8 years on from this review and Tesco have started selling this whisky. I'm on my second bottle now and peat is definitely back in this blend. Really enjoying it.
I have spares of some of my favorites but you have convinced me to keep them in storage for some time and to get spares of some of my other favorites. I recently was given a Jim Beam White Label that was bottled in 1983. There is quite a difference to today's bottlings. That's just another case in point. I appreciate your observation how it will be nice, 20 or 30 years from now, to sip something that brings me right back to this day.
I admit I never tried the previous Black Bottle. However I really enjoyed this expression. In the USA it is 43% ABV. I found it very easy to drink and quite flavorful. It seems creamy and sweet with a small hint of peat. I bought it for $21(U.S.). I found it to be a very enjoyable drink for an excellent price.
1. Old version of Black Bottle is still available at Shiel Bridge filling station for acceptable price of £16,50. I recommend to spend sometime in Glen Shiel and Glen Affric. Drinking High Commissioner there will give you more joy than 30 yo Brora in London. 2. When visiting Port Charlotte I happened to witness heated discussion between Canadian gentleman and bartender. First remembered old bottling of Black Bottle and was accusing bar staff of fiddling with bottle content. He just couldn't accept explanation. Neither can I. Thank you Ralfy for keeping us informed and entertained.
Just to throw this out there... I have a bottle of Monkey Shoulder I am REALLY enjoying right now. It has a powerful mid pallet and is super clean tasting. If you're in the mood for reviewing more blends, this is impressing me right now. (about halfway through bottle ~3 weeks)
I just bought the new bottling of this having never tried the orininal. I actualy bought it because of Ralfys older review. For me i thought it was a good scotch however its most likely because im comparing it to similar new bottlings. Im envious of all the whisky knowlage you have but sometimes ignorance can be bliss.
only just tried this and not having tried the old black bottle i can`t compare it but still don`t quite know what to make of this one. first time i thought not bad, second time didn`t like it but growing on me (nearly finished bottle which i only bought 3 days ago so can`t be that bad). as a novice i`d say it`s one of the better blends i have tried recently. a little bit of smoke but i get rich treacly flavour mixed with baked apples. anyway ralfy. keep up the good work. lovin your vids
Black bottle was my Grandpa's regular tipple of choice, and it was my first dram at 18. I was so disappointed when I tried it again a few years back, as you say because it's so different.
Hi Ralfy! I am in eager anticipation of a re-review of the Glendronach 12 yo. Since you are such an influence on Scotland's distilleries (^ ^), said bottle is now bottled at 43%, no E150 added and non-chill filtered. Really appreciate your reviews! They are the best on youtube!
Looking ahead Ralfy, think it might be an idea to maybe tuck a bottle of this new BB for a 2014 earmark, should they be able to succeed in recapturing the old peaty recipe... strictly a reference collectible.
Bought a fifth of Black Bottle on sale for around $20 USD today. It certainly isn't the blend I remember...it is good for the price, but I have an overwhelming urge to mix in a shot of Laphroaig. Cheers sir, keep up the good work.
Glad that I am very familiar with the 10YO Black Bottle, and still have most of one to enjoy as a treat every now and then. You're absolutely right about nostalgia being wasted on the "yoots", Another example of this would be Pixar's movie "Cars", which was ALL about nostalgia.
very tasty!! Great Value!! Bought a bottle in Webster NY. Better than the grouse or ballantines or teachers... Some Islay peat.. replaced by highland and speyside sweetness..
In the final part of this Video you recommend the Black Bottle 10 version. Does that also apply to the contemporary expression we find on the shelves today?
Sad to see this. Being in Canada, I never got to try Black Bottle, and now they've spoiled it, much as Teachers spoiled their blend. The label on Teachers no longer says "45% Malt". It says "Above average malt content" or something to that effect. A sign of the times...
Ralfy, I must say the best suggestion I've taken from you was to try Highland Park 12 year, I have tried a few others since it and none have some close to how much I enjoyed Highland Park 12. Now, I do intend to try the 15 and 18 year, but I have a question. Can you make any suggestions of scotches, single malt or blends, that have similar tastes to Highland Park? Thanks!
Glad I had one of the previous NAS bottlings last summer! It was a very nice blend but I would have preferred some more heat... It was very well balanced at the expense of a memorable peat moment.
I couldn't agree more!! I now buy Teacher's as my budget brand and replaced Black Bottle with Islay Mist 8 years old for only $3 more! It's a far better blend!
Great review. Ralfy, have you ever reviewed Famous Grouse 18 year. This is my favorite blended whisky. I think it is discontinued, but well worth the search.
