whisky review 477 - Whisky Collection 2014
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- . . . a little tour round some of my whisky collection which is scattered across Scotland.
To comply with Google Adsense policy this video is an independent non-profit review and is not selling or linking to a site that sells the product being reviewed.
Ralfy, the greatest spirit of your entire collection is your spirit. Thank you for your videos and especially the ones where we can see a little deeper.
"Wealth is not having money, wealth is appreciating the money you have and spending it wisely..." My favorite moment of the video. Thanks for that, and for sharing your love of whisky with the rest of us.
I wonder if he realises how profound this statement is. I re-watch this clip periodically
Fascinating stuff Ralfy. Would love to see another one of these videos at some point. Really helpful to see what and why you're buying with all your cumulative knowledge.
Seconded.
I have found my passion for Whisky over the last year and collected around 60 bottles, some rare vintage 70s Macallans, 100 malts, and Knockcando and other no longer made expressions, all quality whisky's and a few rare bourbons. I did the same with cigars before I sold my 1500 count collection with 6' tall humidor due to quitting tobacco.
I've watched 100's of your vlog's and always appreciate your take on all things and whisky/whiskey opinions.
This vlag that shares just a small part of your collection not only makes me salivate but brings tears to me eyes. I really appreciate you sharing that with us and your sense of community and giving.
Thank you from San Francisco, California
Your view on being wealthy is one of the best and greatest definitions I've ever heard Ralfy. Thanks for enriching the mind also.
Ralfy, you are a true legend. Your views on wealth are absolutely spot on and so many more people should be living by that creed - especially politicians. I'll be quoting you often with that, hope you don't mind. Your videos have been a huge part of my whisky journey and it's wonderful to see that your social views are as astute as your views on whisky. Thanks heaps!
Ooof, seeing the shelf shift when you leaned on it at 1:10 got my heart racing.
Hello Ralfy. As soon as the video started I recognized that colorful Barbancourt box and was so happy that a product of my country made it into your hands. The fact that you picked it up and gave a brief look at it made it all the better. I recently got into enjoying whiskey and your videos have been a great part of learning about the subject. Picked up a few bottles of Green Label a Glenfiddich 15yo solera and an 18yo from glenfiddich as well. I enjoy watching your videos, keep up the great work.
Regards from a Haitian fan.
Absolutely love this channel and your reviews. This past year I have gone heavy into Single Malts and have not looked back. Thank you!
. . . happy to help !
Ralfy, what a wonderful service you have provided to those navigating through the maze of Scotch, Bourbon, Whisky(ey) choices!!! So many times, the online research only yields conflicting information, and tends to the "all is rosy" viewpoint - I appreciate your candor and giving folks an education from your point of view....
Even though some would argue your viewpoints also, I think you are giving us a common denominator to go by... I personally appreciate that. So many "hobbies" lack a resource like you that can be trusted.
I think it’s awesome that you are a Mogwai fan. Love that band.
To learn that you share your wealth in this way by auctioning off some of your collection for local fundraisers and such is inspiring! Keep up that tradition and hold your bunnet high for doing so! Slainte!
Ralfy, big question here:
I am starting 3 "solera bottles" as suggested a great number of reviews back. One will be non-peated scotch, another will be peated scotch, and the third will be rum. My idea here is to add 2 fl oz of every spirit I buy and drink while keeping copious records. When full, 2 oz out = 2 oz in. After 50-70 years of my spirit journey (should the Lord afford me that time!) I will have 3 bottles representing a quite extensive and unique range of "ingredients." It will be passed to my kids (they don't exist yet but I am planning ahead ;) so that they can continue the practice. I hope this can last generations upon generations!
But I am afraid I might have discovered a loophole in my dream during this review! You mentioned that the Chivas Regal Century was low quality (not a direct quote) because it was essentially over blended. Since that will likely happen to my solera blends, is this exercise futile? Do you have suggestions on how I can make such a practice more likely to produce a unique and quality bottle of whisky after decades rather than an over blended bottle of rubbish?
Your bright personality, wisdom, and patience for those of us further back on our spirits journey is deeply appreciated!
Ralfy, I am envious! Not only of your collection, but your knowledge of spirits and the obvious sentiment you have in your collection, and your hobby itself.
