For anyone wondering, I just got a bottle recently and thankfully nothing has changed. Still a great bang for your buck dram :) cheers Ralfy. I will be on this kind of budget for a while when it comes to drams so it's good to have this available and recommend, and still quality!
Cool, I have bought a few bottles of this whisky. But have been afraid to tell anyone that I actually like drinking it. It is a good whisky, for the price. That is for sure. Cheers
I work at a whisky bar in Texas with a small, but expanding, scotch lineup. I'll have to try this one for myself and then recommend it to our bar manager!
I recently bought a bottle of Highland Park Magnus and I was shocked at how thin and watery it was. Always nice to have a bargain whisky that performs above its price point.
Hey Ralfie, first time listener first time caller. Cracking review of what is a lovely whisky, regardless of the price. Now I'm no expert on whisky, but i do like my speyside's and highlands, and this surprised me no end, a delightful dram that punches well above it's price range.
Well done on reviewing such an accessible blend!!! Had it in my hands today at Aldi and went for their Islay single malt (17 quid omg). Will buy a bottle of this for my next tasting.
J.R. the Expat Canuck I've been a fan of Islay since the start of my Malty journey.. But Aldis Glen Marnoch Highland Sherry Cask took me on a new detour at Christmas.. It makes me return to their Highland more and more often..
Just tried it Ralfy. Spot on .Very little peat sweet peach ripe soft fruits some vanilla notes with a hint of liquorice on the finish . I would say as good as any standard Jameson soft easy drink no water no coke or soda. Not surprised your pleased you brother gave you it spot on review Ralfy. Keep up the good work
This is totally better than Black Lable actually, this totally feels like a single malt. If you blind test you would think this is a single malt. probably a 10 year old single malt. One of the best whiskies I've ever had
Tried all the Aldi whisky.My favourite and one I'd highly recommend for the money is the Islay single malt .The one in the green tube.very nice for £17.50!
wow bigclive is your brother, just getting into whisky and having a browse and fell in love with you presentation style and channel... then you drop the clive bomb, even more glad i found this channel now
Now that you’ve done Aldi Ralfy!! You have to do the counter-part LIDL... and pick up a bottle of 5-year old Queen Margot blended scotch and see what you think!
There is also a Queen Margot 8 Year Old, for under £13 - it’s pretty good, but when I did a sweep of about a dozen supermarket blends a year ago, the Highland Black, and (shocker) Tesco’s were my faves, better than supposedly superior stores like Waitrose, M&S and Sainsbury’s... Great video again Ralfy, a very timely revisit to the “value” segment, reminiscent of your earliest vlogs...!
Great review Ralfy, I'll see if my shops carry it. Thank's to Big Clive for sharing the life-saving information, and the whisky! He was reviewing a MRE meal with a couple pals a while ago and said they were drinking "your" whisky Ralfy, so maybe he felt guilty.
Always a regular in my rotation, this one. I know you dont normally review nas single malts but Aldi's Glen Marnoch Islay is in my opinion worthy of review, and an absolute steal at only £17.99. Would love to see a review of this one...
@@AlexanderReynolds your blessed to be paying that price. I just picked a bottle up and now they're £20.86 here in Australia. The Australian Government adds a 42% tax hike to all Alcohol and Cigarettes here. It is the most expensive place in the world to drink. If you want a affordable holiday and like a drink don't come to Australia. lol.
I really enjoyed every second of this review. Down here in Verona, Italy, Aldi just opened a discount near the city center in Piazza Bra. I should check their whisly selection.
finally. I've been waiting for this review, since I have try it for the first time, totally agree with you. For such price you just can beat it, there are a lot of single malts witch I would swap for this.
That seems to be a trend among all US grocery chains. I think it has to do with the difficulty in securing economical liquor distributors and acquiring liquor sales permits in several different states. For most chains, the potential benefits are far outweighed by the cost and time required to get approved.
I love this whisky, Ralfy. But Highland Earl is also very good, and a tad cheaper. I love the latter's sweetness and vanilla notes. And the fact that it's under £11 a bottle!
Was in Aldi today and bought the slightly more expensive Glen Marnoch Highland Single Malt. Which is nice. Seeing Ralfy here makes me think I bought the wrong bottle !!
Lidl still have the Bourbon/Sherry/Port casked Highland.! £17.95 Like Aldis' Christmas range.. (Loved their Sherry Casked Highland) Including an Islay (young Bowmore????!?), Highland and Speyside.. £17.95 Aldi have some competition!