Great review and I agree totally with your historical comments. I always thought of Black Bottle as being a good old fashioned West of Scotland whisky ...a trawlerman's dram. Then it got lost and became pants; it was just firewater. It's got better and smokier again, probably due to you calling it out on this review
I found bb on Islay when my son asked the locals in the pub what they drank, so we did too then bought 4 bottles from the grocers for £15 each. Wonder what the locals will drink now. As for me am interested in an Aultmore but my favourite font of knowledge (Ralfy) hasn't reviewed it yet it seems.
Question Ralf. I too was a big fan of the original bottling of this whisky. In fact you turned me onto it a few years back. I have not seen this newer bottle around yet, however I did notice that around last year I think they started putting a round gold sticker on the bottle that said "Gold medal award winning bla bla" Is that bottle the same as the classic? I am afraid to buy it thinking it may be the newer style blend.
Nabbed a bottle of the old stuff today. They had another one on the shelf so I might just go get that as well. This new version doesn't sound like my cup of tea tbh.
The new Black Bottle has showed up here in the States. It was cheap enough to take a chance on. For the US market, it's bottled at 43% and it looks less caramelized as the one you poured in the video. Even though it's nothing spectacular, it seems a decent value for the money. I may add a bit of Caol Ila or Talisker D.E. and maybe it will be more like the Black Bottle of days-past.
Ralfy , just bought on old bottling but the label is different, its still a green bottle but the the design in the front has been replaced. It's not the black colored bottle and I was wondering if you tried it and how different are the 2 green bottles, the original which you reviewed and the newer green bottle with the newer label. Thanks!!
What did you think about the NAS standard version of Black Bottle Ralfy? It has just hit our shores here and looks to be the old stuff, not the new bottlings.
Ralfy, love your whisky reviews - nothing like them on the net. Coincidentally I just bought a bottle of this three hours ago based on your old review, but I'm pretty sure I got the peated Islay version - it says "original blend" and it's in a green bottle. I sure hope so! I happen to live in Japan and I confess, I find your reviews of Japanese whiskies especially fascinating - most of all when you discuss your travels to Japan and the differences between Japan and Scotland culturally, and how they impact whisky production. Have you by any chance tried the Nikka "From the Barrel" blend? Quite an unusual and distinctive whisky in my opinion.
I am drinking this as he speaks , thats why I looked it up , I think it taste like Christmas pud !!! Then again I just ate my one 8 days early because there is no cake in the house , THERES A STATE TO BE IN !
Question for you ralfy, If a whisky distillers gets and uses casks to mature their whisky that have been previously used to mature whisky from another distillery, and there is still a touch of the previous contents in that barrel, would that make a the product a vatted malt (much like the malts that have been tea spooned) or would it be classed as a single malt.
I've just sat down to a glass of the freshly relabelled Islay Mist 8 Year Old. At $29, this blend is far, far, far and away the best blend you can buy in Canada at a low price. As other blends have all declined, this one has only gotten better. There is such a Laphroaig wallop in this bottle, it's like 80% of the experience of drinking a dram of Quarter Cask. Enormous brine and salt. I tried to imagine other malts involved that could deliver this flavour, but there are none. It is pure Laphroaig character in the sea-saltiness and peat and. They must certainly be using a liberal amount of Laphroaig. It tastes like they may be using more than before, honestly. A re-review and high recommendation of this blend for those on a budget would help many I'm sure. The new Black Bottle is finally in Canada, but I'm sure it will not come near the quality of this Islay Mist. Cheers.
Just bought my last bottle. I kept buying this on occasion hoping they would come to their senses and return to the previous recipe. Every time I tasted the new version I was severely disappointed. Hopefully I won't fool myself again.
That original black grouse was yum, the following smoky black disappointing, iv'e turned to Illeach , Talisker Skye, or Ardbeg Uigedal for a nice smoky.
Cheers Ralfy ... we in Australia are getting Black Bottle (2016/17) now in the old Bottle ... not the new Bottle you seem to have there, are we getting old Black Bottle Remaindered stock or is this the same Black Bottle you are getting in the old Bottle?
Hi Ralf well done stuff. Do you suppose a drop or two of Caol Ila or Ardbeg could coax this blend to somewhere where BB used to shine. Or is it just too different ? Thanks
+ralfystuff, I never got to try the older version of black bottle, but decided to give the new stuff a try when I found it for $20 per 750ml bottle. After tasting, I must admit that I like Teachers a lot better. The new black bottle isn't bad, but just not very flavorful or complex and the peat is definitely gone. So, since I have a good supply of Ardmore Traditional Cask, I decided to add a dash of it to a glass of Black Bottle to see whether the added peat and other Ardmore flavors made it any better. I have to admit that with the addition of the Ardmore, it's now a very enjoyable blend. Of course that's probably because it now reminds me of Teachers, which also has Ardmore as its base. Cheers!
