Pretty good selection I'd say. Good quality, good range of flavours and affordable, just like it says in the description. Kind of makes me think this comment was a waste of time.
Ralfy, I'm a bourbon drinker who's been following your channel for a few years now and decided to take a leap into the world of scotch whisky. Tonight I enjoyed my first pour based upon one of these recommendations - Highland Park 12y. It was a delightful malt-tastic experience. Thank you for the recommendations. I look forward to see where this journey takes me. Cheers!
Shame the HP12 is so dire now, the Caol Ila 12 is a classic and has weathered the past decade relatively unscathed in terms of change in quality I’ve found. The OP12 is one of my favourite budget malts still, though there’s a fair bit of batch variation and a higher proportion of refill casks used in bottlings these days I suspect, but such is the way with the huge output volume increase since this review. Cheers Ralfy, your insights and comments are still as interesting now as 9 years ago👍
Hey there Ralfy! Just wanted to say a big thank you for essentially hosting a whisky tasting night for me and some friends the other night! Ive been watching your videos for a while now and they really enhance the whisky experience for me and I've learnt heaps! We had some complete beginners through to a few guys who enjoy a whisky now and then, we all bought a bottle and watched a few of your master class videos and some reviews while we tasted. The guys were blown away with your knowledge and how you can turn a glass of whisky into something completely new and exciting! The night was a huge success and we are already planning the next one! Cheers again Ralfy, you are the Malt Man!!
Great recommendation, I love all three of them. Although I would not call myself a beginner, those standards are very good, I return to them every once in a while and they are stunning. Frankly, there is not such a thing as a beginner whisky. Just my humble opinion:-)
I am just beginning my malt journey as I have begun to distinguish flavors, smells, tastes of various whiskies and spirits in general. The complexity of various spirits has become more and more obvious to me in recent years and amazes me how we, as a society have been able to produce and continue to produce such amazing liquids! And now we have Ralphy, a professional in my eye, to guide us through this wonderful, yet complex journey of whisky and spirits. So, in good faith, cheers to you Ralphy!
I bought these three as my first single malts. Almost! Caol Ila was not available so I went with a Bowmore 12. I used to love this version of Highland Park 12. It was the single malt that started it all for me. The current HP12 has a strong burnt match (sulfur?) note that over-rides all. Now you malty malt mentioners, do you have any recommendations? What current single malt is closest to that old Highland Park 12?
Good segment and it demonstrates what makes them valuable: a clear opinion that is useful to the common person. Industry boosters like to sit on the fence with the “well, they’re all pretty good / no bad whisky” approach, or only feel safe giving glowing recommendations to stuff that no one can afford to buy, much less drink. Go Ralfy! - but please don’t be dazzled by all the adoration - a friendly word to a wise man.
You really give the BEST advice. I followed your recommendations in the past when I began my malt journey and you have guided me on such a good path. I went through Highland Park and Old Pulteney as well as a stop in Aberlour ... Then I tried Laphroaig 10 in a bar earlier as a rather harsh introduction to Islay and I really loved it. THANK YOU Ralphy, for such a fantastic education, you are an inspiration.
I've only recently discovered your channel and have been sipping it frequently. Thanks to your content, just today I got my first bottle of Old Pulteney and I can't wait for tomorrow night when I'll pop it open. Caol Ila will come next for sure. Thanks Ralfy for the best whisky content on TH-cam
Ralfy,I tried the Laphroaig Quarter cask and am having a drop at the moment. It is unbelievably different from anything I have tried and I am really enjoying it. The taste is out of this world Thanks !
Sticking with the "12 Years" formula, I'd probably recommend the Bunnahabhain 12 Years (Sherry, complexity, sweetishness that appeals to beginners). The Old Pulteney has a salty note that might not appeal to beginners.
Ralfy, I am so glad I stumbled across your page. I recently became interested in trying Scotch whisky and this review was very helpful. I purchased a bottle of Old Pulteney per your suggestion and am certainly glad I did. The depth of flavor and the character of the whisky is better than some of the more expensive brands I have tried so far. It is one I would have undoubtedly overlooked otherwise
Caol Ila is a good choice (or the non-chill filtered Bunnahabhain 12) for Islay. HP12 is the sort of central benchmark, so I'm with you there. Old Pulteney is a miss for me. I was completely underwhelmed by it. I would suggest as an alternate the readily available, reasonably priced Speyside classic Macallan 12.
Cheers to you Ralfy! I definitely hear it here. Bravo for branching out of the Glenlivet and Glenfiddich as immediate go to's. I personally always resort to those because they are so incredibly mild, straight forward and widely recognized.
I've got a feeling you'd make a great hobbit! Enjoying the small and edible (drinkable in this case) things. You've sure put a smile on my face tonight, soldier on indeedie :)
As a new whisky drinker, I can understand why this topic is your most asked question, and while answers to this question are out there, they are actually surprisingly hard to come by! And frustratingly they do not offer as much insight about flavours as you have! Thank you kind sir.
I've found all Ralfy's "best" and "recommended" whisky extremely informative and useful! My first (and for a long time my only) single malt was Glenmorangie and only started trying different whiskys/whiskies. I started with this review, tried all three (in the order presented), and was very pleased! I would still suggest Glenmorangie to Old Pultney to a beginner, but followed closely by Old Pultney. Thanks Ralfy!
