Hi Ralfy. In lieu of answering many malt comments you must get a real chuckle from a lot of them,we certainly do! This site maltmate, comments notwithstanding, lends itself to many educational moments and as a result, an eye-opening realization that one can never "graduate" from the University of Ralfy!! Peace
However - there is a half way that is different to but obviously related - Chivas Regal "Extra". More depth than the 12 year old. Longer finish. Cheaper than the 18 year old.
I bought a case of 20 cl Chivas 18 a few years ago for $20 each. I love this little blend. I take them with me on excursions to friend's homes so when they ask me if I'd like a cocktail no one has to be disappointed when all they have in the liquor cabinet is Cutty Sark, JW Red, or some other similar petroleum based product.
Very intelligent application of the "time stamp" Ralfy, when reviewing any particular bottling [w/mo./year] Some brands from batch to batch can really just 'take off' on us! Peace
I actually quite enjoy the 18 year old. It's a completely different thing from the 12. I don't taste char. It has a lot of different flavours going on. I pick up on the taste of vanilla, honey, some nuts, orange, perhaps a slight bit of bitter dark chocolate, nuts, cinnamon and a touch of pepper. I find the finish is medium for me. Not especially long or short. I have been collecting single malts and blends for the past couple years here in Canada. And this particular bottle is one I love coming back to. My go to single malt for flavour, value and availability is 15 year old Glenfiddich solera. It's so rewarding.
Yo Ralfy, been doin this for yrs now, but ITs simply and utterly amazing @how the addition of one malt to another(or two) can not only alter but sometime define a new animal. The interaction doesn't just "bump up" the lesser malt but more often than not create a dram that is superior to either contributor where the final blend is WAY more than the sum of the malted parts. I guess that is where the Blenders(today's Alchemical masters)make there money w/new landmark Blends! God bless'm all! Peace.
I'm really surprised with 34plusthousand views that no one has commented! I'll bet they didn't watch the second half. A really interesting idea you have about enhancing the flavor of the blend with one of its components. I think this is a gem of a VLOG on blended whiskys.
Interesting experiment at the end of the vlog. I'm going to try it with Four Roses small batch and Western Gold...they seem to have the identical sour final
You mentioned tasting world whiskeys, have you ever tasted Belgian Owl? It's the only Belgian single malt whiskey that I know of. I want to buy it because I want to support Belgian brewers (lord knows I've supported the beer brewers a metric ton), but I've read some mixed reviews and dropping 40 euros on a single malt is quite a major decision for a student. Also it's not chill-filtered and not coloured with caramel. Would love to drink a pint of trappist with you btw.
I recently purchased a Cadenheads Strathisla 19 year old which really impressed me. Since Strathisla is the main malt of the Chivas blend, I can see where the sweetness comes from. That Strathisla was quite a vanilla bomb.
Its a new world...a new awakening maltmates! Ther're too many malts, blends or otherwise out there with a sincere honest quality that need our attention maltsters!! Let us continue patronazation of these more craft/artisan offering rathr than tired,ol "has-been" ice pleading "branded blends"from yestrtyear! cheers Ralfy.
Hey Ralfy, love your reviews! This may be complete sacrilege but do you ever like to pair a great Scotch with a beer or any other drink? I feel like some liquors benefit from this pairing. Love to hear your thoughts sir.
Ralfy, would you consider adding a few drops of Lagavulin - 16yo or D.E. - to a glass of Johnnie Walker Green Label, as opposed to Talisker which is a component? I will try myself, but wondered your opinion. x
Hi Ralfy. Sorry if you have answered this before. Are the single malt scotch whiskies that are in a blended scotch often the same as those on the single malt market? For example, if a blended scotch contains Glenlivet, is it likely to contain the very popular/well known Glenlivet 12 year, or do the single malt distilleries produce unique malts specifically for the blender? Thanks!
Ralffy, any particular recommendations for a decent Malt to go with a Burns supper? Haven't lived in Glasgow for a couple of years, and I can't remember what I used to put with it! Many thanks - your videos are always one of the highlights of my week.
Ralfy, I know different woods in casks gives different characters to the whisky. But what gives the whisky its texture? Some are very thick and oily and other is completely the opposite.
Love your reviews. Helped me out a lot. I have this scotch at home and tasted it during the video. Very good help! I know this probably a question you get all the time, however, what would be your best scotch? I love Balvenie, and Highland Park myself.
I typically prefer Single malt, but one of my favorite blended whiskeys is Pendleton, which is a Canadian. I would be really interested in seeing your opinion of some of the Canadians out there.
