whisky review 504 - The Spice Tree Story
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- Compass Box only wanted to make better stuff, but the SWA were not happy !
This video represents a personal opinion and perspective only.
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Quote from the letter. Quoting SWA. "Quality is completely irrelevant." End quote.
Such an asinine statement! The sheer hubris and stupidity of it! I'm shocked, stunned and gob smacked! I say well done Compass Box. Stay the course. You're right.
Thank you ever so much Ralfy for shining more light on this important development.
Much as I like Compass Box products, and I'm suspicious of the S.W.A. at best, I don't see it as a case of "little good guy" vs. "big bad guy". Compass Box, despite thinking it had winning case, didn't stay the course; it gave in to avoid a court battle after milking the conflict for publicity to help sales. Although I think the S.W.A. was incorrect in its argument against Compass Box in terms of staves being illegal, I don't think it was wrong in saying that quality had no bearing on the matter; the ends don’t justify the means. Otherwise, producers could do whatever they liked to scotch in the name of "improving" it; who's to say that adding flavouring directly, for example, ISN'T improving some malts - would saying so make it legal? And yes, there are flavoured "spirit drinks", such as Dewar’s Highlander Honey, but, technically, they aren't Scotch Whisky either; the addition OF flavouring disqualifies them from being Scotch Whisky.
I just read the email received from Compass Box this week that the Spice Tree and The Story Of The Spaniard are going to be retired from now on. They call it Farewell To Old Friends.
These are really sad news but the show must go on. Cheers from a pat-pal
I saw a few bottles of this at a local store, and I just had to grab it. Now it's sitting in my cabinet, waiting for my summer beach house vacation. Can't wait to sit on the porch, look out to the ocean at sunset, play my guitar, and sip some quality whiskey. I'm feeling relaxed just thinking about it!
Just bought this bottle yesterday and I was completely surprised at how much water I had to add. Definitely recommend. Thank you for your reviews Ralfy. Absolutely love that i can find an unbiased and raw review.
Yes, exactly the same experince. Just purchased, thought I'd share a dram with Ralfy (significantly helps to maximise my experience) & yes, that amount of water !!! Wow, what a difference, and enhancement !.
As long as the ingredients are correct and the whisky is not chemically manipulated, I don't see why experimenting with barrels is a problem. As noted by Compass Box, barrels are a huge part of wine production methods. My favorite winery - Peter Michael - bottles a chardonnay called Point Rouge named after a red sticker the first winemaker put on the best barrels. SWA needs to get a clue.
Was happy to visit Dalwhinnie recently and asked the tour guide candidly if they add colourant - she said they have been known to. Found it somewhat refreshing in an age where they deny it.
Fascinating information Ralfy. The SWA statement about "quality being irrelevant" is moronic--eminiscent of the American statement in Vietnam: "To save the village we needed to destroy it."
This reminds me of the controversy when the Super Tuscan wines were produced. The Italian DOC/DOCG insisted they carry the "vino da tavola" designation indicating the cheapest, least distinctive wines. The consumers recognized the quality and voted with their wallets--with some Super Tuscans going for $200 a bottle! The regulators looked like idiots and finally agreed to grant the "Indiczione Geographica Tipica" designation which tells which region the grapes came from.
Ralfy,
Loved the pearl of wisdom with cows and consumers. That's the thing I love about Scottish culture, well the scotch, the scenery, and the witticisms of its people!
Mike
Maryland, USA
Thank you for this review Ralfy, as well as the others you have done.
My elderly father (88 years young) loves his whisky, and in recent years has had terrible disappointments with the contents of some very expensive bottles. Sadly the same has been true for some supposedly good quality French brandies as well (heck dad even liked Jack Daniels, and now that seems to have gone down the pan as well). No wonder they are bringing out all these 'flavours' (honey, etc) to disguise poor bottle contents.
