Wow. Ralfy, I'm speechless, I have no speech, that's the best review of anything that I've ever heard in my life. In the end you could have pulled out anything instead of that bottle, a bicycle, a pair of jeans, a book, a bunch of roses, and say those were the best roses in the World, and it would have been true. I am so happy to have seen this. You have managed to convey the message about beauty in the eye of the beholder so elegantly that I suddenly feel much much happier than I was just 15 minutes ago. Thank you Ralfy, may God bless you and all your family
You are so correct Ralf, I remember my first Glenmorangie 10yr, I was alone though at a fancy hotel, just treating myself. Never forgot that experience.
The Macallan 12 year old Sherry cask, my first bottle. I came to it from reading the books of the late Neil Peart, The Macallan was his favorite. Every time a sip some I thank him for getting me started on my many malty meanderings. Thanks to Ralfy and Neil for guiding me along the path, stay thirsty malt mates!
My BEST Whisky in the World EVER was with my nephew. We were sitting at my dead uncle's lake house and pondering about the condition of my other dead uncle's house next door which had been empty and unused for many years. After drinking up enough courage, we went exploring. Squishy floors and stairways that felt unsafe, Walls with a white fuzzy mold all over them, Drawers swelled shut from the dampness, Spider webs all over like you see in horror movies - A very creepy experience overall. Then we went back next door and poured some more Bunnahabhain 12 year old, The BEST Whisky in the World EVER.
Ralfy Sir, I can hear and feel the passion, sincerity and knowledge of the subject in your reviews, please keep up the great work and spreading your vast expertise to those of us who want to learn more, particularly about Scotch Whisky. Thank you Sir !
Interesting take on it all. The idea of there being one singular whisky that's the best is ridiculous but sometimes there are moments in all our whisky journeys that blow us away. During a session with a friends we tried a North Port Brechin 74, it was utterly perfect in every single way, it was years ago and I still remember every one of us just amazed by how good it was.
North Port is long gone demolished. Brechin is where I grew up and remember when I was in my 20s a chap I knew worked in the distillery and he took us round one night when he was on night shift. I especially remember having a dram of new make spirit. At that time I really didn't appreciate any whisky at all. I would imagine North Port would be worth quite a bit of money. Glencadam is still going but I have never been round that distillery, despite playing around that area when I was a kid. At the moment I can't get a tour because they are doing some refurbishment. They are having Zoom tastings
Love how Ralfy puts the context of how, when, with what company you enjoyed the whisky, or any experience for that matter, is what makes it "the Best" or not. Everybody can recall that glass of whisky, bottle of wine, or meal that was unexpectedly outstanding and lives with you for years.
Best whisky ever made was the first bottle of old pulteney my wife bought me 5 years ago for valentines day. Been drinking bourbon for years and was New to scotch and it blew me away. It's all personal, what one person calls a generic bottle of scotch another might call the worlds best whisky. Never had a Putleney as good as that one.
Best tasting moment for me was sitting in a Irish pub trying a dram of Midleton Dair Ghaelach while listening, with wife and good friends, to 2 talented gents playing Irish folk music.
Ralfy mate. I am a relative newby to your site but having watched around 250 of your vids i am getting there. Just to say this particular video has blown me away. Your analysis and description of the enjoyment of malt whisky here is nothing short of magnificent. I have learned so much from your vids but this is like a lightbulb moment for me. Thank you
Sometimes it doesn't even matter about where you are sitting, or what setting you are currently in (a fancy hotel, restaurant or bar with friends); sometime it can come unexpectedly from a whisky you know well; but for that brief moment is utterly wonderful. I had a bottle of AnCnoc 12 (a decent but not astonishing whisky most here would agree on) a few years back and was about three-quarters of the way through it, but it was one of those bottles that got better as you went through it. Anyway itt was Hogmanay, with an hour to go, and I was not in the mood of celebrating it, or even having a dram to see it through the bells. I got 'ordered' to pour one to do so; so reluctantly I did. I put a drip or two of water in it, covered it and went about my things. As the bells came in, I drank a sip and it was fine, then I did the same, covered it up and left it for an hour. Well, when I came back to it, it had almost completely changed into something utterly wonderful, and I was blown away by how good it was! And for that dram at that moment, it was the best whisky in the world for me, and I've rarely experienced that since. And that was on a night when I wasn't in the mood either!
All Ralfy videos should be treated as one of British intangible heritages and textbook elements for universities which have news/media causes. It is not only about the contents/whisky reviewed but also more importantly the way the manner he delivered them. Bravo!
The worlds best whisky is what is on sale and my worlds best wife buys for me.And I love what she does .... I might be 2nd world drinker whisky but I still have the best wife in the world.
What an excellent video. As you described towards the end a place, I could picture that place in my mind. I could smell what you described. Excellent! Raising a glass to you my friend!