If you have a moment to do so, could you provide some insight on two brands for me. #1 Amrut Indian Single Malt. #2 Nikka Yoichi. Had the opportunity to buy some but was hesitant not knowing too much about either. You, Ralfy, are a trusted source and any info you would be kind enough to convey, I would be grateful. Mike Maryland
Thank you Ralfy, for the Malt Moments. I wonder how the distillers in the future will be able to justify NAS whisky prices? IMO The age and providence of a whisky can justify a premium price, but with NAS single malts having no pedigree what justifies the uplifted price verses return in enjoyment. I find myself purchasing more high end blends such as BB with better overall quality for a fair price, as it gets harder to find a unique single malt experience for an affordable price. I am saddened that Black Bottle has succumbed to market pressures as well but as a consumer I will be happy with a changed albeit quality product, than have them market a grossly inferior peated product to maintain tradition. Thanks again Ralfy
Hey Ralfy. I found a bottle of Batch 6 A'bunadh at a local bottle shop and I was wondering if there's that much of a difference between the unopened bottle of batch 42 I already have, and if it's worth paying about 95$ USD for
Hi Ralfy. I live in a small town in Romania, a country in which whisky culture is practically none. Was wondering how much collecting potential would the Black Bottle previous bottling have? Is it worth buying like 3 or 4 bottles if i have the chance? (since the town is small and all of that and people don't buy whisky i might still find the old bottle). Planning to buy 1 to taste a bit and keep the rest for a few years untouched, and maybe another one just to keep for future generations. So my question stands with the rest of the bottles: is it worth buying more? Thank you!
***** Oh Ralfy i came back because I've bought a bottle of Black Bottle and I realized it's the standard one. (not the 10 year old). Is this still beeing produced? And how does it compare with the 10yo and with the new bottling. Thank you very much in advance.
I wonder why they wouldn't keep the Black Bottle the way it was and introduce a variant... rather than try to drastically change the product but keep the name?
Hello Ralfy...welcome back. we missed you ya know!?! Speaking of you know, you know, who was the braintrust behind relaunching this brand -.in a different bottle, with different variables no peat and the same name... (lite brown bottle maybe?) what are they thinking? Do you suppose this is not normal? Is this not a different [completely] spirit?...remember "New Coke"Ralfy? That was the "Marketing Blunder of the millienium" until they pulled it! Seems that when the market speaks, its only then that Producers will listen...The old BB was all about the integration of those luscious peat notes. New BB= not for me. Peace
Hey Ralfy, what is the highest mark/score you have given in a review ?the top three highest rated maybe? I know you have mentioned it's sort of irrelevant but I'm just curious. Thanks, great videos/reviews by the way!
I was saddened that the Black Bottle I knew would no longer be available. I was not dissappointed with the new recipe but in this price range I would rather reach for Adephi Dancey Man, BNJ or even Teacher's. The second tasting we did, the general consensus was that we were tasting a re-badged High Commissioner! Oh how opinions differ... just as it should be.
ralfster! great review as always so cheers for that. Recently i was at a tasting where our tasting master/leader (what do you call them?) said that letting the whisky sit for x minutes had the same effect as water. Just wondering if i could get your opinion on that matter
I totally disagree with what you were told, try it out for yourself and see, two glasses, one neat and sitting for 'x' and the other with a drop of water !
Hello Ralfy. you know I'm relaxing here with a nice Sunday afternoon dram here at the Loft and while awaiting today's vlog it occurred to me that this new Black Bottle is microcosm of today's "boardroom" mentality. Its not even subtle anymore eh?...its bold, its in our face and its in our pockets. and to add insult to injury they tell us little to nothing until one by one we realize the scope of it all. Peace
Ralfy. A friend is coming through Vienna duty free where they are selling Bruichladdich Organic 50%1Litre for just under £60. I love Islay malts but is this no age statement bottling worth it? I've never spent that amount of money on a single bottle before.
***** The 10yo might be better but the Vienna Duty Free doesn't sell it. Just Organic 1 Litre for £56 and Bere 2006 0.7L for £50. That's the Bruichladdich choice. They also have Bunnahabhain Darach Ur and Laphroaig QA, neither of which I was impressed with last time. Bowmore Gold Reef? Been disappointed with Bowmore for years. Talisker Dark Storm? No idea. They also have a standard Ardbeg 10yo 1 Litre for £41. Can't go wrong with that can you but really wanted to try something new.