I had only had a couple glasses of blended scotch whisky when I sipped a glass of Highland Park 12yo as my first single malt. Up until that point, I felt lukewarm about scotch, but after that tasting I couldn't get the smokey flavour out of my mind. Truly an experience for the palate of a new drinker.
Ralfy i'd just like t thank you for (in my opinion) the best channel on here. found it a couple of days ago and not stopped watching since and even ran out for a bottle of Highland park 12!. Thanks and looking forward to sampling many more.
Really enjoying your reviews Ralfy. I'm a bourbon man, first and foremost...but I enjoy all types of whiskey. I'm sipping on some Dalwhinnie 15 at the moment and I'm also a big fan of Aberlour 12, which I recommend when novice whiskey drinkers ask for a good single malt for beginners.
Thank you Ralfy i"m from Costa Rica and I appreciate your videos.I do not speak English but I do my effort and I understand pretty and enjoy and learn.And I am slowly buying blended whiskeys and will continue with the single malt. Here in Costa Rica by the liquor tax is very expensive.
Started watching these videos. Happy to see Caol Ila represented! They're harder to find around here, and if you asked for it, most liquor shops don't even know what you're talking about. But it's been a great standard in my bar. You get a milder peat whiskey that's just great for everyday drinking. It's cheaper than Lagavulin, and you never feel bad drinking half a bottle of it in a sitting. Obviously there's better whiskies around, but for its price, I couldn't recommend it more for anyone looking for a whisky to constantly have in stock.
I chose Old Pultney for my first single malt because I wanted something affordable and with good reputation. Later I found your channel and saw you recommend Old Pultney as well! I'm quite enjoying OP12 and finding new things from it each time. At first I couldn't smell the brine but now it's very clear. Fruit and caramel tones as well. I think I'll go for sherry matured whiskey next time.
Caol Ila is always amongst the other horses in my stable. Good pick. When I want to show someone a mid-range on the whisky spectrum, I also have a Johnnie Walker Green with two well peated and two light whiskies blended together. Speaking of which - the JW Green will be discontinued in the US as of next Summer. I'm stocking up now.
Yes!!! Finally my malt mention has been mentioned!!! Yippee!!! Hopefully one day I'll be able to arrange for Ralfy to come to Singapore! That will be for all Ralfians here in the far east! Well work in progress!!!
Hi Ralfy! Greetings from Washington State, USA. We have the highest hard liquor tax in all the 50 states! As for a proper whiskey glass, I prefer to drink my single malt whiskeys from my crystal brandy snifters - which happen to be imbued with 18 carat yellow and white gold! In any case, I find a snifter puts my nose over the whiskey which enhances my ability to enjoy the whiskey's complexity. Try it!
Ralphy how many times I have enjoyed more Whiskey than nature recommends those unforgiving pounding headaches perhaps making love to the latrine the next morning , Drinking reasonably is something that I advise but have not completely achieved!!!! I love these Ralphy TH-cam videos!!!!!! Thank you Ralphy!!!!
Hi Ralfy - I am fairly new to Scotch myself, but I have really taken a liking to the Glenfarclas 12yr. Any suggestions on what to try next that would be similar? I know that I don't like overly peaty / smoky malts, but other than that I'm open to anything. I enjoy barrel proof bourbon quite a bit, so I've been looking at the Glenfarclas 105. Thoughts? Thanks!
Just bought a bottle of Old Pulteney 12yr Old. I'm a noob at whiskey. I've only had Jameson's and Maker's Mark. Old Pulteney is wonderful to say the least.
Ralfy , I love your videos and have learned a lot from watching you. I am new to the scotch world, December 2016 was my first purchase. A bottle of Balvanie 12 yr double wood. Since then, I have tried and or purchased over 30 different scotches. I have tried both the Old Pultney 12, based on your review, which I loved... I have also tried the Highland Park 12 based on your review. I enjoyed it as well but have to say it was way more complex in flavor than I was ready for as a beginner. I think that one may be for someone who enjoys those complex flavors and has had a bit of experience with the vast array of what is out there. I had my newbie friend try it and he hated it! I would recommend something sweeter and sherried like the Aberlour 12 or Auchentashen 12 over the HP for beginners. But, I'm not the expert! Haven't tried the Caol Ila but have the Laphroig 10 and Talisker Storm. Beginners stay away from Laphroig as an intro to Islay. The Talisker is much more palatable as an intro. Thanks Ralfy, and I look forward to your next video! I'm a huge fan!
Thanks again. Your reviews are great but I really enjoy these multi-bottle ones. You have greatly influenced my purchases and have helped shape my scotch journey for the better. I am proud to say I had two of the three of these based upon your reviews! Keep up the good work!
Ralfy, I am a fairly new scotch drinker. A friend of mine introduced me to it. You mentioned that the wine glass will work better than a tumbler. I currently use tumbler glasses to drink my scotch. I do not add ice to my whiskey but I do use Whiskey rocks to chill it down a bit. The rocks are made of soapstone and do not seem to change the flavor at all. Are whiskey rocks something you would recommend as an alternative to ice?
G'day Ralfy, Great reviews I enjoyt hem a lot. You've helped me discover a few very nice makes that I otherwise wouldn't of tried or known of. In my opinion you're one of the best reviewers on the net.I've been living in Europe for about 3 years now and may move back to Australia soon but the thought of it gives me chills when I check prices and availabilty of world class Rum and Single malts there. Its often triple what people pay in Europe if your lucky enough to find it at all. Cheers mate.