Thank you Ralfy for emphasising the personal experience in what is the best whisky. I personally score on educational factor, fun, taste and bribe factors. With weight factors I score the educational value is a dram I tasted the highest followed by fun then taste and bribe factor. Combined they give the iLaddie Whisky Nerd Awards values which are totally personal and definitely should not be taken seriously at all. They describe which whisky gave me the most boost in know how while having the most fun! Which is what personal growth is all about
We do a lot of Whisky Tours and spend a lot of time at distilleries. Through this I have been lucky enough to taste a wide variety of whiskies... old, rare, cask, foreign. I love whisky and to me it's a love affair and not a job. We get the 'what is the best whisky' question a lot. I answer it in a similar fashion as you just did but far less well expressed. I might steal some of your phrasing if you don't mind. Thanks for this video, I find it a breath of fresh and honest air in a whisky world full of PR and marketing bumff. Good malt whisky is still one of the few remaining labours of love and care that we have in this world and chasing age, rarity and esteem is limiting your own experience of the amazing world of whisky. For the real lovers of whisky I suggest touring distilleries in quiet seasons and going to good whisky bars (happy to suggest a few) :-) Hope this comment is not seen as an advert but an opinion raised by your own, that of 'if you love whisky, make the effort to try many, take a friend, take chances and taste malts outside your comfort zone. Great vid, thanks for that.
Speaking of Ledaig and Signatory Cask Strength, I have a bottle of 2005 vintage that is absolutely sublime. It is only 11 years old and is an easy 90 points in my books! I get a real kick out of the whisky Snobs out there that think that older whisky is automatically better which is not necessarily the case. Would really like to get a bottle of that Amontillado Ledaig, I loved the Laphroaig Cairdeas Amontillado from 2014.
My Treasure is a Strathisla from 1963. On the rare ocassions, when I drink a glas of it, I pour it in and let it rest for 30 minutes and the whole room begins to smell like whisky. For me, thats the best.
Responding to comments about the title being clickbait, I have to say: Not necessarily. The usual problem with clickbait is not so much their flashy, superlative titles, but that these vids fail to deliver what the title promises. Yet, content-wise this vid inspects the title subject from different point of views. :-). So, it it a flashy title, drawing additional attention? Yes, probably. But, unless go want super simple one bottle answer (which I'd regard much more as clickbait btw), this video takes a more balanced approach.
Solid words of wisdom herein. Whiskies are unique and so are each of our senses of smell and taste. I'll be sharing this one with a malt-mate or two of my own. Looking forward to the next one!
Right on the money. The best experiences I've had with spirits is when with people whose company I enjoy and appreciate the general quality of the spirits we are drinking. Some times it just a very serviceable sub 30 dollar bourbon or a fine rum or tequila.. Hardly the "best" but thoroughly enjoyable.
What a great philosophy to have, one that can be applied to very much all one's experiences in Life, certainly made me sit up to pay attention to your words of wisdom Raly. Thank you.
I know this is an older video, but just found it and had to comment .. Ralfy you are so on it, I was just at Bardstown Bourbon in Kentucky and they thieved us a bit of whiskey right out of the barrel and the smells, the visuals, and being in the presence of all the aging barrels made for one of the most incredible experiences, I don't know that I would like the whiskey elsewhere, but in the rickhouse and in the moment it was the best..
Great video. Glenlivet 18 is my favorite, best I've had. Better than Mac 25... Following Hurricane Maria I was in Puerto Rico assisting in recovery efforts. One evening at a cigar bar we struck up a condo with a local and he bought me a glass of my fav at my strong opposition. The dude was super thankful for all the people there helping. It was very humbling and of course the whiskey did not disappoint. My favorite ever.
Ralfy, you’re an extraordinary speaker. Your talks are one take, and they flow so well, with everything well phrased and with the larger narrative so well shaped. I wonder whether your talks are scripted, or outlined, or just thought out a bit in advance, or just spontaneously delivered as they go. I talk for a living, so I’m just curious about these things.
Ralfy: This list mentioned Lagavulin 16 as the best whisky in the world. (Me smugly and proudly clutching my bottle, the highlight of my collection) Ralfy: Which is good for a laugh. (Me, heartbroken and destroyed): w-what?
@@timmol7742 Oh absolutely! I just thought it was a funny moment. I love Lagavulin still, but I also love all of Ralfy's reviews. It's great to see someone who so clearly knows what he's talking about and doesn't actually make you feel bad about your tastes while also going over things you may have never seen or tried before. Big fan, love the channel :)
You are absolutely right! There is only one best whisky in the world and thats the one you like the most at a given time with your best friend. Nothing else counts for me. I love the dalek on your shelf btw 👍
Wise words Ralfy. 100% agree. The word “BEST” can mean a lot of different things. Best for what objective or goal? Investment? To impress someone? Special occasion drink? The whisky you most enjoyed in your life? The whisky you know you will always enjoy? The best value for money or best all-rounder? So many different criteria. My best whisky experience was probably drinking Glencadam 15 with the manager in his tasting room. Or drinking Bruichladdich 16 at the distillery. Or maybe drinking Glen Moray 12 with my Dad in a Log cabin chalet in the forest in the Highlands? My best whisky experience at home was probably sharing a bottle of Kilchoman 100% Islay 7th Edition with close friends. Or maybe it was sharing a Caol Ila 18 with friends. If I had to choose ONE single malt which I would have unlimited supply of, to take with me on a desert island…then I’d take Caol Ila 12. That's a lot of BEST of...
