ralfy review 981 Extras - My drinking history and habits.
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- Опубликовано: 12 июн 2023
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As you well know Ralfy, one of the main virtues of stoic philosophy is moderation in all things. Thus, your discussion today is fully on point.
Thanks for this Ralfy.
And i say this with all honesty.
I was a becoming a bad Alcoholic.
I had no idea how to enjoy my spirits.
Then about 10 years ago i found your channel.
I took 2 years off drinking.
Now I'm enjoying quality and growing my small collection.
Thank you for teaching me so much about whiskey and other spirits.
Cheers my friend.
. . .just keep control of your consumption. 😊
I only enjoy a whiskey or bourbon on every other Saturday night, safe at home watching your reviews and extras.
I know i have a problem and i won't let it control me ever again.
As a soldier throughout the 80s alcohol abuse was encouraged and expected. After leaving the army in 89, getting married and having kids my drinking habits changed significantly and abusing alcohol became a rarity. As I got older I started drinking higher strength beers but in low quantities. Now I’m 60 I can’t bear the headache, feelings of dehydration and tiredness associated with over indulging. So not that long ago I moved onto single malt scotch whisky. I have a collection of 20 bottles or so and 2/3 nights a week I pour out a dram or two using my jigger and limit myself to a maximum of 3 measures a night. I don’t get pissed and consequently never feel rough…but drinking decent whisky gives me an enormous amount of pleasure. Most whisky takes a few drops of water well so always have a bottle of spring water (avoiding the fluoride taste) to drip into the scotch, as and when required, and drink plenty between drams to avoid dehydration. So I concur with Ralfy’s sound advice
. . . you are making the journey !
I think I’m in the “enquiry” / “knowledge” stage of the 7 stages. Still feeling my way with the help of online reviewers but managing to get some wonderful single malts which drives me on the path to nirvana! 😊
I recall watching a documentary on either WW1 or WW2, and that part of a soldier's kit was a bottle of scotch. It was said to get the soldiers in a fighting mood (it also shows how much the military brass cares about its soldiers). So alcohol and combat seem to have historically done hand-in-hand.
@@whompbiscuits8930 And the German soldiers were given methamphetamine in WW2 so they could fight on without needing sleep.
Anyway best to sit, relax and enjoy a good scotch at your leisure and savour the smell and flavour!
You make a good point about whisky becoming a bit stale once you work around the stuff. It's not just the sensation of smell and taste that gets old, but how it seeps into conversation every time you meet people. I'm lucky it never took over as a substance, but alcohol absolutely took over as a topic until it had outstayed its welcome. The most charming and valuable thing about your channel is that it is never narrowly obsessed with whisky as a drink, but branches out in unexpected philosophical directions. I hope that never changes!
Following your channel I became aware that teenagers are not taught how to drink in the family or, heaven forbid, at school. And then when they get out of family control, they will abuse of it. Drinking spirits is even trickier as a small amount will go a long way. Thanks for sharing your experience, there are lessons to be learnt
Moderation of alcohol is something the UK as a whole struggles with - the French approach of bringing it into the home in a controlled way makes so much sense.
The problem we have in the UK is the drinking culture. The drinking culture in France is much more refined and respected. But here, not so much. Alcohol is used and abused way too easily
I think the younger generation (in the UK and probably elsewhere too) are different: growing up with social media, they’re aware that the consequences of heavy drinking won’t just be a headache and an empty wallet.
Brits drink to get drunk,more than any other country...Hooligans abroad!!!
In Italy 🇮🇹 everyone has a glass of vino 🍷 with dinner and some even one at lunch. It is readily available and fairly priced. A small amount regularly is the way to go. I also have a small dram of single malt after dinner with my pipe which I enjoy. I usually take a day or two off every week based on my work schedule. 6-8 bottles of spirits a year and 60-75 bottles of wine per year, with some nice IPA 🍺 in the summer. Reasonable amounts regularly is my approach. Thanks Ralfy great advice. Ciao 👋 S.