I've bought an organic a couple of years afo and i was very impressed. It is young, but also beautifully soft, grassy with lots of pear and green apple. I thouroughly enjoyed every glass and would immediatly buy it again.
Didn't like this, tasted a bit like Bowmore to me but apparently mostly Bunna, both of which i'm not a fan. I added a dash of Glen Elgin another trying to remove from my collection (nice but the baby sick nose) and it turned this (with an ice block) into a gem. An added dash of Ardberg 10 and yet another yum own blend, Ralfy is right, if you don't like it, try a modify.
The new stuff honestly disappoints me. I was fortunate enough to have had one of the old bottles a few years ago. Recently bought this new version and honestly for a few more $ I think I’d be better served by a JW Black. Pity. I feel they’ve ruined an excellent blend with this new version.
renz82 Seems that the new version came out a few years ago here in US and was 40℅. Now I found that it is 43℅ and is much much better than the 40% version. I don't believe it was as good as the old but still enjoyable now.
An 83 blend mark seems incredibly discouraging. Do you imagine yourself actually finishing this apparently underwhelming and disappointingly flavorless bottle of whisky?
What a true shame. The old BB had character and was an excellent blend. Not sure where they dug up the "old recipe" but did it ever occur to them that they changed for a reason? With rye whiskey making a comeback because of how it blends for cocktails, why would BB take all the character out of their blend, which had to be better in cocktail than this Dewars White Label rip off that they have now.
I just had a dram of "the new" Black bottle right after a dram of Nikka from the cask (very good!). Not a good idea! The BB didn't have much nose to speak of and tasted "watery." A disappointment, even for the price. If you're on a budget ,try Bushmills Black Bush, a cheap Irish whiskey with a good nose and good taste, which Black Bottle lacks!
Aaah....this is a disappointment. Was gonna buy a bottle of this from the online retailer I use but I will NOT now based on the review. Wish I would have bought a bottle of this a few years ago before the change,.....
In 2023... there are numerous 12 year old bottlings in all manner of casks. I suspect they are having a push by selling loss leaders to get the marque into the main stream commercial buyers market. ridiculous offers on the 12 year olds.
8 years on from this review and Tesco have started selling this whisky. I'm on my second bottle now and peat is definitely back in this blend. Really enjoying it.
You lucky malt mate within a Tesco range.
"We should always come to a glass of fresh poured whisky, without prejudice" .. golden words.
I have spares of some of my favorites but you have convinced me to keep them in storage for some time and to get spares of some of my other favorites. I recently was given a Jim Beam White Label that was bottled in 1983. There is quite a difference to today's bottlings. That's just another case in point. I appreciate your observation how it will be nice, 20 or 30 years from now, to sip something that brings me right back to this day.
I admit I never tried the previous Black Bottle. However I really enjoyed this expression. In the USA it is 43% ABV. I found it very easy to drink and quite flavorful. It seems creamy and sweet with a small hint of peat. I bought it for $21(U.S.). I found it to be a very enjoyable drink for an excellent price.
I wish I had banked some of the Cheapo Sainsbury (pre Crag & Glen) blend from 18 - 24 months ago.
Delicious.
Just bought a bottle of the newer type (GBP14) I normally drink JW black label but I like this enough to maybe buy again.
1. Old version of Black Bottle is still available at Shiel Bridge filling station for acceptable price of £16,50. I recommend to spend sometime in Glen Shiel and Glen Affric. Drinking High Commissioner there will give you more joy than 30 yo Brora in London.
2. When visiting Port Charlotte I happened to witness heated discussion between Canadian gentleman and bartender. First remembered old bottling of Black Bottle and was accusing bar staff of fiddling with bottle content. He just couldn't accept explanation. Neither can I.
Thank you Ralfy for keeping us informed and entertained.
Just to throw this out there... I have a bottle of Monkey Shoulder I am REALLY enjoying right now. It has a powerful mid pallet and is super clean tasting. If you're in the mood for reviewing more blends, this is impressing me right now. (about halfway through bottle ~3 weeks)
I think it is a great complement to Islay single malts. I like this new version a lot
I think my stores here in cali will still have the old style. I don't remember if I've had the regular or the 10 yr but I'll be shopping today!
I save corks for these screw top bottles. I just finished one of these. Its not to bad imo. . Great review
I just bought the new bottling of this having never tried the orininal. I actualy bought it because of Ralfys older review. For me i thought it was a good scotch however its most likely because im comparing it to similar new bottlings. Im envious of all the whisky knowlage you have but sometimes ignorance can be bliss.
only just tried this and not having tried the old black bottle i can`t compare it but still don`t quite know what to make of this one. first time i thought not bad, second time didn`t like it but growing on me (nearly finished bottle which i only bought 3 days ago so can`t be that bad). as a novice i`d say it`s one of the better blends i have tried recently. a little bit of smoke but i get rich treacly flavour mixed with baked apples. anyway ralfy. keep up the good work. lovin your vids
Black bottle was my Grandpa's regular tipple of choice, and it was my first dram at 18.