Well stated. I very much enjoy your post and references to 'malt mates tongue twisters '. Starting this journey once again. I know what I liked decades ago with my uncle Dougie, grand dad...D&D, smell of pipe, smoke drifting up, laughing at who could spin the yarn best. 🥃 tip my glass to you.
great video. I am only getting started on my malt-journey at the tender age of 48. But every dram is an experience and every dram is one I most definitely do not want to miss. And of course I do take your channel as a wee bit of a guide. Hey, why not lear from the best :-)
Reminds me of Tom Wolfe’s book “The Painted Word” where he talked about how the impact of art critics’ theories of what constitutes good art was more important than the inherent value and experience of the art itself, instead of people judging for themselves.
what a poet you are. when you discribed the tasting of cask samples. i just could visualise the warehouse and all you pictured with your words. I could smell it, i can taste it.
Thanks Ralfy . Beauty is in the eye or in this case the pallet and nose of the beholder . So by this analogy there can never be the worlds best anything , yes a group of 'experts' may say its the worlds best but its down to the individual to decide such as yourself what is your worlds greatest. Very well put Ralfy .
Just to share a couple of my stand-out whisky moments. Firstly at the Whisky Castle in Tomintoul when I was starting out with whisky appreciation - Mike Drury gave me a glass of early batch Big Peat and then a young single cask Caol Ila bottled by themselves. Sublime on the day. Secondly on Islay - a glass of the Bruichladdich Octomore, drawn from the cask on their warehouse tour. Taken just outside the distillery and drunk on the beach of Loch Indaal with my very good friend on the most beautiful day. Ralfy, I know exactly what you mean. Slàinte.
For me it’s simple. Glenlivet 12 year. Not the best tasting or smelling scotch I’ve had but it was my first experience. I have this first experience to thank for the start of a journey that has become so integral to my way of life. Even though I have now tasted dozens of more complex whiskies I still like to go back to my roots and remember how one of my favorite hobbies got started. I cannot put a price on that experience.
I think the real value in 'best of' lists is that not everyone has the time or budget to wade through dozens or hundreds of bottle to find one that is good quality and also fits their pallet. It helps cut through the noise if you will.
Well... The whisky that definitely brought a tear to my eye was Cromwell Royal Blended Scotch. Three litre "bag in a box" that I'll never forget, I cried a lot that day
My best was once a Glenkinchie, it brought me to Malt Whisky. Moving more and more into Islay type of stuff..observe it with friends as well. So „Best“ would shift over time. Going more and more for single cask, cask strength, smoky. At the moment „in love“ with Kilchoman, 10yo...
🥃This review by Ralfy is very interesting and entertaining, possibly his best video i have ever seen, it is very difficult to say which is the best whisky in the world, the good thing is that there are a variety of flavors, but if there is one that impressed me a lot it was the Glen Garioch 12 years (48% acl/vol) Highly Recommended!! 🥃
Its difficult to beat tasting a whisky at the distillery that produced it, in one of their dunnage warehouses. A pleasure I have had on quite a few occasions.
A wise man. Context is a big part of the whisky experience. The who, where and why count as much as the what. A rough blend, shared among friends in a special situation can be as memorable as anything.
The BEST whisky I've ever had was Famous Grouse 30 years old vatted malt. Maybe other 30 yrs olds are just as good, but this one I bought in a closeout for half price. It was discontinued and never felt I could afford to buy another 30 yrs old in Canada ($140 for the Famous Grouse vs $400 for others). They had 10 bottles left in stock, but by the time I made up my mind to buy them, they were gone., Still, I grabbed four bottles which lasted me for almost one year,.
Hey there. I started drinking the deanston 12 year and have gone through about 6 bottles then the latest bottle was in a box and not in a can like usual. It had the deanston taste in the background but there was something off about it and it didn’t taste nearly as good. Do you know if it’s a new batch and if so can you do a review on it? Thank you for all your hard work ;)
Company makes all the difference in the world. I'll never be able to pick a 'best' malt, but 'best' whiskey has to be Maker's Mark. Sitting in the bar alone save three: the bartender, my good buddy Jim who has about 40 years over me and myself. Sitting in the dark, dingy dive, watching hockey and drinking Bourbon. The kind of things paintings depict
don't shoot me: Lagavulin 16 is my favourite. I have however only had a half bottle and agree that experiencing smaller quantities of more flavours is a better way to enjoy whisky. I really wish half bottlings were sold as standard for a number of whiskies so you wouldn't have to plough through the full size ones before getting something new.
Ralfy, wondering if you could correct/clarify your Review # 1 and Review #2? It seems the Glenn Breton 10 yo was done first but called Review # 2. I've been enjoying your reviews from the very start and love them. Thanks.
