Time stamps - chapters added for speed and ease 0:00 - Opening 1:57 - Brief intro to topic 4:28 - Last chance to vote in the OSWAs 7:08 - Welcoming in the lounge 14:23 - Some OSWA points 34:33 - The Hearach - Isle of Harris 54:45 - Meikle Tòir Trio 1:27:48 - Holyrood Arrival 1:44:40 - Inchdairnie's Ryelaw 2:04:00 - Brand and choice fatigue 2:12:33 - Quiz at the end OSWA Vote: www.oswa.co.uk/publicpoll2023
That's really interesting. My first taste of batch 03 of the Hearach was a really bitter, tannic, challenging malt. Only now, after a few weeks, has it softened into a sweet, approachable malt.
I tasted along with the Chinquapin and Sherry, breaking my strict queueing system. I have since obtained the original and the Hearach so will have repeat the tasting along at some point. My queue is going to be chaos!!!!
To be fair about the rye, I think it's more expensive to produce. But here in the states, dozens of people source 5-7 year rye from places like MGP, finish it in a variety of casks like Amburana and sell it for 2 or 3 times what it should be priced at. That's just investors buying and reselling under new brands made to seem fancy. The Ryelaw can at least stand by it being actually distilled and produced by the company bottling it. I'm sure they figured in the price that if it was 50 pounds it would be 110 pounds on secondary.
@@Aqvavitae , you’re most welcome. (BTW: it’s David. Shaw is my surname; all good 😅). I’m a regular Aussie listener and I feel the same pain as you re the cost increases. Glad there are so many new distilleries paving the way to a bright future. Let Diageo have the corporates. There are good replacements for their entire stable with better specs and lower prices.
The holyrood arrival reminds me of, dare I say it, Glenmorangie signet, in its spicy richness and coffee/chocolate notes. Been a long time since I’ve had signet, but memorable in a similar way
Yes, the Signet was a deep and decadent thing (based on an early batch), this is kind of similar to a style we're starting to see more of, where the fermentation-forward notes are forefront. It's a style I enjoy though and I'm glad to have it!
We are spoilt for choice these days and I am very happy to witness this whisky renaissance but having 3-4 new releases every month does get tiring on the wallet and if you opt out then you have to deal with FOMO. I wish all these new distilleries released 3-5cl samples for us enthusiasts to try and make our decisions rather than choose between buying a bottle or not. If you're located near a good bar than yeah you'd probably be able to try these ones but if you're not you literally miss the boat on the first day of their release. Anyway, better to have a lot of options than none.
Quite alot of disappointment online about the First Release being cut in to batches and therefore not making it "as collectible". Maybe they are missing the point and I honestly think Harris did that on purpose, to make this accessible (the packaging has also been made to be easily recycled rather than last for 100 years). The whisky is already quite soft (Ralfy might say the "S" word) and will appeal to a larger market. The price was also interesting, compared to Lagg or other very young inaugural releases which were at least double the price. Hats of to Harris.
There are indeed different ways to cut it. It remains to be seen how well it'll be received, I'm surprised how soft it is, in fact. Perhaps one of those that'll develop and show its depth and colour over time, and perhaps a slightly higher ABV too. On price, well, I'm not so sure. It should be £45-50. It's £65. They know they can charge higher for the inaugural, so why not just make all the first eight batches 'inaugural' and charge £65 for each? I think this will be on shelves for a while, even though the online allocation is sold out and they've done a grand job of getting it into far flung markets. A lot of advance planning here. Still, it's too expensive for what it is. It can't compete for folks' re-purchase at that level. Glad to have them around and I'm sure they'll work out how to compete with today's vast choice in future refinements. Good luck to 'em! Cheers to you Neil!
Again had to bail early last night, Inverness Travelodge, 4 of us in the room. Getting the kids to sleep....You know what its like.. Watched the replay now that we are home. The best vPub is watching Roy opening new bottles and tasting for the first time. The expression, the enthusiasm, the tasting notes, love it! Picked up a 11yr bourbon Glen Moray handfill on our way home this afternoon, opened and enjoying already. £60!! Can any distillery beat Glen Moray's value? Have a fantastic week away with family, I really hope that sore throat doesnt develop in to anything else. Myself and the wife are still trying to shake off whatever the girls brought back from school. Gutted to hear the Sunday tasting is full, I must have missed the Patreon email, else would have signed up right away. Anyway your getting another hug at the GWF/Bon Accord.
Four in a room? Oh I know only too well, I love the moment when the chaos finally subsides into exhausted silence! Thanks for the kind words Alasdair and I'll see you at GWF. Your name is on the list for the Sunday - nothing was announced, it's over-subscribed just based on word-of-mouth. Kind of a nightmare, but your name is on the list - I hope you're staying late or overnight on the Sunday!
I bought The Original Meikle Toir this week and we definitely like similar styles of Whisky, so I’m all the more excited to pop this bottle open after hearing your thoughts! 🥃
These new releases usually don’t make it out west for a while but I appreciate the heads-up. That’s how I was ready for Lochlea. Safe travels and enjoy your holiday with the family.
