I can't agree more on the Lagavulin 8. The 16 is good, but it's getting harder to defend at $100. 8 honestly tastes better to me, is at least $30 cheaper, and has that 5% ABV boost. I'm glad we can agree on one thing!
I totally agree about Redbreast CS being great! I would try Powers John's Lane as an alternative to Three Swallows. I also agree about WT101 versus Rare Breed, 101 is always on my bar. Cheers!
I chose Uigeadail over the Corry a couple of years ago, because the Ugie was $65 and the Corry was $80. But now that they are both around $90, I have already decided to pick up a Corry when the Ugie is gone.
I like the list and alternatives. I think some people are missing the concept. It's not a comparison or this is better than this list. It's "if you like this, you'll probably also like this one" ... Taste is subjective haha, can't really disagree with your suggestions.
Great video! I would recommend a peated Benriach (12, smoke season) for Highland Park. And I would recommend Ardbeg An Oa as an alternative to Uigadail. I don’t get why people dismiss the An Oa so much. It hits a lot of the same notes, but it’s much more affordable and 46%.
Great video! Great Channel! The Compass Box Orchard House that you brought to La Quinta this year was so good that I had to get a bottle! Keep up the good work. Hope to see you next year!
Rare Breed is the best. I think the price and the quality are perfect. Straight chocolate covered cherry with some oak...amazing. I agree 100% with your choice of Bunnahabhain. I’m a bourbon & rye guy but I love that scotch. Also fond of the white label Dewars.
I saw the thumbnail and preview and only saw "Alternates to the Whiskey Tribe Community" and thought, dang, what'd they do to you that you're suggesting 10 alternate communities?! 🤣
Nice list! Can I suggest another list idea? Unfortunately it seems like we are headed for an economic turndown and Whisk(e)y is maybe the epitome of the unnecessary luxury purchase. I'd love to see your take on a list of more economical alternatives to iconic, but expensive bottles?
I love Bunnabhain 12. It tastes great and it's fun to say after you've had a few. You can't buy it around here but I make it to Dallas, TX a few times a year and stock up on it while I'm there. The Oben is good too. Not big on peat and it's about my maximum. I happen to have a few bottles of the old Highland Park 12 and Yes, the quality has dropped a little. The ECPF and Knob Creek BP are both so good. On the GreenSpot . Well, you're just wrong 😛. They don't make anything better when it comes to Irish and there is no substitute. The Redbreast 12 is a strange bird for me. Some day's I drink it and fall in love with the taste and other day's it just comes off as a hot mess (same bottle.) Most whisky's don't present like that for me. My substitute for the RedBreast 12 would be the Jameson Caskmates Stout. So smooth and flavorful. For the Wild Turkey Rare Breed (I don't like it either) my substitution would have been one of my all time favorite bourbons, Old Forester 1920 and my Buffalo Trace sub would be Eagle Rare (pretty common around here.) As for the rest of that peated mess. Well, I'll leave that to the professionals 😉. Great Video! I love hearing your thoughts and opinions.
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Ledaig is my go-to for smoky but not too smoky or iodine like the south shore Islays. I haven't had PC for a few years though so my memory may be off about how smoky it is
Would you try Yukon Jack Barrel Proof 125? Probably the best barrel proof under $20. I know I am going to be ridiculed by the whiskey snobs but hey it fits my budget.
Good list and fun idea. I would say that $100 for Lagavulin is a tremendous value. I cannot think of another 16 year old scotch priced at $100. Well worth it, and seems like the cost of everything has gone up at least $15-$20 recently while this has maintained its great value.
Love both lists tbh. There's nothing on that 20 I wouldn't happily drink. I always tend to have a bottle of 101 on the shelf. Currently here in the UK for 25 pounds which is great value. On the Redbreast I love the 12, but the lustau is the one that I can't help going back to. I always recommend an age statement Deanston and I suppose it's no secret that what Arran have been producing is certainly worth a pick up. Agree completely on the MM 120 proof. I was blown away by that in terms of value at the time! I'm also a bit of a sucker for Makers 46...though that's more when on offer. I've not tried Cory yet actually, but love the Uigeadail so definitely on that!
