I remember visiting the Tobermory distillery when I was on holiday on Mull about 6 years ago. The island itself is absolutely gorgeous with beautiful beaches and silver sands, crystal clear aquamarine seas near Iona and the town of Tobermory is delightful… but the highlight for me was tour of the Tobermory distillery. It’s hard to explain why, I don’t know if it was the location, or the smells or the history… but I remember it as if it was yesterday. All the best Ralfy, keep up the Malty good work.
There are few entertainment options more enticing than listening to Ralfy speak at length about A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G. His penchant for sophisticated animation paired with a distinguished expertise compliment a single malt - which is much of the same - perfectly. I'm always trying to be more like Ralfy!
I echo many other viewers when I say ... the extras ( especially the historical ones like this fine one) are very much appreciated dear Ralfy. Grazie 🙏 SF.
Ahh, nothing better after a long working shift to watch a Ralfy ramble and enjoy a good HP 21j @47.5%. I always love your anecdotes and your way of "how you see things" with an philosophical touch :-) Greetings from Switzerland
Thank you Ralfy! I went along with you on your whisky journey a few years ago and it has been a most fascinating time. I am appreciating my whiskies so much more nowadays.
Money? I thought they built distilleries just for the friends they'd meet along the way. Just saw a video tour of the Lochreanza distillery. Just now the same thing without even one stone wall or leaky warehouse. One of the best rambles ever. I have a weakness for Tobermory and it's not easy on my budget and I'm not even sure how it developed but I think it was an early Ledaig 10 review, you told us that Ledaig was available unpeated. I became completely unhinged and obsessed. There was a year there where Tobermory wasn't imported to the US and finally seeing a 12 was like seeing a rainbow. There is something about island whisky.
Totally agree about older traditional distilleries Ralfy - same with dunnage versus palletised warehouses - it creates a connection with the history of place & people - thanks for reminding me during lockdown 👍
Thanks for all that information and what lovely natural manner you have when delivering it to us.Over the years you have really given me a passion for the water of life.
The Reviews and Extras are distinct in their differences & I think they complement one another wonderfully. As unique as they are, they both share undeniable honesty, authenticity and a genuine passion for quality spirits. There is no other reviewer whose love of quality smell & taste rings more truly. One of a kind and none better!
Your right Ralfy. Some of us do like the Xtras more than the reviews!!! Me too. But the reviews seem needed to understand the current state and consistency of the whisky we have available to us right now. Thanks for the Xtras Ralfy!
"A bit of a ramble" is an interesting experience for us. Thanks for all the insights and I'm looking forward to that next book. It is explorations that fuels my whisky journey and there is so much to learn and experience. The tastes and smells are just the most obvious pleasure of exploring whisky.
“Barrels used for fish were dreadful when used later for whisky”...... absolute magic..... have those who gave a thumbs down actually listened to what this bloke is saying?
I feel the same about old books...the hands that held them. Perhaps it was one of their owner’s few since for much of history books were a luxury. Just love your sincere appreciation. ❤️. Have a wonderful week Dear Sir!
Enjoying my first dram of Craigellachie while watching this extras episode and yes we do like the extras, perhaps more than a normal review, but the fact of the matter is they are all GOLD. I let the Craigellachie breath for a half hour after pouring about 3 oz. into an infinity bottle to allow it to open up, based on your previous reviews. I do like it, time for the 2nd. pour.
I was so mesmerized with the story that I had to go and pour a second dram of wee beastie tonight :) Yep, I'm also a whisky geek, some days I'll forget to drink while watching or reading the info about it.
If you want a distillery with an amazing feeling and ambience surely Springbank has to be number one. I've visited many, including Tobermory but the Springbank experience is something magical
Very interesting video. I'm liking the extras more except when I'm watching a review on a malt that I have and can enjoy along with the video, or if it's on one that I am particularly interested in or thinking of buying. Having said that, I have watched some random and new videos here and there too, and they are always good and also come with extra information and interesting thoughts that make it worth while.
Ledaig is my absolute favorite malt. The mid to late 90s distilled series of sherry cask are delicious. The Manzanilla 21 is utterly delicious. An islay of similar quality would be unnafordable as a drinker.
Glad to hear that you're working on another book Ralfy, I thoroughly enjoyed your first. I appreciated that you touched on the meaning of money in this video. This is not discussed enough I'm afraid.
