ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ย. 2022
- It's a list today. I'm going over 10 budget-friendly single malt scotch whiskies that people love. These are whiskies with very broad appeal that are very popular among us "snooty" connoisseurs. Cheers!
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I would have a pretty similar list. 1) Ardbeg 10 (I still love it), 2) Compass Box Orchard House, 3) Arran 10, 4) Deanston 12, 5) Benriach 10 Smoky, 6) Ledaig 10, 7) Talisker 10, 8) Cragellachie 13, 9) Port Charlotte 10, 10) Compass Box Spice Tree. It would go on probably like 11) Glencadam 10 (I find it fairly similar to Deanston 12 and often it has an amazing price!), 12) Clynelish 14, 13) Tomatin 15 American Oak Casks.
Great picks. I've not tried the Tomatin 15 or the Orchard House, but everything you listed would fit nicely here! 🥃
I really loved the Benriach 12 Smoky.
Hey Geoff, good timing of this video as holiday season is approaching...great gift ideas from this list. Great drams!
Thank you, sir! 🙏
Another great video a few to try over Xmas , thanks for the shout out.
Cheers buddy! 🥃
I’m with you on the Deanston 12. I think it’s a good whisky, solid in every department but doesn’t quite wow me. A very good selection there. I might have included the Glen Garioch 12 which I like a lot
Another informative, entertaining video, G!
Keep ‘em coming 😊
Thanks Joe. Will do! 🥃
Edradour 10, standard release. Noice!
Love it, despite the 40%. Noice! 🥃
@@Gwhisky true dat - thankfully in the States, they stroke my American ego and throw in the extra 3%. I'll take what I can get! Excellent videos as always! Gotta get you more subs in 2023!
Really nice list, full of quality malts!
Thanks Ricardo! 🥃
6 of them on my bar, 3 already empty, 1 never try - PC 10 on my list to buy. Great list. Thanks!
A man of taste, I see. 🥃
I guess I am getting it. I have had 4 of those in my bar at most times.
Love the video! We never got the Licensed Dram in the United States, but the Illicit Still release was surprisingly great. I low-key wish Glenfiddich would release a version at higher strength and unfiltered like that
Thanks for the handy list. I was able to point to 9 out of 10, presently on my library shelves. I was sure to subscribe, for when you come across that much commonality, there’s a good base for review trust. Thanks for your time…and enjoy the holidays! Cheers!!
Clearly you're a man of taste and culture, sir. Lol thanks for the kind words, Malcolm. Much appreciated. Enjoy the holidays yourself! 🥃
Great theme!!! Gonna have to share this with certain people:)
Great! 🥃🥃🥃
Drawn in straight away with your first choice Geoff! That Rioja cask is a belter! And then another favourite, GlencAdam 10. Stunner!
Cheers Jez! 🥃
Great list Glen! Just recently finished off the Bruichladdich “The Classic Laddie” and looking forward to trying the Bunnahabhain 12. Prices are a funny thing as the Craigellachie 13 is the cheapest of the 10 options here in Australia at this moment.
Craigellachie is one of the cheaper ones, as is Talisker. Odd to see them so pricey on these big retail sites! Cheers Cameron! 🥃
Gr8 stuff Goeff! This is a list all whisky lovers enjoy so much. Absolutely must have, very good quality drams at affordable prices. What we need more? Thank you for make this list for me, hope my Santa watching this wideo 🤞😋🥃🙋♂️
Hah thanks for watching, as always. Cheers Peatbull! 🥃
This is a great list Geoff. It also serves as a nice 10 bottle "minimalist" collection if someone wanted to put one together with very little experience and didn't want to spend $1,000. I would have subbed out the Ardbeg 10 for the Lagavulin 8 instead, included Glenmorangie 10, Glenlivet 12 Illicit Still and at least one of the Loch Lomond offerings (Original or 12). A few on your list I never tried nor have I seen in local stores though I'll keep an eye out.
Great selection, I am glad to have most of the expressions, (some are not available here). Fun fact the Talisker is the most affordable here followed by the Bunna, both of which I always stock up on. Another one that could be on the list is Glen Scotia 15, although not everyone likes it. Excellent video Cheers Geoff 🥃👏
Yeah it's odd to see the Talisker 10 so expensive one the online retailers. It's one of the cheapest on this list in Taiwan as well! Glen Scotia 15 is good stuff, but it's getting more expensive here these days. Cheers Fer Nando! 🥃
Hi Geoff ! Good list , i like all ))) Cheers !
Thanks buddy. Cheers!
@@Gwhisky )))
Thanks so much new to your channel and enjoying the reviews and presentation.
Thanks Richard. Very kind of you to say. Happy to hear your enjoying the channel! 🥃
Great video, I appreciate your thoughts and research. While not a scotch, the value whiskey all my scotch friends love is the Redbreast 12. I have been finding it on sale for $40 a bottle which is a steal!
The Redbreast 12 has great flavours! I don't know that I'd recommend it as a gift to enthusiasts because of the 40%, but it's definitely good stuff. The 12 Cask Strength is amazing! 🥃
Excellent list dear Geoff, well done! Thanks for sharing and take care. Ciao 👋 S.
