Possibly the best video I've watched all year! At first, I only subscribed to you because I liked your opinions on whiskey... Now I come for the humour, the knowledge, the stories, the philosophy and the lessons! Thank you, Ralphy :)
Great review and comments Ralfy. A dear friend of mine recently went into the Veterans home, and made the comment, "I thought these were suppose to be the golden years." At 84 years old he had lived through his "golden years" and somehow missed them! Good reminder to stay in the moment and to appreciate every one of them. All the best to your Mom! Sincerely, Ossie P.S. Nasty cut there! I hope it wasn't a mix of whisky and power tools.
Ralfy, your gift of the spoken word is a rare gift. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with all of us and thank you for the education…especially the sentiment at the end of the video about taking advantage of the moment.
Watching this while sipping my Longrow CV and realizing how wonderful life can be is incredible. World is going down, bit at least we have our little sanctuary here. Thanks Ralfy.
Just to add a bit to an older review. I just tried the new Longrow 12yo Pinot Noir cask @ 52.9%. Absolutely fantastic. Tastes like fruit candy. Not a thorough review, but I'll leave that to Ralfy. I truly recommend you all give this one a try.
I just opened my first bottle of Longrow Red ever, and i must agree with ralfy that it is spectacular. A really great whisky. If it wasnt so limited i would have one in my cabinet all the time. One of my few go-to whiskys.
Another great review and a joy to absorb it all. (Less is more), and thank you for making that point all the time Ralfy because you have changed my way of enjoying whisky and spirits. I have tried many of the whiskies from your reviews and will look for this one now. (Longrow) I tried the Laphroiag quarter cask last week after watching your reviews and I again thank you for imbedding the 'quality and not quantity' ideals. Here's a little malt mention I came up with for you. 'Hello my marvelous money managing malt mates'. Take care, Wade from New York.
Ralfy, you added a few drops of water while you were talking then said you would take a sip of it "neat" then you added a bit more water, just thought you should know since you were surprised at the lack of alcohol dominance of the "neat" tasting. Good video as always! Buying a single malt from springbank is something I'm looking forward to once I can afford it
Hi Ralfy- I just had the Longbow Red from this year, which is a 13 yo, 12 years in American oak followed by 15 months in South African malbec casks. It is EXCELLENT. The peat profile is very similar to the one you mention in this video- it recedes with water, but as it recedes other, fruity flavor notes come surging forward. It reminds me of a tip you once gave about adding a drop of Ardbeg to Irish whisky (which I've done with bourbons to great effect); after water is added to the Red the peat seems to retreat to a supporting position that creates a whole that's that greater than the sum of its parts. It's really quite excellent, and here in the U.S. it's being bottled at 51.3% (cask strength) for about $100, which is excellent price-for-value right now. I've noticed that its getting some good shelf-position at liquor stores here in the US, so I thought I'd let you know. Thanks for all your reviews, keep 'em coming!
3 Longrow Red 11 YO I found so far. 1. Fresh Port Cask @ 51.8% This review, I'm going to give this one a try Ralfy. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon Cask @ 52.1% 3. Australian Shiraz Cask @ 53.7%
Fabulous early Christmas present, Ralfy. I have never tried, Longrow, though I have always wanted to. Loved the little surprise at the end of the vlog as well, all in all for me this is the best review, I think you have ever done.
Ralfy!!!I just picked up a bottle of this today !!! Looks like it was sitting on the shelf a long time !!!and found your review on it !I watch all your reviews big fan ,and somehow I think I missed this one but I'm glad I picked up the bottle !!!
Exceptional review. Really looking forward to tasting that Longrow Red. And thank you for the additional review and lesson in life. Watch the full videos, not just the reviews!
At the moment, I'm enjoying another port matured whisky: the Kilchoman Port Cask Matured 3yo. This Longrow sounds very interesting, and I was able to snag a bottle online. Looking forward to trying it. Thanks much, Ralfy, for yet another lead on a worthwhile whisky and also for the entertaining and touching video!
