Almost? No, honestly Jonathan - actually life changing. I'm serious about that. I'll give you an example, I was so connected to my empty bottles that I decided to make an event out of throwing them away one day. I made a video. 18 months later there's this dude in Canada doing the same thing and crediting me! Can you imagine such a thing? 😀 Hope you're doing well buddy, thanks for stopping by and watching! (For those interested: Jonathan's Recycled Video is here: ua-cam.com/video/PcAPYAKXCSI/v-deo.html )
@@Aqvavitae great point! And thanks for the shout out. It is amazing how sharing our experiences with whisky have created connections across the globe!
Amazing video, quality, and selection of whiskies. My Top 5 Go Back to Whiskies right now: 5. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4. SIngle Cask Nation Ben Nevis 6 Year 3. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof bourbon 2. Compass Box Tobias and the Angel 1. Jack Daniel’s Special Release 2020 Rye
Thanks Roy for sharing. As a wise man says .. It's not Whisky until it is shared. You are always sharing whisky and your life experiences with whisky and we all are grateful. Cheers!
Yes, I remember you raving about it before. I should probably get my hands on one of those, but money is scarce, and that bottle is not the cheapest. One day though!
Hi I was thinking of havong a blind tasting session of 1.aberlour a bunadh 2.Glendronach cask strength 3.glenfarclas 105 4.kAvalAn solist sherry Q1.Does the glenfarclaz 105 compare well in this heavily sherried range or will it be unfair on gf 105 if m tyring all 4 the first time?? Q2.does kavalan solist sherry fit in or is it wayy better??
I have compared Abunadh with the Glenfarclas 105. To me they are 2 different animals. Abunadh is much more intense and sherried. It will overrun the 105. That being said, I like the 105 more for my taste. I get golden raisins and confectionery sugar on the 105. With a bit of water it tames down and becomes a real treat. Abunadh is much darker fruits and much more intensely packed in flavor. I really have to put the water to it.
Roy, this was another great video presentation. The 5 whiskies on your list are certainly some very fine ones. I am sure that the video will stir some interesting discussion and comments as people think about their own top 5 list. Also, thanks for the dedication at the end of the video. It is my honor to support your wonderful channel my Whisky friend. Your passion and enthusiasm for Whisky is very obvious. It is much appreciated that you share with all of us on a regular basis. Finally, my belated congrats on achieving the 4,000 subscriber mark on UA-cam. Slàinte !
So great to have you sharing and supporting Duane! And yes, the conversation is great in here. A fitting video to dedicate to a true friend of whisky - and this channel. Slàinte!
Have subscribed to your channel and become a fan of your enthusiastic approach to whisky. Within the past 6 months I have discovered the delight to be found in single malt whiskies. On your recommendation, have just purchased Lagavulin 8 & Bunnahabhain 12. I recently finished a bottle of Lagavulin 16 so I look forward to the comparison with the younger expression, and to trying the Bunnahabain product. Thx Roy👍
Great list and explanation. My top 5 are Aultmore 12 y, Clyneish 14 y, Benriach Curiositas 10 y, Springbank 10 y, and Glen Garioach 12 y. All are pretty available as well.
It's always a pleasure to watch your Videos. Here's my Top 5 List: 1.Glengoyne 25 is also my favorite 2. Bunnahabhain 25 3. Balblair 1990-2017 4. Glendronach 15 Revival 5. Old Pulteney 17 Greetings from Germany P. S. 3 months ago I have started my own Glengoyne Experiment. I've toasted a 10ltr. Ex-Sherry Cask and filled it with Australian Merlot red wine. In two weeks i will empty it and fill it up with Glengoyne Cask Strength Batch No 3. Maybe the Glengoyne Merlot Finish will become one of my Top 5 in the List 😁
Oh wow - not only is that a great list but a very interesting experiment (and expensive!) I can't wait to hear how that goes - please take care and good luck!
@@Aqvavitae If you are intrested at my experiment, you can follow me at my UA-cam Chanel. I have made some Videos. It's semi-professionell because i recorded it with my cell Phone 😬😁 best regards Clemens
As someone with a serious case of the whisky bug I love this list! I recently was in Scotland and picked up an exclusive Bunnahabhain Moine Bordeaux 9yr Cask Strength. It is absolutely lovely! A must try if you like the moine sherry.
Great list Roy. I've had all of them except the Glengoyne 25. I've heard a lot of good things about the Glengoyne but I can't bring myself to spend so much money on it. Lag 12 (17) is great but I prefer the 2016, 14 and 13. The 2018 has jumped in price and I think I'll buy some older stuff instead. Just polished off my ECBP 69.7% but I'm about to get another. Can get the latest Clynelish but it's £135. It's very good but I can get 3 of the regular (and excellent) 14 yr for that. I so, so, wished I bought some more of the Moine. I dithered and it's now out of reach - a fantastic dram. Okay, my favourites that I'm enjoying right now in no particular order. G&M Bladnoch 23 (ex-bourbon); Mackillop's Choice Aultmore 22 (ex-bourbon); Signatory Vintage Glenlivet 11(ex-sherry - Oloroso); G&M Caol Ila 11 (3 sherry Butts not disclosed); and, like you, one bourbon - Blanton's Straight From The Barrel - 139 (bottled in 2015). All of these are single barrels apart from the Caol Ila and cask strength apart from the Bladnoch. Honorary mention to Lagavulin 12, Benromach 10 Imperial Proof, Bruichladdich Organic (very interesting whisky), Armorik Millesime (13yr sherry), Smokehead High Voltage.
Awesome sharing and insight as usual Welsh. Did you see the new price of the 2018 release? It's not gonna get any better for us I'm afraid. Maybe the last of the 2017 looks not too badly priced after all?
I'm such a Lagavulin 12 junky I'll probably buy a bottle but I swear I won't pay a penny more ever again. Serge has just given the new Talisker 8 a fine review and score.
Love your video content, but the constant background music is maddening. Please consider fading the music out after the first ten seconds of intro. We’re happy to just listen to you talk. :)
Damn, I picked an expensive hobby...This video is great because if I want to spend some plus size money, this help mitigates picking one I would be disappointed with or full of regrets.
Personally, I find $100 the general breakoff point of when whiskies stop getting substantially better. A $50 single malt is usually a load better than a $25 one, but a $200 bottle is usually only slightly better than a $100 bottle. It’s best to work your way up slowly and also get a feel for which brands charge a premium for the brand name over quality!
I think you make a really good point. Not that I have had a lot of experience with older scotches and I know I have internal biases. I sometimes feel that old scotches must be on some sort of linear scale of goodness (i.e if the 12 is good, the 18 is great and the 21 should be spectacular), but that is rarely the case. Mix in that many distilleries the older expression are just not an older version of the base expression, most have different casks or finishes. Sometimes make it difficult applying the linear scale of goodness since the older expressions really are different beasts. That being said, On my list of Top 5 Go To Whiskys that I have trouble reaching past, is the Balvenie Sherry Cask 15, The Glendronach 18, Old Pulteney 17, Glen Scotia 15. If I could afford another bottle, I would add Yamazaki 18, That stuff is marvelous.
Well Cheers Roy, I haven't been on the whisky channels much recently so thought I'd catch up on a few, and now thanks to some of these whiskies you have mentioned, I've just spent £200 restocking! :D
Roy, I love the top pick!!!! Glengoyne 25 is my all-time favorite whisky and Glengoyne is all-time favorite distillery (to visit and drink). I do hope that was an authentic pick and not **nudge** encouraged by Glengoyne. I think Glengoyne is the most undervalued scotch and I would love for them to be more recognized. I am just hoping it's placement at the top of your list was pure Roy's opinion. Reviews are amazing as always!
Hey Jonathan, you bring up a fair subject. Those who have known me long enough understand two things: first, it was Glengoyne that kicked off my whisky journey in 2005. It'll always have a special place in my heart and I'm often willing to spend money with them blindly for that reason, I trust them so. Secondly, people come to realise I've never received a free bottle of anything, or and form of "nudge" form the industry or any agency acting on their part. I am completely independent and the only recompense I receive is from my own community of supporters through their sample and bottle donations, or through my Patreon community. This means my independence will stay secure. My opinions are freely formed and always my own. That's very valuable to me, and I hope that's seen as valuable to people who enjoy my content. It's also worthwhile to point out that most in the industry don't really even know who I am, and since I'm not a "traditional" whisky reviewer, I'm not sure they'd know how to approach my content. Thanks for allowing me to bring up an important subject. Cheers.
I feel very honored that you took the time to clarify! I too fell in love with whisky through Glengoyne (and their tasting experiences). You can't beat the experience of a high quality sherried single malt! I had seen a couple of advertisements the day before which is why I thought "well... I know they are spending money on advertising now, I wonder if Roy got some free Glengoyne". Thank you for the transparency and thank you for being a pioneer in the whisky community. You are doing some amazing things! PS I have the teapot dram batch# 005 I am opening soon for a celebration. I was so excited you loved it since that is the bottle I chose to hand-carry back from Scotland! Cheers!
Great video. Brilliant reduced visuals. Very fitting background music. A knowledgeable guy with a smoooooth voice. Keep on going, you are a great addition/contrast to guys like Ralfy.