Some interesting choices. I don’t get the HP12-Oban 14 reccomendation. The HP has both Sherry and a peat and the Oban is a fairly straightforward highland. I don’t think they have anything in common really. My option would be Bowmore 15. It is a Sherry and peated bottle that just amps up what you find in the HP 12 a fair bit for about $20 more.
Yea, it was admittedly a bit of an awkward replacement, but I leaned more on the region and what I think of. Bowmore 15 is a fine recommendation, but I personally don't love Bowmore
I have to disagree with the Russell's 10 as an alternative to Rare Breed. Only because of how sweet the Russell's is. I would go with Old Grand Dad 114.
Focusing on the Lagavulin 8 for 16 in this review. Good choice with comment. I really enjoy Lag 16 but the price is kind of on the high side. Instead of Lag 8 which is a good choice, I like to switch on a regular basis to (call me crazy) a mixture of Kilchoman MACHIR BAY and Smokey Joe blend.
Much of these are about affordability. Once you get into a the 100 to 300 price range as your average buys then people will tend to drink higher quality scotches rums, and Tequilas. just like cars, watches, and everything else you can think of. Quality Bourbons do mostly remain relatively low priced by comparison though.
Pimp the Highland Park 12 ( 40% in the Uk 43% Us ? ) with the Highland Park cask strength, you end up with 2 half decent bottles🙂 Enjoyed that. Lag 16 over £80.00 for 43% just buy Ledaig 18 at 46.3% , I believe 2023 will see a marked change in, what we buy, how much we buy based on what we think is value for our hard earned cash. Laphroigh 10 with any of the cask strength range is another good pimp :-)
I don't like to be negative, but I think you got it wrong with the classic laddie and the bunna 12. The bunna is much richer than the laddie due to all that sherry influence, and if they weren't both Islay whiskies I probably wouldn't compare the two. I'd suggest either the Scapa Skiren or the Clynelish 14 for that lighter coastal feel that you get with the laddie.
I’ve given up on official releases these days. Overpriced and underwhelming. 9/10 I’m buying independently bottled whisky. Some real gems out there. Just need to have an idea what you like and don’t go to of piste.
Age statement. Cask strength. NCF and NC. I tried the affordable NAS official bottles and not.going there again. Except maybe the ardnamurchin CS. The undies are getting pricey and they're happy to to do a 700 ml bottle
Yellow Spot is so f’in great. I love Yellow Spot and in my opinion it is everything an Irish Whiskey should be. Absolutely lovely stuff and sadly seeing it’s price climb higher and higher.
I find that the "community lists" that they make are basically always just their diehard fans parroting names and preferences that daniel and rex say. This one definitely comes across that way. Not saying that the bottles choices are bad, just completely predictable. Your alternative options are great
Thanks @Aidan. I see what you're saying, and if the list was 8 bourbons and 2 scotches I'd agree with it being just looking at the top whiskies and suggesting them. This was a fun exercise!
You lost me at Russles 10 over Rare Breed. In my area, Russel's 10 is $28 and Rare Breed is $43. Rare Breed is easily worth the extra $15, and I am not a huge fan of Rare Breed, I do like Rare Breed, and I love Russel's 10, but Rare Breed is by far the better deal.
U don’t have Arran 10 in your top ten ??? Hmmm obviously you like the peaty whisky but I’m amazed that Arran is nowhere in these lists,, too many hospital bandages in this list
Arran 10 is a great alternative to the Classic Laddie. They put an easy sipping scotch #10 on the list and an easy sipping Irish #1, with some peat and bourbon in the middle. Kinda strange list.
Dungeons & Drams: www.youtube.com/@dungeonsanddrams
Whiskey Tribe Video: ua-cam.com/video/YoxZZD6Lapo/v-deo.html
My alternative to Lagavulin 16 is…more Lagavulin 16.