I have a collection myself, but smaller with fewer "high-end" bottles. However, there are some bottles in my collection with great stories and sentimental value. My grandparents have traveled a lot in the Caribbean, Mexico and other places, and would always bring back a few bottles of local spirits from wherever they traveled. My grandmother's sister and my great uncle did the same. As I began collecting spirits, my grandmother (my grandfather passed 22yrs ago) noticed my interest and passed on their collection, and the "wine rack/cabinet" my grandfather built, to me. I cherish all of it, and their are some old and unique bottles in this collection. My great aunt also passed on her husband's collection (he passed on 15yrs ago) to me before she passed on last year. He was a whisky drinker, but also bought bottles in the Caribbean like my grandparents, so there is a lot of rum and other spirits included.
These bottles are very special to me, and some are likely irreplaceable. Things like Rum, Tequila and Mexcal from small, nearly unknown distilleries in Jamaica, the Caribbean and Mexico, most of which were purchased well over 20 years ago. Some with hand-written labels, and others that cannot be found via an internet search. Luckily, most had tags attached by my relatives with info on when/where they were purchased and info about the spirits, such as strength, how they were aged or distilled and other handy info. Some of these "unknown bottles" are truly exceptional. For instance, there is a dark rum with a hand-written label from Barbados, purchased back in 1978 and aged in ex-bourbon barrels for 10 years, that is truly exceptional.
There are more common rums, like Brugal, of which I have number of bottles and styles. Brugal Anejo, of which I have 5 bottles ranging in age from nearly 40 yrs to 17yrs, Brugal Extra Viejo, Brugal Titanium (purchased myself), and the jewels of my rum collection, three bottles of Brugal Siglo de Oro, two glass, the other the very attractive porcelain bottling. I have one glass bottle opened, and it is truly exceptional. The other bottles may never be opened, certainly not the porcelain bottle.
If you have never tried Brugal Siglo de Oro, I HIGHLY recommend it! A bit pricey at over $100 US per bottle, but very much worth it! And the porcelain bottle is a beautiful addition to any collection. Brugal Titanium is also quite good, though it is a white rum. Probably the best white rum I have ever tasted.
I also have a bit of whisky from my great uncle, 17 bottles to be exact, with only 2 being opened, though no more than an ounce missing from the bottles. Nothing too exotic, though there are some nice bourbons, some no longer made, and a few bottles of Scotch, though nothing aged more than 15yrs (still all very good scotch!)
And then there is the crown jewel of my entire collection, my christmas bonus from my employers this year, a bottle of 25-year old Macallan. At $1300 a bottle, it is likely the only such bottle I will ever own. But it is some very good whisky! I savor every drop I take from the bottle, and dread the day it is gone. But until then, I'm going to enjoy it!
Bit of an old gem this one Ralfy (a veritable Aladdins cave no less!) - I particularly liked the 'whisky-factoid' about inner staves and your prior comments and viewpoint on wealth 😺. Long may you continue to enjoy your 'stash' 👍🥃.
Not been a regular viewer for too long Ralfy but I have to say my appreciation of whisky is greatly enhanced with every video and you my friend are gifted with more wisdom than most. Great stuff.
I'm a long time listener; I still enjoy and appreciate all you do !
It amazes me that you can keep track of it all. With that many different whiskies, it would be hard to recall the one from several years ago.
Hello, Ralfy. Long time no see. Sometimes job and problems are stealing too much of a live time. I matured 12 y.o. Hunting Louge whisky with a mandarin zest and hazelnuts for a half of the year, and opened it couple weeks ago. It reminded me Grand Mariner famous liquor, but it wasn't as sweet as the original one, because I didn't add sugar of syrup. It was an interesting tasting expirience. And also, I think, that if there will be some berries and nuts in the whisky, then later it will be perfect to use it in a pie to add some extra flavours in it.
You're so wise... I would love to taste a couple of malts/blends with you over a good conversation. I wish there was a video like this that was over an hour long or something with all the stories behind each bottle :)
Really? An hour? Are you cold stone sober???????????????
To the point. Brief.. And full of education.
God Bless you Ralf~~!
