I think the Bunnahabhain 12 cask strength is always a winner. One that is at the top end of the price range yet very much a must get is the Springbank 12 cask strength. Very widely available and Springbanks are a must. So, getting the Spring 12 cask is a must.
Quite a blast from the past. The cask strength NAS category was a key step on the journey. I actually haven't finished anything of these bottles yet as I've moved on to independent bottles and newer distilleries. Everyone has mentioned the scotches that are not on the list like Benromach, Bunna12, Glenallachie 10, Kilkerran 8, Tomatin, Victoriana and A'bunadh. They are like reliable friends waiting in the back of the cupboard for me. Any Balcones single barrel is worth a go.
Erik, I am surprised the Bunna 12 CS as I believe you raved about it. Also I love the Glenallachie 10 CS most batches 3 and up (particularly like batch 5) great and super educational as always! Thank you!
Aberlour a'bunadh is affordable in my market (New Zealand), the batch # 76 is at 61.3% ABV. I'm a big fan of the Corryvreckan and have to buy a new bottle soon
Knob Creek SB absolutly agree, yes!. Other similar is Russell's Reserve Single Barrel 110 proof, is absolute awesome balanced & rich rich toffe creamy notes. Best regards Sr.
Love the list Erik. I would have added any of the Benromach Cask Strength series, I have the 2013 Batch 1 and have had the 2009 Batch 4, and probably Aberlour A'Bunadh.
Love the Uigeadail and Corryvreckan; in fact, because of them, I haven't had the 10yo on my shelf for quite some time, even if that one really started it all for me. I make sure to have the Kilkerran HP batches (stunning!) and the Ardnamurchan A/D big hitters on hand. Oh, heck yeah! Curious to know if Kilchoman is making a cask strength Sanaig? I heard a rumor...
That's a really good list. Thanks for sharing. Some I have, open and some still sealed. Your list has reminded me of bottles I still want to get that I forgot about due to over influx of so many bottles out there. Thanks again, Cheers 🥃
Good list Eric. A few I've not tried yet, so will keep an eye out. Redbreast 12 I just don't get on with, but I have to agree with the Highland Park and especially the Ugedail. Both brilliant. I'm surprised Benromach cask strength and Bunnah 12 Cask strength are missing tho. Both of these are superb.
A good list. I love the Corryvreckan - my favorite Ardbeg! I just bought a wonderful bottle of Kilchomen Batch Strength - 57%, which retails for about $90 where I am.
I kind of live in a whisky desert that is Prince Edward Island Canada. A small town in the smallest province so I will not blame our outlets. All things considered in a very small and somewhat isolated and mostly rural area, they do a pretty good job. But having a small population means we are not exactly a huge market that great whisky's try hard to get here. It's a meat and potatoes kind of place so maybe fine whiskys land elsewhere. But grab every Alberta Premium Cask Strengths that you can. Whatever year. Bargoon you can be proud to have and serve. Cheers
My favorite whisky so far that I've ever had was the Laphroaig 10 Original Cask Strength, specifically Batch 12, bottled February 20 at 60.1%. Magnificent, especially when it's cold outside! A close second would be Laphroaig Lore. My favorite Ardbeg is Uigeadail. Haven't tried Corryvreckan yet, though. Maybe some day!
I've had Batches 15 and 16, as well as a really nice independent bottling that, sadly, is nearly drained. I have a few good pours left that I'll savor. I found Batch 15 a bit better than 16. To me, 16 benefits from a good amount of air and time in the glass and really has more to say with one or two drops of water. But no real complaints; once I found how to bring it up to speed, it works nicely enough. Uigeadail, definitely, but once you try the Corry, you'll know you need both on your shelf.
I'm very fortunate to be able to visit Taiwan regularly, and can get all their solist for between 90 and 100 usd. Their distillery is an awesome visit too
Agreed. I started at Batch 6. Loved it. Also loved B7 and am just past the shoulder on B8, which I thoroughly enjoy. B9 is unopened and I haven't bought B10 yet. I did find another bottle of B6 and so bought it again. 7 and 8 seem much more similar (and delicious) than 6 with it's bigger sherry presence (terrific stuff).
I agree completely to everything you wrote. Looking forward tasting B10. Incredible, I believed that those small nuances are purely subjective, but there must be some kind of objectivity there
Nice episode. May I submit: Aberlour a'bunadh, Bunnahabhain 12 C/S, Alberta Premium C/S Rye, Amrut Cask Strength (or Portonova although that's closer to $150), Port Charlotte (not strictly C/S, but a decent 50% ABV), Wild Turkey Rarebreed B/P, Knob Creek 120, & Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof (Bourbon or Rye). Cheers.
I'm watching this from Korea. I would like to ask whether Ardbeg should be considered cask strength. I understand that Ardbeg does not indicate cask strength.
Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye and I was a Jack hater for decades. Bunnahabhain 12 yr Cask Strength Those are the two I would add The Redbreast 12CS would be in my top 5
Great list Erik! Tamdhu and Glengoyne especially 😎 (I’m an Ian Macleod Ambassador 😅) Honourable mention for me would be the Glen Scotia Victoriana 😁 Slainte Mhath!
@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies If it would be CS, they would state that at the label (marketing / selling proposition). If it isn't, they aren't allowed to state (regulations). Also it would be very hard to find the mixture of casks for each bottling date, which exactly matches the Vol % Alc stated at the label (Ui 54,2% for past 20 years / Corry 57,1% for past 15 years) AND have got the ideally expected (same) flavour. Cask Strength varies, what can be seen in e.g. GlenAllachie 10yo CS, Aberlour A'bunadh CS, Bunnahabhain 12yo CS, Laphroaig 10yo CS, Springbank 12yo CS, Highland Park CS
I just googled it, there are no SWA regulation on the term but the UK's Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has a definition for cask strength in their Technical File For Scotch Whisky. I think people tend to use the term "cask strength" meaning a high ABV. The Glenfarclas 105 is labeled as Cask Strength but it is always labeled at exactly 60% ABV. So, if they are following the legal requirements and not fudging on the number they would have to be proofing down (say from 63.5% ABV) to exactly 60% ABV.
I like the list. I'd probably include Jack barrel proof and Bunnahabhain 12 CS in mine. My personal preference is the Uigedail over Corryvreckan too. But really can't argue or nitpick over it lol. All good stuff
Great line up! If the list were limited just to Scotch, I would add GlenAllachie ahead of the Glenfarclas 105. Definitely agree with the Tamdhu -- great stuff!
UIGI isn't casks strength but excellent, all the same. I would add Stagg(jr) Bookers Glendronach Annual Cask Strength Batch Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength Bunnahabhain 12 Cask Strength - all come to mind....
Links for All Reviews:
10. Balcones Rum Cask Finish Texas Single Malt Whisky ua-cam.com/video/OesuHNUg2qI/v-deo.html
9.Redbreast 12 Cask Strength Pot still Irish Whiskey: ua-cam.com/video/6eXjPqhmF9s/v-deo.html
8.Glenfarclas 105 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ua-cam.com/video/Fkg1MQAjxgY/v-deo.html
7.Tamdhu Batch Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch
ua-cam.com/video/15M7egiMXjo/v-deo.html
6.Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
ua-cam.com/video/k3itLAgnOd4/v-deo.html
5.Highland Park Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ua-cam.com/video/JJQGW4xZLXw/v-deo.html
4.Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ua-cam.com/video/y40LNtM0o0s/v-deo.html
3. Glengoyne Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ua-cam.com/video/uotT6UEIu58/v-deo.html
2. Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ua-cam.com/video/wtOhfOXqkiM/v-deo.html
1.Ardbeg Corryvreckan Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ua-cam.com/video/b1NjW4pw_kc/v-deo.html
I think the Bunnahabhain 12 cask strength is always a winner. One that is at the top end of the price range yet very much a must get is the Springbank 12 cask strength. Very widely available and Springbanks are a must. So, getting the Spring 12 cask is a must.
Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE the Bunnahabhain 12 Cask Strength! That’s 1 bottle I’ll always replace
Nice list. Other great ones: Knob Creek Single Barrel $60, Glenallachie 10 cask strength $90, Bunnahabhain 12 cask strength $90, Jack Daniels barrel proof rye $70 and Ardnamurchan cask strength $80
That Ardnamurchan is absolutely superb, I'm immediately replacing it once its down, I'd put it right along side my very favorites easily.
GlenAllachie 10 is a worthy addition to this list imo. Excellent value and a big complex dram for a 10yr under $100. Cheers
Great to see three of my favourites there, esp. the Glenfarclas 105. Gret value & great taste.
Quite a blast from the past. The cask strength NAS category was a key step on the journey.
I actually haven't finished anything of these bottles yet as I've moved on to independent bottles and newer distilleries.
Everyone has mentioned the scotches that are not on the list like Benromach, Bunna12, Glenallachie 10, Kilkerran 8, Tomatin, Victoriana and A'bunadh. They are like reliable friends waiting in the back of the cupboard for me.
Any Balcones single barrel is worth a go.
I recommend Bunnahabhain 12 cask strength(2021) and SpringBank 12 cask strength. Redbreast 12 is great, too. Thanks for your great listings.
There is a store near me that is selling the SB 12 CS for $499! Insane!
Great lineup!! Uigeadail is still my favourite! I wish it was still as good as 15 years ago!!