PS: I need to try that Glen Livet if I can find it. 👍
As always, thanks for watching Sandro! Much appreciated! 🥃
I’ve got every bottle you just showed, how lucky am I great description & review 👍
Awesome! 🥃
Great list🌞
Thanks Mats! 🥃
Here in the UK, I'd consider a budget friendly scotch at 50GBP or less. My top 10 favourites in that range (1 per distillery) would be:
1. Ardbeg An Oa
2. Glenallachie 12
3. BenRiach 12 Sherrywood
4. Arran 10
5. Laphroaig Quarter Cask
6. Glenfarclas 105
7. BenRinnes 15
8. Port Charlotte 10
9. Balvenie 12 Doublewood
10. Cardhu 12 (yeah yeah, I know it's chill-filtered and coloured and low ABV, but it's tasty imo!)
*The only ones on your list that I've never tried are the Ledaig Rioja and Glencadam 10
Interesting list. Nothing wrong with going against the grain! Benrinnes 15 is a banger! Doesn't get the attention it deserves imo! 🥃
Nice list, I have #1 and numbers 5 through 9 in my collection and love them all. Interestingly, Craigellachie 13 is perhaps the least expensive on the list for me, except perhaps for Glencadam 10. I am quite content to be a budget sipper with the available offerings, I have yet to spend more than $95 US (Redbreast 12 CS - worth it, btw) for anything I have. Cheers!
Great list.
Pleased to see the Laddie getting a mention. It can often be found on supermarket shelves in the UK, a shining star amongst all the other 40% chill filtered and coloured dross.
I might have found a place for a Loch Lomond on my list - just polished off a bottle of the Inchmurrin which didn't last me long.
thanks Geoff! Now I need help w Irish pot stills and single malts. You have a top 10 of either? Cheers!
Thanks Sam! Yeah the Laddie is underloved for sure!
And Phil... sadly I don't have the experience/access to a wide range of Irish. I wish I did! 🥃
Great list Geoff! You can't beat the Rioja when it comes to bang for buck! Cheers!
Absolutely blown away by the bang-for-buck value on that one! 🥃
you know yer stuff pall....great list
Hah cheers Scott! 🥃
Great list, thanks! Sent it straight on to my wife :-)
Hah nice! 🥃
😆great idea!
Great list
Glad you enjoyed it
Great list, G! Based on your prev vids, I included the Arran, Glencadam (13) and Port Char in a recent tasting and they killed! Folks really loved the Bladnoch 11 too w I believe you praised highly. Guessing it didn't make the list due to availability? Thanks, cheers!
Happy to hear they were hits at the tasting! That Bladnoch is something else! Glad to hear it's got some broad appeal... it's a tough sell for some! Cheers Phil. 🥃
I was surprised the first time I tried the Classic Laddie. It was much rougher than expected, but also liked that, as you did. Nice choice!
Yeah it's a belter! 🥃
I looked up prices for each on the list and while none were 'cheap' they were in line with what I consider reasonable for a single malt. I continue to sing the praises of Balvenie Doublewood as a great all-around sipper and it is very accessible and reasonably priced. I lean towards the sherry finish malts and this one is not too fruity or sweet.
Those are some interesting suggestions, and the Craigellachie 13 is also one of my favourites. I think when you buy an affordable whisky for a friend who is a connoisseur, you want to surprise them, and that's probably the hardest thing of all. I would maybe bring something from left field, like a bottle of Kavalan Podium or Johnny Walker Green Label, maybe a Glennallachie 12. The Glencadam 10 also fits into that category because it's not as well known as it should be.
Yeah this list covers the basics. An out-of-left-field list would be fun, but it could also literally be anything. 😂 Point taken, though. Always nice to get something new and unexpected. Cheers Alex. 🥃
Love your channel and delivery Geoff ❤
For some reason the algorithm shared one of your videos with me about 2 months ago.
It made me go and actually TASTE the only whisky I own - because we love Ron Swanson - Lagavulin 16.
It was this great moment where I was like “wait, this stuff actually tastes incredible AND it makes you tipsy???”
It was kind of obvious after the fact, and is probably similar brain chemistry as to why I also have a relatively large fragrance collection.
I now have multiple different bottles of single malts, and an ever growing “to taste” list. These videos DO NOT help 😂
P.S in my market, South Africa, Talisker 10 is the cheapest on this list @ $53. Just tasted it this evening, and it will definitely make its way to my shelf.
Bunna 12 is my go to for gifts, 20 years ago it was Springbank, 10 years ago it was Arran 14, most of my friends and family are occasional whisky drinkers but some still have old Arrans that I gave them and I’m guaranteed a decent drink when I visit 😊
Here in Finland is a bit of a fuzz with The Glenburgie 15 from Ballantines collection...
I haven't tried it, but it sounds interesting. Shame that they're putting out a 15 year old single malt at 40%, though! 🥃
Very good list! I'm missing several items from it, though, I need to collect them all :D. Making progress/friends with the Classic Laddie, though.
Yeah that Classic Laddie is a great one! 🥃
Great selection Geoff. I would suggest Glen Elgin 12, at least it is an affordable great whisky here in Argentina. And Compass Box Asyla too. Greetings!
Interesting! The 43% might damage its pull with enthusiasts, but I'm a big Elgin fan. Good stuff! Can't say I've tried the Asyla. Cheers! 🥃
Oddly Enough I’ve loved Port Charlotte 10’s but when I try it in double blind taste tests against other similarly Proofed Peated Whiskeys(46-50%) it routinely comes in last place. A harsh note that is quite drying has been in 2 of the 3 bottles I’ve gotten. I’m still remembering the first bottle and how lovely it is but it’s definitely worth trying. Great list I need to find some of these. The Glencadam has escaped me for a while now.
Keep up the amazing content. Love your taste in Whiskey.
As for something I am really looking forward to…Waterford is releasing there Peated and I cannot wait to try it as The youth of that Whiskey mixed with the Quality and the peat seems like a match made in Heaven.
Thanks for the kind words, Casey! Sorry to hear you're not enjoying your recent PC10s. Glencadam is definitely worth seeking out. One of my favourite entry-level sippers. Great for summer!
