whisky review 454 - The Great Whisky Taboo !
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- . . . it affects us all but never gets mentioned in the whisky-media, so time to talk about it !
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.
This is EXACTLY what turned me on to higher quality whisky in the first place my dear malt-mate! I used to be a half a bottle a day drinker... Jim Beam Devil's cut, sometimes more... johnny black too, but when I discovered heavily peated whisky, and other complex, deep, richly flavored whiskys, my desire to drink so much so quick diminished, and I became satisfied having a beer and a few drams on a drinking night, not drinking every night, and if I do have a stretch, a beer or three does the trick if it's not the night for whisky. This video meant a lot to me, because at my worst, after about 3/4ths of a bottle of black label in a night, which turned out badly, I quit for 5 months... and ever since, I've had a much deeeper appreciation for this art and hobby that we all love, and I've been far more cautious with that fine line between healthy fun and "self-medication". I'm forever wary now of my mental state before I partake, and if I'm not happy and positive, and I feel like I have stress, anxiety, or depression, I'll either skip the stuff entirely, or have a glass of wine, a good meal, and live to taste another day.
You're a true gent man, thank you for the videos, I've only been a subscriber for about 4 days now, but I must have listened/watched to 30 or 40 videos already, I'm a programmer by trade, and I let these play in the background at work, I learn a lot, and it always gives me ideas as to what my next "luxury" purchase might be.
Thanks, again... I just felt I couldn't refrain from posting on this one.
I read your comment like "a bit of good stuff will substitute lots of average stuff". But sorry, this is the wrong understanding of alcoholism. And if someone drinks half a bottle (350ml?) per day, I would say this is alcoholism. In my opinion alcoholism is not cured by drinking better stuff, it could get even worse if you buy more expensive whiskys. Someone who drinks half a bottle of whisky a day should think really hard about quitting to drink alcohol AT ALL, as it is not the taste that makes you drink half a bottle a day. You this much because you wanted the EFFECT of the alcohol, at least that's my guess.
You watched Ralfy since 4 days when you commented. I wonder how long it has been since you drank less by then. How is it now?
[Sorry, I thought it was important to say this, because many people saw and liked your comment.]
100 out of 100 and that's a Malt Mark.
I was a hardcore alcoholic for over a decade. I was lucky to be able to overcome it on my own. I didn't touch a single drop for four years because I became terrified of it. Somehow I came across Ralfy's reviews while surfing the web. His passion for whiskey was fascinating and infectious. For me, alcohol was only a means to an end; I was taught to plug your nose and pour it down your throat. Ralfy showed me that alcohol can be enjoyed for a different reason. I now enjoy just a dram of quality whiskey now and then, especially while watching Ralfy review it. So thank-you Ralfy, for helping me to better understand whiskey and how to enjoy it responsibly.
Ralfy,
I've enjoyed every one of a few hundred of your vlogs, so far. This vlog moves me to make a first posting. As a fellow malt lover and eldest son of a deceased alcoholic (whose drink of choice was whiskey) I want to thank you for a sincere, well said, and powerful presentation. I plan to show this vlog to our daughter, someday. Know that you always have a friend, in NYC. Cheers!
. . . happy to help with your malt-moment !
Ralfy, thank you for taking the time to seriously comment on the dangers of alcohol abuse and not merely pay lip-service to it. Coming from a well respected and experienced malt lover such as yourself carries a lot of weight. The right words by the right person at the right time can save a life.
The great taboo.... another release of Ardbeg. I fell off my chair laughing. Good one, Ralfy!
How true you are.about.Ardbeg!
Great vid thanks for all the thoughts hopefully people will take it to heart
Love Ralfy!
Good video! People do sometimes confuse the fact that alcohol, like smoking, is legalised with the idea that these things are harmless, and alcohol and tobacco companies often intentionally do very little to sort out this confusion. Much as whisky companies like to constantly portray and talk about the "good times" side of whisky, that's not the only side that there is, and I've yet to talk to anyone who ever planned to be an alcoholic or got a free detox program from their whiskymaker, or their pub, of choice. When everything's wonderful, everyone smiles with you, but when it goes wrong, it's all about individual responsibility and you're on your own - and many of those same people don't want to worry about you then because "you've got a problem and you're bad for business".