I was so disappointed when I tried it again a few years back, as you say because it's so different.
Hi Ralfy!
I am in eager anticipation of a re-review of the Glendronach 12 yo. Since you are such an influence on Scotland's distilleries (^ ^), said bottle is now bottled at 43%, no E150 added and non-chill filtered.
Really appreciate your reviews! They are the best on youtube!
thanks ! happy to help.
Looking ahead Ralfy, think it might be an idea to maybe tuck a bottle of this new BB for a 2014 earmark, should they be able to succeed in recapturing the old peaty recipe... strictly a reference collectible.
Thanks for the review ralfy. i appreciate your efforts a lot.
How is nobody sponsoring these reviews??
Good work as usual Ralfy
you do, every time you click an advert ! helps me remain independent.
Bought a fifth of Black Bottle on sale for around $20 USD today. It certainly isn't the blend I remember...it is good for the price, but I have an overwhelming urge to mix in a shot of Laphroaig. Cheers sir, keep up the good work.
I've found my local nisas to have the old black bottle in.
It's a real shame what happened to it I just can't get into the newer one.
I bought a standard older bottle of the one you enjoyed. Seen it and took your advice and purchased it.
Today I found a shop selling 3 bottles of Black Bottle shaped like that. Maybe they brought back the old bottle style?
Glad that I am very familiar with the 10YO Black Bottle, and still have most of one to enjoy as a treat every now and then.
You're absolutely right about nostalgia being wasted on the "yoots", Another example of this would be Pixar's movie "Cars", which was ALL about nostalgia.
very tasty!! Great Value!! Bought a bottle in Webster NY. Better than the grouse or ballantines or teachers... Some Islay peat.. replaced by highland and speyside sweetness..
In the final part of this Video you recommend the Black Bottle 10 version. Does that also apply to the contemporary expression we find on the shelves today?
Awesome review, as usual! Thank you Ralfy!
Picked this up in New York for $21! Very nice for the money.
Sad to see this. Being in Canada, I never got to try Black Bottle, and now they've spoiled it, much as Teachers spoiled their blend. The label on Teachers no longer says "45% Malt". It says "Above average malt content" or something to that effect. A sign of the times...
as you rightly say, a sign of the times.
Give it a try. Managed to buy 2 bottles of the old one today.
Ralfy, I must say the best suggestion I've taken from you was to try Highland Park 12 year, I have tried a few others since it and none have some close to how much I enjoyed Highland Park 12. Now, I do intend to try the 15 and 18 year, but I have a question. Can you make any suggestions of scotches, single malt or blends, that have similar tastes to Highland Park? Thanks!
not really, it is very singular, but try Ardmore and Glenfarclas for other characterfulness.
try te bheag
Glad I had one of the previous NAS bottlings last summer!
It was a very nice blend but I would have preferred some more heat... It was very well balanced at the expense of a memorable peat moment.
I couldn't agree more!! I now buy Teacher's as my budget brand and replaced Black Bottle with Islay Mist 8 years old for only $3 more! It's a far better blend!
Thanks for your videos ! hi from Slovakia !
I love the new bottle.. straight out of a Dickensian Apothecary!
Quite right too... it is very medicinal.
Great review.
Ralfy, have you ever reviewed Famous Grouse 18 year. This is my favorite blended whisky. I think it is discontinued, but well worth the search.
Great review and I agree totally with your historical comments. I always thought of Black Bottle as being a good old fashioned West of Scotland whisky ...a trawlerman's dram. Then it got lost and became pants; it was just firewater. It's got better and smokier again, probably due to you calling it out on this review
I found bb on Islay when my son asked the locals in the pub what they drank, so we did too then bought 4 bottles from the grocers for £15 each. Wonder what the locals will drink now. As for me am interested in an Aultmore but my favourite font of knowledge (Ralfy) hasn't reviewed it yet it seems.
Question Ralf. I too was a big fan of the original bottling of this whisky. In fact you turned me onto it a few years back. I have not seen this newer bottle around yet, however I did notice that around last year I think they started putting a round gold sticker on the bottle that said "Gold medal award winning bla bla" Is that bottle the same as the classic? I am afraid to buy it thinking it may be the newer style blend.
sorry to hear that , i never got to try the older version...
Nabbed a bottle of the old stuff today. They had another one on the shelf so I might just go get that as well. This new version doesn't sound like my cup of tea tbh.