It feels much better now, knowing you too occasionally buy bottles due to their lovely labels! I always feel tempted to go for the Silver Seal bottlings of whisky or rum as some of them are absolutely stunning.
I'm glad to see you've read your history books. Diversifying your assets into whisky, if you educate yourself, can be rewarding on an emotional and financial level.
Smart man! Who knows how long this monetary system will last.
Impressive.. both the collection and the recording with just a single take. Keeping it simple and honest. Love your work Mr. Ralfy!
Greetings from Sri Lanka
Great show Ralfy! Really enjoyed this! And yes history does repeat itself. Always touting how wise we are and what we learned from the past so as not to repeat the same mistakes..and never realizing that cycles repeat.....details change but the themes hold fast.
I think you should invite a few mates by to assist in lightening the load on those over filled shelves. Wish I could have such a varied collection. Nice very nice.
I liked the mention of Johnnie Walker Green. At one point, it was my two Aunts favorite so I bought two cases. They've moved on to other favorites but I still have 10 unopened bottles and 2 opened ones. It will be interesting to see if the value goes up much but even if not, it's good stuff.
I liked this video and I think it's one of my favourite videos that he has done !@!@ nice one mush !!!
Your the MAN!!! love your work with the community. i value your opinion, and what you bring to whisky. thanks for keeping it fun and interesting.
Your a wise man Ralfy!! Thanks for all your whisky knowledge and life lessons!
Cheers Gregg.
Loved the video. Love the stories attached to bottles. Isn't that how it should be? I have a small collection...... that rises and falls with the pattern of purchase and consumption :-) Quite a few stashed for the future - but to share and to drink, not to sell. And a cask to see me through my retirement......
I might be wrong, but the greatest whisky collector of the world was a brazilian called Claive Vidiz. He donated his collection for DIAGEO, for to preserve it and to open a museum in Glasgow.
Ralf,
A quick note to say that it looks like your Barbancourt Rum box was half of the shelf!
Rgds,
Curtis
I love your outlook on life Ralfy. What you said about wealth is so true and I've never heard someone sum it up so appropriately before. Keep up the good videos!
yes Babancourt Haitian rhum (agricole) brilliant stuff!
The 8 year is sublime! Not yet tried the 15 year..
Thanks for sharing your cupboard Ralfy! : )
That bottle at the 16 min mark just went through the roof with collectors. Time for some nice charity to get a lovely day!
I wish I had your willpower, fella! I also bought a bottle of the Mogwai whisky but rather than keep it for a rainy day, I decided to open it up and share its contents with seven friends. Not a bad drop - and one less bottle in the world. Keep up the good work :)
Great video Ralfy. I love seeing other whisky collections, it helps me think about mine. I did, however, gasp once or twice when it looked like bottles might fall off the shelf. That would be quite sad. Looking forward to #500!
Balvenie 15 year single barrel is discontinued?! My local shop stopped carrying it a while ago but 5 minutes down the road another one had it for $100 (This would be the third time buying this whisky). It's currently sitting unopened next to me and now I feel conflicted about drinking versus saving. Just a couple weeks ago I was visiting my family in New England and I found the Balvenie 15 year single barrel for $80. I immediately bought it for my father in addition to my favorite Balvenie 14 year Caribbean cask for about $65. I dearly hope to one day get the Balvenie 17 doublewood and maybe even one day the Balvenie 21 year portwood. I'm a Balvenie Malt Maniac and I hope one day you get to review more than what you've already covered (12yo doublewood/12yo signature/15yo single barrel)
Touché! Superb vlog... What a wise human being.
I am hoping to start up a collection, small but something. Glad I've watched this!
This again is something different. Love this video. I for one woudnt mind an hour or so long video where you talk about your collection.
Great philosophy with an interesting collection. I am extraordinarily happy i found this channel!
I once thougt my 30 bottles+ samples were to much. Thank you for showing me that my collection still is excusable as ,,normal" sized ^^
Hey Eagle, I have a count of 9,000 bottles of Carne de gusano sería superior.
It ain't the number that counts.
Quality......or reasoned addition to a SMS repository.
Peaceoutman!
I see that Chivas Regal back there. I must say you show more of an interest in blended whiskys than any other hobbyist I've yet seen.