This is by far the best video on alcohol awareness I have ever seen. I agree with your ideas 100 %. Thank you for tackling such issue without being melodramatic or alarmist.
Thank you for this video ralfy. I'm sober over 2 years now and I am guilty of abusing alcohol for probably 10 years. My life really suffered because of my lack of control. I still enjoy learning about scotch from your videos, but I know deep down that I can never drink again. Thank you for discussing the taboo, it's important.
I like to come back to this video from time to time. Not just to remind me of the dangers of alcoholism, but to also remind me about the positive moments of enjoying a nice drink responsibly (as you stated nicely Ralfy).
My oldest uncle is recovering from advanced staged liver cancer. He drank a lot during his youth. Mostly beer but nonetheless. He went through radiation to shrink the tumor, enough for removal. Fortunately he quit and hasn't touched a drop in months. He has also become an important reminder as well for me.
One thing to add is that just because you pour a glass of beer/wine/whisky doesn't mean you have to finish it.
I remember a quote you once said, "Drink to enjoy, don't enjoy to drink".
Well done Ralfy. You prove once more that you're the best authority on whisky online. I find that when you feel you haven't had enough of your alcoholic beverage of choice, and you're ready to pour another, if you wait another half hour instead of pour, the alcohol catches up with you. A tip for binge drinkers. Cheers.
I love your shows and this was the best, as a lover of fine whisky I was falling into the trap of buying several single malts and trying them the same night, this video is great and makes us understand that though we indulge in one of humanities greatest creation (single malt) like the fire which separated us from the animals if left unchecked could burn down everything we built.
PS. Finally got a bottle of Highland Park 12yrs and it brought tears to my eyes that so much greatness can be contained in so little a drop.
Thanks Ralfy for this video. Your timing is amazing. I was just thinking about how much whisky I drink recently. I've started with a dram a week. Now it's about 12 drams a week. It's still not a lot but the increasing numbers got me thinking. I feel that there is so many great malts I have to try before they go away that there is no time to lose. It's time to reconsider a thing or two...
a bottle of whisky bought now will be drinkable in 100 years, so no hurry !
Thank you for addressing this fundamental problem for so many people. People who have problems with alcohol should simply not touch it. No shame in not drinking, only shame in continuing to drink when a person knows he/she has a problem.
Wow. Again, you are the best source for education about alcoholic beverages from ALL directions. Your honesty is refreshing in an internet full of shills. Thank you, and bless you for your good works.
Coming out of the madness that was 2020 and only really discovering your channel through Clive's recent experimentation, this video touched me. For me, the greatest danger is when we replace the experiences of life with the experience of drinking. Good alcohol of all kinds can help lift a good experience (I quite enjoy milk stout beers; and I'll never turn down a good mead). But when we use it as the experience itself is when we start to lose contact. Experience the whisky for what it is, take the nose, appreciate it. But the moment isn't just the alcohol, it's the whole experience; and losing sight of that is when we start stepping off the path.
Thank you.
I am not sure what brought this on, but I am glad it happened. Alcohol abuse can tear a community apart. And all too often we never want to talk about it. I have an uncle (now teetotal) who suffered with alcohol abuse, but fortunately was sensible enough to (with family support) seek the help he needed. Kudos to you for addressing this issue. I like to think we're all adult enough to be able to enjoy the odd glass of something nice without letting it get out of control. But as you correctly point out, it can sneak up on us. For this reason it is important that enjoying drink remains a social activity and not a solitary one. In groups we can look out for each other a bit more. This is why the death of traditional public houses and move to cheap supermarket driven "home drinking" en masse is a lot more dangerous than it first appears.
I totally agree with your views on Supermarket-fuel home drinking.
In a consumption driven culture, no one wants to promote moderation or personal responsibility because THAT might affect profits. I watched Ralfy's last blog on moderation and have used his "Shadow Bottle" concept. I didn't calibrate it, but I drew a line on the bottle about a third of the way up. If I reached a 1/3 of a bottle in a week, I knew I was overdoing it.
@shelltune I completely agree that drinking alone can lead to over consumption. On the other hand, who wants to go out and spend money on cheaper whiskey or beer at a bar, when you have the good stuff at home.