Ralfy, you had to go & make shed a wee tear! But it was a happy tear indeed! Regarding the Longrow malt, I'm not sure if I have the same version, since mine says it's bottled in Australian Shiraz Casks & it's 53.7 abv (but it does say Longrow Red Peated...). Thanks again for your amazing reviews! I really enjoy them & value your opinion greatly! Take care & prayers for your family.
Another great review and commentary Ralfy. I found a local shop that has the Longrow 11 yo and I will be buying a bottle soon. Loved the "nondescript" whisky story,....Cheers.
I have this RED Port in my little "willage" and it's interesting that only after few months after opening I realised that it's really amazing. Fact is, that I didn't do these funnel stuff that you sometimes do. I have three of them and I called them Red Dwarfs after my favourite sitcom: 11 yo Cabernet Sauvignon, 11 yo Port and 12 yo Pinot Noir. Nowadays, Cabernet Sauvignon seems to me as the best. It's absolutely stunning how there's smokiness interconnected with fruitiness (I have to admit I'm a huge fan of Springbank distillery). Hope I'll get the fourth bottle I'm missing sometimes, i.e. Shiraz. Ad loose cork: unfortunately, I experienced it on my own. Bottle of Longrow RED Cabernet Sauvignon was send to me by parcel servis 'cause I bought it online. And bit of whisky leaked from the bottle so the box was wet. I'm wondering if there's a possibility to prevent such a damage during the shipping.
Ralfy, I found your videos recently and they're awesome! Best out there by far. I'd like to go across the pond and hang out with you for a day, you've got some serious malt knowledge, and it appears knowledge in general! Keep up the good work Ralfy!
Bless her, thank you for the update. Now this is one beautiful vlog, the two whiskies are wonderful-- especially the Ferry-sourced bottle. The two glasses next to one another demonstrated a real color range...absolutely fascinating. This is a somewhat rare & unique review, very organically evolving to include the special review of the mysterious treasure you bought on a hunch. Delightful vlog indeed. You are a surfer eh? I never know exactly how special the next vlog will be...this time you really shared something special. Bravo to you, Ralfy. (Appropriate applause)
Ralfy, My Dad had the same problem. He got it a short time after he retired, did not get to enjoy his retirement. (Enjoy your malt moments!) We had to put him in a nursing home. I know you have your hands full, prayers and blessing for you and your Mom!
Hey Ralfy! What about a review of one of the new Glenglassaughs? Came to my mind wen you dropped the word "craft distilleries"... I remember you being very pleased when you visited them in one of your videos. I tried the peated "torfa" lately and I really enjoyed it for a young malt!
Hi Ralfy I looked for this and came up short. I did find the Longrow Red 11 years Cabernet Sauvignon not Port, here in Los Angeles, I loved it neat. I am about to add water and compare. I can't wait to share it with a friend or two. I love your advice about drinking. I'm listening and learning malt maestro. Salud, from your Malt Mexican friend.
Could you review the 12 yr. old Glen Scotia and how it compares to the 21 yr. old bottle you reviewed several months back? I'd like to know if the quality of the younger malt is worth it's more affordable price. Thanks for your videos Ralfy, have learned so much from them.
Hi Ralfy! Great review (as almost always) and thanks for being such a strong supporter of Springbank… arguably the most trustworthy distillery around. One question, however: Isn't direct fire for the spiritstills a real issue in terms of fire protection? After all, there were several bad incidents happening in the past in various distilleries.
I'd love to try Longrow but it is not easy to find: I only have access to the non-age statement edition, this port edition, or a very expensive 18 year old. No generic 10-ish year old basic maturation in sight.
Hey Ralfy, your first tasting when you thought it was still neat, you already have added water 😃Then you added a bit more 2nd time. Amazing review nonetheless!
I'd love to compare this beauty to the imho very good BenRiach 17 Solstice, which also features port pipe maturation at a healthy 50% abv. I was fortunate to try the predecessor Longrow 11 Red Shiraz a while ago and liked it very much. It's always amazing to see, what's possible in 11 years.
Hogibaer yeah Scotland-and-malts. de sell samples. i must say the hanseatische weinhandelsgesellschaft gets some good stuff. havent tried the 1989 Glenfarclas yet , but looks very interesting too.