Great video Roy! I had the pleasure of visiting glengoyne last spring and it was fantastic. I was lucky enough to try both 12 and 18 year old variations. My brother picked up the teapot dram and I brought the cask strength, 15 and 21. One day I would love to try the 25, and can only dream about the newly released 30. As you can probably tell I’m a bit of a fan, it was rob’s from whisky in the 6 reviews that highlighted their quality. Although I have to admit my favourite right now is the balblair 1990 2nd edition, “Alexa” :D
Great list Roy. It's difficult for me to break down a top twenty, much less a top five list. Not the biggest fan of young Glengoyne, but 20+year Glengoyne are something special,
Glengoyne starts to really engage at the creamy 15yo, and then the sherry style makes itself known at 18 and beyond. Although don't discount the cask strength and if you can find it - the Teapot Dram. Wonderful.
Cool List: I have to say that I haven't tried any of those. My Current top 5 that I can't reach past are: Redbreast 21, Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton, Lot 40 Cask Strength, Auchentoshan Three Wood and Writer's Tears Cask Strength.
The Three Wood is a different animal all together. It's got this funky smelling/drinking grandpa's study vibe to it. Leather, wood, dark fruit, creamy notes and vanilla pipe tobacco. I imagine it's if someone took grandpa's leather study chair that has been exposed to decades of vanilla pipe tobacco and decided to cover it in black currant or plum jam and then slathered some Devonshire Cream all over it. Lick it like a DQ cone and voilà, you have Three Wood.
Great video as usual! The picks from the previous one were definitely more up my alley money-wise, these ones motivate me to try to get a raise at work :) Funny enough, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is the same price as Lagavoulin 8 at my favourite Polish retailers site, around 60 £. Not as easy to get your hands on decent whiskies here in Poland, the Internet saves the day, though.
ahhh the internet! Yes! I know what you mean, this was more about enthusiasm and less about recommendation, but at least the conversation is FULL of top picks!
It's not just Poland. I'm here on the west coast of the United States and I have to rely upon online provisioners. They have, indeed, saved the day. Here's to the folks in brown (around here, that's UPS)! Slainte!
*My Five (6) All time favourite Scotch Single Malts* *Bruichladdich Laddie 16 and 22-Year-Old* 46% abv A life changing whisky experience. A tried the 16 and 22-Year-Old at the distillery. They did not have any 22-Year-Old left (out of stock everywhere), but I walked away with the 16-Year-Old and am on my third bottle now. This is for me, the ultimate American white oak Ex-Bourbon Islay cask matured event. Non-Peated but you would be forgiven for thinking it was, showing a dominant coastal aroma and flavour that I will always associate with sitting on a bench outside the distillery, overlooking the sea and smelling the coastal air whilst sipping the 16. Sea breeze, salty sour apple, custard and honey, rich barley cream, honey cake with mixed spice. This is a close your eyes, have to be there, delicioussssssssssssssssssss event. *Kilchoman 100% Islay - 6th Edition* In a direct comparison of the 5th, 6th and 7th editions. All three are very similar, matured in the same first-fill American Ex-Bourbon casks for 5, 6 and 7 years respectively. For me the 6th edition has that perfect balance of smoked heather honey and butter with freshly baked wet apple pie, Horlicks Malt drink made with full-fat milk. White wine and Sea Salt granules. Fresh wood spices with a touch of burnt saw dust. Creamy Porridge, cooked with cream milk, lime juice and Sea-salt crystals sprinkled on top, slightly burnt at the bottom of the saucepan, poured into a granite bowl that still has some granite dust left on the bottom. Brewed English tea with milk made with a touch of fresh sea water.I love them all but for some, the 5th might be a bit too earthy. The 7th too light, lacking that peat experience. The 6th hits the spot. The greatest 100% Islay edition. Unfortunately, Kilchoman’s latest release, the 8th edition, contains a large percentage of Ex-Sherry cask matured whisky, completely changed the profile. Great shame! *Clynelish Available Only At The Distillery Exclusive bottling* 57.3% abv. Non-Chilled Filtered, Natural Colour, 100% Ex-Bourbon Casks. This whisky, more than any other, captures the dunnage warehouse from which it came. Standing in the warehouse, surrounded by casks of all ages and types, the overpowering and intoxicating aromas that makes your head spin. There is spirit and wood in the air. There is a dusty, earthy dry wood and damp airness about this. Add water and wait and you are rewarded with gentle coastal peat smoke, honey barley cream, icing sugar, vanilla cup-cakes, lemon grass, crispy red apples, caramel pecan nuts, salty caramel ice-cream. It was a sunny day when we visited Clynelish/Brora and you can taste that warm rich sunlight in this single malt. Close your eyes and you are back in Clynelish. The distillery experience captured in a bottle. *Caol Ila 18-Year-Old* One of my greatest whisky Tasting sessions with a group of friends was sitting down in front of a bottle of Caol Ila 12, 18 and 25-Year old and doing a direct comparison. The 12 with its in-your-face peat blast and sour fruit. The 25-Year-Old, the peat is virtually non-existent with the fruit flavours turned slightly too dry and merging into the wood spices. The 18-Year-Old, for me has that perfect balance of luscious sweet and sour lemon sponge cake with a more laid back peat experience than the 12, but still significant. Recently, seeing that I only had less than a quarter of a bottle of the Caol Ila 25 left, I poured some of my 18 into it bringing it up to just under half a bottle. I left it for a few days and then compared it with the 18-Year-Old. Dare I say, this was the best Caol Ila I’ve ever tasted, which includes the official Cask Strength 10 Year-Old and Gordon and McPhail Single Cask 14-Year-Old bottling. *BenRiach 22-Year-Old - Dark Rum Cask Finish* An Ex-Bourbon Cask matured whisky but finished in Jamaican Rum casks. Non Chilled Filtered, natural colour and Oh, what a colour! Similar to the Kilchoman 100% Islay, you get a huge mouth fill experience of malty barley porridge as if the mashing process event has been preserved in the distillation. It reminds me of the delicious and superb Appleton 21 Year-Old Jamaican rum with all its rich polished wood, bittersweet chocolate, apple crumble with melted caramel, vanilla rum ice-cream flavours and loads of exotic spices at the end. At the end there is a hint of sweet gun powder smoke.
Wonderful way to start my week (Sunday=First working day of the week here in Israel). Aqvavitae Roy's favourite all time whskies! I'll write about my all time favourites in another comment, but I'd like to comment here on a little remark you made about watching people's reaction whilst drinking the Lag 12/2017. It frustrates me that many whisky UA-camr reviewers cut out the moment they put the whisky in their mouths, smell, sample, taste, swirl and finally swallow the contents of the glass. For me, that moment is critical - to capture that facial expression tells a story. Whenever I have commented to them, they treated my request as a bit weird. "Who wants to see me swallow the whisky?, I'm here to review it!". However, your comment makes me believe that you get it! Watching someone experience the whisky, examining their facial expressions, their non-spoken language of the eyes and facial muscles, it all tells a huge story that enhances the spoken comments and sometimes, dare I say it, might betray your true feelings despite what you are saying! Watching someone enjoy a food or drink, transmits some of that experience and pleasure to the watcher. (Just ask any advertising expert!). Have you ever just sat there and watched your spouse or kids eat something which you have prepared them? A true delight. The Hebrew word for face is "PANNIM". פנים Anything with an "IM" at the end indicates that the word is plural. However, unlike ears, hands, feet...we seemingly only have one face? The Talmud explains that PANIM is plural because the face reveals on the outside what your true feelings are in the inside. It is a window to the sole, the inner you. You might be saying one thing but your facial expression reveals your true feelings.
Very insightful Reb - and I fully get it! Let me point you to a different channel where Jason @ Mash and Drum has a "moment" on camera exactly like we mean here : ua-cam.com/video/avROb2s1dUo/v-deo.html This link was pointed out by Sippers Social Club - another new and interesting channel..! Good times ahead! (And let's not forget the "whiskygasm" of Shawn from the Scotch4 dummies with his Glengoyne 25 moment!)
Wow! The pleasure is mutual boys! Welcome in here and thank you! Thant Deanston needs water and a gentle splash for it to give up it's best. Water is your friend. Tasty as hell. That was a JasonWhiksyWise recommendation last year. Have you tried the standard Deanston 12? (new label?) I'm sure you'd love it.
I think where I differ from many other bloggers is that when I look at rare/hard to source/expensive whiskies I'm often looking at blends, grain or overseas, I just don't buy into Single Malt being all that special anymore, the prices have ruined it for me. Compass Box This is not a Luxury Whisky was one of my all time favourites and I lament my bottle is finished. a 25 Year old Single Grain from Boutiquey is just wonderful, Blanton's barrel strength or Stagg are just wonderful. Big Peat 25 is also a belter and under £200 Single Malt wise older Highland Park or Glenfiddich are my go to but are now out of my price range. I wouldn't spend over £200 on a bottle of whisky anyway, it's just crazy money.
Great video! I also bought the Bunnhabhain Moine Oloroso based on the Whisky Wednesday video you mentioned. It's a great dram. I still have about a third of a bottle left. Might crack it open again this evening. In terms of whiskies that I can't reach past; at the moment I have a really nice Edradour 10 year old from Signatory on the go. Very reasonably priced and beautifully sherried. I'd also have to include Balblair 90 in my go-to list. Cheers!
