I have said this already but I found Ralfys channel a couple of weeks ago, I don't drink but I now always find myself watching on the night, really well spoken and educational videos. Cheers from England!
I brought a bottle of this on a whim yesterday when I spotted it in my local supermarket. I'd not seen this (or any) reviews for it and was worried by the low age and high price (£45 for 4 yo). But boy, this is a fantastic whisky, and now I've seen your review I'm so glad you approve too Ralfy! Mine's a later batch number and was bottled a few months after yours (I get a lot of spicy butterscotch on the finish). Seriously good quality and worth the price. Can't wait until they can release a 10 yo version!
My Wife got me a bottle of this as a gift for Christmas. Purchased from a local off license quite a few years back...i was very surprised and always recommend it to friends 👍
I'm so glad you reviewed this! At only 45 mins, it's my nearest Distillery and it's a massive bonus that it's actually pretty good. I have two bottles of the inaugural release single malt and I'm very impressed with it. Cheers Ralfy
I have a bottle of the inaugural release open and a bottle to save for swapping/flipping when they are worth more than Macallan. ;) It's good whisky and when I shared it with friends on Saturday they liked it as much as a number of mainstream Scotches.
This is a very enjoyable dram. I also appreciate the amount of info given, not just on the front and back of the bottle, but on the packaging too. The taste and the smell reminds me of Cranachan, and a wee bit of water brings out orange/tangerine notes for me. This is great drop and well worth a purchase. Cheers!
Hi Ralfy, I went on a tour there about 2 years ago before any whisky was available. They produce really good gin too. We were told that the casks are sent to a warehouse in Liverpool to mature.
I just tried this and really enjoy it. I can't wait to see what they come out with over the next few years. If they're this good at 4 years, I can't wait to try a 10 or 12 year offering from them. They're doing things right.
Just ordered a bottle of this, some great reviews, there are going to be quite a lot of new English distilleries producing young whisky soon, also the first one in Anglesey Wales.
I agree that competition is good for whisky markets. You mentioned it had some avert youthfulness, do you anticipate this would reach a 90+/100 if aged 12+ years?
I just reviewed a 3 year old Canadian single malt from Eau Claire Distillery, a “farm to glass” outfit in Turner Valley. I hope Canada is on your travel itinerary for your Year of Integrity. There’s a good half-dozen new distilleries doing things I know you will love. “Just sharing!” Cheers Ralfy🥃🥃🥃🥃 Mark
I'm looking at the Two Brothers Internet site. Looks tasty. However, no chance of getting these here in Israel. Far too esoteric for the Israeli importers.
Well I'm back catalogue-ing again Ralfy to this, the first English whisky I am about to buy. Great review as always and encouraging enough to make me take the plunge in time for my 60th birthday. It's an integrity malt fit for the occasion and one that is not too far away from me here in North Somerset. Let's hope the cask quality is just as good 4 yrs down the line from your review.
Hey Ralfy, do you think they are still holding onto some casks to bottle later on down the road, such as 8 or 10 years? Do you think it has room for improvement with more age?
Attended Whisky Festival last week and tried Cotswolds- my friend and I both thought it was the best whisky we tasted In the affordably priced category and picked up a bottle each - no regrets it's lovely and as you say superior to a number of 12 yo scotches
Hi Ralfy, loving your reviews, would love to see your review of The Lakes Single Malt Whisky which won the world whisky awards, great value for money at a higher ABV. I'm excited to be opening my 12yr Bowmore next week however. (From a new Whiskyhead). Loving your videos Malt Mobster.
Hi Ralphy. Just bought a 2015 bottling ‘odyssey’ barley. Reduced from £39 - £32 in a mainstream supermarket. Strikes me as unusually good stuff. Does not say anywhere what year mine was bottled but I’m guessing they are offering this as a 5 yr. As you say in this review, a pleasantly dry and surprisingly interesting whisky. I’d be interested in your thoughts on this young distillery as this early part of their history progresses.
So Ralfy, is there any way to get rid of that funky sulfur note you sometime find from whiskies that have been matured in Sherry casks? Is there a Scotch from another region you could blend with it to *hide* that sulfur taste?
I'm not sure if you've seen it or not, but Vin from No Nonesense Whisky did an interview with the CEO of the Cotswolds. I know he's too humble to mention it, but it is an interesting vlog, if you have the time and interest. It's number 75 for anyone interested.