Great vPub on new whisky Roy! By any chance have you heard of Finglassie by InchDainie? Looks like it's a peated version only bottled by independent bottlers like, for example, James Eadie.
There are a couple of InchDairnie's releases out there for blenders as bulk whisky and they carry different names. I've yet to try any of them though (to my knowledge!) cheers Aaron
Would be great to do an after OSWA chat, when you're less busy mate. As I've said, I'm a sceptical person, but it's not a critique of yourself or Ralfy. Yous clearly put a lot of effort into the system and setup, and it shows. Whisky is subjective and there will always be people like myself 😅 There are a few things that would be good to discuss, have a good holiday mate.
Let's get it sorted - look forward to it. If we do so after the winners announcement on the 4th, there will be a whole new dynamic added - debating the validity of the winners too. All of it is open to discussion, all of it can be refined. There are no need for "alarm bells" or talk of "influencers influencing". If that's happening, its happening in a wider way, incidentally and quite separate of the OSWAs. The OSWAs should strive to hold a mirror up to all of us - our community at large. It will be interesting to see how the years develop. Lots to talk about Stuart.
Based off their Gin, which is phenomenal, I'm excited to try the The Hearach at its offical Kiwi launch on Thursday. From your description I got Lochlea "our barley" vibes. From Billy that Chinquapin bottle sounds a bit of me, bbq vanilla pancakes. Nice exploratory Vpub tonight - enjoy your break.
Thanks Dave - I think it's even a little softer than the Lochlea. Would be curious to your thoughts. A Dramface review went out for it the day after this, looked positive. I remain waiting to be convinced.
Time stamps - chapters added for speed and ease
0:00 - Opening
1:57 - Brief intro to topic
4:28 - Last chance to vote in the OSWAs
7:08 - Welcoming in the lounge
14:23 - Some OSWA points
34:33 - The Hearach - Isle of Harris
54:45 - Meikle Tòir Trio
1:27:48 - Holyrood Arrival
1:44:40 - Inchdairnie's Ryelaw
2:04:00 - Brand and choice fatigue
2:12:33 - Quiz at the end
OSWA Vote: www.oswa.co.uk/publicpoll2023
That's really interesting. My first taste of batch 03 of the Hearach was a really bitter, tannic, challenging malt. Only now, after a few weeks, has it softened into a sweet, approachable malt.
Wow brutal quiz - haven’t scored this low in a while 🤣 Excellent questions though, you have a skill for making them difficult and fun
Excellent episode - thank you!
I tasted along with the Chinquapin and Sherry, breaking my strict queueing system. I have since obtained the original and the Hearach so will have repeat the tasting along at some point. My queue is going to be chaos!!!!
Of course, the Original and Hearach will be neck pours whereas the other two have had a little bit of an opportunity to breathe…
To be fair about the rye, I think it's more expensive to produce. But here in the states, dozens of people source 5-7 year rye from places like MGP, finish it in a variety of casks like Amburana and sell it for 2 or 3 times what it should be priced at. That's just investors buying and reselling under new brands made to seem fancy. The Ryelaw can at least stand by it being actually distilled and produced by the company bottling it. I'm sure they figured in the price that if it was 50 pounds it would be 110 pounds on secondary.
Thanks for all your liver tolerates on our behalf, Roy. Best wishes from this long time listener and first time donator.
Thank you so much Shawn, you're a fine example my friend, my liver thanks you!
@@Aqvavitae , you’re most welcome. (BTW: it’s David. Shaw is my surname; all good 😅). I’m a regular Aussie listener and I feel the same pain as you re the cost increases. Glad there are so many new distilleries paving the way to a bright future. Let Diageo have the corporates. There are good replacements for their entire stable with better specs and lower prices.
@@davidm_shaw Oopsie! Sorry David… thanks for the correction. Aye, we agree on the plan for now, prices march on as if there’s no choice 🤷🏼♂️
The holyrood arrival reminds me of, dare I say it, Glenmorangie signet, in its spicy richness and coffee/chocolate notes. Been a long time since I’ve had signet, but memorable in a similar way
Yes, the Signet was a deep and decadent thing (based on an early batch), this is kind of similar to a style we're starting to see more of, where the fermentation-forward notes are forefront. It's a style I enjoy though and I'm glad to have it!
We are spoilt for choice these days and I am very happy to witness this whisky renaissance but having 3-4 new releases every month does get tiring on the wallet and if you opt out then you have to deal with FOMO. I wish all these new distilleries released 3-5cl samples for us enthusiasts to try and make our decisions rather than choose between buying a bottle or not. If you're located near a good bar than yeah you'd probably be able to try these ones but if you're not you literally miss the boat on the first day of their release. Anyway, better to have a lot of options than none.
Fab solo Vpub, thanks Roy! Have a wonderful break with your family
Much love as always from the two of us ❤
Thank you Hellen, really looking forward to it!
Quite alot of disappointment online about the First Release being cut in to batches and therefore not making it "as collectible". Maybe they are missing the point and I honestly think Harris did that on purpose, to make this accessible (the packaging has also been made to be easily recycled rather than last for 100 years). The whisky is already quite soft (Ralfy might say the "S" word) and will appeal to a larger market. The price was also interesting, compared to Lagg or other very young inaugural releases which were at least double the price. Hats of to Harris.