I've only had a couple samples of Waterfords so far and they're making super interesting stuff! Cheers. 🥃
I might've included Orchard House on that list somewhere (perhaps instead of Talisker 10) but that's a great list and I think I can get them all for under $65 USD!
And yes, I know I sound like a broken record, but I was having Craigellachie 13 last night and it is SO GOOD!
There is something distinctly olde-timey about it, like what Dewar's might've tasted like in yesteryear. I honestly can't sing its praises loud enough 👍
Yeah the Craigellachie is just incredible. As for the Orchard House, I've STILL never had the chance to try it. It's not sold here, which is tragic. Cheers buddy. 🥃
I fell in love with Craigie 13...I was a few years into my lost weekend...and found it...sublime...My go to..
Love the blue bottle laddie...kind of expensive here..
I can get Deanston 12 for $20.cheaper....
I have an Ardbeg 10 I hunted down...not a big peat fan but I enjoyed it the other night.
Just bought a Deanston from ten fuckin years ago or more...had it side by side with newer cannister version both very good.
Not paying shit ton ....I did just pack my bags and am taking my haul back to SR....i can get that 57North in Siem Reap...I want it...
Solid list for sure! For a budget sherried dram I might add Glenallachie 12. And Ancnoc 12 over Deanston 12 or the Classic Laddie for me all day. That one's really growing on me in the same way that Craigellachie did and available in Alberta for under $50 at times. Cheers!
Yeah the AnCnoc is fantastic. Unfortunately I think the 40% hurts its appeal among enthusiasts. Glenallachie is good, too! Laddie and Criagellachie grew on me a lot, too! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Yeah I avoided the Ancnoc for a long time for that very reason, then gave it a try after your positive review. Has become one of my all time faves! Blind I don't think most people could tell it is 40% so full of flavour!
Hi G bro, first of all i really love yours,ours videos 😊,and thank you so much for that,one of my best videos,Arbeg is invader for me here,and Glen Livet last i didn't try, everything is super great drum and this is really good stuff,Best regards from Belgrade Serbia 🇷🇸 Cheers 🎉
Hah thanks so much for the kind words. Glad you enjoy most of these! Cheers from Taiwan! 🥃
Nice picks. Ive requested a bottle of deanston 12 for xmas. So i am looking forward to that
I'm sure you'll enjoy it, Chris.Cheers! 🥃
7 from that list currently open on the shelf 🥃👍
Nice! 🥃
As I watched this video, I was drinking the Arran 10, which is among the best I have discovered this year. There are a few on this list that I either have in my collection or sometimes order in bars, including Deanston 12, Craigellachie 13, and Ardbeg 10. Deanston 12 is very food friendly. Even though I have it in my collection, I sometimes order it in one of my favorite restaurants because it goes so well with their food. I also have Deanston 15 Organic, which is also good. I haven't had the Ledaig on this list, but a local bar has Ledaig 10, and I have Ledaig 18 in my collection. Both are excellent. I have Bunnahabhain 18 in my collection, and it is a favorite. I recently got around to trying Bunnahabhain 12, as I found it in a mini-bottle at a liquor store. It is great too. I find its youthful energy appealing, while the 18-year is more subtle but more complex. I've heard that there is a cask strength Bunnahabhain 12. I would love to get my hands on that, but I haven't run across a bottle so far.
I just picked up the cask strength Bunnahabhain 12 and I can confirm it's amazing. You've got a wonderful collection, it seems! 🥃
Awesome list. Really enjoy your content. Keep it going. Please recommend a splurge Ex-bourbon 18 year or so.
Thanks David. Oddly, there are very few non-IB whiskies that are completely bourbon matured. The Deanston 18 comes to mind, although it's hardly a splurge. There are plenty that are only lightly sherried, but none that I can think of that are all bourbon-cask matured. Odd. 🥃
I’ve had most of those on your list. I’d include Old Pulteney 12. I enjoy it more on hot days. It’s well under the $75 USD price too.
The Old Poultry 12 is about $45 in OR. It was a lot better 10 years ago.
Thank you so much for this video!! My secret Santa is a whiskey lover and I wasn’t sure which to buy😅
Thanks for watching. I hope it was helpful! 🥃
Solid list, but missing one: Edradour Caledonia 12YO!
Looking forward to the Classic Laddie review! Nice flavor plus fantastic bottle makes it a great gift. Cheers!🥃🥃
Hah that's closer to NT 2000 these days. I tried to keep this list under a certain budget. But yes, it's a killer! 🥃
You're right, it's not budget whisky now...
Just for the fun of it, here are the prices we pay for these Whiskeys in Norway:
Ledaig Rioja Cask - Unavailable
Glencadam 10 - 680 NOK / €65
Arran 10 - 640 NOK / €62
Bunnahabhain 12 - 715 NOK / €69
The Classic Laddie - 700 NOK / €67
Deanston 12 - 580 NOK / €56
Ardbeg 10 - 690 NOK / €66
Talisker 10 - 570 NOK / €55
Port Charlotte 10 - 765 NOK / €74
Craigellachie 13 - 685 NOK / €66
Glenlivet 12 - 610 NOK / €59
We have a state-owned monopoly on alcohol sales for alcohol above 5% (barring resturants/bars of course), and so these are *the* set prices, you will not find it cheaper because there is nowhere else to (legally) buy it.
Is there a Black Market for alcohol sales?
So sad. All the prices are aprox €/£20 higher than in UK i paid for.
Damn. Yeah I'm from Canada and that situation sounds very familiar. Thanks for sharing, Thomas. Good insight, bad prices! 🥃
@@MrChristopherMolloy There is a black market of so called “Alcohol Taxis” (people who drive cars around and who you can buy moonshine from), but I don’t think it is all to common.
