Hello Roy, the OSWAs are a godsend to the Whiskey community, and anyone complaining have no idea the hard work you and Ralfy put into this! Thank you for all you do.
My first ever!! I would definitely miss the OSWA’s. It’s not just yet entertaining. It’s one of of the best sources of whiskey info and it really brings enthusiasts from around the world together.
I would miss it Roy. I'm not very present in the Vpub because of my job and family commitments so I don't get to watch live, however I always catch up later. I look forward to the OSWA's all year as it's my one night a year that I can make all about my hobby. Thanks for all that you do.
Whilst being completely passive, I love the OSWAS....but my appreciation for it is changing. I get excited for the "people's choice"......that's what I value most, the community's opinion, as you put it, where hype is ignored and consensus is elevated.....
It was nice to see all the pictures from Glasgow. New pictures still popping up in my feed 😁 I love being able to participate in the OSWAs! Makes it feel like my opinion matters and getting a little closer to the destillery people. Also makes me be more aware of what and how I enjoy whisky. Thank you, Roy and Ralfy, for letting us being part of it. OSWAs feels more genuin evaluation system than any other. And yes, I would miss the OSWAs.
I would definitely miss the OSWAs if they were cancelled. Really enjoy participating in the vote every year. This community and the OSWAs are my go go for trusted reviews and opinions.
This is a highlight of the year for me. I doubt there are many whisky awards like this where the people vote instead of a panel of judges. Cheers to you and your team for ALL of the excellent work you have done and continue to do. Here's my list of categories for next year....haha. Best Value Whisky Best Blended Whisky Best Blended Malt Best Bourbon Best Grain (Single or Blended) Best Pot Still Best Rye Best Single Malt Best Wheat (not imperative) Best Scotch (Single Malt) Best Scotch (non-Single Malt) Best Distillery Best New Distillery (
I would miss the OSWAs. I use them as a buying guide and my whisky purchases have definitely improved since discovering the OSWAs. The OSWAs also generate interest in other whisky channels who talk about them, their thoughts on the nominations, winners, etc., which all helps to grow the whisky community. I think it was a good initiative this year to canvass the whisky community to assist in the nominations process. What you were saying about having 2 votes resulting in people's second choices winning the categories is true. Especially where not all the whiskies are available globally, a second-choice vote may go to something because you recognise it and have tried it, but it isn't your top pick. The two votes are not rated first and second, so if a majority of the community vote for the same whisky as their second choice but have different first choices, that means the second-choice whisky wins. Usually, if this has happened it is reflected in the people's choice. Either we all just accept this, or it could be changed to only one vote per category. At least something to have a discussion about. Loved the breakdown of the GWF weekend and reading other comments in the chat from those who attended. Looks like everyone had a good time and got to drink some fantastic whiskies. Got 9/10 on the quiz, missed Q8. Cheers!
It was a great OSWAS! Continuous small tweaks is good, but proof of the value of the considerable work involved must be the willingness of winners to be involved. If that work becomes burdensome, maybe see if anything can be delegated to Barflies who may have some relevant skills/expertise? RE Selection vs Popular: I know that there have been some slightly vitriolic reactions to the nominations in the VPub comments but don't take anything to heart. Your explanation of the noms process is helpful but you can't please all of the people all of the time either. In terms of your reading of what the People's Choice Best Distillery vote shows us... maybe Springbank isn't the hands-down be-all & end-all of Scotch distilling: Arran was denied participation to the Best Value category. Arran won the People's Choice. Springbank was denied participation to the Best Distillery category. They didn't win the People's Choice. Was this just a reaction to a percieved Bruichladdich snub? I don't know that it can be said that's all of the story, that might be dismissing the idea that Bruichladdich is actually just more popular: they sell a quality core range that is accessible. For some PC10 > SB10. I'm content to read it that in 2024 more people like what Bruichladdich are doing (even their overpriced 18yr stuff) than Springbank. It chimes with my tastes.
