ralfy review 956 Extras - Chapters in our whisky book.
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
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Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12 were my first two bottles of Single Malt Scotch. They were a great place to start and gave me a wonderful launching pad for sure!
The bloopers you leave in are what makes your videos a treat to watch.
Was just talking with another whisky podcaster and your name came up. I don't know if you realize how many of us your 13 year whisky book has influenced. Bravo for instilling a passion for whisky in all of us. 🥃💯 Slainte
Only channel on you tube that I hit the thumbs up button BEFORE the video starts. With absolute confidence.
HA HA i was thinking the same last week.
Spot on.
What you say about whisky applies to all areas of human creativity. As a composer of some quite odd music, I know that it doesn't work trying to force students to appreciate the most complex and challenging pieces by the most profound composers right from the outset. One has to guide them on a journey in the cultivation of their auditory perception and musical taste. There's no use throwing students in at the deep end of the pool, as it were. You start in the shallow end, with armbands, and progress gradually from there.
As a person who loves music, and believes that music takes you somewhere, the whisky that you taste kind of takes you somewhere too. It reminds you of places you've been and places you've thought about. That's what it does for me.
🎶🥃👍
Terrific analogies there Ralfy. A book of many chapters is the perfect description for a whisky journey (perhaps even a never ending story?) and the gradual and deepening engagement of our interest and fascination. Thanks again for another upload of Whisky Wisdom. Cheers!
What in the bothy has gotten in to you lately Ralfy? You are losing it. First it was Glenmorangie 10 with a 78 score, now it’s Glenfiddich 12 with a sore of 80. You need to rediscover your tastebuds, “Malt Mate”. Still love your show though, 😝
This video reminds me of my concept of phases in the whisky journey. Some time ago, I looked back at my history and split it into three phases, but I think four might make sense. Depending on a person's location and taste, there are bound to be differences, but here is what I came up with based on my experience.
1. Just getting started - basic blends and inexpensive mass market whisky, usually over ice or in cocktails: Johnnie Walker red or black, Jameson, Jim Beam white label, or a common Canadian blend such as Crown Royal. I started with Chivas Regal 12 and Jack Daniel's Old No. 7. Back when I started in the early 1990s, very few people were moving beyond this stage. It is a good place to start, as everything is simple and inoffensive. Some people will find interesting flavors buried deep inside these whiskies and will want to move on to the next stage. I moved on fairly quickly.
2. This would be the beginning of the journey Ralfy presents here: Basic single malts and Irish single pot stills, major brands of "small batch" bourbon, and first experiences with rye. This is a large category - examples include Glenfiddich 12, Glenlivet 12, Macallan 12, Redbreast 12, premium blends, Basil Hayden, Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, and maybe one or two of the more common Japanese whiskies. Some people might be tempted to get into inexpensive store brands that are designed for the mass market. Be warned - quality is variable, but there can be hidden gems. Knob Creek bourbon, Old Overholt rye, and Glenlivet 18 were my starting points in this phase of the journey. (Major brands of 18-year-old Scotch weren't overly expensive back then.) Back in the 1990s, this was the end point for most people; only those fortunate enough to be in a major whisky production region or a major city with good liquor stores even had the opportunity to progress beyond this. I remained stuck at this phase for a long time, as there was no opportunity to move forward.
3. This is where the journey gets complicated. With increasing availability of interesting products in the late 2000s and finally a move to a better place in the early 2010s, I was able to move off the beaten path. This would be the point at which people might try 46%+ non-chill filtered single malts, single malts not from Scotland, older bottles, a greater variety of bourbons and ryes, the up-and-coming category of corn whisky, Japanese whisky, and a variety of Irish single pot stills and malts. Whiskies that are only regionally available, such as independent bottlings in the UK and the products of craft distilleries in the US, start to become important. At this point, a good whisky bar is a valuable resource. For me, Yamazaki 18 was an early step off the beaten path (it wasn't expensive back when I bought it). I got into this phase with malt whisky first, with others following later. Other examples include Ardbeg 1990 bottled in 2008, Arran 10, Deanston 12, Bunnahabhain 18, Ledaig 10, Belgian Owl, Amrut single malt, Westland Peated, Del Bac Dorado, Sierra Norte corn whisky, Balcones Brimstone, and various Whistle Pig ryes.