There are indeed different ways to cut it. It remains to be seen how well it'll be received, I'm surprised how soft it is, in fact. Perhaps one of those that'll develop and show its depth and colour over time, and perhaps a slightly higher ABV too. On price, well, I'm not so sure. It should be £45-50. It's £65. They know they can charge higher for the inaugural, so why not just make all the first eight batches 'inaugural' and charge £65 for each? I think this will be on shelves for a while, even though the online allocation is sold out and they've done a grand job of getting it into far flung markets. A lot of advance planning here. Still, it's too expensive for what it is. It can't compete for folks' re-purchase at that level. Glad to have them around and I'm sure they'll work out how to compete with today's vast choice in future refinements. Good luck to 'em! Cheers to you Neil!
@@Aqvavitae cheers Roy. Have a great holiday 👍🏻
Enjoyed the show. Definitely need to get my hands on some of them. Cheers.
Thanks my friend! Good luck with it, the majority of these are wide releases!
Again had to bail early last night, Inverness Travelodge, 4 of us in the room. Getting the kids to sleep....You know what its like.. Watched the replay now that we are home. The best vPub is watching Roy opening new bottles and tasting for the first time. The expression, the enthusiasm, the tasting notes, love it! Picked up a 11yr bourbon Glen Moray handfill on our way home this afternoon, opened and enjoying already. £60!! Can any distillery beat Glen Moray's value? Have a fantastic week away with family, I really hope that sore throat doesnt develop in to anything else. Myself and the wife are still trying to shake off whatever the girls brought back from school. Gutted to hear the Sunday tasting is full, I must have missed the Patreon email, else would have signed up right away. Anyway your getting another hug at the GWF/Bon Accord.
Four in a room? Oh I know only too well, I love the moment when the chaos finally subsides into exhausted silence! Thanks for the kind words Alasdair and I'll see you at GWF. Your name is on the list for the Sunday - nothing was announced, it's over-subscribed just based on word-of-mouth. Kind of a nightmare, but your name is on the list - I hope you're staying late or overnight on the Sunday!
@@Aqvavitae awesome, Thank you Roy. Extra night booked for Sunday, delighted and Mrs Gray even more so for getting an extra days shopping :-)
Had a lot of good guesses today, got my second best score ever 8/10🎉🎉
Terrific and congrats! Knowledge is helpful, good guesses essential!
I bought The Original Meikle Toir this week and we definitely like similar styles of Whisky, so I’m all the more excited to pop this bottle open after hearing your thoughts! 🥃
Thinking of taking mine on holiday with me Max, just to understand a wee bit better. Will let everyone know in time!
@@Aqvavitae sounds like a good plan to me. Enjoy your holiday!
These new releases usually don’t make it out west for a while but I appreciate the heads-up. That’s how I was ready for Lochlea. Safe travels and enjoy your holiday with the family.
I think you may see Harris, possible Meikle Tòir, let me know how you go Carlos, and thank you!
I would try any of these but wouldn’t seek out any of the new distillery releases. If it comes to me, great. If not, all good.
Right, I don't think there's a need to try 'em all or collect 'em all. These distilleries alll intend to stick around. We hope... cheers Justin!
Great vPub on new whisky Roy! By any chance have you heard of Finglassie by InchDainie? Looks like it's a peated version only bottled by independent bottlers like, for example, James Eadie.
There are a couple of InchDairnie's releases out there for blenders as bulk whisky and they carry different names. I've yet to try any of them though (to my knowledge!) cheers Aaron
Would be great to do an after OSWA chat, when you're less busy mate. As I've said, I'm a sceptical person, but it's not a critique of yourself or Ralfy. Yous clearly put a lot of effort into the system and setup, and it shows. Whisky is subjective and there will always be people like myself 😅 There are a few things that would be good to discuss, have a good holiday mate.
Let's get it sorted - look forward to it. If we do so after the winners announcement on the 4th, there will be a whole new dynamic added - debating the validity of the winners too. All of it is open to discussion, all of it can be refined. There are no need for "alarm bells" or talk of "influencers influencing". If that's happening, its happening in a wider way, incidentally and quite separate of the OSWAs. The OSWAs should strive to hold a mirror up to all of us - our community at large. It will be interesting to see how the years develop. Lots to talk about Stuart.
Aye aye! Getting jaded tired! & being priced out of the ordinary folks market ...
Ain't we all! The whiskies and brands are representative of 2023, but the prices especially so.
Based off their Gin, which is phenomenal, I'm excited to try the The Hearach at its offical Kiwi launch on Thursday. From your description I got Lochlea "our barley" vibes. From Billy that Chinquapin bottle sounds a bit of me, bbq vanilla pancakes. Nice exploratory Vpub tonight - enjoy your break.
Thanks Dave - I think it's even a little softer than the Lochlea. Would be curious to your thoughts. A Dramface review went out for it the day after this, looked positive. I remain waiting to be convinced.