There will always be people that will complain and probably did not even vote. But that is expected. What I also appreciated is that you also give a small channel like mine an opportunity to “advertise “ in a way our channels. It is a thought market to get into. I can only hope that this venture is here to stay. Already looking forward to next year. Cheers
Blessed to participate in the events of the Glasgow Whisky Festival weekend! Amazing whisky experience, best whisky experience for me ever. Great whisky shared with great people. Wish to be lucky enough to return and meet you all next year! Grateful to Roy and the barflies who contributed. Thank you all!
Roy, as many others have said, I would DEARLY miss the OSWAs. It is quite literally my whisky highlight of the year. A beacon of light in the growing darkness of autumn. I might be in the minority, but I don't care that much about the format itself. I think you, and we, should have the room to experiment and try the shoe on. To me, the most important part is the grassroot movement and the community behind it. The format itself can, and likely will, take many shapes and forms over the years. Just like whisky is a batch product, so we should embrace the OSWAs as not being completely static. As long as we maintain the community and all the ideas, obligations and fun that comes with that, I'm all aboard for whatever you come up with. Skål, and slainte.
Interesting to hear your discussion about the OSWSA. I would miss it very much if it disapeared. To me the World whisky category is important and I think this year it was more ”all around the world” and not a majority of bottles from the Brittish Islands or Kentucky. That was very positive. Maybe a result of the new nomination process? About the voting, why not change it to one person one vote? Anders, Stockholm
I agree with Roy, but there's not much to do, if somebody wants to see oswas otherwise and takés the option of staying out for whatever reason. The OSWAS represent some respectful ideology and it is carrying the precious torch of sanity where the noise of different marketing teams makes our ears suffer. I have been following the matters all from the start and the project is continuingly meaningful for enthusiasts. Thank you, Ralfy and Roy, great stuff!
Yet again another great vPub Roy :) I loved your discussion re the OSWAs, although I have absolutely no problem as to your methodology, it makes sense to me. I do however recall a comment you made, maybe during the ceremony ( ??? - not sure), but if I can make a suggestion, definitions like adding somethging to the effect that world whiskies are not precluded from certain categories would be great ( I think adding them to best value ?? maybe others too like best ditillery, not sure....) Perhaps there are other things as well, but I think many people think or assume its mostly scotch, & I get that. On a side issue, any thoughts on Edrington selling the Famous Grouse brand to William Grant & Sons ? ( i fear the naked malt might go downhill ) - your thoughts ?
Watched every OSWAs, voted in every OSWAs, so we are all in. But have two suggestions: 1. If a category has more ‘not voted’ over ‘first place’, there is something wrong with that category. Think about collapsing a few to lessen that effect. 2. Have a ‘Best non-Scotch malt’ category. Gets too eclectic with Irish, bourbon , and Japanese all mixed in a ‘World Whiskey’ category Just one couple’s humble opinion.
I believe I even commented in the oswa form that "Non malt" and "world whisky" categories overlap in a way that cause redundancy ("best whisky" and "best value" may also overlap but people are using it better and better with focus on the difference in them). Lack of inspiration or availability may be causing it also, but since oswas are from the scotch whisky perspective, I think this could be easily fixed by changing the "world whisky" definition to something like "world single malt whisky". This way "world single malt whisky" would celebrate what is done over the world that could compete with scottish single malt and "Non malt" would focus on "malternatives". This comment comes obviously with the love of someone who would miss it so if it was gone and wants it to grow to be the benchmark of scotch whisky awards. Cheers!
It’s pretty sad that you feel that a whole vPub has to be given over to discussing negative comments on the OSWAs. There are some miserable people out there who have found their ‘voice’ through social media. I’ve voted in this thing since its inception. I love the concept. I use it both to share my knowledge and to learn. Ignore the naysayers Roy (& Ralfy), and carry on! 8 years since you lost your job and began the vPub, during Covid. How time flys!
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OSWAs is an independent award and thus trustworthy. For the future, I think Peated & CS categories would be great .
Hello Roy, the OSWAs are a godsend to the Whiskey community, and anyone complaining have no idea the hard work you and Ralfy put into this! Thank you for all you do.
My first ever!! I would definitely miss the OSWA’s. It’s not just yet entertaining. It’s one of of the best sources of whiskey info and it really brings enthusiasts from around the world together.