Other than that I think home brewing especially for beer is quite common (and legal as long as you don’t sell it to others)
@@Gwhisky It’s not all bad, the government sets a minimum price, but for more expensive stuff they don’t really price gouge. I’ve seen plenty of $150-$200 bottles in US/EU being sold here for less than $100.
Basically the cheap stuff is expensive but the expensive stuff is cheaper so it works out in the end ahaha.
Like the list. I would have put Benirach Smoky 10 and probably Kilchoman Machir Bay. Looks like i need to try some Glencadam.
Decent list Geoff. Thanks for sharing.
In my personal list I might have some changes to yours, though I do not not anything about availability or price in Taiwan. Proposed additions: Loch Lomond 12yo, AnConc 12yo Laphroaig QC, Kilchoman Machir Bay. That being said, I definately would not take the Craigellachie, Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain or Port Charlotte from your list. Great stuff.
Slàinte mhath
Interesting picks! Loch Lomond 12 is challenging but it's interesting whisky for sure. I didn't love it, but a lot of people do. AnCnoc is 40% (delicious, still), and Laphroaig QC and Machir Bay would certainly fit. Good choices. All characterful and affordable. Cheers Peathead! 🥃
Hi Geoff, excellent video and an excellent list, I love Glencadam10. Actually I got a craigallachie 13 for my birthday a little while ago (well chuffed).All these I buy ( haven’t had the Ledaig) from time to time. Loads more whiskies out there would also fit into this list, eg , clynelish 14, glenfarclas 15 and Glen Allachie 12 . Slàinte Geoff.
Thanks David. I definitely should have included Glenfarclas 15, although it might break that USD $75 limit in some markets. Love the stuff. Clynelish and GlenAllachie would definitely fit! Cheers buddy! 🥃
@@Gwhisky congrats on making the malt whisky year book 2023, my copy arrived today and saw your channel in the social media list, shows your channel is definitely going in the right direction 🥃💪
A great list. I would have Glenallichie 12 on my list as yours is a little light on sherry heavy options.
Fair enough. Not big on heavy sherry but a lot of ppl are. GA12 is a good option! 🥃
I bought 8 bottles of whisky for a snob on my safari...I am the snob...cheapest on mine Deanston 12...$40...I did get that Clynelish 14 for $39 ...i went back today...I got the last one and last Victoriana...grabbed another Glenfarclas 15...and called it a successful safari
That's a good day's work, Jeff! Some killer prices down there! 🥃
@@Gwhisky several days of hard work...paid off...$64 for the elusive Glenfarclas 15...looked for it for years...grabbed a backup to conclude the hunt yesterday...headed home loaded with the spoils of victory.....Victoriana in this case....I have a bottle from their original release.,...they upped the abv like 4 years ago...your recent bottle was 54+ ..abv...
Have a brand new craiggie 13 home in the whisky lounge..cannot ever run dry of it....got to get it while I can...whacky world
Only two bottles you listed are stocked regularly here in Pennsylvania: Ardbeg 10 at $59.99 and Talisker 10 at $84.99. The specific Glenlivet bonus offering is not available, but several other varieties are (12, 14, 15, 18, & 21 y.o., founders reserve and carribian reserve)
Damn that's a pricey Talisker!
My budget picks that you missed, but both are debatable:
- Teeling Single Malt (really complex and interesting for the low price)
- Kilchoman Sanaig (still budgetty enough, and I know you love this one. Masterpiece!)
... when I began posting this, I thought I had more. Well done list.
I've not tried that Teeling. Sounds like I should. And yes, the Sanaig could definitely have a spot here! Cheers Taurui! 🥃
just bought my dad a balvenie double wood 12 year single malt for christmas...it costs £42...never tried it but its supposed to be good
Poorly planned Video but i still like it.
Its informative, entertaining and on the Palate a bit funny if you can get behind the challenging Aspect. The Finish is medium and Thoughtfull and leaves with a little Smile.
🤗
Meh. 75/100. 😂
Hey Geoff! Nice list. Solid and non pretentious.
I'd swap Bruichladdich with Arran Quarter Cask though. Haven't had the Classic Laddie, but in Bulgaria it is harder to get and is more expensive than Arran Quarter Cask which IMHO is a gem. Glenallachie 12 and Loch Lomond 12 are also ones I like and would put on the list.
As for the list and what's what in Bulgaria, there you go:
Talisker 10 - readily available for 40-41 euros
Arran 10 - readily available for roughly 30 euros, absolute king of value
Ledaig Sinclair Series - limited availability, price roughly 41 euros. Haven't had this one, but it is on my buying list
Craigellachie 13 - limited availability, price 56 euros but it shows in special sale sometimes for 40-ish euros
Port Charlotte 10 - available for 51 - 55 euros. There is also 1 l. bottle for roughly 64 euros which is a bargain
Bunnahabhain - available for 46 euros
Ardbeg 10 - available for 48-49 euros
Deanston 12 - available for 43.50 euros
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie - limited availability for roughly 48 euros. Haven't bought any so far as I'm not convinced the quality matches the price asked
Glencadam 10 - available at one retailer only, not online. Blatantly overpriced at 45.50 euros. Never had one.
Cheers!
Interesting. Clearly the Arran is killing it in terms of value in your market. Hell of a price drop between Craigellachie's regular price and the sale price. Great whisky for €40. Not surprised about the PC10... that one seems to be the most expensive of these in the majority of places. As for the Classic Laddie, I think it's a great whisky. Of course you decide if it's worth it, but I'd definitely suggest you try it. Excellent stuff. Thanks for sharing Nikolay! 🥃
@@Gwhisky The price and proverial batch variations have kept me away from Classic Laddie, but if I see it at less than 45 euros I'll definitely give it a try.