Perhaps 2 bottles at once
Around here in CA, Buffalo trace can be found everywhere and always cheaper than Elijah Craig small batch.
I can't agree more on the Lagavulin 8. The 16 is good, but it's getting harder to defend at $100. 8 honestly tastes better to me, is at least $30 cheaper, and has that 5% ABV boost. I'm glad we can agree on one thing!
I like the Laga 8 over the 16. It is 48% ABV and non-chill filtered which gives it an added dimension.
It is 48%, I did not find any info on its chill filtration
Loved this video. Also the power glove is also awesome hiding back there.
Hah! My newest challenge coin has it on it. Www.thewhiskeydictionary.com.
I totally agree about Redbreast CS being great! I would try Powers John's Lane as an alternative to Three Swallows. I also agree about WT101 versus Rare Breed, 101 is always on my bar. Cheers!
I chose Uigeadail over the Corry a couple of years ago, because the Ugie was $65 and the Corry was $80. But now that they are both around $90, I have already decided to pick up a Corry when the Ugie is gone.
I like the list and alternatives. I think some people are missing the concept. It's not a comparison or this is better than this list. It's "if you like this, you'll probably also like this one" ... Taste is subjective haha, can't really disagree with your suggestions.
I dig the seal behind your head, kind of makes you look like Caesar. Hail Caesar!
Hah! Yes! Et tu whisk-ay?
1. Old Forester Signature Straight Rye 100
2. Old Grand Dad 114
3. Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair
4. Compass Box Orchard House
5. Craigellachie 13
6. Glenmorangie 14
7. Port Charlotte 10
8. Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength
9. Ledaig 18
10. Glen Scotia Victoriana
Awesome vid! Love all the options!
Great list of atlernatives. Another possible option for a Port Charlotte 10 alternative would be Compass Box Peat Monster.
Now that's an intriguing idea
I actually agree with this.
I would pick The Peat Monster over any Port Charlotte,... every time.
Great video! I would recommend a peated Benriach (12, smoke season) for Highland Park. And I would recommend Ardbeg An Oa as an alternative to Uigadail. I don’t get why people dismiss the An Oa so much. It hits a lot of the same notes, but it’s much more affordable and 46%.
Catoutin creek cask strength rye is my current drink of choice
Great video. Very enjoyable and some awesome alternative selections. Thank you.
Great video! Great Channel! The Compass Box Orchard House that you brought to La Quinta this year was so good that I had to get a bottle! Keep up the good work. Hope to see you next year!
I'm glad to hear that!
Rare Breed is the best. I think the price and the quality are perfect. Straight chocolate covered cherry with some oak...amazing. I agree 100% with your choice of Bunnahabhain. I’m a bourbon & rye guy but I love that scotch. Also fond of the white label Dewars.
Ardbeg 10 is my favorite. I prefer it to the others from them. Kilchoman Machir Bay is similar and also very good.
Great alternative selections!
Thanks 😀
Great video! Other than being peat heavy I like the original list and your alternatives all make sense
Great suggestions. Most of your suggestions would have been mine, (to the extent I have tried them.)
I saw the thumbnail and preview and only saw "Alternates to the Whiskey Tribe Community" and thought, dang, what'd they do to you that you're suggesting 10 alternate communities?! 🤣
Hah! Oh boy, didnt think that one through. Rex and Daniel in person and awesome for the community.
Nice list! Can I suggest another list idea? Unfortunately it seems like we are headed for an economic turndown and Whisk(e)y is maybe the epitome of the unnecessary luxury purchase. I'd love to see your take on a list of more economical alternatives to iconic, but expensive bottles?
Great idea. Actually you accidentally stumbled onto the theme of 2023 for me!