Yay! The company I work for imports this stuff into Canada, happy it's getting some recognition. Also, it is natural colour after aging in first fill Bourbon and reconditioned red wine casks from California. And now you know😁
I have a couple of bottles myself and it is very nice, for anyone looking to visit the distillery it is booking only and the weekends get booked up very quickly. It is all very transparent on there site. Just to save disappointment
This sounds a lot like the young danish whiskies we are getting at the moment. They are more interesting and promising than the are able to stand up to consolidated bottlings. Still, it promises well for the future🙂
Thanks for a another top review Ralfy! This distillery isn't too far from me so it's great to hear it's producing good stuff and not charging the earth for it . . . which brings me to another topic (again . . .) Did you hear about the London distillery charging over £200 for 2-3 year old whisky? What about A'bunadh's recent 100% price increase? Ralfy, I know this isn't a new topic but It's getting beyond a joke now. Do you think it's time the whisky crowd started publicly calling out this 'piss-takery' from distilleries? Rant over :)
Rian Creamer I’ve really noticed the rise in prices / higher value of whisky, as well. But we all know and understand the fundamental aspect of high demand for any product or commodity. I’m delighted that my interest and enjoyment of good whisky is gaining world wide popularity, but pissed off that it is costing me more. They’ll charge what they can get for it. That’s how markets work.
Also Magestic Wine Have the Lake District Malt.. It is like a very fresh clear Highland type of scotch... I haven't purchased one but they are decent enough to let one have a sip in store..
Theres more port and sherry finishes than not now. And ive found i prefer whisky only matured in burbon casks. I recon there are 2 things distillerys are doing to hide low quality spirit that is finishes and tho you cant add it after, peat can really mask a inherently bad bland whisky
From now on, whenever someone talks about "whisky shortage", etc. I'll be watching very carefully for twitchy eyes, trembling voice, shaking in their boots, etc. Methinks the whole "whisky shortage" is a clever marketing ploy. And even if there's some temporary shortage of older malt stocks, this is such a great example of free market response - substitution. If anoraks and enthusiasts can't afford older malts, offer craft-presented tasty age-stated young ones. Personally, I'd rather try several distilleries's style for the same money rather than try one older malt (even though I do try older malts from time to time, when I see a bargain). If steak gets pricey, switch to lamb, pork, chicken, whatever. Closer to expiration date steak goes on sale. Switch to younger malts, the existing stock ages a few more years (with fewer people paying the higher prices) and then there'll be values, offers, sales, etc. 90% (if not 99%) of whisky drinkers don't even know bourbon from scotch. And I'm not saying that with condescension, it's just reality of the market base. Very few of these people will overpay for high age, even for a special occasion, all the while they are being conditioned to accept NAS. Just thinking out loud here :)
I'm going against the grain of opinion on this one I'm afraid. Having recently seen off the last drop of Cotswolds, I was left just a tad disappointed comparing the flavour profile to one not dissimilar to Monkey Shoulder. Perhaps it was its relative youth that did it for me.....didn't give me as much on the nose and palate as I was hoping for. Nice in an everyday sort of way, but alas not memorable.
Ralfy I'm more and more impressed with English whiskies because they source such good grain. You ought to review one from the English Whisky Co. from Norfolk - they have lots of editions with aged statements
J.R. the Expat Canuck I suspect they wouldn’t get a favourable review. I am no whisky snob but have tried several of their expressions and even been to visit the distillery for a tour (and they were extremely nice and friendly) but I have found every expression extremely tough going. I am not sure if they will just benefit from a little longer in the cask or if perhaps the flavour lends itself better to being a peated whisky (I know they do some; not tried it) but the generally available stuff is really not up my street.
Here's one I'd love to taste, but being only 4yo, not Scottish, and priced at over £40... I'll play it safe and buy a couple of Antiquary 12s instead :)
I bet it is, and I'm quite curious about it. The heart says yes, but the mind is afraid. Pity that bars here in Portugal are crap for whiskey drinkers. Even something like a Laphroaig, Caol Ila or Lagavulin are rare sights. But I'll keep it on my radar, maybe one day.
Costs 45€ over here, for a 3 yo new whisky. I don't know,... I am not so sure I want to support the temerity of new distilleries who have proved nothing but think they can charge whatever they want and be part of that market crazyness. But I am very willing new distilleries to appear and compete because I am sure it is the only reason why prices will be more consumer friendly in the future. Also, as an European, I have to say that I don't care at all if the whisky comes from Scotland or say Argentina or Moldova. It's not a terroir product, it's just a generic stuff that can be made anywhere. But from England ? Please, I have some self respect :-)) (just some provocative stuff, people).
I have said this already but I found Ralfys channel a couple of weeks ago, I don't drink but I now always find myself watching on the night, really well spoken and educational videos. Cheers from England!