While in Spain over the years, dad has liked Ballantines (while I preferred J&B Special Reserve in the beige labelled bottles - that was delicious). So when in Andorra, I was delighted to find a 1 ltr bottle to bring home for him. Imagine the disappointment upon returning home, and him opening that bottle with great anticipation, only to find it had been filled with badly substandard product (my own J&B had the same rubbish in it, believe it or not).. So we had pretty much both given up on Scottish whisky, and also the Welsh Penderyn (also filled with rubbish). To the point I even picked up a small copper still for myself, to see if I could produce something drinkable for dad (I have ended up specialising in doing my own apple brandy - Calvados - and so far so good). Actually, fermenting and distilling for myself, has shown how what is going into the bottles is as bad as it is - and all I can say is, no wonder they use cold filtering, to try and make the stuff drinkable! I think some of these so called distillers, are facing serious charges of fraud at some point (I am not kidding).
Well enough of the background. I talked dad into getting himself a selection of Compass Box whiskies to try, on the strength of this review and your Artists Blend review. So he ordered Spice Tree (very nice), Artists Blend (nice) and took a chance on Glasgow Blend (which turned out to be my personal favourite). While I certainly don't have your palate to determine the different notes, I can tell a good whisky from bad, and it has been so rewarding to see my father really enjoying a nice Scotch again.
On the next order, I think all three will get repeated (might get a few of that Glasgow Blend), and I think dad will also add on an Asyla to try. So my gratitude and thanks to you Ralfy, for bringing a missed pleasure back into my father's life. It's all about the quality, never mind the width.
A very Happy New Year to you and yours.
Found some bottles from 2013, according to the serial Code, in a store that has them for a mere $21. I bought one and am wondering if I should buy the rest of these. Around 3 or 4 more. Not sure why that price but I won’t complain. This is my first compass box purchase. Have always been curious. Found this review relevant since it’s from about the bottling year of the one I bought. Thanks Ralfy.
Lucky you. Go and buy the rest. You could drink the bottles alone or you could give it as a present to friends. Cheers from Oliver
Wonderful story ralfy! I went to the SWA's website and looked at the information on the head staff of the departments. The people running the SWA appear to be experts in international trade, diplomacy, finance and public relations. There was one chemical engineer in there.
It didn't say any of the people running the SWA had any experience in the Scotch Whisky industry, though...
If they had, it wasn't noteworthy enough to be mentioned on the website. Your viewers might be interested in that fact.
That could be because, apparently, "the Council of the Association sets the strategic direction and agrees the overall policy of the SWA". The current Council reads like a who's who of the big players in the whisky industry:
Ian Curle, Edrington (Chairman)
Pierre Pringuet, Chivas Brothers Ltd (Vice Chairman)
Graham Stevenson, Inver House Distillers Ltd (Treasurer)
Albert Baladi, Beam Inc
David Cutter, Diageo plc
Bill Farrar, Edrington
David Gates, Diageo plc
Peter Gordon, William Grant & Sons Ltd
Stuart Lowthian, John Dewar and Sons Ltd & Bacardi
Rosemary McGinness, William Grant & Sons Ltd
Paul Neep, The Glenmorangie Company Ltd
Laurent Lacassagne, Chivas Brothers Ltd
Leonard Russell, Ian MacLeod Distillers Ltd
Fraser Thornton, Burn Stewart Distillers
Paul Walsh, Diageo plc
Malt454
Ahhh, I was looking at the chief executive and directors, rather than the council. Thanks for the information!
James Aartsen You're most welcome. Some people get the idea that the S.W.A. is a governmental agency and/or a consumer interest watchdog group, "keeping an eye on the industry". The S.W.A. is nothing more than the most powerful in the Scotch industry defending the interests of the most powerful in the Scotch industry.
Thank you! I always enjoy the story behind the whiskey. Especially when it comes to compass box. I'm a big fan of Hedonism from the same house.
I had been maturing a local new-make in a 2 liter barrel and it seemed to have slowed way down after nine months. Then I got some Jim Beam used oak barrel chips and soaked about 100ml in the plain chips and another 100 ml in chips that I added extra char. The flavors came on strong and fast and the charred chips added a deep brown color too. It was actually too much so I dumped it back into the barrel with the remaining whisky. It all evened out quite nicely. You have to be careful about adding more wood and test it often. It can sneak up on you.
Good video as always. Greetings from Germany.
PS. Here in Germany the addition of E150 has to be stated on the label, so if it is not on there you can be sure it's natural colour.
Wow, this stuff is great, Reminds me a little of Caol Ila 14 yr Unpeated a bit. Definitely Highland style though and the spice/french oak is obvious. I really like this so far. Great recommendation. Excellent presentation as well both box and bottle. Love the info on the bottle.