Mind you these are the current prices in Bulgaria. Craigellachie 13 regular price is clearly inflated but I expect it to be on special sale for at least 15% less. The Ledaig was also on special sale earlier this year for less than 35, but I missed it. All in all, if one doesn't fall for the FOMO and be patient almost every malt from the list can be had for less money. Glencadam 10 being an exception. Anything from the brand is outrageously overpriced over here because of the limited availability I suppose.
Cheers!
Really great list. Never heard the Ledaig rioja before, maybe it's just not available in Taiwan (searched with chinese but nothing popped up.)
Looking forward to the reviews of it and the classic laddie.
The Ledaig Rioja only recently became available at 9city. It's more expensive (sells for NT $1000 in the UK), but it's still excellent stuff.
Same for the Deanston Bordeaux, comparably cheap for its special finish
Agree 💯% with the Craigallachie, loving that stuff!
The Deanston is a special release from a while back. Good stuff! And yes, the Craigellachie is fantastic! Cheers MM! 🥃
@@Gwhisky not the 2008 Vintage one you probably think of rn, I ment the regular Deanston Bordeaux 10yo
@@Polytheiser Ah, sorry. The 10 year old. Haven't tried it. Interesting!
I would include Balvenie Caribbean cask or any Balvenie for that matter. Its not as complexed but its easy to drink, easy to find and would go great as a gift. My opinion tho
Great list! One wildcard: Balcones Lineage American single malt. Goes for $40 in the US. Hopefully it gets wider distribution with Diegeo buying them.
Stranahan's Blue Point needs some budget gringo love too.
This list is world class. I would have bumped the glencadam up to the 13 year but either way, entry level American Single Malt doesn't stand up for me. I've tried dozens and the only world class single malt is a cask strength version .
We're almost there but the Scotts just know how to run the stil. And better newmake is better whisky.
@@jackthepickledhound I’d put Balcones Lineage against any Scotch that goes for the same price in the USA at $40.
Totally agree on Craigellachie, in Alberta it is like $30 cheaper than Talisker 10.
Forgotten bottle include AnCnoc 12, I ignored it for so long, but you can find it for cheaper than most blended scorches and widely available at rock bottom prices. A delicious simple bottle that often gets overlooked.
Finally, unpopular opinion, Glenfiddich 12. You can buy it anywhere, great price, and a delicious Scotch I always come back to.
I remember a whisky tribe video where guest distillers brought their favorite bottle to drink and GF 12 showed up and I totally agree. Does it stun? No. Does it always please, yes. And considering the huge volume of it produced that kind of crazy consistency is pretty impressive. I'd gladly accept a GF 12 as a gift any day.
Ahh, found it!
th-cam.com/video/odZ_AXNrYL4/w-d-xo.html
AnCnoc is fantastic. The 40% probably damages its reputation among enthusiasts, but I agree it's a great dram and good bang-for-buck. The Glenfiddich 12 is decent, but not one I'd recommend as a gift to "whisky snobs." Cheers Serge.
@@Gwhisky very true, a lot of people think they have graduated past GF12 and ignore it. I like to come back to it fairly often to remember the first bottle that sparked my interest in Scotch.
@@djsaunter I haven't had it in years. Might have to grab a bottle to review at some point! 🥃
Would be happy to have any of them Geoff. With Bunna being the only sherry influence on the list, can I offer Glen Garioch at 48% and £45.00 uk.
Love the Craigellachie 13 one of my alternatives to Springbank 🙂
Glen Garioch is definitely good value! Not my favourite but quality stuff and well presented with the 48%. Cheers Gareth! 🥃
Great list Geoff. I have at least one of all those bar the Glenlivet in the stash. Only one I'm not really sold on is the Classic Laddie; not to say it's bad, I just don't like it as much as the others. Ledaig Rioja cask has a ridiculous quality/price ratio, at least in the UK.
Sorry to hear you're not a fan of the Laddie, Simon. I think it's overlooked. A bit sharp, but there's charm in there. As for the Ledaig, I couldn't agree more. Ridiculous bang-for-buck! 🥃
Hard to argue with your choices, but I would put Highland Park 12 somewhere in the mix. Like Talisker 10, it's a classic whisky that's not quite what it used to be, but it's still pretty darn good, and the price is very reasonable. Another good budget whisky is Loch Lomond 12; it has some very mild peat with an overall fruity character at an affordable price.
The Loch Lomond might have been included. A lot of people are really enjoying that one these days. I think a lot of us like the HP12, myself included, but the lower abv makes it a tougher sell than most of this list. But yes... excellent flavours and it's still a bottle that us nerds enjoy! Great picks! 🥃
Great list. I have 8 out of 10. And 9 if I can count the Ledaig 10 standard release. Just missing the Classic Laddie!
Don't sleep on that one. Good stuff! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Picked it up last week!
now I have a full house!
pretty awesome list, the only one I am ambivalent about is the Buna 12, for some reason I just don't get why people rave about it. I would maybe swap it for the Tomatin Legacy. The Ledaig Rioja wowed me recently.
Fair enough, Bunna 12 is a classic for me. I'll always have a soft spot for it. That Ledaig really is fantastic, though. Cheers! 🥃
Ardbeg 10 is great. Bunna 12 is awesome. Edradour 12 ,Craigellachie 13 are great. Glen Elgin is solid. The Arran 10 is nowhere to be found and when I do it’s $75. So I still haven’t had the new 10 after all the hype. Only had the old version. Deanston 12 and Glencadam 10 are solid but don’t blow me away. Glenfarclas 12 is under appreciated. Oban 14 is no longer budget. We’ll never really was but now it went from 70 to $100.