Great start the video. Saying your hobby is drinking alcohol is bound to make the common person laugh, as their understanding of said hobby is limited. Anyway, nice to see this bottle on the list, as the previous Red versions have been interesting, but not that nice IMO.
From what I understand here's how they do the 2,5 times distilling: first distillation, second distillation. Cutting the second distillation's spirit in two, putting a half in the third still for a third distillation. Then mixing the third time distilled spirit with the two times distillied spirit. So part of it IS ACTUALLY three times distilled. But mixed with the other part it kind gives two and half!
+Marc-Andre Morency . . . you have offered one of the best explanations so far, they told me how they did it when I was last at the distillery and it made no sense at all !
+ralfystuff Pleasure! Think it makes sense...! By the way, have you tried Longrow Peated recently? I'm thinking about trying this one. And thanks for all the great malt moments, you actually start all of my sundays while drinking my morning coffee (living in Quebec)!
This one goes for $110 where I live in the States. Not sure what the British are paying over there, but I'm sure it's cheaper. C'est la vie! Being a malt-head is a spendy state of being. Totally worth it though.
Hi Ralfy, What a great review. It is interesting that your vatted malt contained Macallan. I know they are masters of the NAS and as such deserve to be cast into the fires of hell, but they actually make decent whisky and I think are the third largest producer of single malt by value. I understand their Sienna is good. Any chance of a review?
What Macallan has to decide - or, more realistically, simply be honest with its customers about - is just how important age is. On the one hand, they try to sell you the 1824 Series based on colour and, on the other, they still charge you through the nose for age-statement whisky. No one cares about the colour of Macallan 25, so long as they can sell it for £1,750 a bottle.
Malt454 exactly. when you look at the prices they ARE quite honest about age....indirectly. 18yo sherry 200-240 Euros. that alone refutes any pro-NAS argument.
Antoine M Right; age is only discussed, and considered important, where it supports premium pricing and, where that's not the case, you're supposed to look at, and pay for, all the pretty colours instead. I might be willing to do that if I was buying paint and colour was relevant to the purchase.
Hello ralfy, not that it relates to this malt.... Certain whiskies we taste we find them hot on the finish or too acidic etc etc. I was just wondering, why would the producers after tasting their product still send it to be sold even though it is flawed.. Just a thought. Great videos ralfy, watch them every night :)
Hi Ralfy pls help me with this: i've a bottle of Laphroaig QC with like 50ml left. I think it's been open for too long (concurrent option along with some other bottles), and it is now super harsh on the finish, very rough, and the taste seems different to when it's half full.. is there anyway to remedy it? thanks! I'm gonna try your decanting trick on my halfway-through glenfarclas 105, hope it helps.. It's a strange one the 105!
. . . any Producer who creates intrinsic quality bottlings where production costs are concentrated on the calibre of smell and taste and not on disingenuous marketing with superficial presentation.
I don't know how you can buy something that you are curious about and have never had and then let it sit for 14 years. The only bottles in my house that don't get opened right away are ones that I've had before and want to experience again sometime in the future.
i know exactly what you mean by a diminished nose when adding water. my previous bottle Braeval 19yo (Carn Mor ,1st fill Bourbon) had exactly the same effect. undilluted the Nose was amazing until i added water. same with my current one Glen Garioch 15yo Rennaissance. but you really do love Springbank dont you? you have reviewed more from Springbank than any other distillery.
Matt Aspinall The Speyside is a Distillery (aka Drumguish). there are also some blended malts which are simply called speyside. but it should be one of those then: www.whiskybase.com/whisky/20644/speyside-11-year-old-cm www.whiskybase.com/whisky/14599/speyside-12-year-old-cm
Great review ralfy! Please help with my next purchase : longrow rundlets, kilchoman loch gorm, or lagavulin distillers 2013. Any thoughts on the new ardbeg supernova? It's $240 here, more than I've paid for 22yo black arts 3 and a 29yo caol ila Indy. But the idea of a sherry finished supernova intrigues me. Help!