4. I don't know whether to consider this a separate phase, as it is basically a continuation of Phase 3. This phase might include deeper dives or specializations into specific regions or categories, or an effort to further broaden one's experience. For me, it is a combination of both. Recently, I've been seeking out cask strength whiskies (and I am becoming obsessed with them), I have finally started on independent Scotch bottlings (which are few and far between where I live), and I have been checking out craft distilleries in my area. I have a desire to more deeply explore certain whisky regions, including Scotland's islands and Texas. Belgium would be nice too, but availability is very limited where I live. I'm considering taking a road trip to Texas to more fully explore that state's distilleries. Texas whisky is ideal for experienced whisky drinkers, as there are many unique and unusual whiskies that will fully challenge the experienced palate. I've also been getting into bourbon lately; in the past I gravitated more toward rye, but I find that there is good variety and complexity to bourbon these days, especially when bourbon from regions outside of Kentucky is included. It's not necessary to go on a wild goose chase for the allocated bottles either; there are plenty of good ones that are off the beaten path. Leave the Pappy to the rich people and try something else instead. If there is a phase of the journey beyond this one, I can't imagine what it is. I can easily see this phase continuing for the rest of my life. (Edit: Maybe Phase 5 is when you start distilling and/or barreling your own whisky. I don't think I'll ever get to this point.)
I was very surprised you didn't include Deanston 12yo @ 46.3%vol. as being part of the chapters in the book. It's a lovely dram, and full of flavours, as you described in your review 807. Just saying!
That clicker should trigger a castanets sound - wise advice as usual thanks 👍
I can't thank the algorithm enough for finding me this channel.
Best wishes to you.
I think it was 1991, was at the bar at Forres Mechanics ground and ordered a Grouse. My mates Dad spluttered into his dram and said "make that a Macallan" and so the journey began :)
Loch Lomond 12 would be a good place to go after the stripped 12 year malts from Speyside and it's usually cheaper. Just my 2 cents.
I'm on my second bottle. Nice whisky but the nose to me is too 'over ripe' fruity. Tastes fine.
I expected you to put a sherry matured bottle before going to a peated whisky. Something like Glendronach 12, or Glenallachie 12.
Interesting. If I could go back, I think I'd start with Glenfiddich 12. As it happened, my first dram came when I was invited to a whisky night and had nothing to bring. Popped into Sainsbury's and picked up a Jura 12 'Elixir', not knowing a thing. It was a good start. As the night wore on with my mates I tried a few others. I don't remember all of them, but I do remember an Ardmore and Talisker as standing out from the crowd (esp. the Ardmore). Thereafter, the next bottles I bought all came from Diageo's 'Classic malts' range. Started at Oban 14, then Lagavulin 16, then Dalwhinnie 15; Cragganmore 12; Talisker 10. Pretty good education in there (although I didn't know at time that I was buying into Diageo's marketing. Never again!)
Seeing the crazy prices these days, Ralfy, I suppose you sit on a literal goldmine, are you selling off some nuggets these days? Perfect time to secure the pension. 🙂
hey ralph can u say hi to my dad colin he loves you !!!
So Ralfy when you enjoyed this flight of whiskies as you intended that night on your own, did you earn a visit from "Orlando the orange cat" long since passed purring in the background?
Much like hearing an old favorite song takes us back to both time and place, so to does whiskey. An even better combination is when we were drinking good whiskey and listening to our old favorite songs.
too
I'm turning those pages Ralfy and progressing through those chapters.......it's one hell of a book 😁👍. Cheers pal 🥃.
I feel like im talking to my Dad listening to you!