@@sandrofazzolari8833 - measured and moderate with family and friends as it should be.
That big glass of water is the difference between a good day after and a bad day after!
I always forget this.
I appreciate your honesty Ralfy. Thanks for the teaching points over the years!😊
When I was a younger man I would drink to get intoxicated bourbon, vodka, rum, beer, etc. It came to a head when I started to be an angry young man drunk more than sober and had my first experience with a bit of alcohol poisoning. I walked away for several years (still can't smell some of my early choice liquors without giving me a sense to vomit) and then started to sip a beer or whiskey, it was at this moment that I realized I had been doing everyone a great disservice. I found flavors that I had overlooked in the shot glass. I no longer drink to feel the room spin I drink because I want to experience the work and craftsmanship that went into producing the spirit and haven't been drunk in years. My limit is 2 no matter what it is I'm drinking possibly 3 if I'm in good company for several hours. I no longer appreciate the headaches and nausea.
Cheers to you Ralfy and keep up the fine work.
What an amazing, powerful reflection Ralfy! Thanks for sharing!
6 years of complete sobriety and everyday workout (street style like pushups pull-ups etc) fast forward to Coke addiction overcome and enjoying quality spirits and cigars in moderation in order to explore not to abuse. Balance found, I'd say 😂. Single malt scotch and cigars - forever company (btw doesn't even harm the training process). Peace everyone.😎🤙
Sounds like something we can all identify with. Great honest account of life.
After WWII the Americans came back and for some reason, wanted to move out of the polluted cites and thus make up subburbs. Cars provided freedom and thus ended walking back from the pub. There started our problem of drinking and driving. Thank goodness for lift drivers in our remote locations. I miss being stationed in Europe and being able to walk to and from the pub after the kids were put down for the night to get the news. An hour in the pub beats social media anyday.
I have to drive 4 hours to Green bay to find a liquor store that would have something other than Johney Walker and Ballentine. But sitting on a dock with fellow veterans and retired university professors has its charms between mosquito slaps. It took a little convincing adding a wee bit of artesian water to a malt to bring out some flavors. Now they watch your channel.
Thanks Ralfie. Obtw, the Lochness spirits store clerk recommended Old Parr to my wife and I in 98. I only open it for child births, graduations and other great accomplishments. 1/3 bottle remains in the safe for the completion of the house. Scotland is my daughter's favorite country. We'll crack that Old Parr when she graduates with her civil engineering degree next year. 🎉
I prefer high ABV with no water. But my motto is always that you buy it you drink it the way you like it
Thanks Ralfy, I enjoyed that. Although a bottle of champagne on the alcohol free nights seems a bit decadent. Seriously though, very helpful advice and its stood you in good stead.
A note on ice (purely subjective, of course): I find that a modest ice cube unlocks certain malts (the more sherry-bombastic, higher ABV Edradours as well as the Amrut Cask Strength, for instance...)
I always enjoy these videos, since I watched the first one where you poured a glass then talked but never once took a sip and put it back into the bottle at the end cause you'd had enough the night before I keep saying to myself "quality not quantity"
Thank you for your honesty,
Please mention the smallest distillers so we can promote them...
Sage advice it’s taken me 30 years to both enjoy the experience of social drinking before and after drinking water all day including with alcohol has enhanced my life dramatically I wish I had this advice many years ago ❤
Related - Untill recently I did suffer from bottle collection fomo. Am not a big drinker and realized my 50th bottle would cover my drinking pace well into my retirement. Had to cool it down also by cancelling whiskytubers - just Ralfy and Roy remained. Did the trick, just couldn’t hold myself from buying a Longrow last week.
I think it is very important that you stand in front of your shelf and think deeply about what Whisky you want to enjoy and to compare to. It is the same with enjoying a new book or deciding what Musik you choose from your collection.
It should be always conscious. That's the reason why I stopped having simple alcohol for party, meal or talks. A really special wine or beer for a meal may be the case but other than that better stay with alcohol free alternatives. The liver is too short for bad alcohol.