I picked up a bottle of Chivas 12 that was bottled in the 1950s. It is mind blowing how much better it was than the bland 12 year old they're putting out now. There is absolutely no comparison.
I've found that original White Horse is still very good quality. My favorites were Teacher's and Black Bottle. I now only buy White Horse or Black and White for blends...Vat 69 is unavailable where I am. Thoughts on White Horse, Ralfy?
What you say about caramel is very interesting. Can it in fact be tasted? I swear I can taste it very much in the Whyte & Mackay Special and to a lesser extent in the Teacher's Highland Cream.
Malt noob here with a few months of tasting a good variety of blends, no need to waist much money at my skill level. Although last night I splurged and purchsed a small bottle (375ml) of Macallan 12 and very much enjoyed that. So I have a few drams left and was wondering how I would go about finding the list of single malts that are in a particular blend, say a Chivas 12? I’d like to try the method of single malt mingling you discussed here. Thx!
ralfydotcom - Thx, actually found some good info at thewhiskypedia.com, specifically regarding Chivas 12 on their site: thewhiskypedia.com/chivas-scotch/chivas-regal-12-year-scotch . E.g., the primary single malt in Chivas 12 would be “classic Speyside single malt whiskey, Strathisla.”
Could you review Buchanan's 18 year old and compare it to this Chivas and Johnnie Walker Gold label since those are the most available in my small town of 18 year old blends.
I'm in a musical, and one of the scenes involves a group of us guys taking a shot, and we decided we wanted a shot of Scotch. Anything we should try and get?
love you reviews ralfy. i am looking at spending this kind of money on a bottle. i am torn between JW green label and chivas 18. which would you reccommend?
Hello Ralfy. I've been doing some web sailing™ of late and there are a couple distillerys thru out the land that laud their use of (2nd & 3rd) refill casks just to get certain obscure notes that otherwise would be absent, so there may be method in this madness of that charr that different brands are famous for...y'know?! Peace
Hello, Ralfy! Yesterday I saw a new whisky for Russia - Tullamore Dew 10 y.o. Single Malt. Matured in old bourbon, Dry Sherry, Madeira and Port casks. It's something really unusual
hello Ralfy can you try maybe black bull 30yo ? After watching your review black bull 40yo i bought 12yo version and i really enjoy it ! Now I wan't to try older version but I'm not sure.
I have tried the 18 now, and it is a beautiful whisky. In short my review might say "the Gold is gold" (Chivas calls their 18 the "Gold" label)... Very smooth, not unduly complex, with fine, rounded, and rather classic, Blended scotch flavors. 90/91 pts., and so perhaps slightly bettering Pinch. [I however have *not* tasted them head to head, and would need to, in order to so conclude.] Btw.. yas paj: I think my former rating of the Royal Salute *too low*, 92 pts. is more precise.
Ralfy, I taste a lot of alcohol in this whisky, I really have difficulties to appreciate this Chivas 18.. do you think it would be a bad idea to put it back on a mini Oak Barrel to try improving it (or at least give it some more body)? I don't know, I like much more The Balvenie 12 DoubleWood than this one (not cvoparing if they are alike), which is really cheaper comparing to Chivas 18. Or what about mixing it with another one? I made a sample with 1/5 Laphroaig 10 and 4/5 of Chivas 18, and for my taste, Chivas just dissapeared! Would love to listen to what you have to say :D Cheers!!
If you are going for a good single malt to try. Are there any that are affordable but still decent/good? In similar price range as Black label or similar blended whiskeys? Or are they always alot more expensive to get a good one?
The CR 18 YO release was opposed vehemently by Edgar Bronfman of Seagram's. He said: "We've spent half a century telling the world that our 12 YO cannot be matched, yet WE get into the market with another same-family brand and tell those very same people that this 18 YO is better!" The original 25 YO was 70/30 malt/grain, but this one is 40/60. The 12 YO is 35/65.
Excellent! A new review. Love your work Ralfy! Your videos are much appreciated. Have you ever considered reviewing Glen Moray 8yr old? I got this young speyside whisky for my birthday and did not expect much of it. But I must say it's a pleasant surprise. Quite complex and a nice long finish. I would be very interested in your professional opinion! Cheers!
As much as i try to convince myself, i do not think i have acquired the taste for single malt yet. So, cheers to the quality blends for providing accessible entry in the world of whiskey appreciation.