Macallan 12 when it was @55-60. They now want @$80! Ha! Bladnoch 10 was the best bang for buck at $50. But now they want $80 plus for the 11 yr old.
Man Florida is a weird market. 😂
Yeah it's a shame about stuff like Oban and Macallan hasn't been budget-friendly in a long time. Sucks you can't get the Arran for a good price. It's about USD $35 in my market! Cheers Salty! 🥃
@@Gwhisky pfft… wow. $35. Wtf are they thinking charging $70-75 F*ng here. Tobermory 12 is $90!!! Macallan $80-90. Do we have Monopoly money here or what?! I tell you man one gets pissed off at these prices. They can go fly a kite. I won’t buy it. I love my scotches but at the end of the day if I can’t get a reasonable price for the bottle I’m looking for, I’ll find an alternative. Greedy bastards. Anyhow. I’ll prob be getting something nice from overseas this Christmas. I’ll let you know what I’m able to snatch up. I so wanted Benrrines 16. Just sold out on the website I shop. I also wanted Deanston 18 but no such luck. Sure I can find those at The Whisky Exchange but they’re charging $60 PER bottle shipping. Insulting.
I was thinking of getting Benriach 15 &$75 and maybe another Tamdhu 15 @$90!
I feel I’m slowing down big time with my buying but I get most of my bottles late in the year. We’ll see what I end up finding.
Geoff. Lists like this are excellent information and now may I suggest you do another one. Blended malts deserve a list, they add an amazing dimension to whisky. Please?
Michael I'd love to, but sadly we don't have access to much from the world of craft blended malts here in Taiwan. It's growing slowly, but nowhere near what the UK or American scene has access too. The list would basically be entirely composed of Douglas Laing and Compass Box whiskies, and it would be a short one because I have limited experience with them. Sorry to disappoint but it might be a while before I can make a list like that. Appreciate the suggestion, though! 🥃
Blended malts can be quite hard to get hold of and they certainly are a neglected market category. My vote would be for Monkey Shoulder which is easy to find.
The Classic Laddie was the first bottle I reviewed on my channel. I love it. I got a Deanston 12 on allocation here in Québec but I haven’t opened it yet. Arran 10 is a solid choice.
Thanks! Love the Laddie! Didn't realize you were based in Québec. I'm a Montrealer myself! 🥃
@@Gwhisky I thought you might be, but I was afraid to ask in case i was wrong. So you know about my pain when it comes es to the SAQ.
@@dribsanddrams Hah definitely!
I would add the Highland Park 12 and the Glendronach 12. Also, how about doing some ranking of bottom shelf blended scotches? You know, like Red Label, Ballantines Finest or Famous Grouse, huh? It could be fun.
I've been thinking about doing a video where I run to the local 7-11 and pick up every budget blend mini and then compare them. Hah!
Nice review !
I think Knockando 18 could be a nice gift for around 40 euros
And Benriach smoky ten for only 30 euros too !
(Prices in France)
I can't say I've had the Knockando 18. Great price for an 18 year old! Cheers Pierre! 🥃
I guess I should visit France 😮
Have them all bar the Ledaig Rioja - I would like a plug for the Tobermory 12 as it is such a consistent whisky 🥃 and falls in with Deanston 12.
That's fair. I haven't taken to it in the same way I haven't taken to the Deanston. Both quality, well presented, and well-priced. 🥃
Great list, really love that Ledaig Rioja Cask!
Super good with incredible value! 🥃
@@Gwhisky good to see you finally got this lovely dram. I emptied my bottle fastest ever, now have to order another one. So yummy stuff.
Could you do a list of your best whiskys you had even if there expensive great whisky channel
Just dropped! 🥃
I absolutely love the taliskers 12. That's actually the only one I kinda bought 2 bottles of which when i started our with Scotch i said i would not do as i want to try as many as I can.
While it was not to full bottles because one was from a sampling box but it was enough for 2 glasses.
Today I was struggling between ardbeg uigeadail and Ardbeg 10.
I ended up with the ardbeg uigeadail and glad I did although it did cost more
Uigedail is a beast. It's batch-dependent, but it's excellent stuff most of the time. Glad you're enjoying it!
@@Gwhisky The smokey flavor of it is fantastic.
And I am guessing if it's stamped 15/11/2021 it's probably a 2021 batch.
Hard to not like your selection! My tweak would be, purely based on access, the Caol Ila 12 in place of Ledaig Rioja and Edradour Caledonia in place of Deanston
Fair enough! The Caledonia is a bit pricier here, so it wasn't included, but it's fantastic. Caol Ila is great, but I think the 43% makes it a tough sell for a lot of enthusiasts. Cheers Nikkhil! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Fair point on the Caol Ila ABV. But you know as much as I would like everything at 46% there are whiskies that work perfectly well at 43%. Caol Ila for me works. My go to Irish Pot still Redbreast 12 is only 40%
Ya that Craigellachie is a winner. I always tell people not to buy me any whisky though. I just have way way way too much already.
First world problems, eh? 😂🥃
@@Gwhisky ha. Yup
Great list, love your work, thank you!
Much appreciated. Thanks Ivan! 🥃
Tobermory 12 would be on my list.
Solid pick! 🥃
Great list Geoff. Except I would definitely include the Ardbeg Wee Beastie. At 43$ in the USD, it is a steal for what we get out of it. Also as a budget banger Loch Lomond 14 makes my list. Cheers!