Bought today. Thanks for reviewing it.
Bought a bottle recently that came with two glasses for under $70. Better than I expected, very good sherried experience that’s a better sherry driven experience than I got from Glendronach 12 (which is more expensive and more hyped here).
A blended whisky in a blended oak cask, great information. Thanks Ralfy, go on master of malt.
The SWA's response to Compass Box about quality being irrelevant has to be one of the most bone-headed and short-sighted things I've heard in many a moon. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot! ~_~;; Great video, Ralphy! BTW, I love that magnifying glass! Cheers!
Why didn't the SWA protest Ardbeg Auriverdes? When the casks arrived in Scotland, we had the heads removed, and replaced them with new American oak heads that I had specially made for us, which had been heat treated using a particular (and secret) toasting regime, designed to achieve a special flavour profile.
How is that different than Spice Tree changing the barrel heads?
no difference, but barrel heads are different to inner staves ! . . . but similar.
Found this in a manager clearance for $54 at an LCBO. Really enjoyed it and think I will grab another.
Spotted this at Bucharest Airport Duty Free with a price tag of 45 euros. Should be a fair choice for the money
Tried this once, terrific. Really opened my eyes to quality blends. I think the stave rule is silly, personally. Then again, in Canada, where I reside, pretty much anything goes with whiskey.
Very good job done here. I was put off by the packaging for the longest time thinking it was lipstick on a pig. With my ignorance of the product now shattered I'm off the the liquor store.
Rgds,
Curtis
Hi ralfy
I would love to have the opportunity to buy your bottle of the inaugural spice tree, if you would sell it, I would be more than happy to pay you what it's worth, I am a compass box fan boy, and would love to have this bottle in my drinking bottle 🍼, yes I will open it and drink it, by the way I love 💘 all your videos on whisky, I buy my collection based on your reviews and you are spot on for 99.5% ratings, let me know if interested in selling the bottle, and thank you ralfy for all that you do !!!
Frankie H
. . . I sold it three years ago.
@@thewhiskybothy
Thanks Ralf, I'm always looking to buy something that is a good scotch, if you ever have any good or hard to find laguvulan, please keep me posted, I have just recently got hooked on laguvulan and it is my favorite smokey scotch right now, I have all the ardbeg's that one can buy over the counter, but love the laguvulan for sure, but if you ever want to flip a scotch that's good let me know, have a great day my friend, can't wait for next review !!!
Fascinating review, thank you!
I want to thank the fella who broke down the time : wood ratios for all of us at Raldystuff!!
In my 3L med-char CopperFox cask I'm nearing the 12yr/76day marker. The gifted corn new-make shall be making its first appearance as Bourbon!!... yes!
Now just gotta find some new make malt...maybe be looking at a Kilchoman to introduce to my ex-fill bourbon barrel. Results to follow in time as we do the 12yr, 15yr and 18yo. versions.
Real anarakstuff!!
cheers
YES!!! You should definitely become an independent bottler!!! I'd buy it, as may other conscientious whisky drinkers would.
By the way, is the malt mention book still open? Is "malty mainstreamers" there? It would be good to use it when reviewing a mainstream widely available malt.
Ain Stolkiner . . . now on the m-mention list, thanks !
Thank you for the background on this Ralfy. It's interesting what people, and marketing associations, will do to avoid change. ;^) I've enjoyed this later version of Spice Tree very much but, wow, I would love to have tried the original version.
Incidentally, I have to give you a 94 for "Grazing cattle." -- and that's an INSIGHT mark.
THE BEST blended malt there is. More complex, more balanced, being more subtle AND more engaging whisky than many a single malt, too. And you get a lot of whisky for your money... Marks are mid-90s for me.
I just bought my first bottle of spice tree. I love it, however I'm now upset that I never got to try the original.
Maker's 46 bourbon has a similar double maturation process which uses French oak inserts. I think they're the only American whiskey to do so, of the ones that are globally available at least. It adds a unique flavor which complements the standard aging process really well and spices up an otherwise delicious but simple product.
Excellent story yet again, my merry malt friend! :)
Do these people not know what we, as maltmates want in our Whisky. Lovely stuff chap.