Hi Ralfy. I know it's not going to happen but.... How good would it be if Chivas produced the 18 year old @46%abv non chill filtered without colouring... I suspect it could be quite superb!
heloo ralfy i am basil from Iraq and i need ur help see i have tasted some whiskys like ( knob , brooker's , old parr , Chivas regal 12,18 ,red black blue labels , jim beam ,grants ,and bj ) and i want to tast golden , green , double black teacher and ballantines witch r u recommend first the thing here is golden and green are really expensive here so i cant just buy it at the same time iam still a college student the blue label is around 350 US $ and u guess the other thank u for ur videos
The Chivas 18 had lost that 'baby fat', and was now moving into the great whisky range (right?), the 21 RS had added complexity, great smoothness, and really is immensely enjoyable. Similar in quality, though not taste, to the JW Blue label (which, at 92 pts is very fine, but overpriced). The Chivas 25 may be a superb to outstanding Scotch, meaning 95 - 100 pts. I just hope they don't flush anymore of that out (!!) I haven't tried it. (I hope they come out with some small tasting bottles!)
I duno eithr, the xact ratios of thoz many dif malts but they com frm n inspired place. Seems theyr very lite-handed w/Glenlivet it tastes. Prolly mor Strath tho...nys combo. Yup the 12er has even takn ovr as my go2 blend these days. A nys lil chanj of pace from good ol JWB Enjoy the day Ralfy.
Hi Ralfy! Anychance of a specialty vlog that addresses specific/recurrent questions from us maltmates?? eg. Blending facts, Branding facts, Indi Bottling differences, Cask intetaction/maturation diffrences... list can just go on &on my good friend...understandable if there's maybe jus 2many of us maltmates & not enuf Ralfy!! Cheers g'bud.
I agree with you. I believe Ralfy might like single malts better, but then this does not explain his rating of an 84 ... for a blend (!) That is mistaken scoring; it is excellent, and rather classic, blended scotch, make no doubt about it. I'm looking forward to attempting to purchase the 25, as long as it is not too expensive. If you see the 21 Royal Salute, esp. in miniature, it is worth a try. And don't forget the Dimple Pinch.
Btw. I might add here that the Chivas 18 "Gold" has lost some of the 'baby fat' that characterizes the 12 yr., and which detracts from the whisky. For the 12, I think 88 pts. is an acceptable rating, with the "Gold" 18 yr. at 90 pts., and the Royal Salute 21 at 92 pts. - and about equal (in terms of quality) with Johnny Walker *Blue* label. (...) Johnny Walker "Gold Label" I give 90 pts., and is nearly identical to Pinch 15 yr. in terms of quality *and* flavors. JGL
You know, though... One of the key points of any whisky is drinkability and smoothness, and Chivas Gold really has that. And this comes in degrees, too ... and Gold is very good, indeed excellent, on both points. I agree with Ralfy on the Char point, though, and this limits the rating (for me) to a 90. JGL
stop whining ur wages are high as fuck and the rest of the world still has the some cost for w/e goods with not ur high wages... so why are you crying? be happy be grateful ... :)
Hi Ralfy mate Jus as our man Mr Dylan sed "Times they are a- changin"! No longer can a Co. hide behind the super brand!! In this stagnant economy too many of us maltsters are increasingly discriminating when it comes to quality:brand ratio. No longer does "brand loyalty" rule!..more the native taste and quality that accompany the malt that really matters...no longer settling for "less than" craft presentations...no longer interested in E150a... no longer settlling for just our moneys worth!!
Yes I'm having the same error for the last 2 days. Haven't been able to play the video yet. Both iPad and iPhone with official YT app. Plays fine on my Mac with safari so watched it during work ;) Shouldn't be doing that because I always fancy a dram after watching a review ;)
What Ralfy says about the casks, @ 4:50, I believe I can confirm... and this does diminish the scoring for the Chivas 18. I was hoping to give out a better rating than a 90, but this 'cask char' character Ralfy speaks of is slightly cloying, and therefore annoying. And I was disappointed in this. However, there is so much class here, that it merits an excellent score.
yes,i might have exaggerated when i sead 95,but 90 is not misplaced for this great scotch.i really think 84 does not do justice.but evrybody has the right to there opinion.
Pinch is oddly rather a forgotten Scotch now - and they are still very reasonable in price - 35$ (!) The JW "Gold" (a comparable scotch)... I believe is about double that, or more. The Johnny Walker line is over-rated, over-publicized; however, their top Scotch are very excellent. What I would look forward to is testing the Chivas 25 yr. (cont.)