The Wee Beastie is a great budget banger! Might feel a bit superfluous having both the 5 and the 10 on the same list, but you're right it does deserve a spot here. Cheers Soumya. Glad to have you back in the comments these days! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Yeah, I was alluding to the possibility of replacing the 10 with the Wee Beastie. Currently in the US, the port charlotte 10 at 65-70$ is not a "budget"whisky anymore, which is rather sad.
The Loch Lomond is very underrated and I believe they deserve a spot on the budget whisky shelf.
@@yoursinsincerely39 I don't seem to respond to the Loch Lomond 12 in the same way a lot of others do. It's good, but not great imo. The 18 on the other hand...
@@Gwhisky I actually prefer the 14 as a budget banger. 55$ and quite solid. I don't really enjoy the 12. The 18 is really good. Overall, for unpeated whiskies, Glencadam and Arran 10's and Craigellachie 13 (45$ ish) are my top favorites as budget gems.
Can't argue with that! 🥃
I live in Ecuador and whisky prices are through the roof for imports.
Ah that's too bad.
I'd add Balblair 12, a phenomenal whisky at the price. I'm also a Peat head, but i would ditch the Talisker 10 i can never seem to enjoy it.
I've yet to try the Balblair 12. Ralfy seems to love it! 🥃
I'd agree with your first choice. Ledaig is "in" at the moment. Strangely, Tobermory Single Malt isn't!
Oh, the conversations as to how to pronounce it is hilarious. LeCheg, Lachej, LeChek, LedChig...
Glencadam 10 is another winner for sure, but as you say, it can be expensive in different markets. For instance, here in Israel, it's about £65!!! The Glencadam Bourbon NAS is pretty good although what a shame it's bottled at 40% abv. Still, for someone on a budget, I'd recommend it. I'm no snob!
Regarding the Arran 10. Hmmm... Yes, it's good but please don't turn your nose up at the much cheaper Barrel Reserve (43%) and the Cask Strength Quarter Cask. Both are full flavoured and guaranteed to impress.
Bruichladdich Classic lost it's reputation when they decided to drop Age statements. For most of the industry, this wouldn't be a big deal, oh well, the way of the world, BUT because Bruichladdich's marketing was all about being progressive, "no fear", integrity, transparency etc, "people's right to know", to then drop the age statement didn't sit well with many and smells of hypocrisy, or with a change of ownership, a change of direction for the worse. If they were sticking to their traditional market then slapping on a Four/Five/Six Year Old Age statement wouldn't be a problem, but they are obviously looking for other markets which they perceive, would be put off by such a young age. This for many, means that their once former "cool" image has gone!
Like Kilchoman, Bruichladdich seem to have a current obsession with Ex-Wine casks and are are vatting a percentage of these casks into practically everything. Where as the Laddie Classic used to be very Bourbon forward, now it's all about that Bourbon/Wine marriage.
A must pick is obviously the Deanston. But the 12 YO which is becoming increasingly expensive? Thoroughly deserved reputation, but again, why do so many turn their noses up at the Virgin Oak cask? Yes it's NAS but it's NCF, NC and bottled at 46.3% abv. It's delicious whisky and cheap! It's no shame at all to give the Virgin Oak as a present.
Ardbeg 10 is always a welcome gift. Even their weaker batches are pretty good (unlike the Laphroaig Quarter Cask, some batches are, in my opinion, undrinkable!). The problem is that the rest of Ardbeg is not "in" at the moment. Too much marketing flannel and high prices. However, the 10 remains a classic and a firm favourite.
The last Talisker 10 I drank, dafka on the Isle of Skye, was awful! It was so bland I thought I had lost my sense of taste! Then I opened the Deanston Carvados....Prices have gone up and flavour down. Not recommended!
At least in my market, the Port Charlotte 10 is definitely not on the budget list, prices at around £100.
The Craigellachie 13 is an absolute classic. You can really taste those worm tubs and, as you said, it isn't priced so high in my market whereas in London, it has recently shot up in price.
I am surprised that Glenmorangie 10 didn't make it on your list?
As regards the Glenlivet Dram, this is one of the distilleries which is definitely out of favour at the moment and I wouldn't recommend it as a gift for whisky lover. He'd thank you with a kind smile and hide it at the back of cabinet.
If you wanted to make a video of single malts NOT to give as presents to whisky snobs, then Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Tomintoul, Tamnavulin, Glen Moray, Auchentoshan, Dalmore and Macallan are all no-nos to have displayed. This is a shame as there are some Tomintouls and Glen Morays which are actually really good.
To be fair, I think a Glenlivet at 48% is likely a better gift than a Glenmo 10 at 40%. I tended to avoid any lower abvs here as we are catering to "our people." I'm sorry you're no longer a fan of the Talisker 10. I'm in the minority, but I like the new one just as much.
With regards to the Classic Laddie, I've noticed very little wine influence in my last three bottles of it. It's very much a bourbon-forward profile in my eyes. While I don't appreciate the change of direction you mentioned with regards to dropping the age statement, I can say that I prefer the modern Classic Laddie over the old 10 that we used to get. Again, I expect I'm in the minority there.
I preferred my last bottle of Arran 10 to the last bottle of Quarter Cask I tried. That being said, I think I need to revisit the QC. Sadly it's shot up considerably in price in Taiwan.
Cheers Reb. Really appreciate the thought and detail you put in to that comment! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Your interesting videos prompt a full response. Keep up the good work.
@@RebMordechaiReviews Much appreciated. Will do, sir!
Crowd-pleasers all round. Not sure who would dislike Classic Laddie - just philistines. Having said that, the NAS Ledaigs taste a bit too young to me.