Never tried any of the Compass Box. whisky range to be honest, though all the reviews I have read have been positive, love you to review, Compass Box, Great King Street, heard good things about this particular whisky.
We opened up a bottle of Spice Tree tonight & it did not disappoint. One of the few whiskies we like better with a big splash of water, as you recommended! Thank you for the backstory on the inaugural bottling of this whisky & for reading that excerpt - my husband and I found it fascinating! How much do you think your bottle is worth now? Thank you, as always, for your wonderful review. Jen & Jason Tacbas
. . . happy to share the malt-moments !
Ralfy you often tell old whisky stories of ei. Glenlivets "gun toting founder" and The "infected toe" story of a well known Bourbon founder but theres one you missed. Yep much more macabre!!
The Laphraoig story of Donny Johnston, one of the founding brothers who bought out his brorhers shares then met a horrible demise after falling into a vat of boiling mash! oUcH!!!
Now that's real good legend material worthy of an Edgar Allen People tale!!
Peace
. . . plenty of horror and scandal with whisky history !
Very interesting review, dear malt mate!
Yes, I think you would likely make an excellent independent bottler!
I do think it's important that traditions are held up, lest what whisky is all about be forgotten. However, it astounds me how the SWA is so aggressively against anything that could improve the product. I don't buy whisky to get a buzz!! The stores are full of cheap beer to do that, I buy whisky for the experience, for the flavour, for tasting in great company with a great drink! I will, at the very least, continue to do my part and opt to buy the craft whisky, those who dare to think outside the box, rather than go for the mass-produced, well-marketed, "for-the-consumers" whisky.
Hi Ralfy,
I haven´t tried the spice tree but it´s on my list now!
Have you tried the Glencadam 14 Oloroso sherry cask finish "the rather enriched"? I´m enjoying every drop of it! It´s remarkable how intense the sherry flavors are while it´s so light in colour.
I´m very interested in your opinion about that Glencadam expression. Are you maybe even planing to review it?
Many thanks in advace for your answer!
Looking forward to your next review. -What ever it will be.
Hello Ralfy, really enjoy the videos. Ralfy I have a fragrance from 'Thierry Mugler' called 'Pure Malt' it is fantastic and especially fantastic in the winter. I know this might not be your thing but I think ye would love it!!
Maker's 46 does the same thing with the staves actually, enjoyable results.
Ralfy, ever consider using Malty Minions? I'd like to see you review Compass Box Oak Cross, what in my opinion is a great whisky. Was there in July, and thoroughly enjoyed visits to Macallan, Genmorgangie, Dahlwhinnie and my favorite Glengoyne!
280nosler . . . no plans for this m-mention.
HA! I said garam masala too! 😊
M-mention contender: 'Malty Mates Making Merry!"
. . . now on the m-mention list, thanks !
Love ur reviews man. Keep it up
need to get my hands on one of these bottles
Hi Ralfy, I'm sure I don't understand the issue, but why can't Compass Box just get around the issue by not calling their spirit "scotch whiskey"? Just say it's not a scotch; it's some kind of different spirit. Surely it's legal to produce non-scotch spirits in Scotland, no? Keep up the excellent work!!
ast453000 that's true, but it would change customer perceptions of the product, possibly adversely.
*****
So what? If its good, it sells. This is the way of things.
*****
Okay. Thank you. Bests!
Ralfy u hear Spice Tree is bein discontinud??
bummer...don't kno Y but it is priced a wee hi 4 a Vatted Malt. any insites in yur opinion?
Peace
Couldn't Compass Box have kept making the amazing whisky with the inserts and just not called it Scotch?
they should sale it as weesky
The regulations say that whisky has to be matured in oak barrels. But, if a distiller matured the whisky in oak for, say, 10 years then put it into barrels with oak staves, or non-oak barrels, for an additional number of years, but didn't claim that additional time as "maturation" and sold it as only 10 yo (only the time in oak), would that be legal?
Or, could a cooper replace a few staves in a barrel with these high quality oak staves, would that be legal? I imagine there are many ways to get around the regulations.
Can't CB drop the scotch name for this type of whiskey? And call it a blended whiskey? Then they could avoid the SWA vice-grip.
Hi Ralfy
From home brewing we know how important temperature of wort fermentation is. It affects colossally the flavour of the mash, hence - the distillate if we want to produce whisky. Do you know if there is temperature control in mash houses in distilleries? Or they don’t care about controlling it?
fermentation tends to be about 'yield' rather than flavour with Scotch.