Hi Ralf, I think a lot of us here value both the reviews and the extras equally. Unfortunately I do not have the budget that allows me to join you in every tasting. When I can join you, the reviews have always enhanced my tasting experience by providing a sense of familiarity with a spirit. Extras, on the other hand, are something I can listen to in my spare time, such as on a ride to work, and simply learn more about the field we all love. Both have provided quality information and have helped me gain experience in different ways! And I certainly plan on joining you in many more reviews in the future, specifically Dalmore Cigar Malt (just kidding...) I would not object to a ralfy podcast discussing all things whisky!!! Hope all is well, thanks again for all the awesome content!
Would adding a tiny bit of say tawny port or Sherry into a bottle and letting it settle be in any am way similar to a Sherry or port finish day for Tobermory?
Hi! I totally agree with you: this Tobermory 12 is one of my favourite Scotches at the moment, I'll grab another bottle soon because I quickly polished the first. I also have the possibility of buying a Tullibardine 15 OB: does it have a similar taste profile? And is it as good (quality-wise)? Thanks in advance to you and any other reader who answers this. Cheers!
Hey Ralfy. I didn't really watch the review closely, because that whisky isn't currently available in Australia (that I could find). The Extra's are always applicable everywhere.
Hi Ralphy, loving the videos- saw Wee a Beastie (Ardbeg) for sale on Amazon at a brilliant price. Could you review it please? The only reason why I’m asking is that I had a dream that I saw you down the pub and I told you about it and you said “wow I must do that” 😂 All the best, from Lawrence in Manchester, Mancunian Maltmate.
Love the extras! Ramblings always center around money, is the old comedians' routine about Scot frugality (caution with money according to Craig Ferguson) fading too quickly?
The romantic aspect of the remote distillery that you mention probably played a part in why Scotch became predominant in the UK by the 20th century. It's not very exciting to say that a whisky comes from Essex, but a remote windblasted island has always been good branding when offering an experience in a bottle.
insightful, informative and well-versed, with an almost poetic tinge. i could happily sit by a fire with dram in hand, listening to ralfy's stories. check out his books, malt mates. they carry their author's voice.
hello thank you for another great video haveing enjoyed your channle for many years and always looking forward to your next upload. stay safe thanks Matt
Love your videos, Ralfy! Are there whiskies that DON'T improve with age? Are there any products that you've come across that are a true disappointment? or are just better off avoided? Maybe that the product is just overhyped or not as "dynamic" as advertised? It seems that most of the whiskies that you review are either wonderful or at least adequately represented. I don't mind - i like having a variety around, so i can try comparing & analyzing (and enjoying). Keep up the great job. Stay healthy!
I don't even like whisky much (shock horror ) im here for Ralphy and his delivery, his madness and general relaxed mannerisms and entertainment . Theres a big fella called Clive thats a bit like this ;)
someone should tell Ardbeg about the importance of distillery only bottlings/distillery experience. Only distillery on Islay that doesnt seem to care about that.
As someone who loves Ardbeg and plan on taking a trip to Islay in the not too distant future I have to ask...they don’t have a good distillery experience?? This is a letdown.
@@seofutbol unlike the other islay distilleries they don't have a warehouse tasting. So there is no cask strength experience. Their tasting is just their core range so there isn't a special treat for those who make it out there. The best thing about the distillery though is they have the best restaurant. My advice would be to have a whole day devoted to Laphroaig, lagavulin, and ardbeg. Do the warehouse experience at laphroiag, then the warehouse experience at lagavulin, then go to ardbeg for lunch. Make sure to walk between the distillieries if you cana (that's part of the fun). Then you will get a much needed and delicious lunch at ardbeg and if you decide you want more whisky you can have some (but you will be so bombed from Laphroaig and lagavulin that I doubt you will)
@@seofutbol they also don't have distillery bottlings. So other than seeing the beautiful distillery they don't incentivize you to go there like the other distilleries do
It's so funny that the people now chasing Bimber or Waterford or the Lakes or alike, 3 years, 4 years something whiskies selling for few hundreds of pounds, the market is having a fever.
Yeah I’d rather listen to Ralfy’s ramble for 30 minutes then any other professional whiskey reviews on RUclips :)
Dennis Nikolayenko, couldn't agree more.
Agreed
There's no such thing as a 'professional whisky reviewer'.
It's his hobby, as much as it's ours.