I brought a bottle of this on a whim yesterday when I spotted it in my local supermarket. I'd not seen this (or any) reviews for it and was worried by the low age and high price (£45 for 4 yo). But boy, this is a fantastic whisky, and now I've seen your review I'm so glad you approve too Ralfy! Mine's a later batch number and was bottled a few months after yours (I get a lot of spicy butterscotch on the finish). Seriously good quality and worth the price. Can't wait until they can release a 10 yo version!
I am here to see if this will be one of my Xmas bottles so I am glad you liked it and it's off to Sainsbury for me , MERRY CHRISTMAS to you *
Ralfy! CONGRATULATIONS on the RUclips award now proudly atop your bookcase! This appears to be the first video with it displayed.
My Wife got me a bottle of this as a gift for Christmas. Purchased from a local off license quite a few years back...i was very surprised and always recommend it to friends 👍
I'm so glad you reviewed this! At only 45 mins, it's my nearest Distillery and it's a massive bonus that it's actually pretty good. I have two bottles of the inaugural release single malt and I'm very impressed with it. Cheers Ralfy
I have a bottle of the inaugural release open and a bottle to save for swapping/flipping when they are worth more than Macallan. ;) It's good whisky and when I shared it with friends on Saturday they liked it as much as a number of mainstream Scotches.
Welcome to the party England - it only took you a few thousand years to catch up, but I guarantee you won't regret it!
Well said in English.
This is a very enjoyable dram. I also appreciate the amount of info given, not just on the front and back of the bottle, but on the packaging too. The taste and the smell reminds me of Cranachan, and a wee bit of water brings out orange/tangerine notes for me. This is great drop and well worth a purchase. Cheers!
An honest no nonsense non political appraisal.Well done sir!
Hi Ralfy, I went on a tour there about 2 years ago before any whisky was available. They produce really good gin too. We were told that the casks are sent to a warehouse in Liverpool to mature.
That gin is only gin I've ever been able to drink
It’s a great whisky 🥃 their distillery is just down the road from me.
Glad you like this Ralfy. I think it’s fantastic for such a young age.
As someone in bath, I had to chuckle at your geographic location of Warminster ‘east of the Irish sea’
Gave me a good laugh!
I just tried this and really enjoy it. I can't wait to see what they come out with over the next few years. If they're this good at 4 years, I can't wait to try a 10 or 12 year offering from them. They're doing things right.
Just ordered a bottle of this, some great reviews, there are going to be quite a lot of new English distilleries producing young whisky soon, also the first one in Anglesey Wales.
Watched some other punks version of this malt mention. But couldn't stand it. Ralfy has class and is better at this than anyone else. ❤
The Cotswolds Founders Reserve at 61% is fantastic. Hope you give that one a try some time Ralfy!
I agree that competition is good for whisky markets. You mentioned it had some avert youthfulness, do you anticipate this would reach a 90+/100 if aged 12+ years?
. . . maturation calibre is down to individual qualities of the eperate casks involved and 90+ could be achieved from 7 to 29 years.
Hey ralfy. Have you tried the cask strength Cotswold? Thank you
. . . not yet !
I like the honesty of this malt it’s doesn’t seem to try to be anything it’s not, lovely dry clean sweet and sour taste.
Enjoying my bottle, bought after the OSWA's
I just reviewed a 3 year old Canadian single malt from Eau Claire Distillery, a “farm to glass” outfit in Turner Valley. I hope Canada is on your travel itinerary for your Year of Integrity. There’s a good half-dozen new distilleries doing things I know you will love. “Just sharing!”
Cheers Ralfy🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
. . . good to see Canada creating !
sounds promising...
Reb for you Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt will be up your alley.
I'm looking at the Two Brothers Internet site. Looks tasty. However, no chance of getting these here in Israel.
Far too esoteric for the Israeli importers.
Well I'm back catalogue-ing again Ralfy to this, the first English whisky I am about to buy. Great review as always and encouraging enough to make me take the plunge in time for my 60th birthday. It's an integrity malt fit for the occasion and one that is not too far away from me here in North Somerset. Let's hope the cask quality is just as good 4 yrs down the line from your review.
Was actually debating buying this today, thanks for the review
Hey Ralfy, do you think they are still holding onto some casks to bottle later on down the road, such as 8 or 10 years? Do you think it has room for improvement with more age?
. . . yes , for sure !
The most scottish thing in this youtube video is the Irn Bru beside the Haggis.
Dundee cake up in the corner too...
The silver play button looks great.