A small, but important, point though: the S.W.A. did NOT “ban” Spice Tree - the S.W.A. is a trade association, NOT a regulatory body. What the S.W.A. did was to threaten to take Compass Box to court over continuing to market Spice Tree (with staves) as Scotch Whisky. As is alluded to by Ralfy’s reading, Compass Box had its interpretation of the Scotch Whisky Regulations and the S.W.A. had its (but the S.W.A. is NOT the source or arbiter of those regulations, although it is a powerful lobby group with deep pockets). Compass Box, for its part, milked the “illegal whisky” angle for all it was worth in term of publicity without, to my knowledge, ever bothering to defend itself in court and so, while giving in the S.W.A. in the end to avoid a court battle, laughed all the way to the bank. So perhaps the experiment was good business but, as a point of principle, apparently it wasn’t worth defending.
So long as the inner staves are made of oak, I really don’t see the problem. Scotch barrels must be made of oak, but so long as the staves are too, there is no difference in terms of the type of influence they have; neither barrel staves nor loose staves are permanent soluble additives in the sense that E150a is.
And sorry, for clarification: "Compass Box, for its part, milked the “illegal whisky” angle for all it was worth in terms of publicity without, to my knowledge, ever bothering to defend itself in court and so, while giving in to the S.W.A. in the end to avoid a court battle, laughed all the way to the bank.
You talk as if defending yourself in court wouldn't have its financial cost.
BCKBCK It would have financial cost, but the part of the story that doesn't seem to get told is that, for all the "principle" involved in making publicity out the conflict and selling a lot of whisky in the process, the "principle" of standing up for "what was right for whisky" didn't see to be worth doing when it was going to cost, instead of make, money. It's a far nicer way to tell the story to say that staves were simply "banned", rather than to say a battle was lost for the sake of not being fought.
I believe Glenlivet 18 is 100% American Oak and just exceptional whisky
Hi Ralfy! How many bottles do you keep open at the same time? im afraid of opening too many / risk of them going bad.
Thanks from sweden
Johan van Kralingen about 30 at the moment.
Looking at the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009, there’s STILL no mention of the “illegality” of staves, so Compass Bow should have won its case, but here’s something else that’s VERY interesting:
3.-(1) In these Regulations “Scotch Whisky” means a whisky produced in Scotland-
(a) that has been distilled at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley (TO WHICH ONLY WHOLE GRAINS OF OTHER CEREALS MAY BE ADDED) all of which have been-
(i)processed at that distillery into a mash;
(ii)converted at that distillery into a fermentable substrate only by endogenous enzymesystems; and
(iii)fermented at that distillery only by the addition of yeast;
Which distilleries are using whole grains of other cereals as flavour additives in their production processes?
3.1 would be referring to scotch whisky that is a blend of malt and grain whiskies, right? 3.2 defines malt whisky.
degmar You are correct, sir!
Malt454 . . . it's rumoured that due to barley shortages after WW2, corn was imported from the U.S. and used in mash-bill malt liquor production in single malt distilleries.
Ralfy, if you need the magnifying glass to read something you printed out yourself then why not print it at 120%-150% so that you don’t have to use the glass. As you are so fond of saying: “it’s only a suggestion”.
As I understand it, what you are saying is that Spice Tree add a piece or pieces of wood inside the cask before sealing it up for added maturity influence. I believe that you mentioned in a previous video that there are American whiskey companies that add roasted wood chips to their barrels to accelerate maturity influence.
I could be wrong (and am prepared to shift my initial position), but I sympathise with the Scottish Whisky Association when they say that they are uncomfortable with this practice as they are with any addition to any cask. They are also correct when they say that quality does not come into it. I’m sure that if anyone decided to pour the finest Cognac into a barrel of new spirit whisky they cannot continue to call the product Scotch whisky no matter how delicious the result is. (Hence you get companies seasoning their barrels with sherry before pouring in new spirit). The fact that this particular addition is not liquid but a solid piece of wood does not except it from being termed as addition. If this special wood is made part of the original cask before they pour in the spirit then it’s not technically adding anything to the actual liquid.