The new Black Bottle has showed up here in the States. It was cheap enough to take a chance on. For the US market, it's bottled at 43% and it looks less caramelized as the one you poured in the video. Even though it's nothing spectacular, it seems a decent value for the money. I may add a bit of Caol Ila or Talisker D.E. and maybe it will be more like the Black Bottle of days-past.
Ralfy , just bought on old bottling but the label is different, its still a green bottle but the the design in the front has been replaced. It's not the black colored bottle and I was wondering if you tried it and how different are the 2 green bottles, the original which you reviewed and the newer green bottle with the newer label. Thanks!!
What did you think about the NAS standard version of Black Bottle Ralfy? It has just hit our shores here and looks to be the old stuff, not the new bottlings.
Ralfy, love your whisky reviews - nothing like them on the net. Coincidentally I just bought a bottle of this three hours ago based on your old review, but I'm pretty sure I got the peated Islay version - it says "original blend" and it's in a green bottle. I sure hope so!
I happen to live in Japan and I confess, I find your reviews of Japanese whiskies especially fascinating - most of all when you discuss your travels to Japan and the differences between Japan and Scotland culturally, and how they impact whisky production. Have you by any chance tried the Nikka "From the Barrel" blend? Quite an unusual and distinctive whisky in my opinion.
I am drinking this as he speaks , thats why I looked it up , I think it taste like Christmas pud !!! Then again I just ate my one 8 days early because there is no cake in the house , THERES A STATE TO BE IN !
Have you tried the ‘island smoke’ version of black bottle?
Agree, Black Grouse to Smokey Black did same thing. Go to Islay Mist 12 YO, not in a black bottle but much nicer.
Question for you ralfy, If a whisky distillers gets and uses casks to mature their whisky that have been previously used to mature whisky from another distillery, and there is still a touch of the previous contents in that barrel, would that make a the product a vatted malt (much like the malts that have been tea spooned) or would it be classed as a single malt.
very good observation, and I agree with you, I suspect there are single malts which are in fact malt blends if matured in ex-whisky casks.
Great question dude!
Glad to see Ralfy back!
I've just sat down to a glass of the freshly relabelled Islay Mist 8 Year Old. At $29, this blend is far, far, far and away the best blend you can buy in Canada at a low price. As other blends have all declined, this one has only gotten better. There is such a Laphroaig wallop in this bottle, it's like 80% of the experience of drinking a dram of Quarter Cask. Enormous brine and salt. I tried to imagine other malts involved that could deliver this flavour, but there are none. It is pure Laphroaig character in the sea-saltiness and peat and. They must certainly be using a liberal amount of Laphroaig. It tastes like they may be using more than before, honestly. A re-review and high recommendation of this blend for those on a budget would help many I'm sure. The new Black Bottle is finally in Canada, but I'm sure it will not come near the quality of this Islay Mist. Cheers.
Thanks for that, I'll be buying a bottle of Islay mist then.
Enjoy!
Just bought my last bottle. I kept buying this on occasion hoping they would come to their senses and return to the previous recipe. Every time I tasted the new version I was severely disappointed. Hopefully I won't fool myself again.
8:24 i was expecting you to just shout "what have you done to it you eijits!!!!"
Black Grouse was another blend that was initially very peated but then was abruptly changed to more sherry influence. Not a good change.
That original black grouse was yum, the following smoky black disappointing, iv'e turned to Illeach , Talisker Skye, or Ardbeg Uigedal for a nice smoky.
Cheers Ralfy ... we in Australia are getting Black Bottle (2016/17) now in the old Bottle ... not the new Bottle you seem to have there, are we getting old Black Bottle Remaindered stock or is this the same Black Bottle you are getting in the old Bottle?
I got a free sample at the international whisky festival in gent, liked it very much.
. . . verified !
Hi Ralf well done stuff.
Do you suppose a drop or two of
Caol Ila or Ardbeg could coax this blend to somewhere where BB used to shine. Or is it just too different ?
Thanks
would help, but not enough !
+ralfystuff, I never got to try the older version of black bottle, but decided to give the new stuff a try when I found it for $20 per 750ml bottle. After tasting, I must admit that I like Teachers a lot better. The new black bottle isn't bad, but just not very flavorful or complex and the peat is definitely gone. So, since I have a good supply of Ardmore Traditional Cask, I decided to add a dash of it to a glass of Black Bottle to see whether the added peat and other Ardmore flavors made it any better. I have to admit that with the addition of the Ardmore, it's now a very enjoyable blend. Of course that's probably because it now reminds me of Teachers, which also has Ardmore as its base. Cheers!