I would miss it Roy. I'm not very present in the Vpub because of my job and family commitments so I don't get to watch live, however I always catch up later. I look forward to the OSWA's all year as it's my one night a year that I can make all about my hobby. Thanks for all that you do.
Catching the replay. Such a heartfelt declaration of love to this community. Thank you! 🙏
Whilst being completely passive, I love the OSWAS....but my appreciation for it is changing. I get excited for the "people's choice"......that's what I value most, the community's opinion, as you put it, where hype is ignored and consensus is elevated.....
It was nice to see all the pictures from Glasgow. New pictures still popping up in my feed 😁 I love being able to participate in the OSWAs! Makes it feel like my opinion matters and getting a little closer to the destillery people. Also makes me be more aware of what and how I enjoy whisky. Thank you, Roy and Ralfy, for letting us being part of it. OSWAs feels more genuin evaluation system than any other. And yes, I would miss the OSWAs.
Enjoying these laid back Vpubs! See ya Sunday! Much love as always from the two of us
I would definitely miss the OSWAs if they were cancelled. Really enjoy participating in the vote every year. This community and the OSWAs are my go go for trusted reviews and opinions.
Great vpub!! Enjoying the replay!!
This is a highlight of the year for me. I doubt there are many whisky awards like this where the people vote instead of a panel of judges. Cheers to you and your team for ALL of the excellent work you have done and continue to do. Here's my list of categories for next year....haha.
Best Value Whisky
Best Blended Whisky
Best Blended Malt
Best Bourbon
Best Grain (Single or Blended)
Best Pot Still
Best Rye
Best Single Malt
Best Wheat (not imperative)
Best Scotch (Single Malt)
Best Scotch (non-Single Malt)
Best Distillery
Best New Distillery (
I would miss the OSWAs. I use them as a buying guide and my whisky purchases have definitely improved since discovering the OSWAs. The OSWAs also generate interest in other whisky channels who talk about them, their thoughts on the nominations, winners, etc., which all helps to grow the whisky community.
I think it was a good initiative this year to canvass the whisky community to assist in the nominations process. What you were saying about having 2 votes resulting in people's second choices winning the categories is true. Especially where not all the whiskies are available globally, a second-choice vote may go to something because you recognise it and have tried it, but it isn't your top pick. The two votes are not rated first and second, so if a majority of the community vote for the same whisky as their second choice but have different first choices, that means the second-choice whisky wins. Usually, if this has happened it is reflected in the people's choice. Either we all just accept this, or it could be changed to only one vote per category. At least something to have a discussion about.
Loved the breakdown of the GWF weekend and reading other comments in the chat from those who attended. Looks like everyone had a good time and got to drink some fantastic whiskies.
Got 9/10 on the quiz, missed Q8. Cheers!
It was a great OSWAS! Continuous small tweaks is good, but proof of the value of the considerable work involved must be the willingness of winners to be involved. If that work becomes burdensome, maybe see if anything can be delegated to Barflies who may have some relevant skills/expertise?
RE Selection vs Popular: I know that there have been some slightly vitriolic reactions to the nominations in the VPub comments but don't take anything to heart. Your explanation of the noms process is helpful but you can't please all of the people all of the time either.
In terms of your reading of what the People's Choice Best Distillery vote shows us... maybe Springbank isn't the hands-down be-all & end-all of Scotch distilling:
Arran was denied participation to the Best Value category. Arran won the People's Choice.
Springbank was denied participation to the Best Distillery category. They didn't win the People's Choice.
Was this just a reaction to a percieved Bruichladdich snub? I don't know that it can be said that's all of the story, that might be dismissing the idea that Bruichladdich is actually just more popular: they sell a quality core range that is accessible. For some PC10 > SB10. I'm content to read it that in 2024 more people like what Bruichladdich are doing (even their overpriced 18yr stuff) than Springbank. It chimes with my tastes.
There will always be people that will complain and probably did not even vote. But that is expected. What I also appreciated is that you also give a small channel like mine an opportunity to “advertise “ in a way our channels. It is a thought market to get into. I can only hope that this venture is here to stay. Already looking forward to next year. Cheers
The OSWAs are amazing, arguably the best thing on the Whisk[e]yTube, and I would miss them dearly.