You know ralfy, i have been drinking whisky for 9 years now, and like you i started with the cheap supermarket blends, before progressing to supermarket available malts, and then one to online retailers and indenpant stores for the cask strenghs ect, but these three you chose for this video are very good, even for a seasoned drinker, infact im enjoying a old pultenty 12yo now!!! excellent channel
I prefer the Old Pulteney 12 -year old myself, I love it's briney citrusy flavour, they don't call it "The Mariner's Malt" for nothing. The maturation casks capture the salty ozone filled sea air and transfers it into the flavour of Old Pulteney 12, it's delicious.
Caol Ila may be too complex and much too peaty for a beginner. But it was my first malt. It got me interested in the incredible variations of smells, tastes and complexity that malt whiskies have to offer. I've been recommending it to my more open minded malt mates.
Couldn't agree more with your choices. My first single malt was Highland Park 12, after seeing your review, and I try to always have some around. I've been sipping a bottle of HP 18 for a few weeks now. Easily my favorite distillery. I'm working on a budget, (that 18 year old was the priciest thing I can afford), do you have any suggestions for someone looking for something similar to the Highland Park range?
The caol ila 12 year old is pretty full on for a newbie, I get Wright’s coal tar soap, when I have that, don’t get me wrong, I like it. Love your reviews ralfie.
Hello Ralfy, Do you have 3 recommendations for someone who is more at a novice level and willing to pay more if the quality is good for it? My 3 favorites are Bunnahabhain 18, Macallan Edition 2, and Ardbeg Corryvrecken right now. To put it in context, I didn't really like tge flavor of Highland Park 12 ralthough I was able to recognize it is quite complex. I'm a faithful subscriber and love your videos!
Ralfy, I was surprised when you said Caol Ila tends to not be over priced. Around me, it's in the mid $50s to mid $60s. Ardbeg 10 can be found for low $40s (though I more commonly see it in the $50s or even $60). Great video and you've convinced me I need to give OP a try. Sounds like a good summer Scotch.
Ralfy! Your suggestions here have been extremely helpful for my learning. I am slightly past the beginner stage, but still in the neighborhood. I have tried all three of these now, and my palate has really matured with these. Do you have any suggestion for a next step after these three? I know you could go in extremely different directions, but I can always count on you for having a distinct opinion! I have already enjoyed some of the peat monsters like Ardbeg and Laphroig.
Yea here in VA it has always been aroung $70-$80. Most of Coal Ila goes into blends. Im not sure, but, I think the price increase is due to limited bottlings from the distiller as a single malt rather than selling to blenders?
Damn. That’s kind of like tossing a toddler into the deep end of the pool. I’m glad it worked out for you, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Lagavulin 16 is pretty good, but I just don’t love it or any heavily peated single malts. For me, it’s an every once in a while option for the sake of variety. My first three were Glenlivet 12 (I still love the stuff; to hell with the critics because it gives me a great buzz with no hangover), Johnnie Walker Black (meh), and Macallan 12 (I still love it as well for that lightly smoked butterscotch opening, followed by the rush of Speyside apples/pears and finally dried fruits and vanilla spice). I still keep two of the three stocked, along with their big brothers the Glenlivet Nadurra 16 year (why the hell did PR discontinue their best whisky?) and Macallan 18.
Could you base your taste in whiskey off your taste in beer? For example if you enjoy a nice dark big stout...what type of whiskey would intrigue your senses?
Haha...just discovered your channel today and loving it! I myself started on bottle i received from a friend...a Glennfiddich....moved to the Glenlivet 12 and Dalwhinnie 15 which is amazing if you can get it for a good prize. tasting Speyside and Highland malts up till last weekend. To be honest this Caol Ila was the least out of 5 i tasted. (not bad just my least favorite that evening). The others were Laphroaig QC, Bunnahabhain 12, Arran 12 and Ardbeg Uigeadail.... Even this Caol Ila was alot to take in
Hi Ralfy! I had some Highland Park 12 on Memorial Day. One of my favorite whiskies, but this bottle tasted different - less green apple and more smoke. It tasted like a younger version of the 15, instead of the usual 12. Have you ever come accross an inconsistent Highland Park bottle, or am I just remembering it wrong?
Old Pultney is a great recommendation! It's often on offer in the supermarket and can be as cheap as £24. Its better than anything you can get for that price.
I'm a beginner and I bought a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black based on a recommendation but haven't tried it yet. Do you think it's a good first choice?
Love Highland Park. My all time favorite is Laphroaig. Ive tried a lot of Islay whiskey's, and the even the smooth Glenlivet and Glenfiddich ( my substitutes)and I always come back to my favorite .
Hi Ralphy, Just bought a bottle of Auchentoshan and watched your review. Bought it in Georgia, U.S at Total Wine at the recommendation of manager. Your review hit home with me. Wondering what you think of Nector D'or and Johny Walker Black label?
highland park has very quickly become one of my faves, absolutely brilliant. oodles of flavour / nose, but nothing dominates, it all just works to become more than the sum of the individual parts. buy a bottle i guarantee it will not disappoint. As does Ralfy, nuff said really :)
Ralfy - I just picked up a bottle of Coal Ila 12 year after seeing your praise in the original review. I'm a rather new Whiskey taster, having only had Glenmorangie, Macallan, and Black Label. I found Caol Ila to be almost TOO smokey. Is this normal? It seems like I was drinking a piece of burnt wood. That seems strange...