I can appreciate the difference from a technical point of view. What they wish to prevent is any additions to the spirit no matter what, which would make it illegal to pour anything into the spirit, including pieces of wood. To maintain the integrity of the Scotch Whisky industry they need to enforce this in legal terms using the simplest and clearest of definitions which cannot be reinterpreted and abused. If they made an exception with these staves of wood then they would have to define the type of wood and minimum size allowable and many other legal technicalities only a lawyer would appreciate. I suppose they don’t wish to go down this route and prefer to keep things simple. That’s a term you Ralfy use quite often and in general, I subscribe to this wisdom.
Oh, and I enjoyed your clever witticism regarding mystifying whisky. I'll use that in my upcoming presentation giving you full credit of course.
He didn't print it out himself, it was a paper that came with the whiskey.
The SWA wish to prevent any additives into scotch whiskey? Then what is caramel colouring? A traditional and natural part of the process?
howaboutthatsuckah You are of course correct. E150a colouring is the (as far as I know) the only exception to their rule.
Reb Mordechai I'd be more intent on questioning that fact rather than not questioning the inhibition of innovation.
I'd say make chill filtration and colouring illegal unless it's stated on the bottle, and the same with using staves. That way the consumer can choose between traditional scotch and innovative scotch, scotch that has been tampered with and scotch that hasn't.
howaboutthatsuckah I'm with you there. I am definetely in favour of forcing the industry to state any colouring and chill filtering. I get single malts from various Duty Frees around the world and the same bottle can have "Contains E150a Colouring" stated on the box in one country and not in another. I suppose it depends on the laws in thoese countries.
E150a is an "additive" routinly used 2make scotch.
I fully agree, I wish all whisky was transparent. I don't need a made up story, just let me know where it came from and I will judge it on its own merits.
Well said sir !
The new french oak flavor instantly reminds me of the wine. Been working on a bottle of Oak Cross, it has a strong flavour of the new oak. Very enjoyable.Ralfy, Have you tried the King Street Glasgow Blend?
Dan Eames . . . it's on the list !
***** I think you will like it Ralfy. Even with my poor palate, I could tell it was something a bit special (I was able to pick out the lovely Islay influences - due to eye drops I have to take every day, my sinuses are constantly messed up, so my tasting capability is a bit borked to say the least *grins*).
I only had a very small tot of it (when dad opens a bottle, we like to share opinions with an initial tasting, but it's his bottle and I drink as little of it as possible), less than half a measure, but on dad's next order I think I'll be adding a couple of bottles for myself.
American oak is generally looser-grained than is French (and presumably by extension, European) oak, thus allowing the cask to impart more flavor into the liquid, with all other variables held equal. So even with fresh European oak, am I wrong in thinking that used American (ex-bourbon) casks would still give rise to a similar amount of oak notes? I understand that French and American oak taste slightly different, but still. Just curious if you have any insight, Ralfy. Also, a video on oak in general would be very interesting. Cheers!
Dylan Holt yes, but with american oak it's quicker, and ideal for corn-based whiskies. Oak flavours can vary enormously.
Interesting. Wood is a fascinating topic. I've always heard that if it grows together, it goes together. :)
***** Wood is a fascinating subject. Ralfy please give us an episode on wood.
SWA has no SWAG!
Please recommend one of your favorite cognacs.
Have you ever tried Compass Box's The Spaniard?
. . . not yet !
Hello Ralfy! Something I got around thinking about is your reviews on the Bunnahabhain toiteach followed by the Ardbeg uigeadail. In the Bunnahabhain video you said that non age statement whiskies are pissing you off, and that you don't condone the increase in price of non age statements.
In the following review you praised the Ardbeg, that has no age statement and an increase in price from the age stated Ardbegs. How come? Is there something inherently different from the two when it comes to marketing?
Ralfy, as I am sure you have answered this question before, what type of water do you use when adding water, i.e. distilled, spring, or purified? and is it typically chilled, room temp, or other?
Brandon Pharis any clean fresh water will do !
Hi Ralfy, great video! Shame the Scotch Whisky Society banned the use use of inner staves...seems The Compass Box hit upon a winning idea with them...
Just wondering what your opinion on The Balvenie Caribbean Cask is? I got a bottle the other week and thought it was pretty good for the amount paid. Wondering what your thoughts were on it?