Ralfy, would you say that as a general rule official bottling's are better than independent bottling's? It seems to me that IBs are significantly cheaper than the OBs in like for like comparisons, if not then why would anyone buy an official bottling if an independent is available. The Mortlach from your last review is a good example.
***** ..you know, It would be nice to see another "inside" story from this excellent festival ( It is almost impossible for majority of us to see this event) with you and your "selfie" camera, like few years ago.maybe some other time. cheers mate.
Hello Ralfy ! could you do a review on Millbrook Distillery's straight bourbon whiskey dutchess private reserve. 45%ALC BY VOL 90 PROOF 750ML bottle. On the back of the bottle it says Distilled from grain hand-bottled by millbrook distilling port chester ny usa and its www.millbrookdistillery.com if you want to review it cool. These guys are new to the game I would like to see what you think.
Ralfy -have you heard about this staff ?- -Polugar? -Russian national drink-but not Vodka! If you interesting here is some story about it-www.russiandistiller.com/media/Polugar.pdf Regards
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
Possibly the best video I've watched all year!
At first, I only subscribed to you because I liked your opinions on whiskey...
Now I come for the humour, the knowledge, the stories, the philosophy and the lessons! Thank you, Ralphy :)
Stephen O' Connor Pay attention Lad..
It's Whisky... With a Capital Whhhh
Great review and comments Ralfy. A dear friend of mine recently went into the Veterans home, and made the comment, "I thought these were suppose to be the golden years." At 84 years old he had lived through his "golden years" and somehow missed them! Good reminder to stay in the moment and to appreciate every one of them. All the best to your Mom! Sincerely, Ossie
P.S. Nasty cut there! I hope it wasn't a mix of whisky and power tools.
Ralfy, your gift of the spoken word is a rare gift. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with all of us and thank you for the education…especially the sentiment at the end of the video about taking advantage of the moment.
Watching this while sipping my Longrow CV and realizing how wonderful life can be is incredible. World is going down, bit at least we have our little sanctuary here. Thanks Ralfy.
Just to add a bit to an older review. I just tried the new Longrow 12yo Pinot Noir cask @ 52.9%. Absolutely fantastic. Tastes like fruit candy. Not a thorough review, but I'll leave that to Ralfy. I truly recommend you all give this one a try.
I just opened my first bottle of Longrow Red ever, and i must agree with ralfy that it is spectacular.
A really great whisky.
If it wasnt so limited i would have one in my cabinet all the time.
One of my few go-to whiskys.
Another great review and a joy to absorb it all. (Less is more), and thank you for making that point all the time Ralfy because you have changed my way of enjoying whisky and spirits. I have tried many of the whiskies from your reviews and will look for this one now. (Longrow) I tried the Laphroiag quarter cask last week after watching your reviews and I again thank you for imbedding the 'quality and not quantity' ideals. Here's a little malt mention I came up with for you. 'Hello my marvelous money managing malt mates'. Take care, Wade from New York.
Hi Ralfy great review. About the Port maturation length, the whiskybase says it’s 7 years bourbon plus 4 years In Tawny Port.
I just got the 2022 tawny port 11 year Longrow and I can imagine being 11 years of full port. Very interesting review thank you ralfy!!
Their website says seven years in Bourbon casks followed by four years in Tawny Port casks for the 11 yr old.
Ralfy, you added a few drops of water while you were talking then said you would take a sip of it "neat" then you added a bit more water, just thought you should know since you were surprised at the lack of alcohol dominance of the "neat" tasting. Good video as always! Buying a single malt from springbank is something I'm looking forward to once I can afford it
Your best review yet Ralfy. As much for the profound words towards the ends as the actual review. Food for thought, or should I say malt for thought?
Hi Ralfy- I just had the Longbow Red from this year, which is a 13 yo, 12 years in American oak followed by 15 months in South African malbec casks. It is EXCELLENT. The peat profile is very similar to the one you mention in this video- it recedes with water, but as it recedes other, fruity flavor notes come surging forward. It reminds me of a tip you once gave about adding a drop of Ardbeg to Irish whisky (which I've done with bourbons to great effect); after water is added to the Red the peat seems to retreat to a supporting position that creates a whole that's that greater than the sum of its parts. It's really quite excellent, and here in the U.S. it's being bottled at 51.3% (cask strength) for about $100, which is excellent price-for-value right now. I've noticed that its getting some good shelf-position at liquor stores here in the US, so I thought I'd let you know. Thanks for all your reviews, keep 'em coming!
