the woods. 😞
I finally got to see The Water of Life movie, Excellent. I didn't remember, you saying that you were in it.
. . . I had a very, very small part in it, just a few seconds.
Very informative Extras 👍. I find the optimum amount of water to add also varies on how much saliva you are mixing naturally in your mouth whilst sipping. I am a bit of a slobberer so tend to not use as much 😃 Any chance we can have a review of the Amazon exclusive Highland Park Viking Tribe. I know it’s not full natural presentation but at 46% and sometimes £26 I think it represents value and a good starting point for someone on their journey. Would love to see what you think of it.
A fabulous ralfy review. It added to my knowledge and confirmed some of my own thoughts. ( I proved the "You can't undilute theory" ) last night. haha
I would like to add that some whiskies open up a bit more if you warm them up in the palm of your hand a while. A lot of new notes come at body temperature that aren’t there at room temperature.
Ironically Lagavulin and Laphroig were the two first whiskies I started with. It was back when I was young and we we asked the bartender what whisky would slow us down for the end of the night so we didn’t get hangovers from drinking too fast.
Ralfy. I’m somewhat new to the malt militia…
I’ve been gifted a few old (unopened though 😃) bottles. Including a lagavulin 16, a glenkinchie 10, Jura 10 and glenfiddich 12.
The lagavulin an glenkinchie corks snapped when I tried to open them. Can you offer the best advice to dealing with this?
Thanks hopefully from another IOM resident 😉
. . . use a corkscrew and filter out any broken cork bits as required using a strainer. The whisky should be fine.
@@thewhiskybothy thanks so much for speedy response, very much appreciated 👍👍👍
My son in law makes the same scrunched up face you made, that’s why I keep a bottle of Teachers around.
Thank you for your thoughts…I bought Scarabus whisky NAS batch strength 57% natural color NCF for below 40 eur. I don’t know reason for buy Lap. Select and spent the same amount of eur….
Whiskey can be a teacher. Discernment in whiskey translates to discernment in life, which leads to wisdom.
Go through the motions, rush it, be not present, and you’ll miss it all.
Damn, that was good... Ralfy, what is your horoscope? A lion?
Ralfy Extras are entertaining, true, 99% of the time extremely educational (and that 1% you just have to leave out the “extremely”) most of the time funny and above all authentic (at least they come across this way!)
Malt-Mention-Idea: (malty) munchers of malt, molasses and more mighty mouthfuls (perhaps a specialized one for a rum review ;) )
. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks.
Ty
By the way ralfy, have you tried the revamped talisker 10? Some reviewer I stumbled upon recently said it was more rough, less sweet but in a good way. I am not yet trustful enough because I haven't ever seen him give a negative review. Seems plausible to me that money went rather into the redesign than proper maturation.
. . . you're probably right !
14:28 Word for the day: Camaginous Even G..gle doesn't know what it is.
Curmudgeonous
Hi Ralfy, when are the better times of the day to drink whisky relative to meals and snacks?
. . . evening.
Hey Ralf ... Thank you for just being you ... (love your books)
how about ... Malfy's Morangie Medicinal Morning Moments :-)
slange frae Montreal ! :-)
. . . Now on the M-mention List, thanks, . . . and glad you have liked my books !
yes sir, so do rums !
just to let you know that RUclips is not giving me any updates when you post a new review .
I have a question .When I was born my father purchased a bottle of Alberta springs with the wooden box .It's from 1966 .There has been little or no evaporation .Is it worth selling or just keep it and drink it at the next family gathering ?????
. . .check with local liquor auctions for a valuation. Good luck.
@@thewhiskybothy I think I'm just going to crack it open on my 60th of I make it .4 years more or less won't hurt it and if I am to go before my time I'm giving my wife explicit instructions to share it at my wake !
Either way someone is going to be the guinea pig !Hopefully it won't leave a bad taste in someone's mouth to remember me by .Keep up the good Reviews .Have ever had a chance to try the no age statement dark origins by Highland park ?
An introduction for your consideration: Mission Motivated Maritimers Making Malt Memories.
Andrew McPherson, Saint John, New Brunswick Canada.
Really enjoy your reviews.
. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks !
Load up the bus we're going to The Marketing Dept~!!!
Hey Ralfy, community - a note on my experience with most bourbon... I find aging h20 to them is often in disagreement with my preferences. Sadly, I find the more acrid/tannic notes come out from the new oak. Also, I find less benefit because ofnthe different grain; the composition of corn has less oil and proteïne I believe, so less oils and proteïne to come out from the still. Plus, the lower temp and pot still distillation vs the largely column still is a big diff for me, as it pertains to adding h20. I have found that pot distilled bourbons and rye, and esp high right bourbons work best with h20. Thoughts anyone?
This Channel is mostly about Malt-Whiskys.
On Paper they are quite equal because of the same Ingredients, but in Nose and on the Palate they can be very different. Some need much Water some are much better to enjoy neat. And this only depends in your own Preferences. Its just about personal Enjoyment.😋 I Love it
Adding h20'. And possibly other mispellings turned on their head by autocorrect.
@Balcon - what is your experience adding h20 to bourbon? Irish? I still find it best with single malt/very good bkends/Japanese. Broadstroke, of course. It can really take away from some Irish, being they are fresher and delikate. And it can make bourbons bitter for me ancover things up, sometimes it makes it j to a one nite cherry bomb.