I love the Ledaig. A big surprise for me this year. As for the Laddie, yeah a lot of people think it's a bit too sharp. I think it's perfect. Love the stuff. 🥃
Port Askaig (I think it is Caol Ila..) very nice - great price - comes in a generic and 8 year old version.
Agree absolutely with Port Charlotte, but we get the Islay Barley version which has a lovely taste profile.
Suggest Bruichladdich Islay Barley when it is on special.
The Caol Ila 12 year old has been a consistent performer.
Lagavulin 8YO is great if you need a good slapping in the face with a nice finish.
If you like a salty classic malt - Old Pultney 12 Year old is hard to pass up.
Talisker Port Ruighe is a very nice expression of Talisker.
Finally - Arran is good but Machrie Moor Cask Strength is awesome - and a great price in my neck of the woods.
Prices seem weird here in New Zealand - what is good value here is not elsewhere. My partner and I like strong, interesting whiskeys (with a bias to peated, western isles product).
Personally I avoid Ardbeg and Bowmore - they have really dropped in quality over the last 20 years. Great marketing, Average or worse whiskey.
Thanks for the list, it was a great diversion for my day off.
Thanks Mad Pete! Islay Barley and Laga 8 would fit in nicely here! I've yet to try the recent Machrie Moor releass with the new bottle shape. I'm hearing mixed things about that one, but it sounds interesting. Cheers, buddy, some great picks in there! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Keep at it matey - us poor buggers who love good whiskey, who are no where near Scotland, really have to be creative about what we drink.
mmmh..good to know about the Sinclair... was always curious but I have mixed feeling with red wine finishes , wasn't too impressed with Arran Amarone and a Longrow Red - Malbec - forgot which year - being my only disappointing Springbank (single drams though / not full bottle)
Yeah I've not had a lot of luck with wine finishes myself, but I really like the Sinclair. It's sweet and fruity but not over-the-top. 🥃
No Loch Lomond 12?......... Outrageous!
Loch Lomond 12 is interesting, and definitely one for whisky nerds. I'm not convinced it has the same broad appeal as these, though. 🥃
Great list Geoff. I agree fully but I can’t get the Ledaig, Glencadam, or Aaran here. I can get Ardbeg 10 for $58, Bruichladdich Classic Laddie for $63 Port Charlotte for $67, Craigellachie 13 for $50, Bunnahabahn 12 for $57, Deanston 12 for $67, and the Talisker 10 for $83 (all prices are in USD). Since I can’t get the first three options, I would choose Loch Lomond 12 for $34, Glenmorangie LaSanta for $57, and the Glenlivet Illicit Still 12 for $55. None of those choices would be among the scotches that I would break out as elite drams for my scotch snob friends. However, they are all tasty and affordable. I would not be ashamed to offer any of these to my scotch snob friends.
The only one I would take off the list would be Talisker 10. Although it is a decent scotch, it is not worth anywhere near $83 USD (IMO). I would gladly pay $60 USD for it though. I would replace that one with Ardbeg An Oa for $60. I know people have a love hate relationship with the An Oa. I happen to love it. You get a bit of a mash up of what Ardbeg has to offer among its core line. Slight smoke, peat, along with a really nice sherry palate. I find it to be tasty and it’s only $60. My opinions of course. Thanks for doing this list (yes, I LOVE lists!!!). I am a guy who will buy an a few expensive scotches to keep in my bar but I am also pretty frugal (AKA: CHEAP), so I do like having affordable options in my bar.
Where is your scotch dessert? Sometimes I drive around and the choices are bleak . Glenlivet or Glenfiddich...since we don't have specialist stores we have a pile shite.
And Talisker 10....it's decent but it also represents the strong flavors of a quintessential Scotch. Let it ride it's wave of typical
Damn USD $83 is too much for Talisker! It's less than half that price here in Taiwan! Thanks for sharing the rundown of your local prices. The An Oa is one I've had but not reviewed. It's been a while since my last bottle. You just gave me something to think about...
Cheers Alan! 🥃
Just fast forward to 3.10
Ok will do, thanks. 🙏
Great list,
Blabnoch 11 ?
Aaron 10 Best price UK £37 +. US $60 +
Yeah sadly the Bladnoch is a special release. I was going for core range stuff. But the Bladnoch is amazing! 🥃
All right, fine, I approve. Ha ha.
🥃🥃🥃
A balanced list. Seconded
It would be funny spin to see a 'Santa’s Naughty List' (absolute single malt disasters) 😋
Not a bad idea! 🥃
Glenlivet founders reserve, horrid stuff
😅. Bowmore 10 (travel retail)
Why is it that everybody ignores Glen Garioch? A perfectly good sherried expression offered at reasonable prices. PC10! Yay!
I've never connected with that one the same most enthusiasts seem to. I don't mind the 12, although it's not a favourite. Big fan of the Cask Strength sherried 15, though. 🥃
Good list... here's what I pay for them in Germany:
Ledaig Rioja - ~40 €
Glencadam 10 - 35-40 €
Arran 10 - ~30€
Bunnahabhain 12 - 35-45€
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie - 40-45€
Deanston 12 - ~35€
Ardbeg 10 - 40-45€
Talisker 10 - ~30€ (right now 26€ on Amazon)
Port Charlotte 10 - ~50€
Craigellachie 13- ~40€
Even with inflation... I still feel fine with these prices
Yeah entry-level whiskies are not going up at the same rate as some of the more premium bottlings. A lot of those prices, while higher than they were. a few years ago, are still reasonable in today's market. Sadly the same can't be said for anything 18 years old or higher. Thanks for the info Christian. Extra points for Arran 10! 🥃
wouldnt buy them all but would accept as gifts :)
I still buy pretty much all of these from time to time.