The best whiskey in the world was a JW gold label reserve I had at a casino bar after a huge winning streak. It had an unforeseen oaky, soft and complex taste. Since tasting it again, I've never experienced its traits like I did that night.
after getting really deep into the world of whisky.....my absolute favourite right now is Highland Park cask 5875. Only 13 year old, bottled at 65,4% ....after 20 minutes it starts to show something truly remarkable....for me at least
Ralfy, like you I mainly collect for the love of whisky. Tell me, do you think that the more celebrated bottles of Compass Box will appreciate in value over time? Again, I'm just a small potatos collector but these things do interest me.
The best dram in the world is the one I share with good mates on special occasions. It helps if it's good spirit, it helps even more if we are in good spirits. I have quite a few favourites. I can look back at quite a few good memories. I now leave more bottles of good whisky sealed, so as these bottles can be passed on in case I ever pass on. Slaìnte mhath Hendrik Jan
springbank 15 is my answer to that question. I still remember the first time I opened the bottle. It was different and felt extra special compared to all the whiskies I've had up until that point like famous grouse, chivas regal, balvenie, glenfarclas and aberlour. funny that he mentioned the mortlach 19. I used to own a bottle of mortlach 20 also bottled by signature, it was the most underwhelming experience ever, even more disappointing than the 1983 glenburgie that had aged for 25 years.
I picked up two old friends visiting me in Iceland, we broke our journey to my house in Vik ,a small town , where they produced a bottle of Balvenie Double Wood 12 year old which , in that company , was the best whisky in the world!
Im late to the party but I have to say these reviews have not let me down as a new whisky drinker. I plan to transcribe all the malt marks to an excel document for easy reference when I go to buy from the store. It would be cool if ralphy had his own app with these reviews and the malt marks presented in an easy to access format. Maybe a barcode scanner feature to quick search while in the store.
The best whisky I have ever tasted was Benriach 15 year cask strength heavily peated matured in Tawny Port barrels. Was it best in the world? no but to me it was special. I will find another to replace it. That is why whisky keeps going from strength to strength.
I think the Ralfy collection of videos should be archived and placed in the British Library. A National and International treasure
True. Probably will be one day.
Lol true
Amen!!
I 100% agree with you
He's a Scotsman and is offended by that comment haha
Wow. Ralfy, I'm speechless, I have no speech, that's the best review of anything that I've ever heard in my life. In the end you could have pulled out anything instead of that bottle, a bicycle, a pair of jeans, a book, a bunch of roses, and say those were the best roses in the World, and it would have been true.
I am so happy to have seen this. You have managed to convey the message about beauty in the eye of the beholder so elegantly that I suddenly feel much much happier than I was just 15 minutes ago.
Thank you Ralfy, may God bless you and all your family
Aye awright calm doon
The best part of drinking whisky is the variety. No fun in drinking just one whisky, even if it’s the best in the world.
You don't know if it's the best in the world if you only drink that whisky
thats such a good point, same with food. (and women)
You are so correct Ralf, I remember my first Glenmorangie 10yr, I was alone though at a fancy hotel, just treating myself. Never forgot that experience.
That was my first malt as well.
First single malt scotch for me. It started me on my journey.
The BEST whisky is any whisky I'm sipping while watching a Ralfy Review!
The Macallan 12 year old Sherry cask, my first bottle. I came to it from reading the books of the late Neil Peart, The Macallan was his favorite. Every time a sip some I thank him for getting me started on my many malty meanderings. Thanks to Ralfy and Neil for guiding me along the path, stay thirsty malt mates!
„Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.“
...i forgot: Thank you Ralfy!
mosesumike very true 👌
My BEST Whisky in the World EVER was with my nephew. We were sitting at my dead uncle's lake house and pondering about the condition of my other dead uncle's house next door which had been empty and unused for many years. After drinking up enough courage, we went exploring. Squishy floors and stairways that felt unsafe, Walls with a white fuzzy mold all over them, Drawers swelled shut from the dampness, Spider webs all over like you see in horror movies - A very creepy experience overall. Then we went back next door and poured some more Bunnahabhain 12 year old, The BEST Whisky in the World EVER.
Ralfy Sir, I can hear and feel the passion, sincerity and knowledge of the subject in your reviews, please keep up the great work and spreading your vast expertise to those of us who want to learn more, particularly about Scotch Whisky. Thank you Sir !
Interesting take on it all.
The idea of there being one singular whisky that's the best is ridiculous but sometimes there are moments in all our whisky journeys that blow us away.
During a session with a friends we tried a North Port Brechin 74, it was utterly perfect in every single way, it was years ago and I still remember every one of us just amazed by how good it was.