Erik, I am surprised the Bunna 12 CS as I believe you raved about it. Also I love the Glenallachie 10 CS most batches 3 and up (particularly like batch 5) great and super educational as always! Thank you!
I did not include the Bunna 12 CS because at the time it was not readily available. BUT, that has changed...
Nice list Erik!
I might add in Benromach CS and Glen Scotia Victoriana.
Aberlour a'bunadh is affordable in my market (New Zealand), the batch # 76 is at 61.3% ABV. I'm a big fan of the Corryvreckan and have to buy a new bottle soon
NIIIIIIIICE! Only missing two of them, and I whole hardheartedly agree!
Excellent video and list. Very valuable information. Thanks
Nice list.
For me, I'd go: Benromach Cask Strength, Bunnahabhain 12yo Cask Strength, Ardnamurchan Cask Strength, Edradour 12yo Cask Strength, Glasgow 1770 Peated Cask Strength, Springbank 12yo Cask Strength, Highland Park Cask Strength, Indri Drú Cask Strength, Redbreast 12yo Cask strength, Kilkerran 8yo Cask Strength
Try Arran Sherry Cask instead of Glenfarclas 105. Same price range, also NAS, but lots more flavours,
Solid, solid line up Erik! Haven't tried the Tamdhu or the Balcones yet so I'd add Lagavulin 12 CS and Benromach 10 CS instead. Cheers!
Knob Creek SB absolutly agree, yes!. Other similar is Russell's Reserve Single Barrel 110 proof, is absolute awesome balanced & rich rich toffe creamy notes.
Best regards Sr.
I’ve had your #1 before and it is really really nice. Never tried your #2 but will keep an eye out for a sale price on it and pick up a bottle.
My favorite from this list is the Laphroaig 10yr cask strength. I currently have batch 15. Of the batches I have tasted, batch 6 is my favorite.
Solid list. I would add honourable mention- irish whiskey Teeling Blackpitts cask strength Big Smoke. Recommended for Islay whisky lovers!
Thanks for the recommendation, it is available in my area for about $60!
Love the list Erik. I would have added any of the Benromach Cask Strength series, I have the 2013 Batch 1 and have had the 2009 Batch 4, and probably Aberlour A'Bunadh.
Love the Uigeadail and Corryvreckan; in fact, because of them, I haven't had the 10yo on my shelf for quite some time, even if that one really started it all for me.
I make sure to have the Kilkerran HP batches (stunning!) and the Ardnamurchan A/D big hitters on hand. Oh, heck yeah!
Curious to know if Kilchoman is making a cask strength Sanaig? I heard a rumor...
That's a really good list. Thanks for sharing. Some I have, open and some still sealed. Your list has reminded me of bottles I still want to get that I forgot about due to over influx of so many bottles out there. Thanks again, Cheers 🥃
Thanks for watching!
Good list Eric. A few I've not tried yet, so will keep an eye out. Redbreast 12 I just don't get on with, but I have to agree with the Highland Park and especially the Ugedail. Both brilliant. I'm surprised Benromach cask strength and Bunnah 12 Cask strength are missing tho. Both of these are superb.
Fair enough!
A good list. I love the Corryvreckan - my favorite Ardbeg! I just bought a wonderful bottle of Kilchomen Batch Strength - 57%, which retails for about $90 where I am.
Thanks for sharing!
Love the #1 and #2.
I kind of live in a whisky desert that is Prince Edward Island Canada. A small town in the smallest province so I will not blame our outlets. All things considered in a very small and somewhat isolated and mostly rural area, they do a pretty good job. But having a small population means we are not exactly a huge market that great whisky's try hard to get here. It's a meat and potatoes kind of place so maybe fine whiskys land elsewhere.
But grab every Alberta Premium Cask Strengths that you can. Whatever year. Bargoon you can be proud to have and serve.
Cheers
My favorite whisky so far that I've ever had was the Laphroaig 10 Original Cask Strength, specifically Batch 12, bottled February 20 at 60.1%. Magnificent, especially when it's cold outside! A close second would be Laphroaig Lore. My favorite Ardbeg is Uigeadail. Haven't tried Corryvreckan yet, though. Maybe some day!
Thanks for sharing!
I've had Batches 15 and 16, as well as a really nice independent bottling that, sadly, is nearly drained. I have a few good pours left that I'll savor.
I found Batch 15 a bit better than 16. To me, 16 benefits from a good amount of air and time in the glass and really has more to say with one or two drops of water. But no real complaints; once I found how to bring it up to speed, it works nicely enough.
Uigeadail, definitely, but once you try the Corry, you'll know you need both on your shelf.
Nice list. Can't believe Ardbeg ugi is cheaper in USA then Europe. Thought I will see Glen Scotia Victoriana
Kavalan soloist series is another to consider
But that is over $200. I tried to keep my list below $100.