Thanks for the review. Haven't tried this yet, but have been meaning to for some time. I think a lot of the hype surrounding this whisky is off-putting - someone recently told me that it was "the second best whisky ever made", which is clearly nonsense (and probably comes from a misunderstanding of its silver award) and demonstrates only that Aldi's marketers are very good at their job. But there's no doubt that there's a quality product in there, and at the price Aldi are selling it for... fantastic! Good luck with your AsPod Ralfy... Sounds like a splendid idea, actually. It's amazing what you learn in a Ralfy review!
It was good. For sure, whatever bottles were used to gain the awards are no longer available from the shelf. I tried it again last week and it was bowfin.
I bought a bottle. I took one sip and compare it with Black Bottle NAS, but I didnt care much. Then I cecant and forget about it. Its my malt for mixing and guests, who dont appriciate malt as much as I do. Tonight I was mixing a Bobby Burn, I love cocktails occasionally, and this concosion of schotch, benedictine and vermoth is somethings one I looking for. Anyway: I opened the decanter an I noticed, that this little whisky there had envoled. I tried it in a Glencairn and its not had at all. Very good for the price. It has a fair share of grain, but it had some malts in there I might recognize.
Is he taking the piss? Is this a parody? He’s listed every flavour except pizza. “Ahhh, I’m getting Twix, Snickers and Boogers from my 10th birthday” “Ooohhh, I’m get cheese on toast and roast beef”
Awesome review and words of wisdom on looking after not just our own hearts but that of others who may be in need. As for the whisky I will be on the look out for that one. (Hopefully some where in Canada!!!)
Brilliant review Maestro and great recommendation for those of us on a tight budget (also have to be able to pass under the wife-wire, lest she thinks I am enjoying myself too much!!).
Thanks a million Ralfy. Can you expand on how much peatiness there is, please? you mention it a lot but say it is overridden each tie yet still peatiness again; I like Oak flavours but not a fan of the peatiness. That said, for £12 probably worth just getting it and trying it myself. You and Clive are legends!
Ralfy, have you considered reviewing Lidl's equivalent in 'Queen Margot 8 Year' Blend? I like both that and this 'Highland Black' from Aldi. I'm on a strict budget and these tick my price range and the quality is very good, at least for the amazing price of £12.99 each, at least in my locals. I'm looking to try 'Chivas Regal 12 Years' and 'Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years' also as I've not had them yet. Thanks for the review by the way.
Nice review as always... is there a reason why a bottle of bourbon would change flavor over time? Have a bottle of Eagle Rare that I opened and tasted twice and really loved it... 3rd and 4th time, it isn't as "smooth"... more "fire" than "flavor"... storage issue? Peace and props to you Ralfy!
Thanks so much, Ralfy! Would you still recommend Scottish Leader, by the way? I recall that being another bargain blended scotch you once reviewed. The reason I ask is that I believe Scottish Leader has changed owners since then.
Hmm, I saw this at Aldi just before Christmas and didn't pick it up, because i assumed this was another rubbish blend not worth 15€. apart from that i can find Single malts like Tomatin Legacy for only 5€ more.
Please, Ralfy, if you give medical advice to your followers regarding heart attacks, don't ever forget to tell them to in first place call the ambulance. Otherwise it could lead to self treatment and to increased number of deaths, cause Aspirin is a good treatment for heart attacks, but only one of some and it's never so easy...
I search out and buy all my malts bases on your reviews. My collection is pushing 60 now (along with good bourbons, Irish whiskies, tequilas and other spirits). One thing I can’t get though is where you always say you are. Are you saying “Mikes bothy”? I’ve found places like that on Google. I thought you were at your house. Can you clear this up for me? It’s been killing me
Ralfy.. Can you do a video about... Getting Peshed up..alcohol ...and experiences of an alcoholic nature? I don't mean AA level stuff... But... You know?
Ralfy, there is £8.05 alcohol duty on a 40abv 70cl bottle + 20% VAT on the top. Means that Aldi are able to buy this from the producer and sell it at a profit for £2.77 which means it must be pretty shite.
Anyone tried Grants' Sherry Cask (Green Label)?? It is £15 at Waitrose at the moment... I rate Grants as a malty blend..after Whyte & Mackay's and Grouse...
I always think the random shit which booze reviewers use to describe whatever their tasting makes me think their chatting shite - how can something taste like pickles, nuts and allspice?! However, if your of the same ilk as Big Clive, and you know at least half as much about whisky as he does about electronics, then I'll take your word for it that a whisky can taste like pickles and nutmeg.
For anyone wondering, I just got a bottle recently and thankfully nothing has changed. Still a great bang for your buck dram :) cheers Ralfy. I will be on this kind of budget for a while when it comes to drams so it's good to have this available and recommend, and still quality!