3 Longrow Red 11 YO I found so far.
1. Fresh Port Cask @ 51.8% This review, I'm going to give this one a try Ralfy.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon Cask @ 52.1%
3. Australian Shiraz Cask @ 53.7%
Fabulous early Christmas present, Ralfy. I have never tried, Longrow, though I have always wanted to. Loved the little surprise at the end of the vlog as well, all in all for me this is the best review, I think you have ever done.
Having only discovered Ralfy about 6 months ago, its a real pleasure to go through the back catalogue ;-)
Top class whisky reviewer, beekeeper, Triumph rider & undertaker I can associate with you Ralfy. But surfer as well? I'm impressed!
Ralfy!!!I just picked up a bottle of this today !!! Looks like it was sitting on the shelf a long time !!!and found your review on it !I watch all your reviews big fan ,and somehow I think I missed this one but I'm glad I picked up the bottle !!!
Exceptional review. Really looking forward to tasting that Longrow Red. And thank you for the additional review and lesson in life. Watch the full videos, not just the reviews!
At the moment, I'm enjoying another port matured whisky: the Kilchoman Port Cask Matured 3yo. This Longrow sounds very interesting, and I was able to snag a bottle online. Looking forward to trying it. Thanks much, Ralfy, for yet another lead on a worthwhile whisky and also for the entertaining and touching video!
Ralfy, you had to go & make shed a wee tear! But it was a happy tear indeed!
Regarding the Longrow malt, I'm not sure if I have the same version, since mine says it's bottled in Australian Shiraz Casks & it's 53.7 abv (but it does say Longrow Red Peated...).
Thanks again for your amazing reviews! I really enjoy them & value your opinion greatly!
Take care & prayers for your family.
Another great review and commentary Ralfy. I found a local shop that has the Longrow 11 yo and I will be buying a bottle soon. Loved the "nondescript" whisky story,....Cheers.
Great Malt. We included it in our "gourmet" tasting in my whisky club. Most members really enjoyed it.
Ralfy,
Well said. Reminds me of the saying: "You can never step into the same river twice."
My bottle is almost gone - so wish I'd have bought another bottle when I had the chance. One of my favorite whiskys of all time.
I have this RED Port in my little "willage" and it's interesting that only after few months after opening I realised that it's really amazing. Fact is, that I didn't do these funnel stuff that you sometimes do.
I have three of them and I called them Red Dwarfs after my favourite sitcom: 11 yo Cabernet Sauvignon, 11 yo Port and 12 yo Pinot Noir. Nowadays, Cabernet Sauvignon seems to me as the best. It's absolutely stunning how there's smokiness interconnected with fruitiness (I have to admit I'm a huge fan of Springbank distillery). Hope I'll get the fourth bottle I'm missing sometimes, i.e. Shiraz.
Ad loose cork: unfortunately, I experienced it on my own. Bottle of Longrow RED Cabernet Sauvignon was send to me by parcel servis 'cause I bought it online. And bit of whisky leaked from the bottle so the box was wet. I'm wondering if there's a possibility to prevent such a damage during the shipping.
Cannot wait to open mine... thank you for this review. As always, you are great, Ralfy
"I'm Ralfy and my hobby is drinking alcohol" ... that's hilarious when taken out of context!
I put on my linkdin profile that I was a professional wine and spirits taster. ;)
Better to use the term "spiritist".
Daniel Ryslink Great term, may I use it? lol
Ralfy, I found your videos recently and they're awesome! Best out there by far.
I'd like to go across the pond and hang out with you for a day, you've got some serious malt knowledge, and it appears knowledge in general!
Keep up the good work Ralfy!
hi ralfy!
I would love to see an episode where you present your top 10 all time whisky bottles!
Another great review! I hope your dear old mum is doing well.
MycologicalFunk . . . she's getting better.