So to conclude, everyone: Chivas 12 yr: 88 pts Chivas 18 yr. 90 pts, A classic blended scotch; similar to Pinch, and JW "Gold" Chivas 21 yr. R.S. 92 pts. Very enjoyable, complex, blended scotch, with different levels of flavor. To be enjoyed neat. J.W. Gold: 90 pts. An excellent effort from the Johnny Walker line. Neat. J. W. Blue 92 pts. Another classic blended scotch, with added complexity as compared with the JW Gold label. A beautiful whisky (!), and should be enjoyed neat.
#John G. Lewis : My own take would be Chivas 12 yr AND 18yr 86 pts. Chivas 21 AND 25 yr 88 pts. Reason? The 12 & 18 yr olds are very different from each other but different doesn't necessarily mean "better". Same for the 21 & 25 yr olds.Very good. Different from each other. "Better" than the 12 & 18 yr olds but not significantly so....... In my opinion :)
No comparison! Tomatin 18 is magic, with complexity and flavors that abound whereas Chivas 18 is just a smooth honey flavor profile with a little lemon zest.
From my limited experience of blends, I'd suggest it's not going to be a good idea. As malt whisky gets into its twenties, the flavour becomes increasingly delicate and complex - that doesn't strike me as particularly fertile material for blending - you are going to lose a lot out of the single malts and end up with something very palatable (there should be no harshness at that age) but rather indistinct. However, I've not tried it so who knows might be brilliant.
Hi there Ralfy, Have you ever had the pleasure of drinking the Dutch single malt 'Frysk Hynder' ? If you'd like to I'll sent you over a bottle =) Proost, from the Netherlands ^^
I have a question. Why if this is 18 years old do they not show a release date on the whisky? Seems stupid to me, if I buy a wine and it was made in 2009 it shows that on the label, but this whisky for example shows nothing !!! So, put this in perspective, if I have this sitting in my cellar for 5 years is it not 23 years old ?? How can I prove this ?? seems pretty stupid to me
Yes, yas paj, I agree, the Chivas Regal 18 "Gold" is a better Scotch than the 84 rating Ralfy gave it. Really much better. Yet I would not place it in the outstanding category (95 to 100 pts.), as you might. (...) And I do think the Royal Salute is better (at 92 pts.) as compared to the Gold 18 yr. Chivas. It is just more sophisticated, and more refined... though somewhat less "classic" as a Scotch blend, and this is why Ralfy may be favoring the Chivas Gold 18 over it. JGL
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi Ralfy. In lieu of answering many malt comments you must get a real chuckle from a lot of them,we certainly do!
This site maltmate, comments notwithstanding, lends itself to many educational moments and as a result, an eye-opening realization that one can never "graduate" from the University of Ralfy!!
Peace
this gets a 90 for me much better than the 12 year old infact a totally different beast
Yeah, once you drink the 18 there's no going back to the 12.
However - there is a half way that is different to but obviously related - Chivas Regal "Extra". More depth than the 12 year old. Longer finish. Cheaper than the 18 year old.
So agree with you. Love the 18.
I bought a case of 20 cl Chivas 18 a few years ago for $20 each. I love this little blend. I take them with me on excursions to friend's homes so when they ask me if I'd like a cocktail no one has to be disappointed when all they have in the liquor cabinet is Cutty Sark, JW Red, or some other similar petroleum based product.
Very intelligent application of the "time stamp" Ralfy, when reviewing any particular bottling [w/mo./year]
Some brands from batch to batch can really just 'take off' on us!
Peace
I actually quite enjoy the 18 year old. It's a completely different thing from the 12. I don't taste char. It has a lot of different flavours going on. I pick up on the taste of vanilla, honey, some nuts, orange, perhaps a slight bit of bitter dark chocolate, nuts, cinnamon and a touch of pepper. I find the finish is medium for me. Not especially long or short. I have been collecting single malts and blends for the past couple years here in Canada. And this particular bottle is one I love coming back to. My go to single malt for flavour, value and availability is 15 year old Glenfiddich solera. It's so rewarding.
Yo Ralfy, been doin this for yrs now, but ITs simply and utterly amazing @how the addition of one malt to another(or two) can not only alter but sometime define a new animal. The interaction doesn't just "bump up" the lesser malt but more often than not create a dram that is superior to either contributor where the final blend is WAY more than the sum of the malted parts.
I guess that is where the Blenders(today's Alchemical masters)make there money w/new landmark Blends! God bless'm all!
Peace.
I'm really surprised with 34plusthousand views that no one has commented! I'll bet they didn't watch the second half. A really interesting idea you have about enhancing the flavor of the blend with one of its components. I think this is a gem of a VLOG on blended whiskys.