Amazing video Roy...and I just so happen to enjoy most of these beautiful bottles because of a little birdie in Scotland who knows his stuff:). Will you let me know when that Signatory Clynelish comes available again? Cheers buddy!
Aqvavitae yes it was:). If I see it I will let you know too🙂. I bought a 26 yr old Signatory Ben Nevis CS that was really good too.....not quite as good as the Clynelish though.
Just for the record chaps, I had a stunning Signatory Mortlach 24 CS (refill sherry) a couple of years back. Signatory Mortlach 19 remains Ralfy's highest ever score with a stonking 95/100. Sadly these sorts of bottles are becoming more and more expensive. It's getting so the independents are the same price as the distillery offerings.
Great picks, Roy - can't argue with a list as good as that. Was a tad surprised, though, when you left out Balblair and Longmorn. Maybe they were close but were pipped at the post. I'm still yet to try the Glengoyne 25, but if it's a clear step up from the 21, which I do know and love, then I'll clearly have to get around to it at some stage. The Clynelish SV is truly superb and this year I've also enjoyed the Wemyss 1997 SC "Continental Platter" expression(46%) which had me drooling. Whisky Wednesday's picks are obviously top drops but I was too slow in ordering the Bunna and missed out completely. On the peated path I'd throw in the Octomore 7.3 Islay Barley for an honorable mention. There's still a few bottles available on the German market, though the prices are becoming more than silly. And in regard to Sherry my vote would go to the Glencadam 19 Oloroso Finish which is most definitely not a Sherry bomb, but one of the best balanced sherried whiskies I've ever had in my glass (only 6,000 bottles released but there may still be some available). Cheers!
Wow Russell these are some great whisky shares right here, Octomore can produce showstopper whiskies too, although I've never invested in a bottle myself. Balblair deserve to be on any list, but the Longmorn is now virtually impossible to find outside of auction.
Awesome list. I have been hunting that EC Barrel proof for a bit with no luck. I would add springbank 12 cask strength. At least for me it's not hard to find but is a bit pricey, being just north of 100 US, but my gosh what an amazing whisky. It slams you with funky medicinal briny peat, but when you get past it, the sweet honey and dried fruit sherry comes through. I adore springbank and Campbelltown, and this bottle represents the best it has to offer.
Very well, passionately defended list, Roy ! Agree about many of these (not tried all) and agree about quality/price ratio about the GLENGOYNE 25 yo (compared to for instance when the GLENFIDDICH 25 yo was released, at around 850 €!)
Great list. I still have to find a bottle of that Glengoyne 25. I thought about my top 5 and just couldn't trim it. So I'm going a different direction. My top 5 bottles I wish I could replace but probably can't. Fair warning - likely to be Talisker heavy. And yes a few of these are pricey 5. Bruichladdich 1985/32 Hidden Glory. Probably the most unique (while still good) flavor profile I've ever run across. I know MoM still has some bottles but they no longer ship to the US. 4. SMWS 26.119 A 21 year old cask strength Clynelish. 3. 2013 Talisker 25. 2. Gordon and Macphail Talisker Connoisseurs Choice a 24 yr old Talisker and quite possibly the best sherry finished Talisker. 1. 1979 Vintage Talisker 18 bottled by Cadenhead at (61.6%). For a Talisker lover this is just magic in a bottle.
Nice top five, fully agree that Glengoyne 25 is amazing and cannot go wrong with Lagavulin and Bunnahabhain....surprised to see no love for Ancnoc or Balblair in terms of value for age.
I have huge love for both as mentioned in the first video, this was really, really tough to put together though and leave out so much good stuff. Thanks Nicholas.
Great video. Like you I took Phil’s advice and got a bottle of the Moine and Laga 12. Down to less than a 1/3 of each now 😥 I think you’d like the ardbeg grooves if you’ve not already tried it.
What a top 5! I still need to get hold of some Clynelish from Signatory. I’ve got a bottle from Carn Mor Celebration of the cask which is pretty good too! Great job Roy!
TheMaltCask thank you Eti! By chance, is your Carn Mor a 1996? Cask #8805? If so, I bought one for Mikey Hay in Glasgow this weekend. It was wonderful to see his reaction. He was silenced into contemplation! 😀
Aqvavitae Mine is a 1997 Cask 9441 (sherry puncheon) I tried it in the Pot still last year and loved it. Never thought I’d come across a bottle in Manchester a couple of weeks later but there it was, waiting for me!
Not taking into account availability and without a hard price limit, I find it hard to pick absolute favourites. Just because I'm in the mood for something different every day and I keep discovering new fantastic stuff while older acquaintances might fall out of favour or stop being able to keep up with the new discoveries. I am guessing that this won't stop any time soon, because there is just so much out there and with the sherry cask availability problem they keep experimenting with other types of casks (some of which I have thoroughly enjoyed). Of the top of my head, I've found the Glendronach 21 so fantastic that I might keep coming back to it for the foreseeable future unless they have to take it off the market or if the price increases beyond reasonability (there is still some room :) ). The same is true for the 10yo Edradour Sherry single cask bottlings (SV 46% and SFTC) - they are not very old, but I would count them as good examples that age isn't everything and they are still good value (although I would prefer the SFTC in a 0.7L bottle for its price) - and the best thing is, they seem to be staple products of Edradour and shouldn't die out too quickly. And as stated in the previous video, I will keep exploring what port maturations I can reasonably come by. There are too many to pick a clear absolute favourite and they aren't all the same either, but there are enough around still that it is "okay" if one or a few vanish from the market. Just one comment on your list: I was a bit surprised to see the GG25 on the top. I recently shared a sample with two mates and we all agreed that while it was very good, the price was hard to justify when you compare it with e.g. when you compare it with similar stuff around the 100 €/$/GBP mark and maybe slightly above, such as the aforementioned GD21 - I think I would rather buy 2.5 bottles of that one. :) The same conclusion we came to about the Bunnahabhain 25 (similar price) that day. But since this is purely subjective ... :) Let's be happy that we still have so much to choose from. ;) Slàinte!
Absolutely Everest! It is very subjective and so much to do with mood, environment etc. We certainly agree it's difficult to distill it down to a list of 5, really difficult. I agree on the glendronach 21, a wonderful and rich expression. I keep my fingers firmly crossed that the second GG25 I have is every bit as wonderful as the open one. Only time can tell. (If you ever watched the "whiskygasm" episode of the Scotch 4 dummies reviewing the Glengoyne 25 - those samples were poured from this bottle. Have a look and marvel at Shawn's reaction!)
I had a look at the video ... it's a bit hard to concentrate on individual reactions when four people talk at the same time. :D This speechlessness is indeed priceless (both to see and to experience). Unfortunately, our reactions didn't go quite that far that time. Maybe it was an underwhelming batch, maybe the price gave us too high expectations, maybe it was the contrast with the other drams we had that day? I'm still puzzled. The GG25 should have been right up our alley. Well it definitely was, just not quite far enough to spend the price for a full bottle - the sample was still definitely worth it.
Roy, meant to comment on the last “top 5” I try not to have the same expressions in as there are just so many to try, but.......I always like to have a Caol Ila in and a Glenfarclas, Arran, AnCnoc, a cask strength Bourbon a Rye.....another Speyside, highland, Laga 16 , Dalwhinnie and then .........🤣
The glengoyne 21 is the first whisky I fell in love with. I have been frightened to try the 25 in case it becomes my new favourite as I'm not sure if I can justify the price. How would you compare the 21 to the 25?
By the way my top 5 (I have 7, but two are an either or) that I can't do without are as follows in no particular order... Lagavulin 16 Longmorn 16 Green Spot Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Highland Park Dark Origins / Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban Old Forester 1920
Nice Roy! I can't argue with the ECBP. It's one of the best boubons hands down and fairly easy to find now. I'd love to try that Glengoyne 25 but I can get 3 Allardice or 2 Parliaments w/ money leftover for the price of just 1 of those. Maybe one day I'll get one. Have you tried the 21yr and 30yr Glengoyne also?
Great video to tie in with the last one. I can't seem to get past my Glendronach 18 and my Old Pultney 17 at the moment. Oh and I picked up an independent bottling of Dailuaine recently that I've had a sample of. That's another I'm going to struggle to get past.
Paul Gibbs Both of those drams are wonderful and the GD 18 is at least still damn good value for money. As for the OP 17, I hope you've got another bottle bunkered away somewhere as its price is now becoming prohibitive since they discontinued it. And what about the Dailuaine IB? I recently tried a Cadenhead's Dailuaine 13yo (46%) Small Batch which was not exactly complex, but delicious drinking regardless. Cheers.
I've heard of a few of the whiskies you spoke about and I must say I'm very interested in trying them. My personal favorites would have to be the Deanston 40 year old and the Bunnahabhain 30 year old.
Great top 5 Roy, I have a couple of your picks, the Bunnahabhain Moine Oloroso and Lagavulin 12. I would probably also place the Glendronach 18yr Allardice. Caol Ila 17 Year Old Unpeated Special Releases 2015 and maybe the Octomore 6.3 in my pick. I should have picked up the Bunnahabhain 2008 Moine Bordeaux when it was available. On your recommendation I have just sprung an order for the Clynelish 14yr and Kilkerran 12yr. Cheers, Kev
I've been bitten by whisky. Have you tried any of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society whiskies? I would be interested to hear your thoughts. I love the fact they're straight from the cask, as the distillery intended.