Ralfy you have my biggest respect for telling the truth! Keep up the great work! So inspiring and educational.
My favorite tipple in the summertime is a glass of white wine, like a nice burgundy white or some well made German Riesling. Or maybe some fresh hoppy IPA with a maximum of 5% ABV. I can't stand whiskey or rum when the heat is turned up and honestly don't touch my collection for the duration of summer.
Wheat beers, especially Doppelwiezens.
Hello Ralfy, you know, you were a sheer pleasure to see and hear the first time I found your Channel. Nothing has changed, I still get nervous when I think you are almost at the end of the video. I always look forward to the next one. I learn so much and your sincerity is wonderful . Upon my Wifes advice I am going to start adding filtered water to my nightcap tonight. I think that getting rid of the tap water contaminations may do the Whisky some good, flavorwise. See you next time .
I remember Wood’s Navy rum!
My first bar job when I was 18… back in 1996 a little guy with milk bottles for glasses used to order that, and if, out of habit, I asked him if he wanted ice with it, he’d always respond: ‘Don’t swear at me boy!’.
Was it something ridiculous like 50% ABV? Black as pitch.
A very good extra episode, both for young lads and older lads out there, enough said.
Hi Ralfy, I take a break every so often from caffeine,
and use the same justification (you're not the boss of me) and I appreciate coffee even more when I go back to it.
I enjoy coffee too much for that, but I have a no-coffee-after-midday rule, which usually keeps to one cup a day.
As far as whisky, the temperature here in Holland has been 30 degrees this week, and I find I have no appetite for a dram. A cold IPA and much more water than usual is all I manage.
Dear ralfy, I take up some words to thank you for this video.
We need qualifications for so many things in life, but none cares about the quality use of a life danger drug in society. We grow up with words like… a man drinks alcohol, or … don’t drink too much, or… know your limits, or … use alcoholic reasonable. But what is this? Who brings us to the point where we can use alcohol reasonable?
To me, you’re words were the first and only (and of course I often ask my surroundings) who gave me a point of reference for my own thoughts of what is good or healthy for my way of living to create my own limits.
And there are some who want to enjoy alcohol respectful and maybe don’t know how, deep inside instead of just letting it flow. So your words just simply safed lives, nothing more nothing less. Go own maltbro… I follow your journey!
Disclaimer: excuse my poor language….
Thanks Ralfy. Excellent advice.
I only drink in later in evening. No more than 2 a day. And always drink a nice glass of water after. Never been drunk. Never woke up crappy
Always drink lots of water next to your whisky and you'll be a happy camper tomorrow. Amen Ralfy, good tips!
Again, real advice, someone should give this guy a RUclips channel
Thanks Ralfy, my drink has always been Scotch. But until discovering your channel really didn't know how to truly enjoy! Cheers my friend...
Ralfy keep up the great content, I've been watching you for almost a decade, your channel introduced me into the scotch world. Started off with the Glenfiddich 12!
The idea of being tolerant of the bad behaviour of drunks was attacked by an early 19th century Scottish judge, and famous drinker, called Lord Hermand. When a man was tried for stabbing his friend to death after a night drinking together, and the other judges suggested being lenient because he had been "in liquor", Hermand said: "Good God, my Laards, if he will do this when he's drunk, what will he not do when he's sober?"
Yep. This is likely a big reason for the temperance movement. That, and wives simply needed the law to step in and stop their drunk husbands from coming home and beating them.
Glenmorangie Lasanta,,,glenmorangie 10,,, old pultenney 12,,bunnahabhain 12,,,singleton duff 12,,, benn brackon islay,,, balmoral 3 yr blend,, black bottle,,, my go to whisky's ,,, slangevar ralfy .
"Something BE"
LOVE THAT! ❤😂
Just one thing to say…. I love you Ralfy!!! You’re a good man!!!
Cheers my friend! 😉
Great advice Ralfy.