Shame for Ardbeg if they really are on the down.. I tasted the 19 at a bar for a mere $20 was definitely worth it and I might actually buy a bottle one day. Cheers Malt mates
First bottle I bought was Glenmorangie. Had the Glenlivet after that and my first peated malt was Highland Park 12. Good starting points. I'll never ever touch Glenfiddich again after nicking some of my Dad's bottle one night when he went out. I was about 11 and it burnt my throat. A sensation I have never forgotten
Thank you for not editing out the bloopers, Ralfy. We can't do that in real life. It's a good lesson lol.
Alex (NYC, USA)
Quite a jump from AnCnoc to Laphroaig. One of my very early "chapters" was recommended by you as being a bit of everything - Highland Park 12 year old.
Soon you have to start planning your review number 1000... Still remembers you review number 200 where you reviewed the 30 YO Glenfarclas, which was fantastic (both review and whisky). So look very much forward to this review. Best regards from Denmark 🙂
The prologue to my book was written by Glenlivet 12. I still go back to it from time to time just to remind myself of simpler times and where it all started...
Absolutely spot on presentation Ralfy.
I first started with a Lagavulin 8 and hated it, thinking it was a spoiled bottle. Than I tried blended scotch (Monkey Shoulder) and a bourbon (Kirkland bourbon). It was okay but still a bit aggressive. So I went to flavored whisky like Drambui and Slow and Low. Being an American who's used to sweet drinks, that became my entry way. Than I started adding bourbon and Single Malt to the Drambui. I slowly kept reducing flavored whiskey to the point that I now prefer drinking my whiskey neat. Now some of my favorite are even peated whiskey like Lagavulin 16 and Ardbeg and barrel proof bourbons like Elijah Craig. I also sometimes enjoy mild whiskey like Glenfiddich 12,. Love your channel Ralfy.
As someone with OCD, I must say that's a perfect spacing between the first four bottles, Ralfy dear!
thank you for another wonderful episode, Ralfy 👍
Due to your videos, I just started my Whisky Book. Currently, of course, at the introduction chapter 😃
I have gotten myself an Old Pulteney 12 yo. I hope that's a good one to start with. 😬🤞
Scotch whiskey is a journey not a good time at the bar, although, it could very well be both.
Its 101% part of it 😁🥂🙋🏻♂️
I've been looking dilligently for a channel like yours and particularly a video like this one. Now I'm more confident about how to go about gaining experience in whiskey. Thank you!
ralfy I feel like you're sort of my whisky confessor. I've sorta followed your guidance here and elsewhere but I've also cheated. Yes ... I have gotten ahead of myself ... and gotten away with it. 😶 I still have not made it to the city where there's a real liquor store and so it's catch as catch can for me. I feel I'm doing pretty well ... taking it easy, staying in the slow lane. Minding my Ps and Qs ( if that translates ). But a few days ago I found an uncharted liquor store in my travels and they had nothing interesting in the truncated single malt section .... except they had a Laphroaig 10. I was trepidatious. Dare I, thinks I to myself? I did. WOAH! I knew it would be tough but .... Well I've tested, dipped in here and there ... given it time .... and tonight I'm loving the stuff. That salty funk. So nice. I cannot yet differentiate all that's going on in here but ... my nose and my palate are happy happy happy.
I think my next chapter is to open the 'winter dram' that I made to your recipe for the first time 12 months ago!
Hi ralfy, i recently bought a bottle of johnnie walker black label sherry finish, and was wondering if you will be reviewing it, i would love to know your thoughts
Discovering Springbank is an essential chapter
An unexpected plot twist
Are 'The Chills'..worse than The Judders?
Great video, very instructional. The analogy between whiskey tasting and reading a book is great, very clarifying.