Bars, with their outrageous markups on booze, contribute as well. I enjoy martini cocktails, however cannot abide paying $7 USD and up, then tip, at a pub. I can buy a whole bottle of good gin for under $20 and enjoy a perfectly made martini at home.
It’s fantastic that you decided to address this topic head-on.
It really takes your channel to another, professional level and not mere infotainment.
The problem with good quality alcoholic drinks, and especially high content drinks like whisky, is that consumption can grow insidiously until one realises that one is drinking to excess, regularly.
Alcohol is like fire: a good servant, but a destructive master.
We all need to treat it with wary respect.
Ralfy, I just started my whiskey journey about six months ago. I have watched a couple of your video's in the past but found this one today and I believe we all need to take heed of what you are saying in this video. Thank you so much for taking a stand and not worrying about what the whiskey community thinks of what you say. I just hit the subscribe button and look forward to all your new content as well as the older stuff. Thanks again for watching out for ALL of us.
Always good to see someone who is as well respected as you Ralfy talk about a subject that many people tip toe around.
Ralfy,
I'm a licensed professional counselor who's worked with chemical dependency and mental health issues for several years, and many in the field couldn't have said it near as eloquently. Wonderful that you address such an important issue, that many others in your situation would avoid. Funny, I had two drams tonight (3/4 oz), and would have loved a few more given the perfect late spring weather tonight. However, I knocked off at two, because as you said it's just too easy for it to sneak up on you especially when your drinking some of the finest whisky in the world. Cheers Ralfy!
Excellent job, my friend. I used to be a prettyadvanced home-brewer, cultured my own yeast, had two refrigerators, one for serving and one for lagering, yada yada yada. One night I had a party and a friend came over and got quite tossed on my latest creation. I was worried until I saw him on Monday... I showed bad judgement in letting him drive home because I was a bit wobbly myself. All worked out OK but I served no more of my home-brew at parties. Point being that as a reviewer you could be seen as facilitating or at least condoning alcohol consumption, so I highly respect you taking the time and pointing out the dangers. That said, I look forward to the next whisky review. We always enjoy and respect your opinions, Ralfy, this one included... Thanks!
I’m here in Lockdown. Long time watcher....I’m stuck in Nepal in in lockdown....been drinking with hindsight way too much. This is your best video mate. 👍
Thank you for tackling such an important issue with your audience. As a medical doctor who has recently come to enjoy my quality malt moments I have often wondered about health issues relating to alcohol. This is still very much a topic which is avoided by many. How one approaches alcohol is really the fundamental question to be sincerely asked as well as taking note of one's daily consumption. Binge drinking is just as (if not even more) harmful to one's health than prolonged heavy drinking. Take care and thanks for your commendable review!
Bravo, Ralfy! What an excellent reminder for us all. Thanks for being one of the most transparent and level-headed whisky voices on the net!
Very good Ralfy, i respect you even more after watching this video. Thank you for your great work reviewing good whiskies. Cheers from Brazil!
Thanks for taking the time to say it Ralfy mate. 100% agree with all that you brought up. Someone needed to say it and you did it well without patronising anyone. Bonnets off to you.
Well said Ralfy! Creep up is exactly what it will do -- unless we are truly vigilant. I just took a three month time-out. And while I'm not the whisky media, I too have been talking about the issue, most recently in my review of Glenmorangie Extremely Rare.
Ralfy, I enjoy your reviews but this one is the BEST. I have always appreciated fine spirits; however I have kept a healthy fear of developing substance dependence in me and I almost never have more than two drinks a day. Thank you for speaking from the heart and giving a wonderful public announcement!
This was an amazing video, so well thought through! Thank you, Ralfy!
Thanks, ralfy. Excellent message on a very serious and often overlooked subject.
Great video Ralfy. A very important issue honestly addressed.
I have personally found that drinking good quality spirits has given me much more respect for not only the processes behind making these beautiful creations but also for the amount of alcohol I consume. I now have much more enjoyable nights drinking 3 or 4 drams with friends over good conversation than I used to guzzling beer and low quality spirits & mixers like they were going out of fashion (I'm also over 30 now so the hangovers are enough of a turn-off in themselves)! This also means I spend less on alcohol overall, even though a good quality single malt costs at least twice the price of a standard bottle of blended whisky in the UK. I would emphasis the point that days off are important too, two or three a week are recommended.