Phantomwrks . . . have had a taste from a friend's bottle, but not made my mind up yet !
Ralfy, any plans to review Haig Club?
Wayne Melgaard . . . no but enjoy the marketing flannel, this product is really for a 'different' market so I won't mock it's pretensions.
Intrepid explorer that you are, Ralfy, how do you resist opening that original Spice Tree bottle??? Especially now when you can do a direct comparison between it and the newer version? Did you happen to buy two bottles of the original and enjoyed one of them back in the day?
Steven Calwas . . . only one bottle, for sometime in the future.
Not sure if anyone has asked this before, but what is your opinion on the English Whisky Distillery (St. George's)?
Oli Wilton good luck to them, they bring something new to the whisky world.
Do you still have that original bottle? Would love to see a review if you do :)
FYI
Evan Williams X bourbon barels r used in the caskin of Bowmore Scotch.
Makers Mark I bleev is involvd w/Laphroaig.
Any1 have any other Xamples ??
Kilchoman uses Jim Beam barels. knowin th bourbon, we can c th influenz of eithr a rye 4wrd or wheat 4wrd Bourbon tht shapes th Scotch. [Anarak stuff]
Ralphy ..how can you afford to purchase so many whiskies?
because I don't make the mistake of putting my earnings into banks ! Whisky is a better investment long term !
Cool!...and what do you do for earnings pray tell? BTW love your reviews
Hey Ralfy
About your comment on how important oak is... Have you checked out the time and oak page? Google it. Sounds interesting. Something new to improve your whisky. I wonder how it tastes...
Ralfy, can you please review Buchanan's Red Seal?
richguzman1989 . . . I will look out for it.
Why were they banned exactly ? Could they have continued producing it simply calling it "whisky" or "enhanced whisky" and brush off the criticisms ?
They weren't "banned"; Compass Box was threatened with legal action and gave in, but it never went to court so there wasn't any determination made as to whether the staves were legal or not.
Ralfy, wat kept SpiceTree out of th 90's??
Radio Laboratory a good malt but not a great one.
FIRST FIRST FIRST FIRST!?!?! :P
hi Ralfy, please please do bottle your independent bottles! with staves, 190 year old air dried light toasted French Indian American New Zealand Japanese Alaskan Russian Irish Burgundy Canadian Breton live aid staves.Multi cultural mega malty megalomaniac Isle of Man crowd funded Malt, Courage is what counts, cheers Bernie
whenever in the Limburg area,south of the Netherland you are most welcome to join us tasting.
Drinking a dram now. T'is delicious! However, I'm not sure how I feel about cutting down old growth forests for the sake of producing wine and whisky. Unsustainable.
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quality is irrelevant? now there's an excellent way to get overtaken by a malt whisky producer in a country not bound by such nonsense.
Eric Thayer . . . good point well made, a scotch competitor spirit may have a valuable opportunity here for advantage.
Yes, I cant help but think(and hope) that whisky competition from abroad will eventually force Scotch whisky producers to embrace these new developments. They may be dragged kicking & screaming but they will have to change.
jason f i dont believe that the Scotch Whisky industry will be pressured by anyone. for the simple reason that Scotch will always have a head start in terms of iconic popularity. "world whiskies" are in essence: copycat BS. no other way to say it. what is exotic about a Whisky that is designed to ape Scotch Whisky?
Scotch will feel the heat for other reasons. Because the World Whisky copycats are creating high demand for casks.
Antoine M I agree with you in part. Scotch whisky does have a head start. This does not mean it will always have a hold on the industry. The US, Canadian and Irish whisky industries all had head starts. All fell by the wayside for much of the 20th century due to prohibition/over regulation/competition and so on. All it takes is for a region or three to produce good whisky and at a lesser price than Scotch. This lesser price may be due to quicker ageing,less excise duty or whatever. There is nothing inherent about Scotland that makes it superior for producing whisky. In fact its only by regulatory chance that we are in quite the dominant position we are at this moment.
jason f youre right. it is not superior by default but it will always be the original. and that is more important to the masses than anything.
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With your wealth of knowledge and experience with whisky, I think you should take a stab at making some of your own. I know I'd buy a bottle.
carlsonx . . . home-distilling is illegal where I am !
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William Wakefield . . . verified first !
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