Wow.....just wow. My taste buds are tingling, I'd love to sample some of your wares ralfy
What an awesome collection - Cheers ! You have a better selection then my local LCBO ( our liquor stores here in Ontario Canada ).
Very enjoyable moments dear malt mate..I think it would bo wise to somehow prevent those bottles to fall down from the shelves..in case of some nasty earthquake. Id put something, maybe a long narrow stave or something on the edge..you know, earthquakes also do come around, maybe not so reguralry as financial ones but they do tend to come around, sooner or later..:-). Bye.
Thanks Ralfy for making me feel smart about buying a few bottles of Johnnie Walker Green a while back and saving them!
Ralfy, you are great and wise man. I noticed some interesting things in that collection, some not so rare. Chase Vodka? I would love to see a review of this as I love it. Moves vodka away from that neutral grain tasteless nonsense to something worth drinking. Love the Scapa 14, the older Glenmorangie, and Balvenie 15 SB. No idea it was no longer made. I will pick some up to go along with the 12 SB. Would pay good sums of...whatever...to come to a whisky tasting out of that collection. Great video. Cheers!
Probably the best and most realistic advice, thanks Ralfy
Brings a joyous tear to my eye.
Also makes me want to sit back, and sip on some of that lovely whiskey.
Love this! im 25 Years old and I have started my collection!
you've got some amazing whiskies, especially that mogwai one I'm a huge fan of them.
Great collection you've got there ralfy. Especially liked the anniversary macallan
Ralfy any chance we get to see your entire collection one day? Its not often that we get to see a whisky museum. I would love it if more collectors showed their art pieces in videos like this. Thanks for another amazing vlog.
i just found a bottle of green label last week! was only $65 USD and is an amazing scotch. i'd never had it but wanted a bottle for the longest time and was lucky enough to find one even this long after they discontinued it.
he also had a bottle of gold label reserve for $90, and will probably be my next purchase.
F_ _ _ the gold. Stick with the green and save your green.
Did you listen to Ralfy?
Ralfy,
great video as usual, but I know I for one would love to see the splendor of all your collections in storage! Secondly would you be able to take us on another field trip to the local whisky shops whether Isle of Man or Scotland or both?
Mike in Maryland
I bought Hibiki 12yo partially based on your recommendation. It's a great whisky! Definitely going to buy more of it.
What are the chances of having a 2020 collection video Ralfy???? we're all on lockdown now so that would really cheer some us up!
Great to see a bottle of Venezuelan rum in the background!
Ralfy,
How about a review of Springbank 15. It's quite the dram and significant better value than the 18 year in my opinion. Anyway, would love to see more reviews from Scotland's finest distillery.
ralfy you are a true gent. love your reviews and how you make it fun. i know you are quite modest too which i must say i warm towards. you are a smart guy and us celts dont like a know it all. but from dublin i would like to thank you for your wisdom and not seling out. slan mo chara
Thanks Ralfy, I'd love to hear more about some rums, I'm just beginning to get into them myself so I'd love to hear more of your thoughts (I know you did at least one or two vids on them in the past)
Wonderful video and insights, Ralfy! I'm happy to have picked up a JW Green Label earlier this year.
Malt Mention: Matly Mezzo Fortes.
Cheers!
Recently finally got my hands on a bottle of the Auchentoshan Valinch, superb stuff. If you're back taking malt mentions yet how about: 'malty self-medicators'
I have followed your 'buy more bottles at once' philosophy for a while now especially with proper sherry matured stuff. In ten years there will only be bourbon matured NAS whiskies available and I'll be sipping one of my ten bottles of 21yo Glendronach smiling like a lunatic.
Going to grab some balvenie 15 and jw green tomorrow,one shop I often go to still got a tons of both
16:15 But at the end of the day “ a good whisky tasting is where the whisky itself does the talking itself but not the presenter , its all about the quality “ . Wow well said ralfy , i will always remember these words . u r a gem of whisky world .
Chivas Regal. Was not expecting to see that in your collection.
I hope you consider doing a new supermarket whiskies review episode in the future. Aldi, lidl, tesco etc.. There's some new stuff out there.
Hi Ralfy.
Took a chance today on Babancourt 8yo "oak casks" Haitian Rhum. Our very first whack at aged Rum.