😁👍
Did their tour in Sept (Socailly Distanced!) and they said their warehousing is in Liverpool in old rum warehouses...not far from the IoM Ralfy.
I was there 2 days ago. They are quality! I like peated one , finish in laproigh cask.
I like to try and guess your malt mark from what you say in your review, I’m normally pretty close, spot on with this one!
Attended Whisky Festival last week and tried Cotswolds- my friend and I both thought it was the best whisky we tasted In the affordably priced category and picked up a bottle each - no regrets it's lovely and as you say superior to a number of 12 yo scotches
Appreciate the bottle of Bru on the top of the bookcase. Going to Cotswolds area next year. Hope to stop by this distillery.
Hi Ralfy, loving your reviews, would love to see your review of The Lakes Single Malt Whisky which won the world whisky awards, great value for money at a higher ABV. I'm excited to be opening my 12yr Bowmore next week however. (From a new Whiskyhead). Loving your videos Malt Mobster.
Another 4 years old that you should try is the Belgian Owl (yes, from belgium). It is a splendid whisky and i am sure you will like it.
Tried this one. Amazingly pleasant :)
Hi Ralphy. Just bought a 2015 bottling ‘odyssey’ barley. Reduced from £39 - £32 in a mainstream supermarket. Strikes me as unusually good stuff. Does not say anywhere what year mine was bottled but I’m guessing they are offering this as a 5 yr. As you say in this review, a pleasantly dry and surprisingly interesting whisky. I’d be interested in your thoughts on this young distillery as this early part of their history progresses.
. . . a distillery worth watching.
So Ralfy, is there any way to get rid of that funky sulfur note you sometime find from whiskies that have been matured in Sherry casks?
Is there a Scotch from another region you could blend with it to *hide* that sulfur taste?
. . . not easy to hide, try a little maple syrup, just a little.
thanks Ralfy. So what contributes to that sulfur funk? Is it rancid casks? I'm guessing it has nothing to do with the spirit itself.
. . . sulphur candle gas from sterilisation of the casks before transportation !
Yup when there is competition quality only goes 🆙 .
I'm not sure if you've seen it or not, but Vin from No Nonesense Whisky did an interview with the CEO of the Cotswolds. I know he's too humble to mention it, but it is an interesting vlog, if you have the time and interest. It's number 75 for anyone interested.
You're a gentleman. And quite correct, I'd never mention it 😂
Also, love the new bonnet! Very fetching, and it goes well with the 2018 coat.
I enjoyed this video, ralfy! Far away from your Islands, as I am I couldn't get to taste those whiskies even if I was meant to live a hundred years.
Love your videos!! I get a lot of great info from you. Thank you!
Great review Ralfy. I knew you'd like it.
Yay! The company I work for imports this stuff into Canada, happy it's getting some recognition. Also, it is natural colour after aging in first fill Bourbon and reconditioned red wine casks from California. And now you know😁
It's a stunner of a Whiskey. Gorgeous taste.
I have a couple of bottles myself and it is very nice, for anyone looking to visit the distillery it is booking only and the weekends get booked up very quickly. It is all very transparent on there site. Just to save disappointment
Thinking of adding this to my Tesco delivery, £9 off at £30.
This sounds a lot like the young danish whiskies we are getting at the moment. They are more interesting and promising than the are able to stand up to consolidated bottlings. Still, it promises well for the future🙂
Ralfy is on a young malt kick!
Thanks for a another top review Ralfy! This distillery isn't too far from me so it's great to hear it's producing good stuff and not charging the earth for it . . . which brings me to another topic (again . . .)
Did you hear about the London distillery charging over £200 for 2-3 year old whisky? What about A'bunadh's recent 100% price increase? Ralfy, I know this isn't a new topic but It's getting beyond a joke now. Do you think it's time the whisky crowd started publicly calling out this 'piss-takery' from distilleries? Rant over :)
. . . you make a good point which I will be adressing soon.
Rian Creamer
I’ve really noticed the rise in prices / higher value of whisky, as well. But we all know and understand the fundamental aspect of high demand for any product or commodity. I’m delighted that my interest and enjoyment of good whisky is gaining world wide popularity, but pissed off that it is costing me more. They’ll charge what they can get for it. That’s how markets work.
Oh I know but it's interesting to note that not all distilleries are taking this approach . . .
That is blummin' Dark...?
Sorry to keep banging on..
But M&S are selling an "English Malt"..
43%
Might try a 20cl as I have some vouchers left.
Also
Magestic Wine
Have the Lake District Malt..
It is like a very fresh clear Highland type of scotch...
I haven't purchased one but they are decent enough to let one have a sip in store..