Bless her, thank you for the update. Now this is one beautiful vlog, the two whiskies are wonderful-- especially the Ferry-sourced bottle. The two glasses next to one another demonstrated a real color range...absolutely fascinating. This is a somewhat rare & unique review, very organically evolving to include the special review of the mysterious treasure you bought on a hunch. Delightful vlog indeed. You are a surfer eh? I never know exactly how special the next vlog will be...this time you really shared something special. Bravo to you, Ralfy. (Appropriate applause)
Ralfy, My Dad had the same problem. He got it a short time after he retired, did not get to enjoy his retirement. (Enjoy your malt moments!) We had to put him in a nursing home. I know you have your hands full, prayers and blessing for you and your Mom!
Hey Ralfy!
What about a review of one of the new Glenglassaughs? Came to my mind wen you dropped the word "craft distilleries"... I remember you being very pleased when you visited them in one of your videos. I tried the peated "torfa" lately and I really enjoyed it for a young malt!
Wll Ralfy, this was indeed another intense and inspiring review. Let's enjoy the real life!
After having seen tons of videos of you I very much enjoy this one since you are taken by surprise at least twice by the flavour :)
Hi Ralfy I looked for this and came up short. I did find the Longrow Red 11 years Cabernet Sauvignon not Port, here in Los Angeles, I loved it neat. I am about to add water and compare. I can't wait to share it with a friend or two. I love your advice about drinking. I'm listening and learning malt maestro. Salud, from your Malt Mexican friend.
. . . happy to help with your malt-moments !
Excellent stuff! Thoroughly enjoyed the video! Thanks again Ralfy!
I'll raise a glass to that. Spot on as always. Cheers Ralfy
Just in case it's your last review this side of Christmas. Have a good one and a merry Christmas to you and your's.
I wish they could make Whisky Gums..
Like wine gums...
I have no idea what the origin of that was...
Was it originally congealed Wine Finings?
Could you review the 12 yr. old Glen Scotia and how it compares to the 21 yr. old bottle you reviewed several months back?
I'd like to know if the quality of the younger malt is worth it's more affordable price.
Thanks for your videos Ralfy, have learned so much from them.
Where did you get the jacket ralphie?
How do you feel about vodka? Can we expect a video on some various types and price classes?
Rallerboy888 . . . possibly.
Interesting
Hi Ralfy! Great review (as almost always) and thanks for being such a strong supporter of Springbank… arguably the most trustworthy distillery around. One question, however: Isn't direct fire for the spiritstills a real issue in terms of fire protection? After all, there were several bad incidents happening in the past in various distilleries.
Christof Sparber . . . true, but not a problem for Glenfarclas.
So... how about that Talisker Dark Storm?
The flavor description for this whisky blew my mind, I must get my hands on a bottle of this.. I doubt I'll ever find it in Canada though! :(
can you do some more cigar reviews? or pairings?
I'd love to try Longrow but it is not easy to find: I only have access to the non-age statement edition, this port edition, or a very expensive 18 year old. No generic 10-ish year old basic maturation in sight.
Hey Ralfy, your first tasting when you thought it was still neat, you already have added water 😃Then you added a bit more 2nd time. Amazing review nonetheless!
I'd love to compare this beauty to the imho very good BenRiach 17 Solstice, which also features port pipe maturation at a healthy 50% abv.
I was fortunate to try the predecessor Longrow 11 Red Shiraz a while ago and liked it very much. It's always amazing to see, what's possible in 11 years.
there is a great looking Longrow exclusively on the German market:16yo Manzanilla. but a bit expensive for what youre getting.
Funny, I incidentally just looked it up on whiskbase.com. Seems very good but at that price I'd like to sample it first... :-)
Hogibaer
yeah Scotland-and-malts. de sell samples. i must say the hanseatische weinhandelsgesellschaft gets some good stuff. havent tried the 1989 Glenfarclas yet , but looks very interesting too.
hey ralfy. I've been wondering for a while now, do you live in the bothy or do you just use it to film? i don't know much about bothys... >.
rockindrop . . . sort of yes and no.
God damn, that is super dark and red. Very interesting colour.