Blessed to participate in the events of the Glasgow Whisky Festival weekend! Amazing whisky experience, best whisky experience for me ever. Great whisky shared with great people. Wish to be lucky enough to return and meet you all next year! Grateful to Roy and the barflies who contributed. Thank you all!
Roy, as many others have said, I would DEARLY miss the OSWAs. It is quite literally my whisky highlight of the year. A beacon of light in the growing darkness of autumn.
I might be in the minority, but I don't care that much about the format itself. I think you, and we, should have the room to experiment and try the shoe on. To me, the most important part is the grassroot movement and the community behind it. The format itself can, and likely will, take many shapes and forms over the years. Just like whisky is a batch product, so we should embrace the OSWAs as not being completely static. As long as we maintain the community and all the ideas, obligations and fun that comes with that, I'm all aboard for whatever you come up with. Skål, and slainte.
Hi Roy, nothing wrong with a laid back VPub, also very enjoyable. About the Oswa’s ,I would definitely miss it if it was stopped. Slàinte Roy
Thanks for the recap of the GWF weekend. Looks like I missed a great time! Cheers!
Interesting to hear your discussion about the OSWSA. I would miss it very much if it disapeared.
To me the World whisky category is important and I think this year it was more ”all around the world” and not a majority of bottles from the Brittish Islands or Kentucky. That was very positive. Maybe a result of the new nomination process?
About the voting, why not change it to one person one vote?
Anders, Stockholm
I agree with Roy, but there's not much to do, if somebody wants to see oswas otherwise and takés the option of staying out for whatever reason. The OSWAS represent some respectful ideology and it is carrying the precious torch of sanity where the noise of different marketing teams makes our ears suffer. I have been following the matters all from the start and the project is continuingly meaningful for enthusiasts. Thank you, Ralfy and Roy, great stuff!
Yet again another great vPub Roy :) I loved your discussion re the OSWAs, although I have absolutely no problem as to your methodology, it makes sense to me. I do however recall a comment you made, maybe during the ceremony ( ??? - not sure), but if I can make a suggestion, definitions like adding somethging to the effect that world whiskies are not precluded from certain categories would be great ( I think adding them to best value ?? maybe others too like best ditillery, not sure....) Perhaps there are other things as well, but I think many people think or assume its mostly scotch, & I get that. On a side issue, any thoughts on Edrington selling the Famous Grouse brand to William Grant & Sons ? ( i fear the naked malt might go downhill ) - your thoughts ?
Watched every OSWAs, voted in every OSWAs, so we are all in. But have two suggestions:
1. If a category has more ‘not voted’ over ‘first place’, there is something wrong with that category. Think about collapsing a few to lessen that effect.
2. Have a ‘Best non-Scotch malt’ category. Gets too eclectic with Irish, bourbon , and Japanese all mixed in a ‘World Whiskey’ category
Just one couple’s humble opinion.
I believe I even commented in the oswa form that "Non malt" and "world whisky" categories overlap in a way that cause redundancy ("best whisky" and "best value" may also overlap but people are using it better and better with focus on the difference in them). Lack of inspiration or availability may be causing it also, but since oswas are from the scotch whisky perspective, I think this could be easily fixed by changing the "world whisky" definition to something like "world single malt whisky". This way "world single malt whisky" would celebrate what is done over the world that could compete with scottish single malt and "Non malt" would focus on "malternatives". This comment comes obviously with the love of someone who would miss it so if it was gone and wants it to grow to be the benchmark of scotch whisky awards. Cheers!
If Roy read the Malt Whisky Yearbook, then I'd get the e-book.
Not to cure insomnia, but to get better at the quiz.
It’s pretty sad that you feel that a whole vPub has to be given over to discussing negative comments on the OSWAs.
There are some miserable people out there who have found their ‘voice’ through social media.
I’ve voted in this thing since its inception. I love the concept. I use it both to share my knowledge and to learn.
Ignore the naysayers Roy (& Ralfy), and carry on!
8 years since you lost your job and began the vPub, during Covid. How time flys!
Topics are great, but so is just sitting around the vpub and talking
Watching yesterday's vPub on replay. One thing I still don't quite get is how the nominations are being selected.
5/10 😂