North Port is long gone demolished. Brechin is where I grew up and remember when I was in my 20s a chap I knew worked in the distillery and he took us round one night when he was on night shift. I especially remember having a dram of new make spirit. At that time I really didn't appreciate any whisky at all. I would imagine North Port would be worth quite a bit of money. Glencadam is still going but I have never been round that distillery, despite playing around that area when I was a kid. At the moment I can't get a tour because they are doing some refurbishment. They are having Zoom tastings
Love how Ralfy puts the context of how, when, with what company you enjoyed the whisky, or any experience for that matter, is what makes it "the Best" or not. Everybody can recall that glass of whisky, bottle of wine, or meal that was unexpectedly outstanding and lives with you for years.
Best whisky ever made was the first bottle of old pulteney my wife bought me 5 years ago for valentines day. Been drinking bourbon for years and was New to scotch and it blew me away. It's all personal, what one person calls a generic bottle of scotch another might call the worlds best whisky. Never had a Putleney as good as that one.
Yes!!! It's remarkable how some bottles develop as they've been open for a while and have had time to react with air in the bottle.
Best tasting moment for me was sitting in a Irish pub trying a dram of Midleton Dair Ghaelach while listening, with wife and good friends, to 2 talented gents playing Irish folk music.
Ralfy mate. I am a relative newby to your site but having watched around 250 of your vids i am getting there. Just to say this particular video has blown me away. Your analysis and description of the enjoyment of malt whisky here is nothing short of magnificent. I have learned so much from your vids but this is like a lightbulb moment for me. Thank you
. .. happy to share !
Sometimes it doesn't even matter about where you are sitting, or what setting you are currently in (a fancy hotel, restaurant or bar with friends); sometime it can come unexpectedly from a whisky you know well; but for that brief moment is utterly wonderful.
I had a bottle of AnCnoc 12 (a decent but not astonishing whisky most here would agree on) a few years back and was about three-quarters of the way through it, but it was one of those bottles that got better as you went through it. Anyway itt was Hogmanay, with an hour to go, and I was not in the mood of celebrating it, or even having a dram to see it through the bells. I got 'ordered' to pour one to do so; so reluctantly I did. I put a drip or two of water in it, covered it and went about my things. As the bells came in, I drank a sip and it was fine, then I did the same, covered it up and left it for an hour. Well, when I came back to it, it had almost completely changed into something utterly wonderful, and I was blown away by how good it was! And for that dram at that moment, it was the best whisky in the world for me, and I've rarely experienced that since. And that was on a night when I wasn't in the mood either!
All Ralfy videos should be treated as one of British intangible heritages and textbook elements for universities which have news/media causes. It is not only about the contents/whisky reviewed but also more importantly the way the manner he delivered them. Bravo!
This has to be Ralfy's best video yet...and I've seen quite a number.
Part of the joy of being a whisky enthusiast for me is discovering my favorite whisky(s) at each price point, because I'm quite an analytical guy.
The worlds best whisky is what is on sale and my worlds best wife buys for me.And I love what she does .... I might be 2nd world drinker whisky but I still have the best wife in the world.
Who ever gave me a thumbs up on this, congratulations you are so lucky to be married to an outstanding women !!!!
You, sir, are a wise wise man.
My wife never buys me whisky, you're so lucky.
If she buys U a rare single malts, she is a real Treasure
@@lexwaldez No wise man would even consider marriage. x
What an excellent video. As you described towards the end a place, I could picture that place in my mind. I could smell what you described. Excellent! Raising a glass to you my friend!
. . . happy to share the malt-moments !
Thank you Ralfy for emphasising the personal experience in what is the best whisky. I personally score on educational factor, fun, taste and bribe factors. With weight factors I score the educational value is a dram I tasted the highest followed by fun then taste and bribe factor. Combined they give the iLaddie Whisky Nerd Awards values which are totally personal and definitely should not be taken seriously at all. They describe which whisky gave me the most boost in know how while having the most fun! Which is what personal growth is all about
The best whisky was the last one my dear mom bought for me before she passed away. I loved her very much.
Don't know what to say but I have the pain too brother !!
W P I lost my mother as well. I share your pain. Know you aren’t alone.
We do a lot of Whisky Tours and spend a lot of time at distilleries. Through this I have been lucky enough to taste a wide variety of whiskies... old, rare, cask, foreign. I love whisky and to me it's a love affair and not a job.
We get the 'what is the best whisky' question a lot. I answer it in a similar fashion as you just did but far less well expressed. I might steal some of your phrasing if you don't mind. Thanks for this video, I find it a breath of fresh and honest air in a whisky world full of PR and marketing bumff.
Good malt whisky is still one of the few remaining labours of love and care that we have in this world and chasing age, rarity and esteem is limiting your own experience of the amazing world of whisky.
For the real lovers of whisky I suggest touring distilleries in quiet seasons and going to good whisky bars (happy to suggest a few) :-)
Hope this comment is not seen as an advert but an opinion raised by your own, that of 'if you love whisky, make the effort to try many, take a friend, take chances and taste malts outside your comfort zone.
Great vid, thanks for that.
Simply the best SM reviewer on UA-cam... Thanks Ralfy!