Could not agree more
@@fredlabosch5164 I'd say Jim Murray is a "professional whisky reviewer"
I remember visiting the Tobermory distillery when I was on holiday on Mull about 6 years ago. The island itself is absolutely gorgeous with beautiful beaches and silver sands, crystal clear aquamarine seas near Iona and the town of Tobermory is delightful… but the highlight for me was tour of the Tobermory distillery. It’s hard to explain why, I don’t know if it was the location, or the smells or the history… but I remember it as if it was yesterday.
All the best Ralfy, keep up the Malty good work.
Just discovered Ralfy. Brilliant just brilliant. As a malt whisky lover I am now feasting on these reviews.
There are few entertainment options more enticing than listening to Ralfy speak at length about A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G. His penchant for sophisticated animation paired with a distinguished expertise compliment a single malt - which is much of the same - perfectly. I'm always trying to be more like Ralfy!
. . . aw thanks !
I echo many other viewers when I say ... the extras ( especially the historical ones like this fine one) are very much appreciated dear Ralfy. Grazie 🙏 SF.
Ahh, nothing better after a long working shift to watch a Ralfy ramble and enjoy a good HP 21j @47.5%. I always love your anecdotes and your way of "how you see things" with an philosophical touch :-) Greetings from Switzerland
Thank you Ralfy! I went along with you on your whisky journey a few years ago and it has been a most fascinating time. I am appreciating my whiskies so much more nowadays.
Money? I thought they built distilleries just for the friends they'd meet along the way.
Just saw a video tour of the Lochreanza distillery. Just now the same thing without even one stone wall or leaky warehouse.
One of the best rambles ever. I have a weakness for Tobermory and it's not easy on my budget and I'm not even sure how it developed but I think it was an early Ledaig 10 review, you told us that Ledaig was available unpeated. I became completely unhinged and obsessed. There was a year there where Tobermory wasn't imported to the US and finally seeing a 12 was like seeing a rainbow.
There is something about island whisky.
"Feng Shui" in a Scottish accent is fun to hear Ralfy!
Totally agree about older traditional distilleries Ralfy - same with dunnage versus palletised warehouses - it creates a connection with the history of place & people - thanks for reminding me during lockdown 👍
Thanks for all that information and what lovely natural manner you have when delivering it to us.Over the years you have really given me a passion for the water of life.
The Reviews and Extras are distinct in their differences & I think they complement one another wonderfully. As unique as they are, they both share undeniable honesty, authenticity and a genuine passion for quality spirits. There is no other reviewer whose love of quality smell & taste rings more truly. One of a kind and none better!
Your right Ralfy. Some of us do like the Xtras more than the reviews!!! Me too. But the reviews seem needed to understand the current state and consistency of the whisky we have available to us right now. Thanks for the Xtras Ralfy!
Great story Ralfy! Thank you for sharing! So interesting to hear you!
"A bit of a ramble" is an interesting experience for us. Thanks for all the insights and I'm looking forward to that next book. It is explorations that fuels my whisky journey and there is so much to learn and experience. The tastes and smells are just the most obvious pleasure of exploring whisky.
“Barrels used for fish were dreadful when used later for whisky”...... absolute magic..... have those who gave a thumbs down actually listened to what this bloke is saying?
I feel the same about old books...the hands that held them. Perhaps it was one of their owner’s few since for much of history books were a luxury. Just love your sincere appreciation. ❤️. Have a wonderful week Dear Sir!
Ralfy, you are so right. I also love to sit in the courtyard of old Distilleries, watch the people and soak up the feeling.
Enjoying my first dram of Craigellachie while watching this extras episode and yes we do like the extras, perhaps more than a normal review, but the fact of the matter is they are all GOLD. I let the Craigellachie breath for a half hour after pouring about 3 oz. into an infinity bottle to allow it to open up, based on your previous reviews. I do like it, time for the 2nd. pour.
I was so mesmerized with the story that I had to go and pour a second dram of wee beastie tonight :) Yep, I'm also a whisky geek, some days I'll forget to drink while watching or reading the info about it.
Ralfy... you're a great whisky reviewer, and more...and i think you know even more than you say. Really good stuff.
Thanks, Ralfy, well done, five stars, absolutely.
If you want a distillery with an amazing feeling and ambience surely Springbank has to be number one. I've visited many, including Tobermory but the Springbank experience is something magical
I spent almost 4 hrs at Springbank on a tour and warehouse tasting. Fantastic day. Authentic down to the last brick, stave, smell and taste
Very interesting video. I'm liking the extras more except when I'm watching a review on a malt that I have and can enjoy along with the video, or if it's on one that I am particularly interested in or thinking of buying. Having said that, I have watched some random and new videos here and there too, and they are always good and also come with extra information and interesting thoughts that make it worth while.