And coming soon is the Peak Distillery from AmberGate near by me..
Cannot wait for that
Theres more port and sherry finishes than not now. And ive found i prefer whisky only matured in burbon casks. I recon there are 2 things distillerys are doing to hide low quality spirit that is finishes and tho you cant add it after, peat can really mask a inherently bad bland whisky
Good competition is always a good thing
Interesting perspective as always Ralfy.
It isn't competition from other countries that will give the Scotch Whisky Team a kick up the Rump..
It is Competition from ENGLAND...!
I've been meaning to ask: how much whisky do you usually pour in your glass, 2cl, 4cl?
. . . about 250ml
Could you review the Irish Dunvilles Very Rare 10 Year Old
master ralphy
From now on, whenever someone talks about "whisky shortage", etc. I'll be watching very carefully for twitchy eyes, trembling voice, shaking in their boots, etc. Methinks the whole "whisky shortage" is a clever marketing ploy. And even if there's some temporary shortage of older malt stocks, this is such a great example of free market response - substitution. If anoraks and enthusiasts can't afford older malts, offer craft-presented tasty age-stated young ones. Personally, I'd rather try several distilleries's style for the same money rather than try one older malt (even though I do try older malts from time to time, when I see a bargain). If steak gets pricey, switch to lamb, pork, chicken, whatever. Closer to expiration date steak goes on sale. Switch to younger malts, the existing stock ages a few more years (with fewer people paying the higher prices) and then there'll be values, offers, sales, etc. 90% (if not 99%) of whisky drinkers don't even know bourbon from scotch. And I'm not saying that with condescension, it's just reality of the market base. Very few of these people will overpay for high age, even for a special occasion, all the while they are being conditioned to accept NAS. Just thinking out loud here :)
You ever read, "The Cotswolds Press"? They have great theater reviews.
go ralfy!!! good one.
I thought you were going to say sssssssassenach whisky... ;-)
Ralfy is so cool
Greetings from England.
I'm going against the grain of opinion on this one I'm afraid. Having recently seen off the last drop of Cotswolds, I was left just a tad disappointed comparing the flavour profile to one not dissimilar to Monkey Shoulder. Perhaps it was its relative youth that did it for me.....didn't give me as much on the nose and palate as I was hoping for. Nice in an everyday sort of way, but alas not memorable.
750 ml bottle available in Chicago for $60
Love your presentation. All Whisky is British. End of story!.
love this one
Ralfy I'm more and more impressed with English whiskies because they source such good grain. You ought to review one from the English Whisky Co. from Norfolk - they have lots of editions with aged statements
J.R. the Expat Canuck I suspect they wouldn’t get a favourable review. I am no whisky snob but have tried several of their expressions and even been to visit the distillery for a tour (and they were extremely nice and friendly) but I have found every expression extremely tough going. I am not sure if they will just benefit from a little longer in the cask or if perhaps the flavour lends itself better to being a peated whisky (I know they do some; not tried it) but the generally available stuff is really not up my street.
I'm hoping English makers push to produce something distinctive. Irish and American Whisky have their own personalities after all.
Salud!
Looks tasty
. . . it's tasty !
Unless the bottle or packaging states the whisky is natural color, chances are it is not.
. . . the label states natural colour !
Good to hear.
English mist lol
Here's one I'd love to taste, but being only 4yo, not Scottish, and priced at over £40... I'll play it safe and buy a couple of Antiquary 12s instead :)
Give it a try! It really is lovely.
I bet it is, and I'm quite curious about it. The heart says yes, but the mind is afraid. Pity that bars here in Portugal are crap for whiskey drinkers. Even something like a Laphroaig, Caol Ila or Lagavulin are rare sights. But I'll keep it on my radar, maybe one day.
😏👌
Do review of McGregor's whiskey Proper 12
. . . no plans !
Kolo try sending Ralfy a bottle or two...
Costs 45€ over here, for a 3 yo new whisky. I don't know,... I am not so sure I want to support the temerity of new distilleries who have proved nothing but think they can charge whatever they want and be part of that market crazyness.
But I am very willing new distilleries to appear and compete because I am sure it is the only reason why prices will be more consumer friendly in the future. Also, as an European, I have to say that I don't care at all if the whisky comes from Scotland or say Argentina or Moldova. It's not a terroir product, it's just a generic stuff that can be made anywhere. But from England ? Please, I have some self respect :-))
(just some provocative stuff, people).
. . . I agree with much of what you say !
ahaha nice. Love you.
First
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. . . Verified as First !
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Verified as verified
ENGLISH single malt? Codswallop. ;)
Second