Its very good I must say and has a few beautiful Elmer T Lee notes about it...real good casks here! On special at $17.99.
Ever tried this 8yo Ralfy?
cheers
I would like this video twice if I could. Even if it was just for the definition of wealth :) High volume on wisdom in a few words!
I am always pleasantly calmed when I see a video of yours in my feed; I couldn't agree with you more about wealth; Are there any books you'd recommend for a general foray into whisky appreciation and collecting?
Ah, that ending. It's always time for a cup of tea for me; In fact I was sipping away on a puerh sample as I watched.
What a great collection! Thank you for sharing this with us!
Can I live in that cupboard?
sorry, I could not take the risk.
Would be great to see an update Ralfy on your collection 😀
Do you have any intention of doing rum reviews, or would you consider doing a single video on collecting rum? I know quite a bit about collecting bourbon and whisky (largely thanks to your videos) but know much less about rum, though I really enjoy it. Thought I'd ask as I have been wanting to branch out more into the rum world, but with the multitude of varieties, its a bit more complicated than good ol' whisky. Thanks Ralph, keep up the great work
Brilliant "whisky storage rooms" lol, your some man keep it up my friend.
Great philosophy for a happy life Ralfy! Stay well my friend. Sincerely, Ossie
yep got 2 Green Labels for rainy days.
and youre right about Auctions. its really fun to fly under the radar. last month people were killing themselves over Ardbeg Rennaisance or Lord of the Isles and everybody ignored the Excellent old versions of Ardbeg Ten. so i scored a 2003 and a 2007 TEN for 120 Euros total(no auction fee).
what a result !
Hi Ralfy, I have a small collection going, the one i'm proud of is a Tomatin Decades - if you don't have access to proper storage places where else do you recommend storing - for now mine is in the understairs cupboard.
I had a dream: Ralfy gave me the key with words;"hello Malty, this is all yours, enjoy and drink it responsibly".So every Sunday I opened one of these treasure boxes and drink one ( or two max) glass with celebration, enjoyed untill end of my days.
Dear Ralfy. I do enjoy your videos so much as do allot of other people. But I must say that I do not drink or collect whiskey (yet, perhaps:-) - I enjoy and collect premium rums, which is also why I have posted this particular video on The Rum Collector facebook page. Hope that is okay, and should you ever do an entire video on rum collecting/review (which to my knowledge is no where to be found) I hope you would consider posting on The Rum Collector as well. Cheers :-)
In my state we don't have any alcohol auctions. The tax stamp is based on the distribution sale price so the state assembly won't legalize them for resale. Illinois is no friend to malt mates!
The library of whisky , nice collection
I bet that Diamond Jubilee MacAllan is worth an absolute fortune now 😮
Good selection ralfy should open your own whisky exchange lol think I might have spotted an upcoming whisky review, is that a bruichladdich port finish, don't believe you have done that review yet!
put that rum back on the shelf properly matey. its hanging off precariously
Do another one of these Ralfy!
Yes.
every time you grabbed a bottle i half expected a bottle to fall off the shelf all those bottles on ledges and wobbling shelf's lol
wow. that Haitian rum is wonderful stuff, i had a friend bring me back a bottle a few years back.
Great video. I'd love to see a review of something like Old Mull. How about a series on curiosities?
great advice and great collection ...hi from puerto rico ralfy!!
You'r a good man Ralfy!!
Oh my. How can I join that library? Those shelves are full. I could really get lost and really stuck in with those bottles.
It is sad how Hibiki lost its age statement. It was a favorite of mine. I wish I would of bought more.
Hey Ralfy, Really enjoy your videos. You have opened the doors to my very minor understanding of whisky. You said this is your more random / unique collectibles. Will we ever get see your rare / expensive stuff. I would be interested in seeing what is considered the top top shelf of your collection. Also I have watched quite a few of your reviews and I was curious I have yet to see a 100 is that even possibility for you?
David Aasen Thanks I am working my way backwards didn't get that far yet
Just finished a bottle of Hibiki 21. It was very, very good.
Advice for anyone seeking JW Green label, check local off licenses and corner shops. I've managed to find several at original prices since it's discontinuation.
It must be an emotional moment to eventually sell / give away one of those old friends I imagine...