Ralfy, I really enjoy your videos. Keep it going. You rock!
Ralfy, greetings from Brazil. Your videos are great. Thanks for all the knowledge and funny! Slainte!
I was thinking to myself... I'm clicking the extras more often than the reviews... haha, great minds and all that. Thanks Ralfy. Slainte
I started today my whiskey hobby by buying a a same kind of hat you have.
Loving the extras! Thanks Ralfy.
Love your perspective on whisky and life in general.
Ledaig is my absolute favorite malt. The mid to late 90s distilled series of sherry cask are delicious. The Manzanilla 21 is utterly delicious. An islay of similar quality would be unnafordable as a drinker.
Fascinating and interesting. Thank you👍
Glad to hear that you're working on another book Ralfy, I thoroughly enjoyed your first. I appreciated that you touched on the meaning of money in this video. This is not discussed enough I'm afraid.
Teaninich is a distillery I'd like to see you review and ramble about one day! 🙂🥳
Bunnets off for this weeks extras Ralfy. Fantastic insight as always. 👍🏻
Hi Ralf, I think a lot of us here value both the reviews and the extras equally. Unfortunately I do not have the budget that allows me to join you in every tasting. When I can join you, the reviews have always enhanced my tasting experience by providing a sense of familiarity with a spirit. Extras, on the other hand, are something I can listen to in my spare time, such as on a ride to work, and simply learn more about the field we all love. Both have provided quality information and have helped me gain experience in different ways! And I certainly plan on joining you in many more reviews in the future, specifically Dalmore Cigar Malt (just kidding...) I would not object to a ralfy podcast discussing all things whisky!!! Hope all is well, thanks again for all the awesome content!
I just ordered your book. I'm very much looking forward to its arrival. We appreciate your singular insights.
. . . thanks for buying my book !
You and Clive are wonderful to watch...you both have your own 'same but different' humour :) Love you both...and I don't drink alcohol!
Just picked up a bottle of the Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5yr over here in Ohio. Eagerly awaiting a review!
100% true with the tools, blast one side down with the dog and the other side pops up , bands are a bastard
Great episode Ralfy, one of my best "extras" so far🥃
Would adding a tiny bit of say tawny port or Sherry into a bottle and letting it settle be in any am way similar to a Sherry or port finish day for Tobermory?
. . . it only 1/2 works. Just not the same as cask connecting.
Hi!
I totally agree with you: this Tobermory 12 is one of my favourite Scotches at the moment, I'll grab another bottle soon because I quickly polished the first.
I also have the possibility of buying a Tullibardine 15 OB: does it have a similar taste profile? And is it as good (quality-wise)?
Thanks in advance to you and any other reader who answers this.
Cheers!
Was planning on visiting Scotland for the first time this summer but this pandemic changed things. Will try again next summer. 😒
The smell and the stoor are the heartbest of a distillery.
Hey Ralfy. I didn't really watch the review closely, because that whisky isn't currently available in Australia (that I could find). The Extra's are always applicable everywhere.
Hi Ralphy, loving the videos- saw Wee a Beastie (Ardbeg) for sale on Amazon at a brilliant price. Could you review it please? The only reason why I’m asking is that I had a dream that I saw you down the pub and I told you about it and you said “wow I must do that” 😂 All the best, from Lawrence in Manchester, Mancunian Maltmate.
Love the extras! Ramblings always center around money, is the old comedians' routine about Scot frugality (caution with money according to Craig Ferguson) fading too quickly?
The romantic aspect of the remote distillery that you mention probably played a part in why Scotch became predominant in the UK by the 20th century. It's not very exciting to say that a whisky comes from Essex, but a remote windblasted island has always been good branding when offering an experience in a bottle.
That's true but the English Whisky from Norfolk is excellent quality and well worth checking out.
@@DavidUKesb The Cotswolds one is promising too, hope it continues
insightful, informative and well-versed, with an almost poetic tinge. i could happily sit by a fire with dram in hand, listening to ralfy's stories. check out his books, malt mates. they carry their author's voice.