I too am relatively new to whiskey (almost 2 years), and I so wish I had this guidance back then. As Ralfy said, maybe it’s best that I had started with chill-filtered whiskeys. Ralfy has long said that to new drinkers, the flavors of your better bottlings are usually overwhelming to the novice palate. And since chill-filtrations strips flavor, perhaps that’s the best route to go for us newbies since those flavors are no longer overwhelming.
Currently I seek out those that aren’t chill-filtered while simultaneously inexpensive. Specifically I look for bottled-in-bond but I prefer to avoid chill-filtration if I can. But maybe chill-filtered whiskies are what’s best for me right now (and I do have a few). So now I’m going to have to get a Glenmorangie 10.
13:47: *“You cannot buy your palate. You’ve got to work on it. You’ve got to earn your palate.”*
👆Should be a tee shirt or bumper sticker with Rally’s logo on it. I wish I had found Rally’s channel way back then.
Please dont buy GM 10. Its waste of money. Believe me. You will hate it and your decision later on. Spend couple extra quid and buy Glencadam 10 or Arran 10. 😁🥂🙋🏻♂️
Change the tittle of the video to "you can't buy a palate".
Glad to see the return of the clicker blooper!
Glenfiddich, Teachers and Ballentines is was what I started with. I still enjoy all 3 to this day.
I've just 2 hours ago helped my colleague to choose his first SM and a winner is... Glenfiddich 12 😁 and I think for very good price 120zl (PLN) that is £22 more or less. Pozdrawiam 😀
Mam nadzieję, że nadal będziecie kolegami 😁🥂🙋🏻♂️
@@peatbull3426 😀nadzieja umiera ostatnia, dla kogoś kto pił wódki i chce spróbować czegoś innego a nie chce, nie może wydać więcej, Glenfiddich 12 wydaje mi się dobrym początkiem, dostanie ode mnie kilka sampli czegoś 'bardziej' w późniejszym czasie.
KUDOS TO CLIVE!? SHIT HAPPENS!
I honestly believe the Laphroaig Lore is only one worth buying in the range maybe the 10cask strength is a good choice when you can find it.
Not quarter cask?
@@DavidUKesb honestly for me, no, I've had them all and I still go back to the Lore everytime. I do realize the price difference is pretty big (In Canada) but I tend to take my time with the Lore and really just sit and enjoy it.
Instead of the Lore, I think he should have recommended the Port Charlotte 10yo. It's a highly popular peated Islay, integrity bottling and it's more affordable than the Lore.
Speaking of books - just picked up the Undertaker's Stash - looking forward to a good read over a spectacular dram
About 3/4 the way through I was wondering if you ever got your button to work. Got my answer! 🤣👍
Clivey! Clivey! Ralfy needs your help again. 😂
WOW!...I never knew every bottle of Laphroaig is chill filtered and had color added! I have heard people criticize Lagavulin 16 for the same....its amazing those bottles have so much flavour, I can just imagine how much better they would be without the chill filtration and color added! Thanks for that info Ralfy!
Laphroaig Lore isn’t chill filtered and has no E150 added Ralphy.
True. I just checked the bottle i had and it says 'Non Chill Filtered' on the back of the bottle and the tube. This is an important detail that Ralfy shouldn't be missing.
For what it’s worth there are a few Laphroaig offerings that aren’t chill filtered. The 10 YO Sherry, the cask strength NAS PX cask are a couple of more that aren’t chill filtered and no color added also the Laphroaig Cairdeas 2021 Pedro Ximenez Cask strength no chill filtering and no color added.
There are actually quite a few official bottlings when you get past the cheaper bottling such as the select and plain 10-year-old.
Your laugh at the end is so beautiful. Beautiful blooper, Ralfy.
Nice video man keep it up 👍
👍❤️🥃
A standard reference
15:09 my favorite moment
I think this is a great list, but for a beginner I would swap the Laphroaig Lore for a cheaper entry level peated Whisky (Laphroig 10, Ledaig 10, Talisker 10 etc) just incase they don't get on with it. As peated Whiskies can be marmite I think its worth trying one at a more entry level price. Cheers!