Yes, they're (mostly) single cask and in my experience a really good way to try whisky, just recently tho (like everything) the prices have been climbing. always keep an eye on everything and double check the value. I am a member, but the cost of that membership is a decent bottle of whisky. There needs to be value in it, it depends where you live and what's available. Cheers!
Glengoyne 25 - current November 2021 price now £350. An insider tip from 3 years ago! Do the modern versions of these hold up, or are they ephemeral choices for that year/moment?
Oh I wish I could get hold of that bunnahabain. Some of My top, hard to come by whiskies, would be Ardbeg Supernova 2015, Laddie 16 and Arran 10 anniversary cask strength.
I have had every Lag 12 since 2011 (except the 2016 which I tasted but did not get roundto buying). The 2011 was amazing and got me well and trully hooked on this annual whisky event. 2012 was disappointing, thin character lacking cask interaction. The 2013 was wonderful and although different, so was the 2014. My favourite is the 2015. The most complex and creamy. I never got hold of the 2016 but the 2017, in my judgement is very tasty, but I cannot in all honesty, agree with the hype this edition has generated. It is certainly not, in my opinion, heads and shoulders above the 2013 or 2015. If truth be told, push comes to shove, I prefer the 2015. Money where my mouth is, I bought another bottle but will not buy another 2017. I'm waiting for the 2018....
Thanks for the info. When I bought the ‘14 I don’t recall it being as expensive as they are now (I now save the receipts or label my bottles - thanks to Ralfy) but I’ll be on the lookout for the 2018.
Hey Roy long time no hear. Been off the grid for a few months. Superb video liked it a lot! Kind of funny after four bottles in the vid i thought hey i have all off those. But i have yet to try the Bottle of wow and the Clynelysh. Have a few bottles of the Bunnah Moine witch was my top 3 of 2017 with the Lagavulin 12 2017 edition... and an Mortlach just amazing stuff. I have the Glengoyne on my list and have not tried that so far. How is it compared to the Glendronach Parliment? Any similarities? Have a a good one Roy i always enjoy vids very informative! Slainté!
Viktor E hey! Good to hear from you! The Glendronach parliament is cracking and all other things equal would probably, just, get my vote over the very clean and easy Glengoyne 21, but only just, and on some days (!) 😋 If your ever want to trade one of those Bunnas, please shout! Thanks for stopping by Viktor!
Had my first dram of Lagavulin 12 yesterday and it is really amazing but hard to get here in Austria and if you get it, it is double the prize of the 16.
Great vide Roy, I was waiting for it after the first one went out. Great picks, but I was betting Longmorn 16 will be in the list. Any reason it is not?
I simply can't buy it anymore. The older version that is - with the green box. It's shot up in price. I may make an event of opening my last bottle on a livestream this Thursday night. Thanks for watching.
Gotta say, I was not expecting the bourbon. Been talking to +Bourbinsane about trying bourbon, want to get into it as well. Gonna have to look at getting that Elijah Craig...
Aqvavitae shop4whisky.com - a wee shop in Fort William / Corpach area. Never heard of them before. Of course it was the only two bottles they had in stock. Recent auction prices are about £150 - £160 a bottle plus commission, so would cost about £180 to buy plus shipping. I might drink one, but I’m looking forward to my Bruichladdich WMD 3 - Yellow Submarine 25 y.o
another great video Roy! Question, have you had a chance to compare glengoyne 21 to glengoyne 25? i ask because the 21 seems much more available where I am - thanks!
The 21 is a cracker Graham, really. And it's difficult to justify the doubling of cost for the 25. but this video wasn't about price. The shackles were off, so it made it easy. It will take me a long time to open the next one I think, and I'll be happy sharing the 21 until I do. I know that probably doesn't help.
Very interesting Roy. I have an unopened bottle of the Bunna. Just sayin'. Have bought but not opened yet a 2018 Laga 12 and I am part way through a Clynelish 18 from that Signatory batch - and very nice it is as well. Thankfully, my all time favourites are cheaper - but that might reflect by budget anyway. Old Pulteney 17 and Ardbeg 10 remain at the peak. But if I could get my hands on another bottle of a Cadenhead bottling of 22 YO Briuchladdich then I might sell an organ.
Wonderful list! It is always great to hear you talk about whisky that is almost life changing! Cheers!
Almost? No, honestly Jonathan - actually life changing. I'm serious about that. I'll give you an example, I was so connected to my empty bottles that I decided to make an event out of throwing them away one day. I made a video. 18 months later there's this dude in Canada doing the same thing and crediting me! Can you imagine such a thing? 😀 Hope you're doing well buddy, thanks for stopping by and watching! (For those interested: Jonathan's Recycled Video is here: ua-cam.com/video/PcAPYAKXCSI/v-deo.html )
@@Aqvavitae great point! And thanks for the shout out. It is amazing how sharing our experiences with whisky have created connections across the globe!
Amazing video, quality, and selection of whiskies.
My Top 5 Go Back to Whiskies right now:
5. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
4. SIngle Cask Nation Ben Nevis 6 Year
3. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof bourbon
2. Compass Box Tobias and the Angel
1. Jack Daniel’s Special Release 2020 Rye
Thanks Roy for sharing. As a wise man says .. It's not Whisky until it is shared. You are always sharing whisky and your life experiences with whisky and we all are grateful. Cheers!
Very grateful for the continued support Tom - thank you!
Man, Whiskey makers must love you, because the way you describe whiskey, makes me want to go online and order all of these bottles.
I was happy to see a bourbon in there. Single malt will always be number one, but bourbon deserves some love as well.
Yes, I remember you raving about it before. I should probably get my hands on one of those, but money is scarce, and that bottle is not the cheapest. One day though!
Yes, a bourbon. And, a rye. And, an American single malt. Westland Peated American Single Malt is top rate. On par with Benromach.
Great top 5 list Roy! have had a couple of your picks and would definitely agree!
Scotch Test Dummies we've even had the pleasure of sharing them. 😉 cheers boys! 🍹
Hi
I was thinking of havong a blind tasting session of
1.aberlour a bunadh
2.Glendronach cask strength
3.glenfarclas 105
4.kAvalAn solist sherry
Q1.Does the glenfarclaz 105 compare well in this heavily sherried range or will it be unfair on gf 105 if m tyring all 4 the first time??
Q2.does kavalan solist sherry fit in or is it wayy better??
How did you narrow it down to 5?! I feel like I’d have no chance of narrowing it down to 5.
I have compared Abunadh with the Glenfarclas 105. To me they are 2 different animals. Abunadh is much more intense and sherried. It will overrun the 105. That being said, I like the 105 more for my taste. I get golden raisins and confectionery sugar on the 105. With a bit of water it tames down and becomes a real treat. Abunadh is much darker fruits and much more intensely packed in flavor. I really have to put the water to it.
@@neilolsen2034
So u mean 2 say that it s unfair to taste them side by side?
Roy, this was another great video presentation. The 5 whiskies on your list are certainly some very fine ones. I am sure that the video will stir some interesting discussion and comments as people think about their own top 5 list.
Also, thanks for the dedication at the end of the video. It is my honor to support your wonderful channel my Whisky friend. Your passion and enthusiasm for Whisky is very obvious. It is much appreciated that you share with all of us on a regular basis.
Finally, my belated congrats on achieving the 4,000 subscriber mark on UA-cam. Slàinte !
So great to have you sharing and supporting Duane! And yes, the conversation is great in here. A fitting video to dedicate to a true friend of whisky - and this channel. Slàinte!
Have subscribed to your channel and become a fan of your enthusiastic approach to whisky. Within the past 6 months I have discovered the delight to be found in single malt whiskies. On your recommendation, have just purchased Lagavulin 8 & Bunnahabhain 12. I recently finished a bottle of Lagavulin 16 so I look forward to the comparison with the younger expression, and to trying the Bunnahabain product. Thx Roy👍
Great list and explanation. My top 5 are Aultmore 12 y, Clyneish 14 y, Benriach Curiositas 10 y, Springbank 10 y, and Glen Garioach 12 y. All are pretty available as well.
It's always a pleasure to watch your Videos.
Here's my Top 5 List:
1.Glengoyne 25 is also my favorite
2. Bunnahabhain 25
3. Balblair 1990-2017
4. Glendronach 15 Revival
5. Old Pulteney 17
Greetings from Germany
P. S.
3 months ago I have started my own Glengoyne Experiment. I've toasted a 10ltr. Ex-Sherry Cask and filled it with Australian Merlot red wine. In two weeks i will empty it and fill it up with Glengoyne Cask Strength Batch No 3.
Maybe the Glengoyne Merlot Finish will become one of my Top 5 in the List 😁
Oh wow - not only is that a great list but a very interesting experiment (and expensive!) I can't wait to hear how that goes - please take care and good luck!
@@Aqvavitae If you are intrested at my experiment, you can follow me at my UA-cam Chanel. I have made some Videos. It's semi-professionell because i recorded it with my cell Phone 😬😁 best regards Clemens
As someone with a serious case of the whisky bug I love this list!