Tomasz Lewandowski SM? Sado Mazo...?! 😂
Tomislav B. Single Malt of course ;-)
Speaking of Ledaig and Signatory Cask Strength, I have a bottle of 2005 vintage that is absolutely sublime. It is only 11 years old and is an easy 90 points in my books! I get a real kick out of the whisky Snobs out there that think that older whisky is automatically better which is not necessarily the case. Would really like to get a bottle of that Amontillado Ledaig, I loved the Laphroaig Cairdeas Amontillado from 2014.
Dear Ralfy,
Thank you for elevating this discussion. Have visited this channel every now and then over the last 5 years. Never disappointed.
Cheers!
. . . happy to help with the malt-moments !
My Treasure is a Strathisla from 1963. On the rare ocassions, when I drink a glas of it, I pour it in and let it rest for 30 minutes and the whole room begins to smell like whisky. For me, thats the best.
. . . and to appreciate it makes it better.
Responding to comments about the title being clickbait, I have to say: Not necessarily. The usual problem with clickbait is not so much their flashy, superlative titles, but that these vids fail to deliver what the title promises. Yet, content-wise this vid inspects the title subject from different point of views. :-).
So, it it a flashy title, drawing additional attention? Yes, probably. But, unless go want super simple one bottle answer (which I'd regard much more as clickbait btw), this video takes a more balanced approach.
One of the most eloquent commentaries I've heard for a very long time. So true.
*Snifs the whisky* "Let's start with the internet!" I love this dude.
Solid words of wisdom herein. Whiskies are unique and so are each of our senses of smell and taste. I'll be sharing this one with a malt-mate or two of my own. Looking forward to the next one!
Thank you Ralfy for sharing your wisdom in such a humble way! Couldn’t agree more with you! Cheers from Argentina!
New to the world of whiskey and I’m enjoying the insights of this humble and knowledgeable reviewer. Thank you for expanding my horizons.
Wise words to live by Ralfy great video !
Right on the money. The best experiences I've had with spirits is when with people whose company I enjoy and appreciate the general
quality of the spirits we are drinking. Some times it just a very serviceable sub 30 dollar bourbon or a fine rum or tequila.. Hardly the "best" but thoroughly enjoyable.
What a great philosophy to have, one that can be applied to very much all one's experiences in Life, certainly made me sit up to pay attention to your words of wisdom Raly.
Thank you.
I know this is an older video, but just found it and had to comment .. Ralfy you are so on it, I was just at Bardstown Bourbon in Kentucky and they thieved us a bit of whiskey right out of the barrel and the smells, the visuals, and being in the presence of all the aging barrels made for one of the most incredible experiences, I don't know that I would like the whiskey elsewhere, but in the rickhouse and in the moment it was the best..
The best whiskey in the world is one you’ve never tried yet. Happy journey!
Great video. Glenlivet 18 is my favorite, best I've had. Better than Mac 25...
Following Hurricane Maria I was in Puerto Rico assisting in recovery efforts. One evening at a cigar bar we struck up a condo with a local and he bought me a glass of my fav at my strong opposition. The dude was super thankful for all the people there helping. It was very humbling and of course the whiskey did not disappoint. My favorite ever.
Ralfy, you’re an extraordinary speaker. Your talks are one take, and they flow so well, with everything well phrased and with the larger narrative so well shaped. I wonder whether your talks are scripted, or outlined, or just thought out a bit in advance, or just spontaneously delivered as they go. I talk for a living, so I’m just curious about these things.
Everything you have written, I can double. Ralfy is a great talker!
. . . no script, just think about it a bit then get on with it !
ralfydotcom Impressive!
And here lies the difference
You talk for a living, but you dont live for talking.
Ralfy: This list mentioned Lagavulin 16 as the best whisky in the world.
(Me smugly and proudly clutching my bottle, the highlight of my collection)
Ralfy: Which is good for a laugh.
(Me, heartbroken and destroyed): w-what?
No shame in liking Lagavulin!
@@timmol7742 Oh absolutely! I just thought it was a funny moment. I love Lagavulin still, but I also love all of Ralfy's reviews. It's great to see someone who so clearly knows what he's talking about and doesn't actually make you feel bad about your tastes while also going over things you may have never seen or tried before. Big fan, love the channel :)
Lagavulin 16 is one of my two favs... The other being Oban 18
You are absolutely right! There is only one best whisky in the world and thats the one you like the most at a given time with your best friend. Nothing else counts for me.
I love the dalek on your shelf btw 👍
Philosopical malt moment! I sure do love more of these as life has a lot to teach.
Wise words Ralfy. 100% agree.
The word “BEST” can mean a lot of different things.
Best for what objective or goal? Investment? To impress someone? Special occasion drink? The whisky you most enjoyed in your life? The whisky you know you will always enjoy? The best value for money or best all-rounder?
So many different criteria.
My best whisky experience was probably drinking Glencadam 15 with the manager in his tasting room. Or drinking Bruichladdich 16 at the distillery. Or maybe drinking Glen Moray 12 with my Dad in a Log cabin chalet in the forest
in the Highlands?