Ralfy do you know if the 10 or the 18yo have this same drastic change?
cheers
This one might be a good candidate for Ralfy's whisky improvement technique.
Ralfy, you missed your calling as a philosopher. I don't know that's the Scotsmen's sensibility or wisdom in you, but your messages are well received
If you have a moment to do so, could you provide some insight on two brands for me. #1 Amrut Indian Single Malt. #2 Nikka Yoichi. Had the opportunity to buy some but was hesitant not knowing too much about either. You, Ralfy, are a trusted source and any info you would be kind enough to convey, I would be grateful.
Mike
Maryland
Amrut review happening next !
Thanks for the review sounds to me like, Black Bottle as been dumbed down.
Thank you Ralfy, for the Malt Moments.
I wonder how the distillers in the future will be able to justify NAS whisky prices?
IMO
The age and providence of a whisky can justify a premium price, but with NAS single malts having no pedigree what justifies the uplifted price verses return in enjoyment. I find myself purchasing more high end blends such as BB with better overall quality for a fair price, as it gets harder to find a unique single malt experience for an affordable price.
I am saddened that Black Bottle has succumbed to market pressures as well but as a consumer I will be happy with a changed albeit quality product, than have them market a grossly inferior peated product to maintain tradition.
Thanks again Ralfy
Hey Ralfy. I found a bottle of Batch 6 A'bunadh at a local bottle shop and I was wondering if there's that much of a difference between the unopened bottle of batch 42 I already have, and if it's worth paying about 95$ USD for
It will be better !
Hi Ralfy. I live in a small town in Romania, a country in which whisky culture is practically none. Was wondering how much collecting potential would the Black Bottle previous bottling have? Is it worth buying like 3 or 4 bottles if i have the chance? (since the town is small and all of that and people don't buy whisky i might still find the old bottle). Planning to buy 1 to taste a bit and keep the rest for a few years untouched, and maybe another one just to keep for future generations. So my question stands with the rest of the bottles: is it worth buying more? Thank you!
yes, but not too many, if you don't sell it later, you can drink it.
*****
Ty for the simple yet awakening answer. That's what I'll do. Thank you very much and keep up the good work!
***** Oh Ralfy i came back because I've bought a bottle of Black Bottle and I realized it's the standard one. (not the 10 year old). Is this still beeing produced? And how does it compare with the 10yo and with the new bottling. Thank you very much in advance.
it should be fine.
It mixes well with Canada Dry.
I wonder why they wouldn't keep the Black Bottle the way it was and introduce a variant... rather than try to drastically change the product but keep the name?
good point !
Maybe they want to go for volume of whisky now rather than their original vision of blending islays.
Hello Ralfy...welcome back. we missed you ya know!?!
Speaking of you know, you know, who was the braintrust behind relaunching this brand -.in a different bottle, with different variables no peat and the same name... (lite brown bottle maybe?) what are they thinking?
Do you suppose this is not normal?
Is this not a different [completely] spirit?...remember "New Coke"Ralfy?
That was the "Marketing Blunder of the millienium" until they pulled it!
Seems that when the market speaks, its only then that Producers will listen...The old BB was all about the integration of those luscious peat notes. New BB= not for me.
Peace
Cheers Ralfy , been thinking of getting a bottle of Black Bottle as Morrisons have it down to £14 a bottle . Slange mate .
Hey Ralfy, what is the highest mark/score you have given in a review ?the top three highest rated maybe? I know you have mentioned it's sort of irrelevant but I'm just curious. Thanks, great videos/reviews by the way!
95 for a single cask Mortlach (now long gone)
In Spain we do have the black bottle with the old form. Does this mean it is the old version for sure?
+becraul . . . old bottle is probably old version.
Thx Ralfy. Saw an offer, 20€ a litre. Going for it
Ralfy, what would compare to the peated Black Bottle? Looking for something to replace this.
tough ! Caol Ila 12yo or Ardmore Traditional
I was saddened that the Black Bottle I knew would no longer be available. I was not dissappointed with the new recipe but in this price range I would rather reach for Adephi Dancey Man, BNJ or even Teacher's. The second tasting we did, the general consensus was that we were tasting a re-badged High Commissioner! Oh how opinions differ... just as it should be.
Wow! That was deep! Love it!
Ralfy, have u heard if monarch if the Glen 15yr ...is it any good?
not available where I am !
Bought in Marks and Spencer today for whopping £15. Helps in recent high inflation times😮
9:03 almost shit myself laughing, thought it said 13/100
ralfster! great review as always so cheers for that. Recently i was at a tasting where our tasting master/leader (what do you call them?) said that letting the whisky sit for x minutes had the same effect as water. Just wondering if i could get your opinion on that matter
I totally disagree with what you were told, try it out for yourself and see, two glasses, one neat and sitting for 'x' and the other with a drop of water !
good'er excuse for a pair of drams if any!