Dalmore is one I've been reluctant to try because their 12 year old seems a bit more expensive than others and it's bottled at 40%. Old Pulteney and Glenfarclas 12's are bottled at 43% which I've justified as worth the higher price.
Excellent calls, particularly on Pulteney 12. For the price, there's nothing on the market - and I mean nothing - more complex. I'd also throw a classic spicy-peary-honey Speysider onto the pile (Glenlivet or Speyburn?) and a big sherry monster (Aberlour Abunadh or the Macallan CS, if it can be found at a reasonable price). Speaking of Speyburn, there's a review idea. The 10yo is hugely improved - I actually prefer it over the standard Glenlivet these days - and it's pretty much everywhere.
I can't say I agree with you on the Speyburn 10. You may want to get a pallet check if it tasted like Listerine. For a 20.00 single malt 10 year, it is a sound pick, but only if you enjoy the sweet floral quality of a Highland scotch. It is definitely grainy for a 10 year, so I wouldn't compare it to glenmorangie necessarily, but half the price it is a good start.
In Tokyo I can get both Old Pulteney 12 or Kingsbury bottled Pulteney 7yo with no colouring or chill filtration. I intend to buy both bottles at some point but which would you suggest I buy first?
Thanks Ralphy. Here in Wisconsin in the United States Caol Ila is rather expensive compared to some of the other islay whiskies. Standard prices (low to high): Laphroaig 10-$45, Ardbed 10-$50, Caol Ila 12-$55, Lagavulin 16- $75.
I have to keep reminding myself that just because you included HP12 in the beginners list that does not mean that it cannot still be my favorite Scotch. Keep them coming Ralfy.
Haven't had the OP yet but on my list to try if I can find it. The Coal Ila 12 is actually more expensive that the Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 & QC around here (US PA). I paid $62 for a bottle of Coal Ila in NJ to finally get that malt under my belt, it was delicious BTW.
Ralfy, I've been watch many of your vlogs lately and because of this, and another of yours, I've finally found a peated whisky that I enjoy; The Highland Park 12! Until now I've only enjoyed Speyside distillates such as those from Glenmorangie and The Balvenie. I look forward to trying the Old Pulteney but unfortunately, here in the States that one is a bit more difficult to come by. Anyhow, thanks again and keep the great reviews (and recommendations) coming. Cheers!
Hi Ralfy. I just started watching your whiskey reviews about 20min ago. Really interesting stuff, thanks! I have a couple single malts I've stuck with for the past 12yrs or so; I haven't seen you comment on any of them, though I'm sure they must be here someplace. I'm curious what your take is on Dalwhinnie (15) and Oban (15).
Highland Park 12, demanding? It was one of my first single malts, and to this day I always make sure there is a bottle in my open rotation (unless I'm fortunate enough to afford an 18). I find it to be incredibly approachable, and many of my whisky novice friends find it quite pleasant
Pretty good selection I'd say. Good quality, good range of flavours and affordable, just like it says in the description. Kind of makes me think this comment was a waste of time.
lol
Ralfy, I'm a bourbon drinker who's been following your channel for a few years now and decided to take a leap into the world of scotch whisky. Tonight I enjoyed my first pour based upon one of these recommendations - Highland Park 12y. It was a delightful malt-tastic experience. Thank you for the recommendations. I look forward to see where this journey takes me. Cheers!
Shame the HP12 is so dire now, the Caol Ila 12 is a classic and has weathered the past decade relatively unscathed in terms of change in quality I’ve found. The OP12 is one of my favourite budget malts still, though there’s a fair bit of batch variation and a higher proportion of refill casks used in bottlings these days I suspect, but such is the way with the huge output volume increase since this review. Cheers Ralfy, your insights and comments are still as interesting now as 9 years ago👍
Just got into Scotch Whisky these past 2 years and your videos have been the most helpful in learning what to look for.
This gentleman is a dangerous man. I've just discovered his videos and I've already spent 3 hours watching his videos! Back to back!
You have the greatest accent I've ever heard! Your voice elevates whisky drinking =)
Hey there Ralfy!
Just wanted to say a big thank you for essentially hosting a whisky tasting night for me and some friends the other night! Ive been watching your videos for a while now and they really enhance the whisky experience for me and I've learnt heaps!
We had some complete beginners through to a few guys who enjoy a whisky now and then, we all bought a bottle and watched a few of your master class videos and some reviews while we tasted.
The guys were blown away with your knowledge and how you can turn a glass of whisky into something completely new and exciting!
The night was a huge success and we are already planning the next one!
Cheers again Ralfy, you are the Malt Man!!
+Michael Sullivan . . . happy to with the malt-moments !
Great recommendation, I love all three of them.
Although I would not call myself a beginner, those standards are very good, I return to them every once in a while and they are stunning. Frankly, there is not such a thing as a beginner whisky. Just my humble opinion:-)
I am just beginning my malt journey as I have begun to distinguish flavors, smells, tastes of various whiskies and spirits in general. The complexity of various spirits has become more and more obvious to me in recent years and amazes me how we, as a society have been able to produce and continue to produce such amazing liquids! And now we have Ralphy, a professional in my eye, to guide us through this wonderful, yet complex journey of whisky and spirits. So, in good faith, cheers to you Ralphy!