Great video as always . Its always hard to limit something you love but i work shifts which is handy and have a rule never to drink at all when on early shifts . When I'm not i keep it to one or two but it takes strong willpower at times 😅. Ive never liked hangovers so that helps me to not take it too far .
Great advice on the milk thistle , i might give that a try . Cheers Ralpy
I still get a bit amazed by all these awesome whiskies so I'm drinking more regularly than what I think would be ideal... sometimes a few days in a row before getting 1 or 2 days off. But it's never in excess... at worst I have 5 or 6 wee drams... but it's usually 2 or 3. Getting drunk is absolutely not what I'm aiming for. But I want to get to a place where I can just drink one or two days between Friday and Sunday. I'll get there, but at least I know I'm thoroughly enjoying every and each dram and not powering through anything. Slanthé
I just keep it to no more than one dram on any given day. And I'll take a few days off out of the week.
But I also find I get drunk far less often now and enjoy what I'm drinking far more.
I have slowed down due to being a father and just growing up in general. I used to drink 6 days a week like 6 beers and a couple drams a night. It isn't the right way to live I've curbed it down to a few beers maybe a Guinness or two and a dram or two 3 to 4 times a week and I'm rarely hung over and I'm appreciating my beer and whisky more than ever.
I have family members who are alcoholics, although it's been so many years now they have become extremely adept at hiding it. Addiction is a complicated beast isn't it.
Really good reflection. I've was off alcohol a few days. Such a bless to be able to consume in moderation, which not all people have the choice over actually. I have a dram of Deanston 10 Bordeaux Finish. To be honest I would have not bought, that if not I've had a taster on a whiskyfestival. It works. With wine the problem is, that my significant other do not drink wine. I wish there would be good quality wine halfbottles. I often discard wine, cause I am not want to commit to a whole bottle. As much as I like a good lets say Chateau du Pape or a robust Syrah from California.
Well explained, articulate.
Sorry Ralfy, having spent the last 12 years in a Whisky club run by a retired master blender (plus current master blender) the passion and clear appreciation for the their careers is totally evident - the many other guest master blenders and associated whisky professionals who came to our meetings leaves me to believe there is a passion in what they do and did.
Great video, thank you very much :)
Wise words from a man who's been there 👍.
A couple of big cups of brown tea ,or if i want a uncaffeinated sleep decaf coffee though tea is preferred, before bed after a night of whatever the drams was. I dont get hangovers and feel better during night and following day.
Sage counsel Ralfy.
I quit drinking for about 8 months this year. From January to August. I was having rather severe indigestion issues that had basically made it pointless for me to drink (especially spirits) because it would set off a 4 alarm fire in my stomach 🔥 which would last hours. Nothing seemed to make it better. I tried anti-acids and apple cider vinegar. The only thing that cured it was 30 minutes of exercise 4-5 times per week, cutting out sugar, eating lots of fiber, and not drinking alcohol. After 8 months my man boobs disappeared, i lost the puffiness in my face, and I no longer was wafting constantly between having terrible constipation, and explosive diarrhea. I even acquired a steady girlfriend, whom I can safely blame for my return to drinking, albeit much less than I did before. Before I took a much needed break, I had made my way down the path of boozing to what I believe is its ultimate conclusion…drinking straight vodka out of a glass, on the rocks. Drinking straight Vodka is like freebasing alcohol…it’s an experience that revolves around the sensation of that first sip, (or gulp) which results in a feeling of relaxation and cremation of care. Now, I have known many alcoholics throughout my life, who hide their addiction behind a veil of genteel sophistication. I’m talking about your well heeled successful businessman, who drinks a lot of very expensive scotch. Many of my father’s friends were alcoholics. They all drank scotch, and nobody recognized them as being drunks until they many of them mysteriously started dropping dead in their early 60’s…I would ask my mom and dad, “Do you think so and so was an alcoholic?” and in hindsight they would answer “yes, probably”. So watch your six. Don’t allow yourself to become dependent. Exercise. Get outdoors. Make sure there are things in your life that bring you joy, which don’t emanate from a pretty bottle. Whisky is a beautiful creation of man’s ingenuity and is a great thing to appreciate responsibly. These days, if I’m out at a nice dinner, i’ll order a scotch on the rocks while my gf has a glass of wine, and we’ll enjoy ourselves greatly. Sometimes, when we’re back home, i’ll have a nice peated blend with some diet-ginger ale to relax while me and the missed watch a movie. Rarely, if I really need to relax and contemplate deeply, or celebrate wholeheartedly, I’ll have a very nice single malt, perhaps paired with a cigar. Those are my drinking habits these days.