Ralfy thanks for your reviews. Always enjoy. you are right on Point. Big Al in the Bahamas.
i love chivas regal i enjoy this wiskey .....
very smooth - reminds me a bit of Highland Park 18
always a treat to watch the vlogs ! Cheers Ralfy !
Interesting experiment at the end of the vlog. I'm going to try it with Four Roses small batch and Western Gold...they seem to have the identical sour final
As a young man I always thought chivas was a Spanish liquor because the sound of the name. All I knew was people mixed it with Sprite at the bars.
You mentioned tasting world whiskeys, have you ever tasted Belgian Owl? It's the only Belgian single malt whiskey that I know of.
I want to buy it because I want to support Belgian brewers (lord knows I've supported the beer brewers a metric ton), but I've read some mixed reviews and dropping 40 euros on a single malt is quite a major decision for a student. Also it's not chill-filtered and not coloured with caramel. Would love to drink a pint of trappist with you btw.
I thought the last bit about adding the malt whisky to the blend was certainly interesting. A great vlog!
I recently purchased a Cadenheads Strathisla 19 year old which really impressed me. Since Strathisla is the main malt of the Chivas blend, I can see where the sweetness comes from. That Strathisla was quite a vanilla bomb.
Its a new world...a new awakening maltmates! Ther're too many malts, blends or otherwise out there with a sincere honest quality that need our attention maltsters!! Let us continue patronazation of these more craft/artisan offering rathr than tired,ol "has-been" ice pleading "branded blends"from yestrtyear!
cheers Ralfy.
Hey Ralfy, love your reviews! This may be complete sacrilege but do you ever like to pair a great Scotch with a beer or any other drink? I feel like some liquors benefit from this pairing. Love to hear your thoughts sir.
Hi ralphy, would you be able to review black bull? I would be interested in what you think about it.
Ralfy, would you consider adding a few drops of Lagavulin - 16yo or D.E. - to a glass of Johnnie Walker Green Label, as opposed to Talisker which is a component? I will try myself, but wondered your opinion. x
Enjoyed much🍸🎅🎄👍
Hi Ralfy. Sorry if you have answered this before. Are the single malt scotch whiskies that are in a blended scotch often the same as those on the single malt market? For example, if a blended scotch contains Glenlivet, is it likely to contain the very popular/well known Glenlivet 12 year, or do the single malt distilleries produce unique malts specifically for the blender? Thanks!
Ralffy, any particular recommendations for a decent Malt to go with a Burns supper? Haven't lived in Glasgow for a couple of years, and I can't remember what I used to put with it! Many thanks - your videos are always one of the highlights of my week.
Ralfy, I know different woods in casks gives different characters to the whisky. But what gives the whisky its texture? Some are very thick and oily and other is completely the opposite.
Got any info about Wolfburn Whisky?
Seems very interesting indeed.
Very interesting video. I had a bottle of Chivas Regal 18 that I wasn't sure about but the suggestions are very intriguing.
Love your reviews. Helped me out a lot. I have this scotch at home and tasted it during the video. Very good help! I know this probably a question you get all the time, however, what would be your best scotch? I love Balvenie, and Highland Park myself.
I typically prefer Single malt, but one of my favorite blended whiskeys is Pendleton, which is a Canadian. I would be really interested in seeing your opinion of some of the Canadians out there.
I picked up a bottle of Chivas 12 that was bottled in the 1950s. It is mind blowing how much better it was than the bland 12 year old they're putting out now. There is absolutely no comparison.
I've found that original White Horse is still very good quality. My favorites were Teacher's and Black Bottle. I now only buy White Horse or Black and White for blends...Vat 69 is unavailable where I am. Thoughts on White Horse, Ralfy?
What you say about caramel is very interesting. Can it in fact be tasted? I swear I can taste it very much in the Whyte & Mackay Special and to a lesser extent in the Teacher's Highland Cream.
good review Ralf of my fav whisky JDiom malt malingering moochers
Hello, would you suggest a bottle or jhonny walker's Swing or this one?
+Chris Hamaoui . . . Swing.
Malt noob here with a few months of tasting a good variety of blends, no need to waist much money at my skill level. Although last night I splurged and purchsed a small bottle (375ml) of Macallan 12 and very much enjoyed that. So I have a few drams left and was wondering how I would go about finding the list of single malts that are in a particular blend, say a Chivas 12? I’d like to try the method of single malt mingling you discussed here. Thx!
. . . best to start with an internet search then contact a whisky forum, good luck.
ralfydotcom - Thx, actually found some good info at thewhiskypedia.com, specifically regarding Chivas 12 on their site: thewhiskypedia.com/chivas-scotch/chivas-regal-12-year-scotch . E.g., the primary single malt in Chivas 12 would be “classic Speyside single malt whiskey, Strathisla.”