My best whisky experience at home was probably sharing a bottle of Kilchoman 100% Islay 7th Edition with close friends. Or maybe it was sharing a Caol Ila 18 with friends.
If I had to choose ONE single malt which I would have unlimited supply of, to take with me on a desert island…then I’d take Caol Ila 12.
That's a lot of BEST of...
So the earthy smells and atmosphere of the manx bothy is just the perfect place for your whiskey reviews now it makes sense. Great job Ralfy!!!
Ralfy, you are one of a kind! Was it a Whisky review or poetry in disguise? Perhaps a single malt can be poetry sometimes... :-)
Well stated. I very much enjoy your post and references to 'malt mates tongue twisters '. Starting this journey once again. I know what I liked decades ago with my uncle Dougie, grand dad...D&D, smell of pipe, smoke drifting up, laughing at who could spin the yarn best. 🥃 tip my glass to you.
great video. I am only getting started on my malt-journey at the tender age of 48. But every dram is an experience and every dram is one I most definitely do not want to miss. And of course I do take your channel as a wee bit of a guide. Hey, why not lear from the best :-)
. . . it's never too late !
Reminds me of Tom Wolfe’s book “The Painted Word” where he talked about how the impact of art critics’ theories of what constitutes good art was more important than the inherent value and experience of the art itself, instead of people judging for themselves.
what a poet you are. when you discribed the tasting of cask samples. i just could visualise the warehouse and all you pictured with your words. I could smell it, i can taste it.
I love lagavulin 16yr! 😁 it really is a good whisky
Thanks Ralfy . Beauty is in the eye or in this case the pallet and nose of the beholder . So by this analogy there can never be the worlds best anything , yes a group of 'experts' may say its the worlds best but its down to the individual to decide such as yourself what is your worlds greatest. Very well put Ralfy .
Just to share a couple of my stand-out whisky moments.
Firstly at the Whisky Castle in Tomintoul when I was starting out with whisky appreciation - Mike Drury gave me a glass of early batch Big Peat and then a young single cask Caol Ila bottled by themselves. Sublime on the day.
Secondly on Islay - a glass of the Bruichladdich Octomore, drawn from the cask on their warehouse tour. Taken just outside the distillery and drunk on the beach of Loch Indaal with my very good friend on the most beautiful day.
Ralfy, I know exactly what you mean. Slàinte.
The best dram of whisky in the world is the one I’ve got in my hand right now! Because a whisky in my hand is better than any whisky somewhere else!
For me it’s simple. Glenlivet 12 year. Not the best tasting or smelling scotch I’ve had but it was my first experience. I have this first experience to thank for the start of a journey that has become so integral to my way of life. Even though I have now tasted dozens of more complex whiskies I still like to go back to my roots and remember how one of my favorite hobbies got started. I cannot put a price on that experience.
My first experience was Quinta Ruban... still very close to my heart.
Best vodka, whisky, armagnac, cognac, mead, wine, ale, beer, rum or any other drink is that one which YOU like, YOU not some other. Na Zdrowie
I think the real value in 'best of' lists is that not everyone has the time or budget to wade through dozens or hundreds of bottle to find one that is good quality and also fits their pallet. It helps cut through the noise if you will.
This is a really lovely video. Thanks, Ralfy. Fantastic words.
9.30mins, truer words never spoken!
Only 1 whisky that's ever brought a tear to my eye so I will def say that qualifies as the best whisky ever for me.
Cheers!
Malt Reviews which one bud ? Example ? 😁💥✔️
Well... The whisky that definitely brought a tear to my eye was Cromwell Royal Blended Scotch. Three litre "bag in a box" that I'll never forget, I cried a lot that day
Wisdom applicable to many areas of life, as well as whiskeys.
I would love to see a review of Smokehead Islay single malt scotch before I may buy it.
its horrible and super strong alcohol flavour and just smoke flavour. not at all complex
My best was once a Glenkinchie, it brought me to Malt Whisky. Moving more and more into Islay type of stuff..observe it with friends as well. So „Best“ would shift over time. Going more and more for single cask, cask strength, smoky. At the moment „in love“ with Kilchoman, 10yo...
🥃This review by Ralfy is very interesting and entertaining, possibly his best video i have ever seen, it is very difficult to say which is the best whisky in the world, the good thing is that there are a variety of flavors, but if there is one that impressed me a lot it was the Glen Garioch 12 years (48% acl/vol) Highly Recommended!! 🥃
I've heard a rooster crowing ab. 4:20! Do You hear it?
Did not see that answer coming. Very deep, kudos!
Best post ever! ❤️
Words of wisdom Ralfy! Always a pleasure to join you in the bothy!
Thanks Ralfy... Excellent video and it's not often you hear such wise words.
Its difficult to beat tasting a whisky at the distillery that produced it, in one of their dunnage warehouses. A pleasure I have had on quite a few occasions.
Best whisky in the world? The one in my glass that I am enjoying.
A wise man. Context is a big part of the whisky experience. The who, where and why count as much as the what. A rough blend, shared among friends in a special situation can be as memorable as anything.