I bought these three as my first single malts. Almost! Caol Ila was not available so I went with a Bowmore 12.
I used to love this version of Highland Park 12. It was the single malt that started it all for me.
The current HP12 has a strong burnt match (sulfur?) note that over-rides all.
Now you malty malt mentioners, do you have any recommendations? What current single malt is closest to that old Highland Park 12?
Good segment and it demonstrates what makes them valuable: a clear opinion that is useful to the common person. Industry boosters like to sit on the fence with the “well, they’re all pretty good / no bad whisky” approach, or only feel safe giving glowing recommendations to stuff that no one can afford to buy, much less drink. Go Ralfy! - but please don’t be dazzled by all the adoration - a friendly word to a wise man.
I tried all three...you just made me a malty madman! They are each fantastic in their own way. Thank you.
You really give the BEST advice. I followed your recommendations in the past when I began my malt journey and you have guided me on such a good path. I went through Highland Park and Old Pulteney as well as a stop in Aberlour ... Then I tried Laphroaig 10 in a bar earlier as a rather harsh introduction to Islay and I really loved it. THANK YOU Ralphy, for such a fantastic education, you are an inspiration.
Ralfy You'r show is the greatest!Your personality is as entertaining as informative.The content of your channel is without flaw.cheers form Texas
I've only recently discovered your channel and have been sipping it frequently. Thanks to your content, just today I got my first bottle of Old Pulteney and I can't wait for tomorrow night when I'll pop it open. Caol Ila will come next for sure. Thanks Ralfy for the best whisky content on TH-cam
Just discovered this fantastic channel today. Compiling a shopping list. Thank you!
you are in for a treat! I have been shopping ralfy-recommended whisky for some time and have yet to be disappointed
When I discovered Ralfy's page I went through each and every video from start to finish. Was a great learning experience. (took quite a while as well)
Mind naming a few?
Ralfy,I tried the Laphroaig Quarter cask and am having a drop at the moment. It is unbelievably different from anything I have tried and I am really enjoying it. The taste is out of this world
Thanks !
Sticking with the "12 Years" formula, I'd probably recommend the Bunnahabhain 12 Years (Sherry, complexity, sweetishness that appeals to beginners). The Old Pulteney has a salty note that might not appeal to beginners.
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Ralfy, I am so glad I stumbled across your page. I recently became interested in trying Scotch whisky and this review was very helpful. I purchased a bottle of Old Pulteney per your suggestion and am certainly glad I did. The depth of flavor and the character of the whisky is better than some of the more expensive brands I have tried so far. It is one I would have undoubtedly overlooked otherwise
Caol Ila is a good choice (or the non-chill filtered Bunnahabhain 12) for Islay. HP12 is the sort of central benchmark, so I'm with you there. Old Pulteney is a miss for me. I was completely underwhelmed by it. I would suggest as an alternate the readily available, reasonably priced Speyside classic Macallan 12.
Cheers to you Ralfy! I definitely hear it here. Bravo for branching out of the Glenlivet and Glenfiddich as immediate go to's. I personally always resort to those because they are so incredibly mild, straight forward and widely recognized.
I've got a feeling you'd make a great hobbit! Enjoying the small and edible (drinkable in this case) things. You've sure put a smile on my face tonight, soldier on indeedie :)
As a new whisky drinker, I can understand why this topic is your most asked question, and while answers to this question are out there, they are actually surprisingly hard to come by! And frustratingly they do not offer as much insight about flavours as you have! Thank you kind sir.
to help with the malt-moments !
I've found all Ralfy's "best" and "recommended" whisky extremely informative and useful! My first (and for a long time my only) single malt was Glenmorangie and only started trying different whiskys/whiskies. I started with this review, tried all three (in the order presented), and was very pleased! I would still suggest Glenmorangie to Old Pultney to a beginner, but followed closely by Old Pultney. Thanks Ralfy!
Love the Dalek on the shelf! I just discovered your channel, thank you for this video!
I had only had a couple glasses of blended scotch whisky when I sipped a glass of Highland Park 12yo as my first single malt. Up until that point, I felt lukewarm about scotch, but after that tasting I couldn't get the smokey flavour out of my mind. Truly an experience for the palate of a new drinker.
Ralfy i'd just like t thank you for (in my opinion) the best channel on here. found it a couple of days ago and not stopped watching since and even ran out for a bottle of Highland park 12!. Thanks and looking forward to sampling many more.
Really enjoying your reviews Ralfy. I'm a bourbon man, first and foremost...but I enjoy all types of whiskey. I'm sipping on some Dalwhinnie 15 at the moment and I'm also a big fan of Aberlour 12, which I recommend when novice whiskey drinkers ask for a good single malt for beginners.
Thank you Ralfy i"m from Costa Rica and I appreciate your videos.I do not speak English but I do my effort and I understand pretty and enjoy and learn.And I am slowly buying blended whiskeys and will continue with the single malt. Here in Costa Rica by the liquor tax is very expensive.
This is an awesome video, thank you! Also, the Dalek and Cyberman made the video even that much better!
Ralfy - I'm a non-drinker, but I've recently come across your reviews and have to say I'm thoroughly enjoying them for their own sake! Thanks.