I just added a teaspoon of longmorn 18 to my Chivas 18... amazing interaction!
Could you review Buchanan's 18 year old and compare it to this Chivas and Johnnie Walker Gold label since those are the most available in my small town of 18 year old blends.
One simply cannot get enough of those whisky reviews :-D
I'm in a musical, and one of the scenes involves a group of us guys taking a shot, and we decided we wanted a shot of Scotch. Anything we should try and get?
"a wee bit sort of hardcore" hahahaha great video and great review :)
Ralfy, is there any reason for the candle burning other than the ambiance?
love you reviews ralfy. i am looking at spending this kind of money on a bottle. i am torn between JW green label and chivas 18. which would you reccommend?
Very smooth and rich...very buttery.
That usually helps with wind noise. To me, this bumping sounds like it's caused by a wobbly mic stand, as in mechanical noise.
Hello Ralfy.
I've been doing some web sailing™ of late and there are a couple distillerys thru out the land that laud their use of (2nd & 3rd) refill casks just to get certain obscure notes that otherwise would be absent, so there may be method in this madness of that charr that different brands are famous for...y'know?!
Peace
Hello, Ralfy! Yesterday I saw a new whisky for Russia - Tullamore Dew 10 y.o. Single Malt. Matured in old bourbon, Dry Sherry, Madeira and Port casks. It's something really unusual
How did you lose your tooth?
hello Ralfy can you try maybe black bull 30yo ? After watching your review black bull 40yo i bought 12yo version and i really enjoy it ! Now I wan't to try older version but I'm not sure.
i got a bottle of this for christmas but it came in a different box to this one. its pretty good
Ralfy, how does one know what single malts go into any one brand of blended?
I have tried the 18 now, and it is a beautiful whisky. In short my review might say "the Gold is gold" (Chivas calls their 18 the "Gold" label)... Very smooth, not unduly complex, with fine, rounded, and rather classic, Blended scotch flavors. 90/91 pts., and so perhaps slightly bettering Pinch. [I however have *not* tasted them head to head, and would need to, in order to so conclude.] Btw.. yas paj: I think my former rating of the Royal Salute *too low*, 92 pts. is more precise.
Ralfy, I taste a lot of alcohol in this whisky, I really have difficulties to appreciate this Chivas 18.. do you think it would be a bad idea to put it back on a mini Oak Barrel to try improving it (or at least give it some more body)? I don't know, I like much more The Balvenie 12 DoubleWood than this one (not cvoparing if they are alike), which is really cheaper comparing to Chivas 18. Or what about mixing it with another one? I made a sample with 1/5 Laphroaig 10 and 4/5 of Chivas 18, and for my taste, Chivas just dissapeared! Would love to listen to what you have to say :D Cheers!!
Have you tasted civas regal extra? I wonder how smooth it is
If you are going for a good single malt to try. Are there any that are affordable but still decent/good? In similar price range as Black label or similar blended whiskeys? Or are they always alot more expensive to get a good one?
MeldinX2 glenmarange
Hello Ralfy! How do you keep your liver healthy if you dont mind me asking.
The CR 18 YO release was opposed vehemently by Edgar Bronfman of Seagram's. He said: "We've spent half a century telling the world that our 12 YO cannot be matched, yet WE get into the market with another same-family brand and tell those very same people that this 18 YO is better!" The original 25 YO was 70/30 malt/grain, but this one is 40/60. The 12 YO is 35/65.
OMG I JUST NOTICED THE TARDIS AND A DALEK IN THE BACKGROUND HAHAA AWESOME!!!
... and the cyberman over his shoulder, dr. who (and Ralfy) rules =D
Excellent! A new review. Love your work Ralfy! Your videos are much appreciated. Have you ever considered reviewing Glen Moray 8yr old? I got this young speyside whisky for my birthday and did not expect much of it. But I must say it's a pleasant surprise. Quite complex and a nice long finish. I would be very interested in your professional opinion! Cheers!
As much as i try to convince myself, i do not think i have acquired the taste for single malt yet. So, cheers to the quality blends for providing accessible entry in the world of whiskey appreciation.
+Gungrave123 Yeah I think I'm the same way. Blended is more suited to my tastes right now
I like some of the single malts but I'll be honest I really like Chivas. I've bought the 12 and 18 and the 18 is definitely a step up!
Ralfy - what else do you drink? Wine, beer, cider, vodka?
ralfy what's your go-to blend?