I know this may be obvious to some people but as Ralfy says, it can easily creep up on you if you're not careful. Keep up the good work as always.
Ralfy. I've watched 40 or 50 of your videos, and thoroughly thoroughly enjoy them. You are not only very knowledgeable about, and love whisky, but this video shows you also have a great respect for it, and care about your viewers. Well done mate!
Thank you for not being afraid of raising this topic!
Thanx for This, I have always wanted get into malts but b/c I come from a family with alcoholic history I have been Dry. However; I am encouraged by your videos and especially this Ralfy PSA to not fear Malts but to Respect them. Thank You for caring enough for the Whiskey Community to address a serious subject.
My father abused alcohol. I saw it first hand. I am a 51 year old man and I am not ashamed to say it made me cry. Knowing that there is that in my family, I am keenly aware of the dangers of alcohol abuse. I have seen it in my duties as a firefighter. I sincerely thank you for talking about this.
Ralfy, I've been on youtube for years, and I've watched many videos, but I've never "liked" one before... until today. I'm just getting into whisky, and my friend recommended your channel to me. I want to say thank you for the video! Not enough people are saying this. I enjoy the reviews! Keep it up, and cheers!
Just a terrific commentary and perspective on this subject Ralfy. I agree with you 1000%. Cheers to you for having the balls to talk frankly about this considering your passion - whisky.
This is brilliant...honest...& vital. This vlog should be 'required viewing' for every malster, at least once.
Well spoke, Ralfy. A serious matter discussed with insight and compassion. Keep up the good work!
My first visit to your channel. It won't be the last. Good advice. Great presentation.
Have watched hundreds of your reviews and enjoyed every one immensely, I cannot believe I missed this one! Fantastic episode... you are the man; the real connoisseur
A very good and informative video. All I'd like to add, if it hasn't been added by someone already, is that I've observed (and I'm sure many with me) that eccentric alcohol consumtion often sneaks up on people after holidays. When on holiday it's not unusual to have a few extra glasses of beer, wine or whisky, and that's normally absolutely fine. What are holidays for if not enjoyment and spoling yourself a little bit extra? It is however important to take note of our holiday behavior so we do not carry on the holiday drinking habit into our daily lives once we return from our days off. Drink sensibly and enjoy the whisky slowly - if nothing else you'll be able to afford even better spirits with a low/moderate consumption. :)
Thank you Ralphy. Such a big amount of knowledge in one video. Glad there are some people like you, not following what medias and cultural bias are telling them but instead go on seeking the truth. You are pride to the humankind on many aspects.
Wow, so I only just found your channel a week ago and I have to say, very pleased to see this video. You're also the first reviewer of alcohol that has ever told me to be responsible. My father brews beer so I've been around alcohol my entire life, and my father long before I ever started drinking made me understand the need to be responsible and reasonable. A very valuable lesson. So thanks Ralfy for taking the time to say what so many neglect.
Great and true message, I only drink for flavor and do not like a "buzz". Thanks for another great piece of advice. Al
This is an extremely well-paced and thoughtful reflection, Ralfy. I am certainly not alone in expressing my great thanks for your consideration of this topic, and its importance for all who choose to drink. I am very grateful for the advice and perspective.
This video is exactly why Ralfystuff is my favorite channel on youtube, and why I follow it so religiously. Thanks Ralfy!!
Thank you for your thoughts on this matter, Ralfy. I've promised myself no more than a bottle a month, and it seems like a good way to track drinking for me. Yours is a great contribution to the art of whiskey!
Great Whiskey review. Bravo for highlighting a serious subject others conveniently ignore.
Great advise, ralfy you're a great human being. My uncle died because of alcohol abuse, more than one bottle a day as you say. Great review maybe the best. He never listened anybody, i think education in that sense is the key to the problem.
Nice to hear someone spelling it out so clearly and with those practical specifics with the bottle. Very helpful and nicely said.
Here, here Ralfy! Thoughtful and well said. I've recently discovered Scotch, and like all new interests I find myself mildly obsessed with knowing as much as possible about the subject. In this case, tasting different whiskies and developing a palette capable of nosing and tasting the myriad notes within each whisky. But it's been two months since I began my Scotch journey and this video served me well today. I haven't lost control and don't plan too. But hearing your thoughts helps me to know that this hobby/interest can be enjoyed responsibly. Sláinte!