I'm very fortunate to be able to visit Taiwan regularly, and can get all their solist for between 90 and 100 usd. Their distillery is an awesome visit too
Maybe to ad Kilkerrran heavily peated batch 5-9?
Agreed. I started at Batch 6. Loved it. Also loved B7 and am just past the shoulder on B8, which I thoroughly enjoy. B9 is unopened and I haven't bought B10 yet.
I did find another bottle of B6 and so bought it again. 7 and 8 seem much more similar (and delicious) than 6 with it's bigger sherry presence (terrific stuff).
I agree completely to everything you wrote. Looking forward tasting B10. Incredible, I believed that those small nuances are purely subjective, but there must be some kind of objectivity there
Nice episode. May I submit: Aberlour a'bunadh, Bunnahabhain 12 C/S, Alberta Premium C/S Rye, Amrut Cask Strength (or Portonova although that's closer to $150), Port Charlotte (not strictly C/S, but a decent 50% ABV), Wild Turkey Rarebreed B/P, Knob Creek 120, & Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof (Bourbon or Rye). Cheers.
Bunnahabhain 12 CS is awesome but it’s not widely available which is why it didn’t get on my list.
Benromach Single Cask,Kilchoman Machir Bay CS,Wild Turkey Rare Breed...
I’ll be doing another Top 10 video soon and will consider these whiskies!
I'm watching this from Korea. I would like to ask whether Ardbeg should be considered cask strength. I understand that Ardbeg does not indicate cask strength.
Look up other Cask Strength Scotch whiskies and compare the ABV. The term doesn't have a LEGAL definition and many are lower that 55% ABV.
How about Bunnahabhain Cask strength? That one is also terriffic.
And I forgot Ardnamurchan cask stretgth. Also really good
Bunnahabhain Cask strength is a great whisky but it can be difficult to find.
Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye and I was a Jack hater for decades.
Bunnahabhain 12 yr Cask Strength
Those are the two I would add
The Redbreast 12CS would be in my top 5
Bunnahabhain Cask strength is a great whisky but it can be difficult to find.
Great list Erik!
Tamdhu and Glengoyne especially 😎 (I’m an Ian Macleod Ambassador 😅)
Honourable mention for me would be the Glen Scotia Victoriana 😁
Slainte Mhath!
Great list, however both Ardbeg Uigeadail and Corryvreckan aren't Cask Strength...
How do you know?
@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies If it would be CS, they would state that at the label (marketing / selling proposition). If it isn't, they aren't allowed to state (regulations). Also it would be very hard to find the mixture of casks for each bottling date, which exactly matches the Vol % Alc stated at the label (Ui 54,2% for past 20 years / Corry 57,1% for past 15 years) AND have got the ideally expected (same) flavour.
Cask Strength varies, what can be seen in e.g. GlenAllachie 10yo CS, Aberlour A'bunadh CS, Bunnahabhain 12yo CS, Laphroaig 10yo CS, Springbank 12yo CS, Highland Park CS
I just googled it, there are no SWA regulation on the term but the UK's Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has a definition for cask strength in their Technical File For Scotch Whisky. I think people tend to use the term "cask strength" meaning a high ABV. The Glenfarclas 105 is labeled as Cask Strength but it is always labeled at exactly 60% ABV. So, if they are following the legal requirements and not fudging on the number they would have to be proofing down (say from 63.5% ABV) to exactly 60% ABV.
I like the list. I'd probably include Jack barrel proof and Bunnahabhain 12 CS in mine. My personal preference is the Uigedail over Corryvreckan too. But really can't argue or nitpick over it lol. All good stuff
Great line up! If the list were limited just to Scotch, I would add GlenAllachie ahead of the Glenfarclas 105. Definitely agree with the Tamdhu -- great stuff!
UIGI isn't casks strength but excellent, all the same. I would add Stagg(jr) Bookers Glendronach Annual Cask Strength Batch Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength Bunnahabhain 12 Cask Strength - all come to mind....
Jack Daniels Cask Strength Rye
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Glenfarclas and Tamdhu are Speyside not Highland whiskies .
@@davidnisbet9897 every Speyside is also a Highland, but not every Highland is a Speyside. Glenfarclas even states it on their labels.
@@assassinierer47 as does The Macallan, still officially Speyside Whiskies fact
I go by whatever the marketing department put on the label.
Surprsed not to see Ardnamurchan in there.
I like it, but it doesn’t make my top 10
02.22 was stellar! I missed 09.22. Luckily found a second bottle of 09.23, which I also find just lovely.
Benromach cask strength
Tomatin cs
Kilkerran Heavily Peated
Indeed!
Bunna 12yr cs. Kills most of the bottles on your list, Eric.
But it isn’t widely available.