Hi Ralfy. I know it's not going to happen but.... How good would it be if Chivas produced the 18 year old @46%abv non chill filtered without colouring... I suspect it could be quite superb!
. . . would be well-worth checking out.
the 12yo is $20 this is $50 or lil more, is it worth over double the price?
i applaud you sir for being such an avid whiskey connoisseur!
Where I'm from, NH-USA, it on sale for $73, regular price $75. Is it really worth that much?
what was that popping sound through out the video, if it is the barrel can u fix that for the next video?
I mix a few drops of Johnnie green in the chivas extra it totally change the taste it was really good even tThey’re both blended
I noticed the Dr Who Memorobilia in the background after a few reviews, seems to be growing
heloo ralfy i am basil from Iraq and i need ur help see i have tasted some whiskys like ( knob , brooker's , old parr , Chivas regal 12,18 ,red black blue labels , jim beam ,grants ,and bj ) and i want to tast golden , green , double black teacher and ballantines witch r u recommend first the thing here is golden and green are really expensive here so i cant just buy it at the same time iam still a college student the blue label is around 350 US $ and u guess the other thank u for ur videos
The Chivas 18 had lost that 'baby fat', and was now moving into the great whisky range (right?), the 21 RS had added complexity, great smoothness, and really is immensely enjoyable. Similar in quality, though not taste, to the JW Blue label (which, at 92 pts is very fine, but overpriced). The Chivas 25 may be a superb to outstanding Scotch, meaning 95 - 100 pts. I just hope they don't flush anymore of that out (!!) I haven't tried it. (I hope they come out with some small tasting bottles!)
no! Not Tea bag! ? I love that stuff!. I was planning on getting the limited ed which was 43%...
My favourite blended is the Johnny Walker black label, gee, you just mentioned it.
I duno eithr, the xact ratios of thoz many dif malts but they com frm n inspired place. Seems theyr very lite-handed w/Glenlivet it tastes. Prolly mor Strath tho...nys combo.
Yup the 12er has even takn ovr as my go2 blend these days. A nys lil chanj of pace from good ol JWB
Enjoy the day Ralfy.
Thank you for the price perspective. NH probably figures that there's enough people that will pay a high price for a big brand name.
Hi Ralfy!
Anychance of a specialty vlog that addresses specific/recurrent questions from us maltmates?? eg. Blending facts, Branding facts, Indi Bottling differences, Cask intetaction/maturation diffrences... list can just go on &on my good friend...understandable if there's maybe jus 2many of us maltmates & not enuf Ralfy!!
Cheers g'bud.
Been wanting to try this stuff
Have you tried Kavalan taiwanese whiskey Ralfy? It is not bad =)
I agree with you. I believe Ralfy might like single malts better, but then this does not explain his rating of an 84 ... for a blend (!) That is mistaken scoring; it is excellent, and rather classic, blended scotch, make no doubt about it.
I'm looking forward to attempting to purchase the 25, as long as it is not too expensive. If you see the 21 Royal Salute, esp. in miniature, it is worth a try. And don't forget the Dimple Pinch.
Thanks kindly! My Irish parents would prefer that I served some Red Breast, but I find my tastes are more like yours! Glenmorangie it is, cheers!
Btw. I might add here that the Chivas 18 "Gold" has lost some of the 'baby fat' that characterizes the 12 yr., and which detracts from the whisky. For the 12, I think 88 pts. is an acceptable rating, with the "Gold" 18 yr. at 90 pts., and the Royal Salute 21 at 92 pts. - and about equal (in terms of quality) with Johnny Walker *Blue* label. (...) Johnny Walker "Gold Label" I give 90 pts., and is nearly identical to Pinch 15 yr. in terms of quality *and* flavors. JGL
You know, though... One of the key points of any whisky is drinkability and smoothness, and Chivas Gold really has that. And this comes in degrees, too ... and Gold is very good, indeed excellent, on both points. I agree with Ralfy on the Char point, though, and this limits the rating (for me) to a 90. JGL
In canada 99.95$ for a 750ml
52.95$ for the 12 year old one.
We are taxed too much
+Eddy Hourani
Prices are the same as in the Middle East :(
stop whining ur wages are high as fuck and the rest of the world still has the some cost for w/e goods with not ur high wages... so why are you crying? be happy be grateful ... :)
@@katsmi0 US wages are good, if you have an education.
Hi Ralfy mate
Jus as our man Mr Dylan sed "Times they are a- changin"!