Very interesting history, I enjoy hearing about your personal journeys as well as the whisky talk. Also, my son just snagged a bottle of Lochlea single malt“Sowing” edition. Never heard of it. What is your take on it? Thank you.
. . . very promising new Distillery.
What was the average bottle strength of alcohol in the 1920s, 30s, 40, 50s....
There goes Ralfi’s true wisdom, fellow malt mates! Cheers!
A few years ago, you suggested trying blend your own whiskey experiments. What if, when you have had enough of your 6-8 small whiskeys, and there are some unfinished left overs, instead of pouring them down the drain, you pour them into an empty bottle and save them up. Or would the added water have ruined them in the long term?
Ralfy is Yoda.
Hey Ralphy, have you done an extras yet on what specific characteristics define a good whisky vs a bad whisky? ( I can't remember, I've seen too many).
Just had the thought when you said you like to keep one bad whisky around for a reference. point.
Honestly it's the sneaky sugar content in wine that'll do as much damage as the alcohol!
Stay mindful and respectful with alcohol friends
There's another P that you didn't mention! But we won't go in to that now 😊👍🇬🇧 PS what's a blinder?
Really interesting Extras, Ralfy. I'm a similar age to you and I won't bore you with my own drinking journey, but I too learned in my 20's/30's that getting legless all the time isn't the key to a long and happy life! I'm a weekend imbiber at home now, so I can moderate what I have and how much without peer pressure to 'have another'. One thing I'd like to ask - how do you feel when you're drinking expensive whisky? I know your Patreon income probably helps, but do you feel guilty at swigging whisky that's cost you in the hundreds of pounds? I shop around online and generally try not to drink anything over about £65, but I recently caved in and opened a bottle of Glendronach 18 year old Allardice that I'd bought in the days when it was non-chill filtered and natural colour and, although it was bloody lovely, I kept thinking, "What a waste of money! I could have sold this at auction for more than double what I paid for it!". Do you suffer from this?
Tolerance to drunk people really faded as a national attitude around the world.
Nowadays it's possible perhaps at big outdoors festivals.
Frankly speaking, I'm glad those days are gone. I don't miss them one bit
Ralfy - out of curiosity, which Lamb’s did you drink when you were younger? Lamb’s is actually the number one selling spirits brand here in Newfoundland
. . . Lambs finest navy rum.
Pour down the sink? I often decide I’ve had enough and will pour back into the bottle
Never even heard of rum and tonic. Doesn't seem natural, but I've never been big on rum. But looking back I've only had that horrible spiced rum mixed with soft drinks. Maybe it's time to try some decent stuff
Hi,
My partner has watched your chanel for many many years. He is turning 50 soon and I wanted to buy him a nice bottle to celebrate. He particularly enjoys Islay or smokey whiskies. He comes from Ireland, and has a preference for the peaty flavours.
Are there any really interesting bottles you could recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Zoe
. . . Port Charlotte 10yo !
Here’s a P list from Army days P6, Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Use as you wish
I'll get behind that! 🤗
Hey Ralfy, how about reviewing green Chartreuse? Wonderful spirit for sipping, and very medicinal.
Thank you for recommendationv👍 just done wee research(never heard of it) . I know similar from other countries. Good to know anyway. Now on a list. Cheers 👍😁🥂🙋🏻♂️
I get your point about diluting 40% whisky...but then what about higher strength whisky? Why dilute a single malt that a distiller has chosen to bottle at say...47%? Is the master distiller not bottling it how he/she would like the customer to most ideally consume it?