Great start the video. Saying your hobby is drinking alcohol is bound to make the common person laugh, as their understanding of said hobby is limited. Anyway, nice to see this bottle on the list, as the previous Red versions have been interesting, but not that nice IMO.
Ralfy where can I get a bottle of this Longrow 11yo port cask I live in the USA an ideas ?
From what I understand here's how they do the 2,5 times distilling: first distillation, second distillation. Cutting the second distillation's spirit in two, putting a half in the third still for a third distillation. Then mixing the third time distilled spirit with the two times distillied spirit. So part of it IS ACTUALLY three times distilled. But mixed with the other part it kind gives two and half!
+Marc-Andre Morency . . . you have offered one of the best explanations so far, they told me how they did it when I was last at the distillery and it made no sense at all !
+ralfystuff Pleasure! Think it makes sense...! By the way, have you tried Longrow Peated recently? I'm thinking about trying this one. And thanks for all the great malt moments, you actually start all of my sundays while drinking my morning coffee (living in Quebec)!
Funny as an Undertaker, you have such an unique ability to smell.
This one goes for $110 where I live in the States. Not sure what the British are paying over there, but I'm sure it's cheaper. C'est la vie! Being a malt-head is a spendy state of being. Totally worth it though.
Ralfy, will you be doing a malt of the year review this year?
Thanks
Clarky0411 . . yes !
Hiya Ralfy! What's your thoughts on the Glen Garioch Virgin Oak?
. . . not on my shopping List !
Wish your mother the best.
Hi Ralfy, What a great review. It is interesting that your vatted malt contained Macallan. I know they are masters of the NAS and as such deserve to be cast into the fires of hell, but they actually make decent whisky and I think are the third largest producer of single malt by value. I understand their Sienna is good. Any chance of a review?
John B . . . no Macallan reviews planned, I find the quality of what they now produce increasingly disappointing and simply not worth the money.
What Macallan has to decide - or, more realistically, simply be honest with its customers about - is just how important age is. On the one hand, they try to sell you the 1824 Series based on colour and, on the other, they still charge you through the nose for age-statement whisky. No one cares about the colour of Macallan 25, so long as they can sell it for £1,750 a bottle.
Malt454 exactly. when you look at the prices they ARE quite honest about age....indirectly. 18yo sherry 200-240 Euros. that alone refutes any pro-NAS argument.
Antoine M Right; age is only discussed, and considered important, where it supports premium pricing and, where that's not the case, you're supposed to look at, and pay for, all the pretty colours instead. I might be willing to do that if I was buying paint and colour was relevant to the purchase.
Hello ralfy, not that it relates to this malt.... Certain whiskies we taste we find them hot on the finish or too acidic etc etc. I was just wondering, why would the producers after tasting their product still send it to be sold even though it is flawed.. Just a thought. Great videos ralfy, watch them every night :)
Anthony Austin . . . to make profits without respect for the customer, it happens all the time. The customers needs to be more fussy.
Everything I do when Drunk is A Genuine Act of Original Genius!
Its only when I have a hangover that it is STUPID!
Have you ever joined in on a coffee "cupping" (tasting), you would be amazing at it ;)
Happy New Year Ralfy!
. . .no plans for the moment !
Hi Ralfy pls help me with this: i've a bottle of Laphroaig QC with like 50ml left. I think it's been open for too long (concurrent option along with some other bottles), and it is now super harsh on the finish, very rough, and the taste seems different to when it's half full.. is there anyway to remedy it? thanks!
I'm gonna try your decanting trick on my halfway-through glenfarclas 105, hope it helps.. It's a strange one the 105!
TheXXXmilkman . . . no remedy, try adding some maple syrup, this might help.
Hello Ralfy, it's been awhile since you reviewed something that's not a whisky, will you come back to armagnac, rum or anything else soon ?
Roux Maxime . . . yes !
what's your specification of "craft distillery" ?
. . . any Producer who creates intrinsic quality bottlings where production costs are concentrated on the calibre of smell and taste and not on disingenuous marketing with superficial presentation.