Started watching these videos. Happy to see Caol Ila represented! They're harder to find around here, and if you asked for it, most liquor shops don't even know what you're talking about. But it's been a great standard in my bar. You get a milder peat whiskey that's just great for everyday drinking. It's cheaper than Lagavulin, and you never feel bad drinking half a bottle of it in a sitting. Obviously there's better whiskies around, but for its price, I couldn't recommend it more for anyone looking for a whisky to constantly have in stock.
. . . I would struggle to manage half a bottle in one sitting !
You remind me of man i know that runs a local shop, you seem to have unlimited knowledge of your passion, Great videos
I chose Old Pultney for my first single malt because I wanted something affordable and with good reputation. Later I found your channel and saw you recommend Old Pultney as well! I'm quite enjoying OP12 and finding new things from it each time. At first I couldn't smell the brine but now it's very clear. Fruit and caramel tones as well. I think I'll go for sherry matured whiskey next time.
Caol Ila is always amongst the other horses in my stable. Good pick. When I want to show someone a mid-range on the whisky spectrum, I also have a Johnnie Walker Green with two well peated and two light whiskies blended together. Speaking of which - the JW Green will be discontinued in the US as of next Summer. I'm stocking up now.
Yes!!! Finally my malt mention has been mentioned!!! Yippee!!! Hopefully one day I'll be able to arrange for Ralfy to come to Singapore! That will be for all Ralfians here in the far east! Well work in progress!!!
Hi Ralfy! Greetings from Washington State, USA. We have the highest hard liquor tax in all the 50 states! As for a proper whiskey glass, I prefer to drink my single malt whiskeys from my crystal brandy snifters - which happen to be imbued with 18 carat yellow and white gold! In any case, I find a snifter puts my nose over the whiskey which enhances my ability to enjoy the whiskey's complexity. Try it!
Ralphy how many times I have enjoyed more Whiskey than nature recommends those unforgiving pounding headaches perhaps making love to the latrine the next morning , Drinking reasonably is something that I advise but have not completely achieved!!!! I love these Ralphy TH-cam videos!!!!!! Thank you Ralphy!!!!
Hi Ralfy - I am fairly new to Scotch myself, but I have really taken a liking to the Glenfarclas 12yr. Any suggestions on what to try next that would be similar? I know that I don't like overly peaty / smoky malts, but other than that I'm open to anything. I enjoy barrel proof bourbon quite a bit, so I've been looking at the Glenfarclas 105. Thoughts? Thanks!
Just bought a bottle of Old Pulteney 12yr Old. I'm a noob at whiskey. I've only had Jameson's and Maker's Mark. Old Pulteney is wonderful to say the least.
Paul Mayt you wrote that two years ago Paul ... where are you now with whisky?
@@colinglen4505 face down in a gutter in Port Ellen
lol .... nice! : )
Eagle Force hahaha ... this reply is pure gold
I guess I've found something good about living in Scotland, because it certainly isn't the weather haha.
Ralfy , I love your videos and have learned a lot from watching you. I am new to the scotch world, December 2016 was my first purchase. A bottle of Balvanie 12 yr double wood. Since then, I have tried and or purchased over 30 different scotches. I have tried both the Old Pultney 12, based on your review, which I loved... I have also tried the Highland Park 12 based on your review. I enjoyed it as well but have to say it was way more complex in flavor than I was ready for as a beginner. I think that one may be for someone who enjoys those complex flavors and has had a bit of experience with the vast array of what is out there. I had my newbie friend try it and he hated it! I would recommend something sweeter and sherried like the Aberlour 12 or Auchentashen 12 over the HP for beginners. But, I'm not the expert! Haven't tried the Caol Ila but have the Laphroig 10 and Talisker Storm. Beginners stay away from Laphroig as an intro to Islay. The Talisker is much more palatable as an intro. Thanks Ralfy, and I look forward to your next video! I'm a huge fan!
Thanks again. Your reviews are great but I really enjoy these multi-bottle ones. You have greatly influenced my purchases and have helped shape my scotch journey for the better. I am proud to say I had two of the three of these based upon your reviews! Keep up the good work!
Ralfy, I am a fairly new scotch drinker. A friend of mine introduced me to it. You mentioned that the wine glass will work better than a tumbler. I currently use tumbler glasses to drink my scotch. I do not add ice to my whiskey but I do use Whiskey rocks to chill it down a bit. The rocks are made of soapstone and do not seem to change the flavor at all. Are whiskey rocks something you would recommend as an alternative to ice?
I was interested to see what you would pick... I got 2 out of 3... I would add Laphroaig 10 Year Old
G'day Ralfy, Great reviews I enjoyt hem a lot. You've helped me discover a few very nice makes that I otherwise wouldn't of tried or known of. In my opinion you're one of the best reviewers on the net.I've been living in Europe for about 3 years now and may move back to Australia soon but the thought of it gives me chills when I check prices and availabilty of world class Rum and Single malts there. Its often triple what people pay in Europe if your lucky enough to find it at all. Cheers mate.
You know ralfy, i have been drinking whisky for 9 years now, and like you i started with the cheap supermarket blends, before progressing to supermarket available malts, and then one to online retailers and indenpant stores for the cask strenghs ect, but these three you chose for this video are very good, even for a seasoned drinker, infact im enjoying a old pultenty 12yo now!!! excellent channel
I prefer the Old Pulteney 12 -year old myself, I love it's briney citrusy flavour, they don't call it "The Mariner's Malt" for nothing. The maturation casks capture the salty ozone filled sea air and transfers it into the flavour of Old Pulteney 12, it's delicious.