If we can't get the time machine back 2 years to buy cheaper whisky, then we are eventually looking at NAS and Blends.
this is a fantastic list
I love Bunnabhain 12. It tastes great and it's fun to say after you've had a few. You can't buy it around here but I make it to Dallas, TX a few times a year and stock up on it while I'm there. The Oben is good too. Not big on peat and it's about my maximum. I happen to have a few bottles of the old Highland Park 12 and Yes, the quality has dropped a little. The ECPF and Knob Creek BP are both so good. On the GreenSpot . Well, you're just wrong 😛. They don't make anything better when it comes to Irish and there is no substitute. The Redbreast 12 is a strange bird for me. Some day's I drink it and fall in love with the taste and other day's it just comes off as a hot mess (same bottle.) Most whisky's don't present like that for me. My substitute for the RedBreast 12 would be the Jameson Caskmates Stout. So smooth and flavorful. For the Wild Turkey Rare Breed (I don't like it either) my substitution would have been one of my all time favorite bourbons, Old Forester 1920 and my Buffalo Trace sub would be Eagle Rare (pretty common around here.) As for the rest of that peated mess. Well, I'll leave that to the professionals 😉.
Great Video! I love hearing your thoughts and opinions.
I really enjoyed the video. For me, another alternative to Highland Park 12 is Clynelish 14.
Awesome alternatives list Bill!!!
I love the just get another Port Charlotte. I will definitely follow that suggestion😂
I'll be very interested to see if anyone has a good alternate
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Talisker 10!
A good whisky, but not smokey enough imo
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Ledaig is my go-to for smoky but not too smoky or iodine like the south shore Islays. I haven't had PC for a few years though so my memory may be off about how smoky it is
Would you try Yukon Jack Barrel Proof 125?
Probably the best barrel proof under $20. I know I am going to be ridiculed by the whiskey snobs but hey it fits my budget.
Nice video concept, much enjoyed
Thanks!
Good list and fun idea. I would say that $100 for Lagavulin is a tremendous value. I cannot think of another 16 year old scotch priced at $100. Well worth it, and seems like the cost of everything has gone up at least $15-$20 recently while this has maintained its great value.
Love both lists tbh. There's nothing on that 20 I wouldn't happily drink.
I always tend to have a bottle of 101 on the shelf. Currently here in the UK for 25 pounds which is great value.
On the Redbreast I love the 12, but the lustau is the one that I can't help going back to.
I always recommend an age statement Deanston and I suppose it's no secret that what Arran have been producing is certainly worth a pick up.
Agree completely on the MM 120 proof. I was blown away by that in terms of value at the time! I'm also a bit of a sucker for Makers 46...though that's more when on offer.
I've not tried Cory yet actually, but love the Uigeadail so definitely on that!
Great list
Some interesting choices. I don’t get the HP12-Oban 14 reccomendation. The HP has both Sherry and a peat and the Oban is a fairly straightforward highland. I don’t think they have anything in common really. My option would be Bowmore 15. It is a Sherry and peated bottle that just amps up what you find in the HP 12 a fair bit for about $20 more.
Yea, it was admittedly a bit of an awkward replacement, but I leaned more on the region and what I think of. Bowmore 15 is a fine recommendation, but I personally don't love Bowmore
I have to disagree with the Russell's 10 as an alternative to Rare Breed. Only because of how sweet the Russell's is. I would go with Old Grand Dad 114.
That one was on my potential list, so I totally agree
Focusing on the Lagavulin 8 for 16 in this review. Good choice with comment. I really enjoy Lag 16 but the price is kind of on the high side. Instead of Lag 8 which is a good choice, I like to switch on a regular basis to (call me crazy) a mixture of Kilchoman MACHIR BAY and Smokey Joe blend.
Thats wild. Never tried them mixed
re: PC 10 -> No Ledaig 10 ????? 😉
Like or Dislike: Like. I enjoyed your alternative recommendations, and this is a useful list video.
Thanks!
Great job
Thanks!
Hmmm....i would recommend for Ardbeg Ugi to go for Laphroaig 10 Sherry cask...Cheers mate
Thats a great suggestion. I considered it but since it's not readily available I didn't pick it
No Springbank 10?