I recently was in Scotland and picked up an exclusive Bunnahabhain Moine Bordeaux 9yr Cask Strength. It is absolutely lovely! A must try if you like the moine sherry.
Thomas Buck love it Thomas!
I've been eyeing that one up. Thanks Thomas.
Great list Roy. I've had all of them except the Glengoyne 25. I've heard a lot of good things about the Glengoyne but I can't bring myself to spend so much money on it. Lag 12 (17) is great but I prefer the 2016, 14 and 13. The 2018 has jumped in price and I think I'll buy some older stuff instead. Just polished off my ECBP 69.7% but I'm about to get another. Can get the latest Clynelish but it's £135. It's very good but I can get 3 of the regular (and excellent) 14 yr for that. I so, so, wished I bought some more of the Moine. I dithered and it's now out of reach - a fantastic dram.
Okay, my favourites that I'm enjoying right now in no particular order. G&M Bladnoch 23 (ex-bourbon); Mackillop's Choice Aultmore 22 (ex-bourbon); Signatory Vintage Glenlivet 11(ex-sherry - Oloroso); G&M Caol Ila 11 (3 sherry Butts not disclosed); and, like you, one bourbon - Blanton's Straight From The Barrel - 139 (bottled in 2015). All of these are single barrels apart from the Caol Ila and cask strength apart from the Bladnoch.
Honorary mention to Lagavulin 12, Benromach 10 Imperial Proof, Bruichladdich Organic (very interesting whisky), Armorik Millesime (13yr sherry), Smokehead High Voltage.
Awesome sharing and insight as usual Welsh. Did you see the new price of the 2018 release? It's not gonna get any better for us I'm afraid. Maybe the last of the 2017 looks not too badly priced after all?
I'm such a Lagavulin 12 junky I'll probably buy a bottle but I swear I won't pay a penny more ever again. Serge has just given the new Talisker 8 a fine review and score.
Love your video content, but the constant background music is maddening. Please consider fading the music out after the first ten seconds of intro. We’re happy to just listen to you talk. :)
Damn, I picked an expensive hobby...This video is great because if I want to spend some plus size money, this help mitigates picking one I would be disappointed with or full of regrets.
At least I hope so Everwind!
Personally, I find $100 the general breakoff point of when whiskies stop getting substantially better. A $50 single malt is usually a load better than a $25 one, but a $200 bottle is usually only slightly better than a $100 bottle. It’s best to work your way up slowly and also get a feel for which brands charge a premium for the brand name over quality!
I think you make a really good point. Not that I have had a lot of experience with older scotches and I know I have internal biases. I sometimes feel that old scotches must be on some sort of linear scale of goodness (i.e if the 12 is good, the 18 is great and the 21 should be spectacular), but that is rarely the case. Mix in that many distilleries the older expression are just not an older version of the base expression, most have different casks or finishes. Sometimes make it difficult applying the linear scale of goodness since the older expressions really are different beasts. That being said, On my list of Top 5 Go To Whiskys that I have trouble reaching past, is the Balvenie Sherry Cask 15, The Glendronach 18, Old Pulteney 17, Glen Scotia 15. If I could afford another bottle, I would add Yamazaki 18, That stuff is marvelous.
@@MaltMondays good point, for me that breaking point is at $150.
Well Cheers Roy, I haven't been on the whisky channels much recently so thought I'd catch up on a few, and now thanks to some of these whiskies you have mentioned, I've just spent £200 restocking! :D
Have to open up my Lag 12- 2017 now. 👍 That and my Glengoyne 21 yo. Wish I had got the 25 when I was at Glengoyne two years ago.
They still have some - same price too!
Sitting here sipping hibiki harmony.. loving the whisky and loving the channel..keep them coming Roy..cheers.
Roy, I love the top pick!!!! Glengoyne 25 is my all-time favorite whisky and Glengoyne is all-time favorite distillery (to visit and drink). I do hope that was an authentic pick and not **nudge** encouraged by Glengoyne. I think Glengoyne is the most undervalued scotch and I would love for them to be more recognized. I am just hoping it's placement at the top of your list was pure Roy's opinion. Reviews are amazing as always!
Hey Jonathan, you bring up a fair subject. Those who have known me long enough understand two things: first, it was Glengoyne that kicked off my whisky journey in 2005. It'll always have a special place in my heart and I'm often willing to spend money with them blindly for that reason, I trust them so. Secondly, people come to realise I've never received a free bottle of anything, or and form of "nudge" form the industry or any agency acting on their part. I am completely independent and the only recompense I receive is from my own community of supporters through their sample and bottle donations, or through my Patreon community. This means my independence will stay secure. My opinions are freely formed and always my own. That's very valuable to me, and I hope that's seen as valuable to people who enjoy my content. It's also worthwhile to point out that most in the industry don't really even know who I am, and since I'm not a "traditional" whisky reviewer, I'm not sure they'd know how to approach my content. Thanks for allowing me to bring up an important subject. Cheers.
I feel very honored that you took the time to clarify! I too fell in love with whisky through Glengoyne (and their tasting experiences). You can't beat the experience of a high quality sherried single malt! I had seen a couple of advertisements the day before which is why I thought "well... I know they are spending money on advertising now, I wonder if Roy got some free Glengoyne". Thank you for the transparency and thank you for being a pioneer in the whisky community. You are doing some amazing things!
PS
I have the teapot dram batch# 005 I am opening soon for a celebration. I was so excited you loved it since that is the bottle I chose to hand-carry back from Scotland!
Cheers!
Great video. Brilliant reduced visuals. Very fitting background music. A knowledgeable guy with a smoooooth voice. Keep on going, you are a great addition/contrast to guys like Ralfy.
I definitely need to try the Glengoyne 25 again! Don't think my palette was ready for it last year! I think it will be now. Bring it on.
Indeed Mikey, it's all about the mood, the environment and the company! 😉
I trust you've picked five exceptional whiskies, though I have to admit I haven't tried any of them. Nice vid.
I know. Whatever you try going forward, I hope they're fine, delicious and shared with good friends! Cheers!
Great video Roy! I had the pleasure of visiting glengoyne last spring and it was fantastic. I was lucky enough to try both 12 and 18 year old variations. My brother picked up the teapot dram and I brought the cask strength, 15 and 21. One day I would love to try the 25, and can only dream about the newly released 30. As you can probably tell I’m a bit of a fan, it was rob’s from whisky in the 6 reviews that highlighted their quality. Although I have to admit my favourite right now is the balblair 1990 2nd edition, “Alexa” :D
Alexa! :)
Great list Roy. It's difficult for me to break down a top twenty, much less a top five list. Not the biggest fan of young Glengoyne, but 20+year Glengoyne are something special,
Glengoyne starts to really engage at the creamy 15yo, and then the sherry style makes itself known at 18 and beyond. Although don't discount the cask strength and if you can find it - the Teapot Dram. Wonderful.
Cool List: I have to say that I haven't tried any of those. My Current top 5 that I can't reach past are: Redbreast 21, Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton, Lot 40 Cask Strength, Auchentoshan Three Wood and Writer's Tears Cask Strength.
Donald Rance auchentoshan is such a bright “scotch” single malt, love the triple distilling :)
The Three Wood is a different animal all together. It's got this funky smelling/drinking grandpa's study vibe to it. Leather, wood, dark fruit, creamy notes and vanilla pipe tobacco. I imagine it's if someone took grandpa's leather study chair that has been exposed to decades of vanilla pipe tobacco and decided to cover it in black currant or plum jam and then slathered some Devonshire Cream all over it. Lick it like a DQ cone and voilà, you have Three Wood.
I’m a massive fan of signatory bottlings. I keep meaning to grab some bottles!
Great video as usual! The picks from the previous one were definitely more up my alley money-wise, these ones motivate me to try to get a raise at work :) Funny enough, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is the same price as Lagavoulin 8 at my favourite Polish retailers site, around 60 £. Not as easy to get your hands on decent whiskies here in Poland, the Internet saves the day, though.
ahhh the internet! Yes! I know what you mean, this was more about enthusiasm and less about recommendation, but at least the conversation is FULL of top picks!
It's not just Poland. I'm here on the west coast of the United States and I have to rely upon online provisioners. They have, indeed, saved the day. Here's to the folks in brown (around here, that's UPS)! Slainte!
*My Five (6) All time favourite Scotch Single Malts*
*Bruichladdich Laddie 16 and 22-Year-Old* 46% abv
A life changing whisky experience. A tried the 16 and 22-Year-Old at the distillery. They did not have any 22-Year-Old left (out of stock everywhere), but I walked away with the 16-Year-Old and am on my third bottle now. This is for me, the ultimate American white oak Ex-Bourbon Islay cask matured event. Non-Peated but you would be forgiven for thinking it was, showing a dominant coastal aroma and flavour that I will always associate with sitting on a bench outside the distillery, overlooking the sea and smelling the coastal air whilst sipping the 16. Sea breeze, salty sour apple, custard and honey, rich barley cream, honey cake with mixed spice. This is a close your eyes, have to be there, delicioussssssssssssssssssss event.