I love the reviews and the extra.....but I mainly come to see the progress on the camera clicker!!!
hello
thank you for another great video haveing enjoyed your channle for many years and always looking forward to your next upload. stay safe thanks Matt
Love your videos, Ralfy! Are there whiskies that DON'T improve with age? Are there any products that you've come across that are a true disappointment? or are just better off avoided? Maybe that the product is just overhyped or not as "dynamic" as advertised? It seems that most of the whiskies that you review are either wonderful or at least adequately represented. I don't mind - i like having a variety around, so i can try comparing & analyzing (and enjoying). Keep up the great job. Stay healthy!
. . . some whiskies just die in the bottle depending on provenance, storage and the seal.
Deffo buying the 2nd book too Ralfy.
Being really SLOW with the 1st book.
Every paragraph is a DRAM🥳
do you think you could cultivate this kind of atmosphere in a new distillery?
. . . yes, but it takes time.
I got yore book today=) and i red cap 1 and fantastick. Red it and had som glenfarclas 21. Amazing mix
. . . thanks for buying my book.
@@thewhiskybothy cant wait to dig deeper in it, and wait fore the nexst one
I think my favourites are Glenturret and Glengoyne
Thanks, Ralfy!
Only thing missing from one of these types of videos is a cigar, will you ever do more cigar reviews down the line Ralfy?
I don't even like whisky much (shock horror ) im here for Ralphy and his delivery, his madness and general relaxed mannerisms and entertainment . Theres a big fella called Clive thats a bit like this ;)
Whisky stored in fish barrels ... Fishky?
someone should tell Ardbeg about the importance of distillery only bottlings/distillery experience. Only distillery on Islay that doesnt seem to care about that.
As someone who loves Ardbeg and plan on taking a trip to Islay in the not too distant future I have to ask...they don’t have a good distillery experience?? This is a letdown.
@@seofutbol unlike the other islay distilleries they don't have a warehouse tasting. So there is no cask strength experience. Their tasting is just their core range so there isn't a special treat for those who make it out there. The best thing about the distillery though is they have the best restaurant. My advice would be to have a whole day devoted to Laphroaig, lagavulin, and ardbeg. Do the warehouse experience at laphroiag, then the warehouse experience at lagavulin, then go to ardbeg for lunch. Make sure to walk between the distillieries if you cana (that's part of the fun). Then you will get a much needed and delicious lunch at ardbeg and if you decide you want more whisky you can have some (but you will be so bombed from Laphroaig and lagavulin that I doubt you will)
@@seofutbol they also don't have distillery bottlings. So other than seeing the beautiful distillery they don't incentivize you to go there like the other distilleries do
Really good chat!
Very interesting!
Ralfy, If in a burst of creativity I came up with a malt mention, where would I send it?
Hey Ralfy. How about my malt mention of Malty Minions of the Magnificent Morrissey.
. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks !
Any thoughts or comments on Waterford Whisky Ralfy?
. . . good luck to them, they are doing something right.
That malt mention sounded like it hurt.
How do I submit a malt mention?
Just put it in your post and Ralfy will pick it up
Im wondering how they get the driver out after some months or years...seems like it would be "married" to the wood
Ralfy... *Drammasic Park* ;)
Oh cmon! "Malty Mysteriously memorable moonshiners" 🤣 but how about another? "Malty mysteriously memorable malt mates"
. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks.
How does one malty merriment maximizing maltficionado get a malt mention?
. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks !
Old distilleries you say? You Should visit the ruined Kennet Pans distillery in Clackmananshire.
When will you be reviewing something from a "new" distillery? E.g. Wolfburn.
When they put an age statement on probably. I would still think it is a bit young. Is it any good as I haven't risked it yet
so, here are the million dollar question.
What did the whisky taste like around 1800?
Was all whisky smokey/peaty?
. . . no, it varied a lot depending on provenance.
Over malted malt mate ralfy. Max malting makes madcap mentions...I should say.
Ralfy! Do Wild Turkey rare breed!
Ralphy. We're you can perchase. Whisky on small flash at the righ amount. What club you recommended. Affordable not roll Royce price
. . . try online shops.
@@thewhiskybothy that advice is crap , i been wasting my timefollowing you
you dont need to reply
It's so funny that the people now chasing Bimber or Waterford or the Lakes or alike, 3 years, 4 years something whiskies selling for few hundreds of pounds, the market is having a fever.
I like trains ....o.O
Why don’t you give us a discourse on the nature of money? Perhaps on the philosophy channel?
Horrible malt mention :p
Whats the story...
I said 1796
👍❤️🥃
lmao is ralphie woke to the jq?