Gotta keep that one a close secret
😎
Great video, great suggestions. I would have recommended Ledaig 18 as an alt for Ardbeg Oogie
That’s a good suggestion. I thought of Ledaig but never had the 18 so wasn’t sure about recommending it
I do the powers John lane over redbreast 12
WhiskeyTube talks up CS Redbreast, but I really can’t justify dropping an additional $70+ on a bottle over the RB12.
Oof. Yea thats a lot more. Price isn't that bad near me. Maybe an extra 30 or 40
That Washington state liquor tax hits us pretty hard 😢
Much of these are about affordability. Once you get into a the 100 to 300 price range as your average buys then people will tend to drink higher quality scotches rums, and Tequilas. just like cars, watches, and everything else you can think of. Quality Bourbons do mostly remain relatively low priced by comparison though.
Pimp the Highland Park 12 ( 40% in the Uk 43% Us ? ) with the Highland Park cask strength, you end up with 2 half decent bottles🙂
Enjoyed that. Lag 16 over £80.00 for 43% just buy Ledaig 18 at 46.3% , I believe 2023 will see a marked change in, what we buy, how much we buy based on what we think is value for our hard earned cash.
Laphroigh 10 with any of the cask strength range is another good pimp :-)
Thats a good idea. I should pick up the HP:CS
I don't like to be negative, but I think you got it wrong with the classic laddie and the bunna 12. The bunna is much richer than the laddie due to all that sherry influence, and if they weren't both Islay whiskies I probably wouldn't compare the two. I'd suggest either the Scapa Skiren or the Clynelish 14 for that lighter coastal feel that you get with the laddie.
Not negative at all, I love that you gave other recommendations!
Yeahhhhh!!..great video!!!..top
Thanks!
Luckily I have independent liquor stores near me that always have Redbreast 12 Cask Strength in stock.
I’ve given up on official releases these days. Overpriced and underwhelming. 9/10 I’m buying independently bottled whisky. Some real gems out there. Just need to have an idea what you like and don’t go to of piste.
Age statement.
Cask strength.
NCF and NC.
I tried the affordable NAS official bottles and not.going there again. Except maybe the ardnamurchin CS.
The undies are getting pricey and they're happy to to do a 700 ml bottle
Yellow Spot is so f’in great. I love Yellow Spot and in my opinion it is everything an Irish Whiskey should be. Absolutely lovely stuff and sadly seeing it’s price climb higher and higher.
I find that the "community lists" that they make are basically always just their diehard fans parroting names and preferences that daniel and rex say. This one definitely comes across that way. Not saying that the bottles choices are bad, just completely predictable. Your alternative options are great
Thanks @Aidan. I see what you're saying, and if the list was 8 bourbons and 2 scotches I'd agree with it being just looking at the top whiskies and suggesting them. This was a fun exercise!
Russell's red $45 and Lagavulin 8 $50 ??? I wish I live where u do...Seems low.
Old Forrester 1920 Prohibition mmmmm
Thats what I was drinking last night
You lost me at Russles 10 over Rare Breed. In my area, Russel's 10 is $28 and Rare Breed is $43. Rare Breed is easily worth the extra $15, and I am not a huge fan of Rare Breed, I do like Rare Breed, and I love Russel's 10, but Rare Breed is by far the better deal.
Maybe you missed the beginning it wasn't a "this is better than that" it was "if you like this you might like this"
U don’t have Arran 10 in your top ten ??? Hmmm obviously you like the peaty whisky but I’m amazed that Arran is nowhere in these lists,, too many hospital bandages in this list
This isn't my top 10, these are alternatives to someone else's top 10
Arran 10 is a great alternative to the Classic Laddie.
They put an easy sipping scotch #10 on the list and an easy sipping Irish #1, with some peat and bourbon in the middle. Kinda strange list.
Scotch sucks
Pull up Porkins!