***** i agree, but i've heard this argument before, even from Bob Minnekeer (a belgian whisky expert).
Brilliant video :-)
Hello Ralfy.
you know I'm relaxing here with a nice Sunday afternoon dram here at the Loft and while awaiting today's vlog it occurred to me that this new Black Bottle is microcosm of today's "boardroom" mentality. Its not even subtle anymore eh?...its bold, its in our face and its in our pockets. and to add insult to injury they tell us little to nothing until one by one we realize the scope of it all.
Peace
you are correct ! and it's going to get worse.
You are correct, it's all down to market tolerance, and intolerance.
Ralfy. A friend is coming through Vienna duty free where they are selling Bruichladdich Organic 50%1Litre for just under £60. I love Islay malts but is this no age statement bottling worth it? I've never spent that amount of money on a single bottle before.
not on my List ! 10yo better.
*****
The 10yo might be better but the Vienna Duty Free doesn't sell it. Just Organic 1 Litre for £56 and Bere 2006 0.7L for £50. That's the Bruichladdich choice. They also have Bunnahabhain Darach Ur and Laphroaig QA, neither of which I was impressed with last time. Bowmore Gold Reef? Been disappointed with Bowmore for years. Talisker Dark Storm? No idea. They also have a standard Ardbeg 10yo 1 Litre for £41. Can't go wrong with that can you but really wanted to try something new.
I've bought an organic a couple of years afo and i was very impressed. It is young, but also beautifully soft, grassy with lots of pear and green apple. I thouroughly enjoyed every glass and would immediatly buy it again.
Sebastiaan Samyn Thanks for the advice Sabastitaan. I will give it serious thought. It is a lot of money.
So help me God, I had no idea Black Bottle had a 10-year expression.
Bottled at 43% here in the States.
Ralfy, youre bang on with the banana!! Couldnt put my finger on it but you're right...!
Rewiev no. 451? Hmm..It might be, somehow, connected with Ray Bradbury? :)
possibly, maybe . . . burn the booooks !
*****
yes!!..(including all those bad influenced books from dave broom and other suspects! :-) Maybe time for a short whiskyliterature review..?
You know what they say Ralfy, you can never go home again.
Didn't like this, tasted a bit like Bowmore to me but apparently mostly Bunna, both of which i'm not a fan. I added a dash of Glen Elgin another trying to remove from my collection (nice but the baby sick nose) and it turned this (with an ice block) into a gem. An added dash of Ardberg 10 and yet another yum own blend, Ralfy is right, if you don't like it, try a modify.
New Metallica is really good. However 9f you’re hoping they never matured you’re going to be disappointed.
The new stuff honestly disappoints me. I was fortunate enough to have had one of the old bottles a few years ago. Recently bought this new version and honestly for a few more $ I think I’d be better served by a JW Black. Pity. I feel they’ve ruined an excellent blend with this new version.
I found a bottle with 43% here in USA .. amazing taste .. not sure why you say 49?!
I mean 40
renz82
Seems that the new version came out a few years ago here in US and was 40℅. Now I found that it is 43℅ and is much much better than the 40% version. I don't believe it was as good as the old but still enjoyable now.
An 83 blend mark seems incredibly discouraging. Do you imagine yourself actually finishing this apparently underwhelming and disappointingly flavorless bottle of whisky?
What a true shame. The old BB had character and was an excellent blend. Not sure where they dug up the "old recipe" but did it ever occur to them that they changed for a reason? With rye whiskey making a comeback because of how it blends for cocktails, why would BB take all the character out of their blend, which had to be better in cocktail than this Dewars White Label rip off that they have now.
I just had a dram of "the new" Black bottle right after a dram of Nikka from the cask (very good!). Not a good idea! The BB didn't have much nose to speak of and tasted "watery." A disappointment, even for the price. If you're on a budget ,try Bushmills Black Bush, a cheap Irish whiskey with a good nose and good taste, which Black Bottle lacks!
A shame to change this nice blend.
Aaah....this is a disappointment. Was gonna buy a bottle of this from the online retailer I use but I will NOT now based on the review. Wish I would have bought a bottle of this a few years ago before the change,.....
In 2023... there are numerous 12 year old bottlings in all manner of casks.
I suspect they are having a push by selling loss leaders to get the marque into the main stream commercial buyers market.
ridiculous offers on the 12 year olds.
First!
I find it very dissapointing. I think I can do better for my £20.
By the looks of it, it's shamelessly colored!
yes !