You're the boss!
"When you open a bottle of champagne , you have to drink it till the end"
I drink one whisky a day , sometimes two.
When I was a student : a lot of beer (I'm a Belgian,...................)😀
You can always add more water; you can't take it away (unless you're a distiller, of course). 😏
Where do I send a malt mention so you can read it out?
Cheers.
. . . just comment it.
To be fair it’s an experience and a rite of passage to occasionally enjoy a few too many when you’re young. I enjoyed it and wouldn’t rob this generation of that. However when you’re a grown man you should behave (most the time) like a more responsible adult and back off the hard and frequent drinking. Otherwise you risk alcoholism.
I know news anchors will say strange things (suited to their needs, so to speak) as warm up practice before going on the air. Makes me wonder if saying something different each time (as you do) has something going for it.
You´re the boss of whisky, don´t let whisky be the boss of you, cause it´s always a very bad boss (Ralfy)
Aye, a Man cannot serve two masters. Nae use going out with the boys if you cannae get up with the Men!!
The older you get, well.....the older I get.....I do not have the energy for hangovers. Waste half your weekend getting on it Friday night.....every Friday night......Glad I changed. Life's better.
Enjoy!!
Ralfy, have you tried out any of the norwegian whiskys?
. . . on the List !
The man takes a drink.. the drink should never take the man
Hello Malty Mysterious Maltese Megaliths!
. . . M-mention on the List, thanks !
I like to get a bit pissed now and then. Maybe a couple of times a month. Tiddly but lucid. Its fun. I wouldn't want to drink alcohol so slowly that I feel no effect.
Alcohol is a depressant not a narcotic. Now you know.
Moderation is always the key , also not trusting a thing government and the puppet media say will help a hell of a lot. Have a good one Ralfy!
Pravda, not just for the USSR.
Excellent advice Ralfy! Does a whisky degrade in a half used bottle? I've heard so many opinions, I need to ask the expert! Cheers!
I think the craft brewing too has brought many to enjoying quality over quantity Ralfy. I would say you do insult a good few crafts folk at many distilleries, guys I've met at the Lorne in Oban, up ar Tob', to say the biggest seller is tosh, but also since i hear japan still get the good old Macallan 10 as it was before, that there is truth here. Do you have a vlog on the NAD travesty btw ?
But if i see another bar selling 5 different IPAs and no dark rich ales then i will leave next time and vote with my feet...😂
Ralfy, as a fellow Scot growing up in the 70's 80's the drinking in Bar's you had to be a man - i.e. not a liability and a drunk. Secondly I think the best way to really get into a whisky is to have 2 or 3 drinks of the same whisky. Not 6 or 7 whiskies one after another, coating of palette of one whisky allows it to mature. Too many whiskies confuses things.
wow that's quite a bit still
On a totally different topic, isn’t postage on auction sites extortionate? I was recently charged £30 (including £10 for insurance) by Scotch Whisky Auctions for 3 bottles and that’s not even express delivery. All the auction sites take the piss on this. An online whisky retailer (not exactly the same type of business I realize) would have charged about £5 or free over £100 or so. It’s a very bad look for auction sites but we accept it and pay. Maybe time to stop?
. . . it's a way to make up for selling bottles free of commission to the seller.
Ralfy! Can I be your sink?
I've known quite a few people who can't handle their alcohol, ends up that the alcohol handles them. I'm ok with the fun drunk (to a point), they're usually harmless and can be entertaining. But the mean drunk, nope. These people simply have much deeper problems in their lives that the alcohol just allows to the surface, and they want it brought to the surface so they can take it out on others. These are the people who need to be locked up.
Memory Manipulating Mechanics.
. . . M-mention now on the List, thanks !
Responsible drinking, of course, but with the world as it is now I need to get pushed now and then. This evening, actually. But in a civilized manner.
😁
Lol.... Google what an outhouse is in North America.
lost my precious
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