Caol Ila may be too complex and much too peaty for a beginner. But it was my first malt. It got me interested in the incredible variations of smells, tastes and complexity that malt whiskies have to offer. I've been recommending it to my more open minded malt mates.
Keep up the great work Ralfy! Just got into the Whisky world and following your videos. Learnt a lot!
Couldn't agree more with your choices. My first single malt was Highland Park 12, after seeing your review, and I try to always have some around. I've been sipping a bottle of HP 18 for a few weeks now. Easily my favorite distillery. I'm working on a budget, (that 18 year old was the priciest thing I can afford), do you have any suggestions for someone looking for something similar to the Highland Park range?
The caol ila 12 year old is pretty full on for a newbie, I get Wright’s coal tar soap, when I have that, don’t get me wrong, I like it. Love your reviews ralfie.
Got a chance to try it at a bar specializing in Scotch Whisky in Montreal. Thanks very much for the advice, it was outstanding!
Ralfy, I do have a question. Do you prefer your whisky neat or on the rocks? I usually drink my spirits neat, but either way is fine in my book.
. . . neat !
Hello Ralfy,
Do you have 3 recommendations for someone who is more at a novice level and willing to pay more if the quality is good for it?
My 3 favorites are Bunnahabhain 18, Macallan Edition 2, and Ardbeg Corryvrecken right now. To put it in context, I didn't really like tge flavor of Highland Park 12 ralthough I was able to recognize it is quite complex. I'm a faithful subscriber and love your videos!
Ralfy, I was surprised when you said Caol Ila tends to not be over priced. Around me, it's in the mid $50s to mid $60s. Ardbeg 10 can be found for low $40s (though I more commonly see it in the $50s or even $60). Great video and you've convinced me I need to give OP a try. Sounds like a good summer Scotch.
I can get Ardbeg 12 in OZ cheaper than Caol Ila ... and Lagavulin 16 is cheaper here than Caol Ila ... figure that one out!
Ralfy! Your suggestions here have been extremely helpful for my learning. I am slightly past the beginner stage, but still in the neighborhood. I have tried all three of these now, and my palate has really matured with these. Do you have any suggestion for a next step after these three? I know you could go in extremely different directions, but I can always count on you for having a distinct opinion! I have already enjoyed some of the peat monsters like Ardbeg and Laphroig.
Hey Ralfy, good advice. I bought this a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it (have a wee bit left!). Thank you.
Caol Ila 12 year old is now $80 in California. It seems it has caught on. Maybe it is time to revisit this theme?
Yea here in VA it has always been aroung $70-$80. Most of Coal Ila goes into blends. Im not sure, but, I think the price increase is due to limited bottlings from the distiller as a single malt rather than selling to blenders?
It's constantly 40-45GBP in Scotland :)
Yeah Caol Ila definitely not a good value whisky for beginners. Needs to be under $50 for that IMO
I only have one of those three bottles. Time to try out the other two. Thank you again for another great review.
Hello Ralfy
I have to thank you for making these reviews. I'm a huge fan from Belgium.
Cheers!
I tried Singleton as my first single malt and i loved it, it was an enjoyable and a smooth whisky, now i will try the Glenfiddich 12 years.
My first 3 whiskies:
1. Lagavulin 16
2. Laphroaig Quarter Cask
3. Caol Ila 12
Haha, me too (at least for trying to get serious malts (bought a bottle J&Bs years someday)
Damn. That’s kind of like tossing a toddler into the deep end of the pool. I’m glad it worked out for you, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Lagavulin 16 is pretty good, but I just don’t love it or any heavily peated single malts. For me, it’s an every once in a while option for the sake of variety.
My first three were Glenlivet 12 (I still love the stuff; to hell with the critics because it gives me a great buzz with no hangover), Johnnie Walker Black (meh), and Macallan 12 (I still love it as well for that lightly smoked butterscotch opening, followed by the rush of Speyside apples/pears and finally dried fruits and vanilla spice). I still keep two of the three stocked, along with their big brothers the Glenlivet Nadurra 16 year (why the hell did PR discontinue their best whisky?) and Macallan 18.
Hi again ralfy. Yep I've made it this far back in time for your wisdom.
by far the most interesting and entertaining reviews on youtube; thank you, Ralfy!
Could you base your taste in whiskey off your taste in beer? For example if you enjoy a nice dark big stout...what type of whiskey would intrigue your senses?
I love Highland Park. Both the 12 and 18. Fantastic stuff.
In Texas, just purchased these three including Spring Bank bunnahabhain 12 and port Charlotte 10
Haha...just discovered your channel today and loving it! I myself started on bottle i received from a friend...a Glennfiddich....moved to the Glenlivet 12 and Dalwhinnie 15 which is amazing if you can get it for a good prize. tasting Speyside and Highland malts up till last weekend. To be honest this Caol Ila was the least out of 5 i tasted. (not bad just my least favorite that evening). The others were Laphroaig QC, Bunnahabhain 12, Arran 12 and Ardbeg Uigeadail.... Even this Caol Ila was alot to take in
Hi Ralfy! I had some Highland Park 12 on Memorial Day. One of my favorite whiskies, but this bottle tasted different - less green apple and more smoke. It tasted like a younger version of the 15, instead of the usual 12. Have you ever come accross an inconsistent Highland Park bottle, or am I just remembering it wrong?