*Kilchoman 100% Islay - 6th Edition*
In a direct comparison of the 5th, 6th and 7th editions. All three are very similar, matured in the same first-fill American Ex-Bourbon casks for 5, 6 and 7 years respectively. For me the 6th edition has that perfect balance of smoked heather honey and butter with freshly baked wet apple pie, Horlicks Malt drink made with full-fat milk. White wine and Sea Salt granules. Fresh wood spices with a touch of burnt saw dust. Creamy Porridge, cooked with cream milk, lime juice and Sea-salt crystals sprinkled on top, slightly burnt at the bottom of the saucepan, poured into a granite bowl that still has some granite dust left on the bottom. Brewed English tea with milk made with a touch of fresh sea water.I love them all but for some, the 5th might be a bit too earthy. The 7th too light, lacking that peat experience. The 6th hits the spot. The greatest 100% Islay edition.
Unfortunately, Kilchoman’s latest release, the 8th edition, contains a large percentage of Ex-Sherry cask matured whisky, completely changed the profile. Great shame!
*Clynelish Available Only At The Distillery Exclusive bottling*
57.3% abv. Non-Chilled Filtered, Natural Colour, 100% Ex-Bourbon Casks.
This whisky, more than any other, captures the dunnage warehouse from which it came. Standing in the warehouse, surrounded by casks of all ages and types, the overpowering and intoxicating aromas that makes your head spin. There is spirit and wood in the air. There is a dusty, earthy dry wood and damp airness about this. Add water and wait and you are rewarded with gentle coastal peat smoke, honey barley cream, icing sugar, vanilla cup-cakes, lemon grass, crispy red apples, caramel pecan nuts, salty caramel ice-cream. It was a sunny day when we visited Clynelish/Brora and you can taste that warm rich sunlight in this single malt. Close your eyes and you are back in Clynelish. The distillery experience captured in a bottle.
*Caol Ila 18-Year-Old*
One of my greatest whisky Tasting sessions with a group of friends was sitting down in front of a bottle of Caol Ila 12, 18 and 25-Year old and doing a direct comparison. The 12 with its in-your-face peat blast and sour fruit. The 25-Year-Old, the peat is virtually non-existent with the fruit flavours turned slightly too dry and merging into the wood spices. The 18-Year-Old, for me has that perfect balance of luscious sweet and sour lemon sponge cake with a more laid back peat experience than the 12, but still significant.
Recently, seeing that I only had less than a quarter of a bottle of the Caol Ila 25 left, I poured some of my 18 into it bringing it up to just under half a bottle. I left it for a few days and then compared it with the 18-Year-Old. Dare I say, this was the best Caol Ila I’ve ever tasted, which includes the official Cask Strength 10 Year-Old and Gordon and McPhail Single Cask 14-Year-Old bottling.
*BenRiach 22-Year-Old - Dark Rum Cask Finish*
An Ex-Bourbon Cask matured whisky but finished in Jamaican Rum casks. Non Chilled Filtered, natural colour and Oh, what a colour! Similar to the Kilchoman 100% Islay, you get a huge mouth fill experience of malty barley porridge as if the mashing process event has been preserved in the distillation. It reminds me of the delicious and superb Appleton 21 Year-Old Jamaican rum with all its rich polished wood, bittersweet chocolate, apple crumble with melted caramel, vanilla rum ice-cream flavours and loads of exotic spices at the end. At the end there is a hint of sweet gun powder smoke.
Wonderful way to start my week (Sunday=First working day of the week here in Israel).
Aqvavitae Roy's favourite all time whskies!
I'll write about my all time favourites in another comment, but I'd like to comment here on a little remark you made about watching people's reaction whilst drinking the Lag 12/2017.
It frustrates me that many whisky UA-camr reviewers cut out the moment they put the whisky in their mouths, smell, sample, taste, swirl and finally swallow the contents of the glass. For me, that moment is critical - to capture that facial expression tells a story.
Whenever I have commented to them, they treated my request as a bit weird. "Who wants to see me swallow the whisky?, I'm here to review it!".
However, your comment makes me believe that you get it! Watching someone experience the whisky, examining their facial expressions, their non-spoken language of the eyes and facial muscles, it all tells a huge story that enhances the spoken comments and sometimes, dare I say it, might betray your true feelings despite what you are saying! Watching someone enjoy a food or drink, transmits some of that experience and pleasure to the watcher. (Just ask any advertising expert!). Have you ever just sat there and watched your spouse or kids eat something which you have prepared them? A true delight.
The Hebrew word for face is "PANNIM". פנים
Anything with an "IM" at the end indicates that the word is plural. However, unlike ears, hands, feet...we seemingly only have one face? The Talmud explains that PANIM is plural because the face reveals on the outside what your true feelings are in the inside. It is a window to the sole, the inner you. You might be saying one thing but your facial expression reveals your true feelings.
Very insightful Reb - and I fully get it! Let me point you to a different channel where Jason @ Mash and Drum has a "moment" on camera exactly like we mean here : ua-cam.com/video/avROb2s1dUo/v-deo.html This link was pointed out by Sippers Social Club - another new and interesting channel..! Good times ahead! (And let's not forget the "whiskygasm" of Shawn from the Scotch4 dummies with his Glengoyne 25 moment!)
Always enjoy your videos. I recently purchased Deanston 9 year Bordeaux cask based on your recommendation and it was very good quality. Cheers!
Wow! The pleasure is mutual boys! Welcome in here and thank you! Thant Deanston needs water and a gentle splash for it to give up it's best. Water is your friend. Tasty as hell. That was a JasonWhiksyWise recommendation last year. Have you tried the standard Deanston 12? (new label?) I'm sure you'd love it.
Roy, any thoughts on doing another, updated version of these videos? Thoroughly enjoyed them. Just bought the lagavulin 12 2017
I am not sure if I am allowed to say this, but... a big online retailer has the Glengoyne 25 on special at £233. Very tempting!!
Excellent stuff, Roy. I’m also a big fan of Glengoyne - just wish I could afford the 25 year expression, but the 12 year does it for me.
The 12 through to the 21 offer a much better value for sure. Thanks Frank! Love that Wichita flag thing...
Beautiful choices by a Scotch God! Cheers Roy!
Great video, glad I found it! I don't know about putting water in EC Barrel Proof, though.
Awesome choices, Roy! You're right... They are beyond my reach.
I know Quig - this video meant I wasn't really constricted by price, and while it's fun, not entirely practical.
I have to say Roy I love your passion and a great many thanks for sharing that passion with us lesser mortals, now where's that lottery ticket...
I think where I differ from many other bloggers is that when I look at rare/hard to source/expensive whiskies I'm often looking at blends, grain or overseas, I just don't buy into Single Malt being all that special anymore, the prices have ruined it for me.
Compass Box This is not a Luxury Whisky was one of my all time favourites and I lament my bottle is finished. a 25 Year old Single Grain from Boutiquey is just wonderful, Blanton's barrel strength or Stagg are just wonderful. Big Peat 25 is also a belter and under £200
Single Malt wise older Highland Park or Glenfiddich are my go to but are now out of my price range.
I wouldn't spend over £200 on a bottle of whisky anyway, it's just crazy money.
I get you John. Keep the pioneering going and please...when you uncover gold - share please! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Great video! I also bought the Bunnhabhain Moine Oloroso based on the Whisky Wednesday video you mentioned. It's a great dram. I still have about a third of a bottle left. Might crack it open again this evening. In terms of whiskies that I can't reach past; at the moment I have a really nice Edradour 10 year old from Signatory on the go. Very reasonably priced and beautifully sherried. I'd also have to include Balblair 90 in my go-to list. Cheers!
I'm hearing a lot about that SV Edradour! Wow, need to make enquiries! Great share. Enjoy that last third of the Mòine! Cheers Robin!
Amazing video Roy...and I just so happen to enjoy most of these beautiful bottles because of a little birdie in Scotland who knows his stuff:). Will you let me know when that Signatory Clynelish comes available again? Cheers buddy!
We'll both be on the lookout! It was wonderful though, wasn't it?
Aqvavitae yes it was:). If I see it I will let you know too🙂. I bought a 26 yr old Signatory Ben Nevis CS that was really good too.....not quite as good as the Clynelish though.
Just for the record chaps, I had a stunning Signatory Mortlach 24 CS (refill sherry) a couple of years back. Signatory Mortlach 19 remains Ralfy's highest ever score with a stonking 95/100. Sadly these sorts of bottles are becoming more and more expensive. It's getting so the independents are the same price as the distillery offerings.
Great picks, Roy - can't argue with a list as good as that. Was a tad surprised, though, when you left out Balblair and Longmorn. Maybe they were close but were pipped at the post. I'm still yet to try the Glengoyne 25, but if it's a clear step up from the 21, which I do know and love, then I'll clearly have to get around to it at some stage. The Clynelish SV is truly superb and this year I've also enjoyed the Wemyss 1997 SC "Continental Platter" expression(46%) which had me drooling. Whisky Wednesday's picks are obviously top drops but I was too slow in ordering the Bunna and missed out completely. On the peated path I'd throw in the Octomore 7.3 Islay Barley for an honorable mention. There's still a few bottles available on the German market, though the prices are becoming more than silly. And in regard to Sherry my vote would go to the Glencadam 19 Oloroso Finish which is most definitely not a Sherry bomb, but one of the best balanced sherried whiskies I've ever had in my glass (only 6,000 bottles released but there may still be some available). Cheers!