@@geo5291 Bourbon changes quite a bit with water added. I get some bottles at 100 proof and experiment by proofing a glass down to 90, 86, 80 proof to see which I prefer. Some expressions I prefer at the proof in the bottle while others improve at lower proofs. Experimentation will help you find where your preferences are for each individual bottle. I have measuring beakers in ml that make proofing down very accurate and repeatable.
Don't you change a jot wee man - wise deliberations for all travellers on the malt journey. Time in the glass is essential if we are all going to reach the zenith of these blissful moments (but keep it integrity only folks!).
I love to drink whiskey or whisky, especially cheap blended ones, HOT, I mean piping hot. I learned it from a Chinese roommate in college who majored in bio-science. Man I tell you it's just amazing. Give it try and you'll understand.
How are you heating it? I’d try this.
@@MilesOnTheCorner I know there's some sort of special equipment for that but I just do it the easiest way. Pour the whisky into an aluminum bottle with a lid, then place the bottle in a kettle full of boiling water and give it a minute or so
@@MilesOnTheCorner The theory is that we taste our drinks primarily through some sort of nasal cells, and the heat and and evaporation of alcohol helps
Trying very hard ralfy. Have a 21 year, that when opened and poured, I will have a nap before I drink.
i especially appreciate this video for your thoughts about whisky, arts and sensations for other things when we begin to be a connoisseur of whisky and flavors.
i share the same feeling.
Right before you mentioned alchemy I was just thinking about how, anyone who studied alchemy couldn't consume whiskey with a disingenuous spirit. The quality and time spent in making the whiskey, ought to be matched with quality and time in enjoying it.
You are right I bought a bottle of BUNNAHABHAIN From the supermarket I couldn’t believe my eyes £25 how is it possible
... we are getting old together,
seen some video from 2017 Arran, (another timeline ... ) and all the bs
our governments do, we still do our
thing ... luckily. 🍀
Fluffy rules, haha
Pizza might not be the best example to use. Pizza as an artefact of haute cuisine comes much later than its origins as a consumer good. By way of a bizarre sequences of developments within and between Italian and American cultures, the conception of pizza evolved and expanded until the conceptual framework that consumers and tourists operate within came to expect that a premium 'authentic' market segment must exist and, by so doing, created the demand that made it real.
Oh there is an "Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana" to be sure, ready and willing to dictate the acceptable characteristics of a true Neapolitan Pizza (TM) and acquire the de rigueur protected designation of origin, but it was only actually founded in 1984 (making it a full 22 years younger than the invention of the Hawaiian pizza by a Greek Canadian), no doubt at the behest of a tourism marketing board.
The phenomenon of a elements of a culture being re-imported after being embraced or transformed elsewhere is even known as the 'pizza effect'.
Hi Fluffy
While watching this I did enjoy some Laphroaig. And while I was sipping it a bit of thyme herb that was stuck between my teeth got loose ans suddenly I had Laphroaig with thyme. Interesting and unexpected taste.
The thyme was from a tomato salad btw.
Thank You, but can we be a bit more POSITIVE ?.I appreciate all the reviews !!!!!!!!!!.
ah '' pizza please , you seem to reinforce my new policy of buying single cask , cask strength from indie bottlers . thanks , you are making what i think sound not to bad = as mainstream whisky seems bland,,, the more a person studies and gets into it . ,,, yes just buying and trying heavy peated malts is just a bit daft = but it is the start of a journey and if you continue to move on to the decent speys and highlands its well worth the trip ...
I bought a whisky stone and the first time I used it I wondered why in h e hockey sticks why i bought it. Total waste of money. I think the problem is that it cools the whisky too much and kills the flavor. Total waste. You've got this big heavy thing rolling around in the glass too.
Unless you're in a really hot country, probably not much use for a malt. I suppose they could be handy just for mixers in place of ice.
Why do you always make a distinction between whisky and Bourbon? I thought Bourbon was whisky, no?
I believe in his part of the world when he says "whisky" it pertains to Scotch. Bourbon is a very different style to be in it's own category.
@@javieracosta3439 he refers to Canadian whisky, Japanese whisky, Indian Whisky and Irish whisky…. But he regularly distinguishes Bourbon as a distinct spirit from whisky. By all accounts, whisky is distilled grain, aged in a barrel. Canadian whisky is at least as far away from Scotch as Bourbon. I’m just curious why RALFY makes this distinction.
In what way is Bourbon NOT whisky?
I’m not a bourbon fan but I certainly wouldn’t begrudge it’s classification as whisky.
@@kevincobb6630 perhaps it's Ralfy's way of reminding some folks that bourbon is a whiskey. As I've witness lately in the US a bottle with the words "bourbon" on the label causes a near hysteria among some people. But a just as stellar release made in America that says "whiskey" or "American single malt" will be passed by many a consumer.
❤️👍🥃
KITTY
"I've not tried it but it's a load of bollocks"..... I'm struggling with that opinion Ralphy; I'm not saying they work or don't, I'm saying that dismissing something out of hand without any experience is a bit, erm.... I dunno, shit? Just an opinion.
It's getting so easy to down vote these videos.
Butthurt?
Funny thing is, nobody sees the downvote, but the RUclips algorithm does pick up on it and pushes it further to the front as a result. So if you dont like it, say nothing I guess. It's TRUE what your mother said, if you've got nothing nice to say...
Easier to unsub and move on with your life
"It's just an opinion". If you're going to say it, have the balls to stand behind it.