Tyrconnell Madera cask 10yr is one of the best whiskey' s ever crafted in my opinion.
The BEST whisky I've ever had was Famous Grouse 30 years old vatted malt. Maybe other 30 yrs olds are just as good, but this one I bought in a closeout for half price. It was discontinued and never felt I could afford to buy another 30 yrs old in Canada ($140 for the Famous Grouse vs $400 for others). They had 10 bottles left in stock, but by the time I made up my mind to buy them, they were gone., Still, I grabbed four bottles which lasted me for almost one year,.
A beautiful review , and a simple truth ....thank you... Ralfy
Hey there. I started drinking the deanston 12 year and have gone through about 6 bottles then the latest bottle was in a box and not in a can like usual. It had the deanston taste in the background but there was something off about it and it didn’t taste nearly as good. Do you know if it’s a new batch and if so can you do a review on it? Thank you for all your hard work ;)
Company makes all the difference in the world. I'll never be able to pick a 'best' malt, but 'best' whiskey has to be Maker's Mark. Sitting in the bar alone save three: the bartender, my good buddy Jim who has about 40 years over me and myself. Sitting in the dark, dingy dive, watching hockey and drinking Bourbon. The kind of things paintings depict
Probably the best review, Ralfy. The best whisky is the one that in my hand at that particular moment.
don't shoot me: Lagavulin 16 is my favourite. I have however only had a half bottle and agree that experiencing smaller quantities of more flavours is a better way to enjoy whisky. I really wish half bottlings were sold as standard for a number of whiskies so you wouldn't have to plough through the full size ones before getting something new.
Totally in agreement. Never just one best, just a few epiphany bottles that keeps on the journey.
The one you like to drink in the way you want to drink it.
Nasse83 hello fellow whiskey tribe.
Nasse83 & captain zeke. Hello from another WTriber!
Ralfy, wondering if you could correct/clarify your Review # 1 and Review #2? It seems the Glenn Breton 10 yo was done first but called Review # 2. I've been enjoying your reviews from the very start and love them. Thanks.
Hey Ralfy We've seen your liquor closet .do you have a bar in the bothy?
he has a house next to the bothy i believe
Thanks Ralfy! Spot on!
Such beautiful words of wisdom...Well said Sir!!
The best whiskey in the world was a JW gold label reserve I had at a casino bar after a huge winning streak. It had an unforeseen oaky, soft and complex taste. Since tasting it again, I've never experienced its traits like I did that night.
after getting really deep into the world of whisky.....my absolute favourite right now is Highland Park cask 5875. Only 13 year old, bottled at 65,4% ....after 20 minutes it starts to show something truly remarkable....for me at least
im a big fan ....not only interesting and on whiskey ....but intelligent snippets on life the universe and everything !
My best whisky experience was Hunter Laing's 'The Old Malt Cask' 28 year old release from the Tormore distillery. It was a magical experience.
Another classic video from Sir Ralfy!
Ralfy, like you I mainly collect for the love of whisky. Tell me, do you think that the more celebrated bottles of Compass Box will appreciate in value over time? Again, I'm just a small potatos collector but these things do interest me.
. . . I don't think so because CB are a 'boutique' blender of whiskies and are a bit too niche !
I've got a bottle of Signatory Mortlach sitting in a bin I've forgotten about til you mentioned it. I feel an obligation to dig it out now.
The best dram in the world is the one I share with good mates on special occasions.
It helps if it's good spirit, it helps even more if we are in good spirits.
I have quite a few favourites. I can look back at quite a few good memories.
I now leave more bottles of good whisky sealed, so as these bottles can be passed on in case I ever pass on.
Slaìnte mhath
Hendrik Jan
springbank 15 is my answer to that question. I still remember the first time I opened the bottle. It was different and felt extra special compared to all the whiskies I've had up until that point like famous grouse, chivas regal, balvenie, glenfarclas and aberlour. funny that he mentioned the mortlach 19. I used to own a bottle of mortlach 20 also bottled by signature, it was the most underwhelming experience ever, even more disappointing than the 1983 glenburgie that had aged for 25 years.
Loved this vlog. Thanks!
I picked up two old friends visiting me in Iceland, we broke our journey to my house in Vik ,a small town , where they produced a bottle of Balvenie Double Wood 12 year old which , in that company , was the best whisky in the world!
p.s did anyone else see the spider run up the wall behind Ralph?
. . . great wee story. Icelanders love the malt-moments.
Im late to the party but I have to say these reviews have not let me down as a new whisky drinker. I plan to transcribe all the malt marks to an excel document for easy reference when I go to buy from the store. It would be cool if ralphy had his own app with these reviews and the malt marks presented in an easy to access format. Maybe a barcode scanner feature to quick search while in the store.
The best whisky I have ever tasted was Benriach 15 year cask strength heavily peated matured in Tawny Port barrels. Was it best in the world? no but to me it was special. I will find another to replace it. That is why whisky keeps going from strength to strength.
A truth Bomb. Fantastic Ralfy.