Highland Park 12 yr was the second single malt I ever had, and it defined my preferences ever since. I still love Highland Park.
Old Pultney is a great recommendation! It's often on offer in the supermarket and can be as cheap as £24. Its better than anything you can get for that price.
I'm a beginner and I bought a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black based on a recommendation but haven't tried it yet. Do you think it's a good first choice?
Love Highland Park. My all time favorite is Laphroaig. Ive tried a lot of Islay whiskey's, and the even the smooth Glenlivet and Glenfiddich ( my substitutes)and I always come back to my favorite .
JW black is my normal drink of choice, I am sure you have tried it now what was your first thoughts?
Hi Ralphy, Just bought a bottle of Auchentoshan and watched your review. Bought it in Georgia, U.S at Total Wine at the recommendation of manager. Your review hit home with me. Wondering what you think of Nector D'or and Johny Walker Black label?
highland park has very quickly become one of my faves, absolutely brilliant. oodles of flavour / nose, but nothing dominates, it all just works to become more than the sum of the individual parts. buy a bottle i guarantee it will not disappoint. As does Ralfy, nuff said really :)
Ralfy - I just picked up a bottle of Coal Ila 12 year after seeing your praise in the original review. I'm a rather new Whiskey taster, having only had Glenmorangie, Macallan, and Black Label. I found Caol Ila to be almost TOO smokey. Is this normal? It seems like I was drinking a piece of burnt wood. That seems strange...
Is it sacrilege to admit to a liking for Penderyn and a curiosity for Yamazaki?
no, we are not snobby around here !
A whiskey lover AND a Dr. Who fan! I think I will have to subscribe to this channel.
Thanks very much for this Ralfy.
We have the Highland Park and the Old Pulteney available here but not the Caol Ila. Loved the Highland Park.
Im new to Scotch....very good to come across this thankyou, from New Zealand
Dalmore is one I've been reluctant to try because their 12 year old seems a bit more expensive than others and it's bottled at 40%. Old Pulteney and Glenfarclas 12's are bottled at 43% which I've justified as worth the higher price.
Excellent calls, particularly on Pulteney 12. For the price, there's nothing on the market - and I mean nothing - more complex. I'd also throw a classic spicy-peary-honey Speysider onto the pile (Glenlivet or Speyburn?) and a big sherry monster (Aberlour Abunadh or the Macallan CS, if it can be found at a reasonable price).
Speaking of Speyburn, there's a review idea. The 10yo is hugely improved - I actually prefer it over the standard Glenlivet these days - and it's pretty much everywhere.
I can't say I agree with you on the Speyburn 10. You may want to get a pallet check if it tasted like Listerine. For a 20.00 single malt 10 year, it is a sound pick, but only if you enjoy the sweet floral quality of a Highland scotch. It is definitely grainy for a 10 year, so I wouldn't compare it to glenmorangie necessarily, but half the price it is a good start.
In Tokyo I can get both Old Pulteney 12 or Kingsbury bottled Pulteney 7yo with no colouring or chill filtration. I intend to buy both bottles at some point but which would you suggest I buy first?
Thanks Ralphy. Here in Wisconsin in the United States Caol Ila is rather expensive compared to some of the other islay whiskies. Standard prices (low to high): Laphroaig 10-$45, Ardbed 10-$50, Caol Ila 12-$55, Lagavulin 16- $75.
The 10 yo old Highland Park 35 cl which is for sale here in the Netherlands is very nice. Isn't it for sale in the UK?
I'm enjoying the videos ralphy me & my partner love whisky keep the videos coming
Highland Park 12 year was easily the best of the first 6 scotches I tried. Great Choice!
I have to keep reminding myself that just because you included HP12 in the beginners list that does not mean that it cannot still be my favorite Scotch. Keep them coming Ralfy.
hi ralfy nice review, what the best whisky to buy in germany 60 euro Under ty very much!!!!
Haven't had the OP yet but on my list to try if I can find it. The Coal Ila 12 is actually more expensive that the Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 & QC around here (US PA). I paid $62 for a bottle of Coal Ila in NJ to finally get that malt under my belt, it was delicious BTW.
I always forget about Caol Ila 12. It's a pretty good drink. Gets overlooked because I always gravitate towards Laphroaig and Ardbeg.
Highland Park 12yo was the malt that turned me into a fan of Scotch. Many scotches later, it is still in my top 5.
Ralfy, I've been watch many of your vlogs lately and because of this, and another of yours, I've finally found a peated whisky that I enjoy; The Highland Park 12! Until now I've only enjoyed Speyside distillates such as those from Glenmorangie and The Balvenie. I look forward to trying the Old Pulteney but unfortunately, here in the States that one is a bit more difficult to come by. Anyhow, thanks again and keep the great reviews (and recommendations) coming. Cheers!
Hi Ralfy. I just started watching your whiskey reviews about 20min ago. Really interesting stuff, thanks! I have a couple single malts I've stuck with for the past 12yrs or so; I haven't seen you comment on any of them, though I'm sure they must be here someplace. I'm curious what your take is on Dalwhinnie (15) and Oban (15).
Came over from the whiskey vault. This is great
Highland Park 12, demanding? It was one of my first single malts, and to this day I always make sure there is a bottle in my open rotation (unless I'm fortunate enough to afford an 18). I find it to be incredibly approachable, and many of my whisky novice friends find it quite pleasant