I don't know how you can buy something that you are curious about and have never had and then let it sit for 14 years. The only bottles in my house that don't get opened right away are ones that I've had before and want to experience again sometime in the future.
i know exactly what you mean by a diminished nose when adding water. my previous bottle Braeval 19yo (Carn Mor ,1st fill Bourbon) had exactly the same effect. undilluted the Nose was amazing until i added water. same with my current one Glen Garioch 15yo Rennaissance.
but you really do love Springbank dont you? you have reviewed more from Springbank than any other distillery.
Antoine M . . . it's what I choose to buy, the quality and craft presentation is just generally better.
I recently bought a Carn Mor 18 years old Sherry Cask but have no information on it. Can anybody enlighten me?
Matt Aspinall Carn Mor is the bottler. what Distillery is the Whisky from?
That's what I'm struggling with. It just says speyside. I wondered if anybody else knew where it was from, if they had the same bottle.
Matt Aspinall
The Speyside is a Distillery (aka Drumguish). there are also some blended malts which are simply called speyside.
but it should be one of those then:
www.whiskybase.com/whisky/20644/speyside-11-year-old-cm
www.whiskybase.com/whisky/14599/speyside-12-year-old-cm
Great review ralfy! Please help with my next purchase : longrow rundlets, kilchoman loch gorm, or lagavulin distillers 2013. Any thoughts on the new ardbeg supernova? It's $240 here, more than I've paid for 22yo black arts 3 and a 29yo caol ila Indy. But the idea of a sherry finished supernova intrigues me. Help!
Tim TheWhiskyNut . . . Rundlet !
Awesome, thanks!
Ralfy, would you say that as a general rule official bottling's are better than independent bottling's? It seems to me that IBs are significantly cheaper than the OBs in like for like comparisons, if not then why would anyone buy an official bottling if an independent is available. The Mortlach from your last review is a good example.
***** . . . used to be the case, but not now, increasingly Independent bottlings can be better and cheaper.
Ralfy, malt mate. I need your opinion about "Longrow Peated 40%", obviously NAS? Cheers mate.
mirqo . . . an earthy, raw but substantial peat monster.
***** Ok mate, I am gonna give It a try..thx again..btw..did you attend this years Whisky Fringe in Edinburg?
. . . no Festival trips planned this year.
***** ..you know, It would be nice to see another "inside" story from this excellent festival ( It is almost impossible for majority of us to see this event) with you and your "selfie" camera, like few years ago.maybe some other time. cheers mate.
mirqo ..or was It from Glasgow..? hmm, anyway:)
Review of Booker's Bourbon? uncut unfiltered straight from the barrel 120-130 proof
Excellent video!
this looks more than interesting!
"Red" is just the name of the line of Longrows finished in red wine casks; they could have used any kind of port casks for this.
Hey Ralfy? Can you review Ballantines finest blended? Or if you dont have time, sum it up in a comment?
Hindu proverb ::: Life is a bridge. Pass over it, but build no house on it.
ralfy, where are u from, dude?
Danilo F. . . . Scotland.
***** as i thought...
alright, thanks, whisky guru! xD
Please use my Holiday Malt-M
"Island of Malted Misfit Toys" JTH - Dover, DE
The first sip was not neat mate... you'd added water...
Authentic Max . . . true !
You know you added water twice.
Paul Davies . . yes, the first spoon was not quite enough.
First comment? It's so dark are you sure it isn't actually port?
Reb Mordechai . . . more whisky than port !
Hello Ralfy ! could you do a review on Millbrook Distillery's straight bourbon whiskey dutchess private reserve. 45%ALC BY VOL 90 PROOF 750ML bottle. On the back of the bottle it says Distilled from grain hand-bottled by millbrook distilling port chester ny usa and its www.millbrookdistillery.com if you want to review it cool. These guys are new to the game I would like to see what you think.
Even though it goes against everything you believe in it would be amazing if you did a session where you just got completely shitfaced.
>>>Flannel Alert
Ralfy -have you heard about this staff ?- -Polugar? -Russian national drink-but not Vodka!
If you interesting here is some story about it-www.russiandistiller.com/media/Polugar.pdf
Regards
. . . interesting stuff !
First ?