I have much respect for you Ralfy, good talk.
My father had alcohol problems, a great man but always had that demon. It has made me always aware of what and how much I am drinking. I have learnt in my life that I am someone who can drink A LOT in one sitting and not feel intoxicated and as you mentioned, that can be a problem. I do not drink every night, I only drink on Fridays and Saturdays normally. Your advice here has really made me more aware of drinking responsibly and affirmed what I already do to limit my drinking. I enjoy a nice whisky on a Friday after work or a JD and Cola ... but I know not to go over board.
Well done, Ralfy. Watched hundreds of your videos - this is the first I've left a comment; not because I didn't want to comment on the others, but because this is the first that I definitely wanted to let you know I genuinely appreciated a lot.
Beautiful video and very well needed and put. Thank you for your service to humanity, and thank you for showing the line between appreciation and addiction.
Well thought out and said! You, sir, are a man of class and taste! I practice everything you have mentioned... Always have, and always will! Thank you for doing this episode!
Thanks again Ralfy, what an excellent and responsible video tackling a tough topic, in a measured and appropriate way. At the end of the day, we all win (including whisky!).
Perhaps a suggest to all of us could be to setup a simple drinking rule of thumb, much like you mentioned in your video.
1. One night on, one night off
2. Set yourself a limit on the number of malt moments you'll have in an evening.
This video is so well done. Thanks for the advice. I watch this one over again every now and then just to remind myself to keep it quality.
Excellent and important message sir. Having come from a home with an alcoholic father and now some siblings, I know the horrors of alcohol abuse first hand.
Thank you Ralfy for such informative and important reminder. May we all drink because we are happy not because we are sad.
I should've said this years ago, but thank you for this video Ralfy.
Ralfy is all class. Great man. Love your videos and this one is particularly poignant. Cheers from Boston.
Great job traversing this subject. It is nice reminder to keep an eye on ourselves.
Powerful stuff sir. Thank you! I also love Soda water with Lemon slice in it ... holy smokes that is good :) especially in the summer. Don't let anyone give you crap, man. Your vlogs, your content. Thank you.
Wonderful and timely reminder. Many thanks my friend.
I've been following your reviews for a while but I'm glad you've addressed this. Bravo to you. So many other reviewers would simply ignore this as a serious issue. Can't wait for some more Australian whisky reviews!!
Really sound advice Ralfy. This episode should be life mandatory viewing for anyone thinking about drinking alcohol. Thanks for posting this :-)
Fantastic vlog Ralfy!
This is something I'm trying to convey to the people close to me.
Personally I drink because I like the taste of what I Drink. But I'm afraid to say that the current environment in today's pubs (not just drinking at home) is that if you don't drink a lot then your not doing your part to support local pubs (I've seen it here in the Yorkshire a few time).
I think there is an underlying problem facing this country with alcohol abuse that has not been addressed and is really starting to cause problems. I just turned 30 and have been amazed at the amount of my peers who will happily spend upwards of £80 on a Friday just on drink for themselves. Where as I usually spend £20 on both myself and my Girlfriend for the whole night.
Thank you Ralfy. Very honest as usual and helpful too.
Ralfy, excellent video about an important subject. Very well done Sir.
This is why you're the best Ralphy!!
Good on ya friend from
Birmingham Alabama USA
Great words of wisdom there Ralfy, thanks for taking the time to care about your viewers.
after browsing through the comments i must say i disagree strongly ,that you should "never drink alone".drinking with company leads to much higher consumption than drinking alone. to clarify:i mean as a whisky drinker/fan/anorak.if i drink at home (in the company of my GF) to explore a whisky i know how much i want to drink on that evening and i know how many drams i will have(mostly 1 dram, 3 or 4 times a week).if you are in a Bar with friends all in good mood you will drink unconsciously.you will concentrate on the conversations and the fun and drink without noticing it.and THAT is the most likely road to addiction.when you drink alcohol like its nothing to think about.
after all how many times have you heard your friends say" ah comeon dont go yet.lets have another pint".and how many times have you given in to the herd?