No longer can a Co. hide behind the super brand!! In this stagnant economy too many of us maltsters are increasingly discriminating when it comes to
quality:brand ratio. No longer does "brand loyalty" rule!..more the native taste and quality that accompany the malt that really matters...no longer settling for "less than" craft presentations...no longer interested in E150a... no longer settlling for just our moneys worth!!
Yes I'm having the same error for the last 2 days. Haven't been able to play the video yet. Both iPad and iPhone with official YT app. Plays fine on my Mac with safari so watched it during work ;) Shouldn't be doing that because I always fancy a dram after watching a review ;)
The bumping sound is a bit off putting that is coming through the mic :)
My name is Marius and I'm from Norway, but I don't remember sending in a Malt Mention :-O
What Ralfy says about the casks, @ 4:50, I believe I can confirm... and this does diminish the scoring for the Chivas 18. I was hoping to give out a better rating than a 90, but this 'cask char' character Ralfy speaks of is slightly cloying, and therefore annoying. And I was disappointed in this. However, there is so much class here, that it merits an excellent score.
@maciekP2, i can't play it on my iPhone playback error.
Great Dylan reference early on...and aye.."the times they are a changing"
Sorry - I meant Highland Park 12
yes,i might have exaggerated when i sead 95,but 90 is not misplaced for this great scotch.i really think 84 does not do justice.but evrybody has the right to there opinion.
Pinch is oddly rather a forgotten Scotch now - and they are still very reasonable in price - 35$ (!) The JW "Gold" (a comparable scotch)... I believe is about double that, or more. The Johnny Walker line is over-rated, over-publicized; however, their top Scotch are very excellent.
What I would look forward to is testing the Chivas 25 yr. (cont.)
So to conclude, everyone:
Chivas 12 yr: 88 pts
Chivas 18 yr. 90 pts, A classic blended scotch; similar to Pinch, and JW "Gold"
Chivas 21 yr. R.S. 92 pts. Very enjoyable, complex, blended scotch, with different levels of flavor. To be enjoyed neat.
J.W. Gold: 90 pts. An excellent effort from the Johnny Walker line. Neat.
J. W. Blue 92 pts. Another classic blended scotch, with added complexity as compared with the JW Gold label. A beautiful whisky (!), and should be enjoyed neat.
#John G. Lewis : My own take would be
Chivas 12 yr AND 18yr 86 pts.
Chivas 21 AND 25 yr 88 pts.
Reason? The 12 & 18 yr olds are very different from each other but different doesn't necessarily mean "better". Same for the 21 & 25 yr olds.Very good. Different from each other. "Better" than the 12 & 18 yr olds but not significantly so....... In my opinion :)
How does that compare toTomatin 18 year old?
No comparison! Tomatin 18 is magic, with complexity and flavors that abound whereas Chivas 18 is just a smooth honey flavor profile with a little lemon zest.
yes ralfy really different 12yo-18yo
What about chivas regal 25 ?
From my limited experience of blends, I'd suggest it's not going to be a good idea. As malt whisky gets into its twenties, the flavour becomes increasingly delicate and complex - that doesn't strike me as particularly fertile material for blending - you are going to lose a lot out of the single malts and end up with something very palatable (there should be no harshness at that age) but rather indistinct. However, I've not tried it so who knows might be brilliant.
Thanks
Just picked up a 750ml for $50 (plus tax) in New York, I think it's well worth it
Hi there Ralfy,
Have you ever had the pleasure of drinking the Dutch single malt 'Frysk Hynder' ? If you'd like to I'll sent you over a bottle =)
Proost, from the Netherlands ^^
I have a question. Why if this is 18 years old do they not show a release date on the whisky?
Seems stupid to me, if I buy a wine and it was made in 2009 it shows that on the label, but this whisky for example shows nothing !!!
So, put this in perspective, if I have this sitting in my cellar for 5 years is it not 23 years old ??
How can I prove this ??
seems pretty stupid to me
Joshua Tree whisky is not like wine. once it's removed from the cask and bottled development stops.
whisky is aged in the casks in the distillery. once they are bottled the aging stops. the flavor is the same.
Yes, yas paj, I agree, the Chivas Regal 18 "Gold" is a better Scotch than the 84 rating Ralfy gave it. Really much better. Yet I would not place it in the outstanding category (95 to 100 pts.), as you might. (...) And I do think the Royal Salute is better (at 92 pts.) as compared to the Gold 18 yr. Chivas. It is just more sophisticated, and more refined... though somewhat less "classic" as a Scotch blend, and this is why Ralfy may be favoring the Chivas Gold 18 over it. JGL
we should get a march going round Edinburgh chanting 'bye bye brown dye' (like the Iraq demo but bigger)