Wow Russell these are some great whisky shares right here, Octomore can produce showstopper whiskies too, although I've never invested in a bottle myself. Balblair deserve to be on any list, but the Longmorn is now virtually impossible to find outside of auction.
Great content, as always, Roy. I've had the Elijah Craig and would agree with your description of it as an "event whiskey".
Just found your channel, really liked this and will roam through your Vids! Great work!
Awesome list. I have been hunting that EC Barrel proof for a bit with no luck.
I would add springbank 12 cask strength. At least for me it's not hard to find but is a bit pricey, being just north of 100 US, but my gosh what an amazing whisky. It slams you with funky medicinal briny peat, but when you get past it, the sweet honey and dried fruit sherry comes through. I adore springbank and Campbelltown, and this bottle represents the best it has to offer.
Agree on the (usually) epic 12CS but we do suffer availability issues here. All Springbanks command attention, they rarely put a foot wrong.
Very well, passionately defended list, Roy ! Agree about many of these (not tried all) and agree about quality/price ratio about the GLENGOYNE 25 yo (compared to for instance when the GLENFIDDICH 25 yo was released, at around 850 €!)
Grégoire SARAFIAN not forever Greg, but for now, it's ours.
Sure...I think I got a sample of it somewhere (first edition)...
Great list. I still have to find a bottle of that Glengoyne 25. I thought about my top 5 and just couldn't trim it. So I'm going a different direction. My top 5 bottles I wish I could replace but probably can't. Fair warning - likely to be Talisker heavy. And yes a few of these are pricey 5. Bruichladdich 1985/32 Hidden Glory. Probably the most unique (while still good) flavor profile I've ever run across. I know MoM still has some bottles but they no longer ship to the US. 4. SMWS 26.119 A 21 year old cask strength Clynelish. 3. 2013 Talisker 25. 2. Gordon and Macphail Talisker Connoisseurs Choice a 24 yr old Talisker and quite possibly the best sherry finished Talisker. 1. 1979 Vintage Talisker 18 bottled by Cadenhead at (61.6%). For a Talisker lover this is just magic in a bottle.
Wow Bobby that is a king's list right there! You're not messing about my friend! Wow. I'd love to sit with any of those.
Great video and awesome picks. Oh yeah, loved the background music!😉🥂
Thank you Juan - great to hear! 😉
Great list! Say, I do have a friend with a bottle of that Bunnahabhain Moine Oloroso... I think it's time for me to pay him a visit!
Adam Brudner visit soon. Take many gifts. And should he/she open that bottle, strap in.
Pay him a visit Adam. Don't delay. Take him/her a box of chocolates.
Awesome I like them all, I have tried several Of those and I want more, great work love the show as always 😁
Thank you Brent!
Nice top five, fully agree that Glengoyne 25 is amazing and cannot go wrong with Lagavulin and Bunnahabhain....surprised to see no love for Ancnoc or Balblair in terms of value for age.
I have huge love for both as mentioned in the first video, this was really, really tough to put together though and leave out so much good stuff. Thanks Nicholas.
Great video. Like you I took Phil’s advice and got a bottle of the Moine and Laga 12. Down to less than a 1/3 of each now 😥 I think you’d like the ardbeg grooves if you’ve not already tried it.
My favorite 5: #1 Ardbeg Uigeadail #2 Lagavulin 16 #3 Glenfarclas 15 #4 Balvenie double wood 12 #5 Hepburn's Choice Miltonduff 9YO Speyside S. Cask. WHAT DO YOU THINK ROY?
What a top 5! I still need to get hold of some Clynelish from Signatory. I’ve got a bottle from Carn Mor Celebration of the cask which is pretty good too! Great job Roy!
TheMaltCask thank you Eti! By chance, is your Carn Mor a 1996? Cask #8805? If so, I bought one for Mikey Hay in Glasgow this weekend. It was wonderful to see his reaction. He was silenced into contemplation! 😀
Aqvavitae Mine is a 1997 Cask 9441 (sherry puncheon) I tried it in the Pot still last year and loved it. Never thought I’d come across a bottle in Manchester a couple of weeks later but there it was, waiting for me!
Not taking into account availability and without a hard price limit, I find it hard to pick absolute favourites. Just because I'm in the mood for something different every day and I keep discovering new fantastic stuff while older acquaintances might fall out of favour or stop being able to keep up with the new discoveries. I am guessing that this won't stop any time soon, because there is just so much out there and with the sherry cask availability problem they keep experimenting with other types of casks (some of which I have thoroughly enjoyed).
Of the top of my head, I've found the Glendronach 21 so fantastic that I might keep coming back to it for the foreseeable future unless they have to take it off the market or if the price increases beyond reasonability (there is still some room :) ). The same is true for the 10yo Edradour Sherry single cask bottlings (SV 46% and SFTC) - they are not very old, but I would count them as good examples that age isn't everything and they are still good value (although I would prefer the SFTC in a 0.7L bottle for its price) - and the best thing is, they seem to be staple products of Edradour and shouldn't die out too quickly.
And as stated in the previous video, I will keep exploring what port maturations I can reasonably come by. There are too many to pick a clear absolute favourite and they aren't all the same either, but there are enough around still that it is "okay" if one or a few vanish from the market.
Just one comment on your list: I was a bit surprised to see the GG25 on the top. I recently shared a sample with two mates and we all agreed that while it was very good, the price was hard to justify when you compare it with e.g. when you compare it with similar stuff around the 100 €/$/GBP mark and maybe slightly above, such as the aforementioned GD21 - I think I would rather buy 2.5 bottles of that one. :) The same conclusion we came to about the Bunnahabhain 25 (similar price) that day. But since this is purely subjective ... :) Let's be happy that we still have so much to choose from. ;)
Slàinte!
Absolutely Everest! It is very subjective and so much to do with mood, environment etc. We certainly agree it's difficult to distill it down to a list of 5, really difficult. I agree on the glendronach 21, a wonderful and rich expression. I keep my fingers firmly crossed that the second GG25 I have is every bit as wonderful as the open one. Only time can tell. (If you ever watched the "whiskygasm" episode of the Scotch 4 dummies reviewing the Glengoyne 25 - those samples were poured from this bottle. Have a look and marvel at Shawn's reaction!)
I had a look at the video ... it's a bit hard to concentrate on individual reactions when four people talk at the same time. :D This speechlessness is indeed priceless (both to see and to experience). Unfortunately, our reactions didn't go quite that far that time.
Maybe it was an underwhelming batch, maybe the price gave us too high expectations, maybe it was the contrast with the other drams we had that day? I'm still puzzled. The GG25 should have been right up our alley. Well it definitely was, just not quite far enough to spend the price for a full bottle - the sample was still definitely worth it.
Roy, meant to comment on the last “top 5” I try not to have the same expressions in as there are just so many to try, but.......I always like to have a Caol Ila in and a Glenfarclas, Arran, AnCnoc, a cask strength Bourbon a Rye.....another Speyside, highland, Laga 16 , Dalwhinnie and then .........🤣
Gus Teruel I'm a big fan of AnCnoc, what a great shout Gus!
The glengoyne 21 is the first whisky I fell in love with. I have been frightened to try the 25 in case it becomes my new favourite as I'm not sure if I can justify the price. How would you compare the 21 to the 25?
Nice one roy... The only one i don't have in the cabinet is the clynliesh....nice choices pal....
You have work to do Alan! 😉 Cheers buddy
By the way my top 5 (I have 7, but two are an either or) that I can't do without are as follows in no particular order...
Lagavulin 16
Longmorn 16
Green Spot
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Highland Park Dark Origins / Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
Old Forester 1920
Nice Roy! I can't argue with the ECBP. It's one of the best boubons hands down and fairly easy to find now. I'd love to try that Glengoyne 25 but I can get 3 Allardice or 2 Parliaments w/ money leftover for the price of just 1 of those. Maybe one day I'll get one. Have you tried the 21yr and 30yr Glengoyne also?
Not the 30yo Travis, and it's sold out now at the distillery. I hear you on price too. It's not an easy spend, for sure.
Great video to tie in with the last one. I can't seem to get past my Glendronach 18 and my Old Pultney 17 at the moment. Oh and I picked up an independent bottling of Dailuaine recently that I've had a sample of. That's another I'm going to struggle to get past.
Paul Gibbs Both of those drams are wonderful and the GD 18 is at least still damn good value for money. As for the OP 17, I hope you've got another bottle bunkered away somewhere as its price is now becoming prohibitive since they discontinued it. And what about the Dailuaine IB? I recently tried a Cadenhead's Dailuaine 13yo (46%) Small Batch which was not exactly complex, but delicious drinking regardless. Cheers.
@@russell3733 I need to pick up another OP17. The Dailuaine is from the That Boutique Whisky Company. Very textured and layered.
I might actually have a problem, I have five of Roy's top 5+5.
ComplicatedNickname brother? 😮
A truly professional Autodidactic, Love your reason's for valuing the whisky!