Unfortunately, other people are also very good in pushing you to drink. When in company at a bar, people will order beer for you without asking. Skipping a round is frowned upon. Once, I'd had two (strong) beers at an office party. The party moved to a bar, and I thought "well I'd better pace myself" and ordered a coke. Immediately someone asked "DON'T YOU DRINK?!" like it was some cardinal sin to order something non-alcoholic and I had to defend myself for it :/
@@piderman871 i once had a person who was so damn alcoholic call my trauma with my alcoholic uncle a phobia.
He deadass had to justify and call disliking alcoholisms affect on people a phobia (an irrational fear) cus he was so far up his own ass in denial. As if drunk people havent hurt people around them before...
Ngl it hurt so fucking much and it still does, after that i feel less safe with anyone irl who says they like alcohol.
Its thanks to people like ralfy that im able to feel less scared, not thanks to people like him
Thanks for discussing what needs to be addressed about our hobby. Keep it quality, Malt Mates!
Thank you Ralfy. Your advice here confirms my own practice. Thanks for the support.
This is why i subscribed you.
I don't get to see many of your vids, 'cause they tempt me to get whisky more often, and that is simply not possible.
But you have something else to show beyond the spirits. You know honour and self-control, wich is a lot more valuable.
I have a 12 Year Old Chivas Reagal waiting for me in my bedroom, and i have no rush to open it, 'cause the time to do so will come.
Thanks for remindind us all how important moderation is.
Well done Ralfy. Always swimming against the current, well done sir.
What a great video Ralfy! Thanks for addressing this matter. Enjoy all your reviews and this one, was just a very important one.
It’s certainly very important and I love the fact that the major liquor-related channels on RUclips are talking about alcohol awareness. The information that people such as Ralfy, The Whisky Vault etc have brought up truly have (in a positive way) influenced the alcohol consumption on many on their viewers including me.
a very good speech about a big problem in our society,the whisky distillers avoid to speak about that because this can maybe affect the sales in a bad manner.
I like very much to listen the wonderful scottish dialect.
I watch your reviews for knowledge on specific Scotches, and appreciate your other comments for sure. I even went to research Bonniville! I came over tonight from the Whiskey Vault, who tagged you for this episode. Thanks for airing this program!
Me too! I also enjoyed the video with some great suggestions for self-moderating or possibly helping a mate out who is in a tailspin with alcohol. Great as usual Ralphy!
Really great ralfy .I'm someone who has a wee dram for the good things in life .one or two. As I know how you can go down the slippery slope. I'm lucky I have good will power. But learnt a lot from your vlog. And gonna be more proactive and keep a diary .thanks so much
Hello my malty malingering spirit guide. Some very sound advice, especially for the younger crowd just starting out. I have watched and learned much from your vlogs, and this one is well worth watching.
Good of you to address this issue. Many of the whisky vlogers I have watched on youtube seem to inadvertently endorse over consumption.
. . . just doing it my way !
Wise words, and very brave statement. You're the man Ralfy! Greatings from the city of Ghent, Flanders, Belgium.
Ralfy I have been watching your videos since 2013, and it's been a great educational and entertaining journey! I have learned almost everything about whisky from your intriguing, eccentric and honest whisky reviews. I just want to thank you for doing what you are doing, and wish you an early happy quality-malty new year :)
. . . happy to help with the malt-moments !
Nicely done! Thanks for the honest conversation.
Well said Ralfy! This is why I come to Ralfy.com for whisky advice. You give it to us honestly and straight from the heart. I'm currently on an alcohol sabbatical. I have chronic back pain, and will have a glass of wine with lunch, and a small whisky or two before bed. This works better than the prescription drugs my doctor has prescribed for me, and with less harmful side effects. That said, I'm on a ten day break from alcohol. All the best to you! Sincerely, Ossie
Very knowledgeable and thoughtful, thanks!
Excellent post. Self awareness of our indulgences can be hard.
Great video! Every whisky fan should watch this!!!
Great vid, Ralfy! All very true and something really important for us whisky drinkers to considerate.
Ralfy - Thank you for posting this very good advice. Glad to have run into it. Being very cognizant of the facts of what we should be be minding while having a drink is a might helpful. Thanks for your insight.
Thank you, Ralfy, for posting this. I really appreciate that you use your platform and your reputation to spread this really important message to the community online here :)
Good viewpoints and advise. Can't argue with that. A++