WhiskyThrottle thank you for the vocabulary extension 😃
Aqvavitae 😉
That last bottle stunt might force us to have to come back over the pond to help you finish that Lag12 ;-)
I've heard of a few of the whiskies you spoke about and I must say I'm very interested in trying them. My personal favorites would have to be the Deanston 40 year old and the Bunnahabhain 30 year old.
Max Thompson tried the Deanston 40, but at a grand it was a bit salty price wise for a lesser known malt. Still, it was a treat! Thanks Max.
Great top 5 list! I'll be opening my first Glengoyne 25yo on Thursday.
Looking forward to your feedback!
Great top 5 Roy, I have a couple of your picks, the Bunnahabhain Moine Oloroso and Lagavulin 12. I would probably also place the Glendronach 18yr Allardice. Caol Ila 17 Year Old Unpeated
Special Releases 2015 and maybe the Octomore 6.3 in my pick. I should have picked up the Bunnahabhain 2008 Moine Bordeaux when it was available. On your recommendation I have just sprung an order for the Clynelish 14yr and Kilkerran 12yr. Cheers, Kev
Kevin Bryant I hope you love them Kevin, but you're already drinking like a boss. 👍
I've been bitten by whisky. Have you tried any of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society whiskies? I would be interested to hear your thoughts. I love the fact they're straight from the cask, as the distillery intended.
Yes, they're (mostly) single cask and in my experience a really good way to try whisky, just recently tho (like everything) the prices have been climbing. always keep an eye on everything and double check the value. I am a member, but the cost of that membership is a decent bottle of whisky. There needs to be value in it, it depends where you live and what's available. Cheers!
Great video! What do you think about the Laphroaig 18 compared to the Lagavulin 12 cask strength you recommended?
Why is the 25, $490 more expensive than the 21 here in the US? Is it really that much better?
Glengoyne 25 - current November 2021 price now £350. An insider tip from 3 years ago!
Do the modern versions of these hold up, or are they ephemeral choices for that year/moment?
Oh I wish I could get hold of that bunnahabain. Some of My top, hard to come by whiskies, would be Ardbeg Supernova 2015, Laddie 16 and Arran 10 anniversary cask strength.
Dream drams! I'm on the lookout for the Bunna now too, but it's being drunk!
Great video, Roy! The only whisky I have from your list is a 2014 bottle of Lagavulin 12, but I haven’t opened it yet.
T Greene keep stopping by, we have work to do my friend 😉
I have had every Lag 12 since 2011 (except the 2016 which I tasted but did not get roundto buying).
The 2011 was amazing and got me well and trully hooked on this annual whisky event. 2012 was disappointing, thin character lacking cask interaction. The 2013 was wonderful and although different, so was the 2014. My favourite is the 2015. The most complex and creamy. I never got hold of the 2016 but the 2017, in my judgement is very tasty, but I cannot in all honesty, agree with the hype this edition has generated. It is certainly not, in my opinion, heads and shoulders above the 2013 or 2015. If truth be told, push comes to shove, I prefer the 2015. Money where my mouth is, I bought another bottle but will not buy another 2017. I'm waiting for the 2018....
Thanks for the info. When I bought the ‘14 I don’t recall it being as expensive as they are now (I now save the receipts or label my bottles - thanks to Ralfy) but I’ll be on the lookout for the 2018.
Hey Roy long time no hear. Been off the grid for a few months. Superb video liked it a lot! Kind of funny after four bottles in the vid i thought hey i have all off those. But i have yet to try the Bottle of wow and the Clynelysh. Have a few bottles of the Bunnah Moine witch was my top 3 of 2017 with the Lagavulin 12 2017 edition... and an Mortlach just amazing stuff.
I have the Glengoyne on my list and have not tried that so far. How is it compared to the Glendronach Parliment? Any similarities?
Have a a good one Roy i always enjoy vids very informative!
Slainté!
Viktor E hey! Good to hear from you! The Glendronach parliament is cracking and all other things equal would probably, just, get my vote over the very clean and easy Glengoyne 21, but only just, and on some days (!) 😋
If your ever want to trade one of those Bunnas, please shout!
Thanks for stopping by Viktor!
What is the difference between Glendronach 21 and Grangoyne 25? Which is better for you
At the time of this post, I have two locations to pick up Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 2017 and 18 releases at about $65 per 750ml. Nabbed two.
Had my first dram of Lagavulin 12 yesterday and it is really amazing but hard to get here in Austria and if you get it, it is double the prize of the 16.
Now, with the 2018 release it's the same here - double. Ouch!
I’m looking at Lagavulin Distillers Edition vs. 12 yr Cask strength which would you pick. DE is about $45 difference
Hello Roy! Really like your videos, and your Scottish English! What part of Scotland are you from? Thank you!
you should try the Glengoyne 28 first fill Oloroso. I'm happy to own one of those bottles
Love this video.
Here's my version:
1. Balblair 1990
2. Yamazaki 18
3. Hibiki 21
4. Glenmorangie Signet
5. Highland Park 18
Very delicious scotch sounds info. Thank you very much. Good to know.
Great vide Roy, I was waiting for it after the first one went out. Great picks, but I was betting Longmorn 16 will be in the list. Any reason it is not?
I simply can't buy it anymore. The older version that is - with the green box. It's shot up in price. I may make an event of opening my last bottle on a livestream this Thursday night. Thanks for watching.
Tried a Glengoyne 21 picked up for £109 last year & i simply drool over the thought of the 25 bottle = May have to take a deep breath & stump up :P
Wow - that Glengoyne is looking dark and lovely🙂
It really is boys! Take a trip across!
Haha! Love that special delivery!
Great choices and wise words. Thank you so much for sharing!
Greetings🇩🇪
Moses
Thank you so much for watching!
Gotta say, I was not expecting the bourbon. Been talking to +Bourbinsane about trying bourbon, want to get into it as well. Gonna have to look at getting that Elijah Craig...
It's not just a bourbon. It's an event.
Went shopping for the Moine Oloroso before you put the bottle down. Managed to find 2 online for £161 including delivery. Result!
Wow! Share! Where? Good work.
Aqvavitae shop4whisky.com - a wee shop in Fort William / Corpach area. Never heard of them before. Of course it was the only two bottles they had in stock. Recent auction prices are about £150 - £160 a bottle plus commission, so would cost about £180 to buy plus shipping.
I might drink one, but I’m looking forward to my Bruichladdich WMD 3 - Yellow Submarine 25 y.o
another great video Roy!
Question, have you had a chance to compare glengoyne 21 to glengoyne 25? i ask because the 21 seems much more available where I am - thanks!
The 21 is a cracker Graham, really. And it's difficult to justify the doubling of cost for the 25. but this video wasn't about price. The shackles were off, so it made it easy. It will take me a long time to open the next one I think, and I'll be happy sharing the 21 until I do. I know that probably doesn't help.
The way you describe them makes me want to taste them right now...
Roy, I can get my hands on the glengoyne 25yo but it is a massive €330 here in Dublin. Is it worth this over the 21yo which I can get for €120?
Super list, just need my deerstalker cap.
Get hunting, join the queue. Wave ahead to me. Cheers Kenneth! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Those are some great choices for a top five, and as always great video. I believe my name might have been spelled incorrectly. LOL
Oh wow Yoji! I'm so sorry! I agonised over that list until my eyes were sore! It's fixed for the next one - ! So sorry my friend!
@@Aqvavitae The funny thing is someone else pointed it out to me from the whiskeytribe. 😂 I thought it was hilarious.
Damn. Thank for the graciousness Yoji.
Found a 23 year old version of the Clynelish locally, but its up at the equivalent of £210! Unfortunately too rich for my tastes.
Hi Keith, yeah, can understand. It’s a bit expensive now. Beautiful whisky though.
Sometimes I regret watching you vlogs. You're killing my bank account !
Sorry Mourad - I hope the engagement pays you back!
@@Aqvavitae it always does my friend! Cheers!
Very interesting Roy.
I have an unopened bottle of the Bunna. Just sayin'. Have bought but not opened yet a 2018 Laga 12 and I am part way through a Clynelish 18 from that Signatory batch - and very nice it is as well.
Thankfully, my all time favourites are cheaper - but that might reflect by budget anyway. Old Pulteney 17 and Ardbeg 10 remain at the peak. But if I could get my hands on another bottle of a Cadenhead bottling of 22 YO Briuchladdich then I might sell an organ.
Chris Witham haha! I know the feeling Chris 😄
Not kidney or liver obviously.
Ha! Yeah, a lung! Or perhaps *one* kidney. PS: If you're in the UK don't trade away that Bunna without speaking to me first! 😛
There was also another Cadenhead bottling of Arran at 15 YO. My word that was stupendous.
I am torn. Running out of space but I am thinking that one is in the 'to drink' pile. If I decide otherwise, I'll let you know.
Thanks for a great video Roy.
Thanks for watching Tom.
Does anyone know where I can get a bottle of the clynelish 8687
Love Bunnahabhain, so I've just ordered one Bunnahabhain Moine Oloroso for £79.99 with free shipping. Was the last one in stock . :-)
Lucky move Olav! Seriously good work!
@@Aqvavitae shop4whisky, Roybridge
That Bunny Mòine is definitely one I would love to get, but precious little chance of that here alas.
Feeling it for ya - but hey - at least you get loads of Springers! Cheers Andrew!
Have you ever tried Jack Daniels old no 7 ?