Hey Ralfy, love the reviews been watching for years and they keep entertain and educate me. Cheers from the Netherlands
. . . happy to help with the malt-moments !
Cool, I have bought a few bottles of this whisky. But have been afraid to tell anyone that I actually like drinking it.
It is a good whisky, for the price. That is for sure.
Cheers
I work at a whisky bar in Texas with a small, but expanding, scotch lineup. I'll have to try this one for myself and then recommend it to our bar manager!
I recently bought a bottle of Highland Park Magnus and I was shocked at how thin and watery it was. Always nice to have a bargain whisky that performs above its price point.
. . . I hear a lot of complaints right now about HP !
Jamison Moeckel Dragon Legend was certainly Viscous...
Hey Ralfie, first time listener first time caller.
Cracking review of what is a lovely whisky, regardless of the price. Now I'm no expert on whisky, but i do like my speyside's and highlands, and this surprised me no end, a delightful dram that punches well above it's price range.
Well done on reviewing such an accessible blend!!! Had it in my hands today at Aldi and went for their Islay single malt (17 quid omg). Will buy a bottle of this for my next tasting.
J.R. the Expat Canuck I've been a fan of Islay since the start of my Malty journey..
But Aldis Glen Marnoch Highland Sherry Cask took me on a new detour at Christmas.. It makes me return to their Highland more and more often..
So this stuff is at the local Aldi for a damn good price. 37 Australian dollars
Hey I just picked up a bottle today at Aldi!
$37aud, definitely not bad at all.
@@danec1384 the naked grouse really good too for 44 bucks
$43 now
Well played. This is one of my favourite go to drams and I've written about it several times myself and I've converted dozens to the Aldi cause.
Just tried it Ralfy. Spot on .Very little peat sweet peach ripe soft fruits some vanilla notes with a hint of liquorice on the finish .
I would say as good as any standard Jameson soft easy drink no water no coke or soda. Not surprised your pleased you brother gave you it spot on review Ralfy. Keep up the good work
My Grandfathers Favourite, he’s always more appreciative of this as a gift than some single Malts triple the price.
Lee Hosie
My dads the same he would sooner have a bottle of claymore then a malt for £50, we like what we like hey!
This is totally better than Black Lable actually, this totally feels like a single malt. If you blind test you would think this is a single malt. probably a 10 year old single malt. One of the best whiskies I've ever had
Tried all the Aldi whisky.My favourite and one I'd highly recommend for the money is the Islay single malt .The one in the green tube.very nice for £17.50!
wow bigclive is your brother, just getting into whisky and having a browse and fell in love with you presentation style and channel... then you drop the clive bomb, even more glad i found this channel now
Now that you’ve done Aldi Ralfy!! You have to do the counter-part LIDL... and pick up a bottle of 5-year old Queen Margot blended scotch and see what you think!
. . . good idea !
ralfydotcom yes
ralfydotcom can I get a malt-mention on the vid too? Haha 😆
COuld give the lidl singles a go too , decent price , would be nice to know if they are worth it.
There is also a Queen Margot 8 Year Old, for under £13 - it’s pretty good, but when I did a sweep of about a dozen supermarket blends a year ago, the Highland Black, and (shocker) Tesco’s were my faves, better than supposedly superior stores like Waitrose, M&S and Sainsbury’s... Great video again Ralfy, a very timely revisit to the “value” segment, reminiscent of your earliest vlogs...!
Great review Ralfy, I'll see if my shops carry it. Thank's to Big Clive for sharing the life-saving information, and the whisky! He was reviewing a MRE meal with a couple pals a while ago and said they were drinking "your" whisky Ralfy, so maybe he felt guilty.
Oh that's a coincidence. I had no idea Clive was your brother Ralfy. Two great lads and two great channels.
Always a regular in my rotation, this one. I know you dont normally review nas single malts but Aldi's Glen Marnoch Islay is in my opinion worthy of review, and an absolute steal at only £17.99. Would love to see a review of this one...
$35 at my local Aldi here in Sydney Australia
£12 here in the UK
@@AlexanderReynolds your blessed to be paying that price.
I just picked a bottle up and now they're £20.86 here in Australia.
The Australian Government adds a 42% tax hike to all Alcohol and Cigarettes here.
It is the most expensive place in the world to drink.
If you want a affordable holiday and like a drink don't come to Australia. lol.
I tried it. One time. This whisky is almost as good as that brown rum which Tommy Shelby once chose to taste at Alfie Solomons' illicit distillery.
I really enjoyed every second of this review. Down here in Verona, Italy, Aldi just opened a discount near the city center in Piazza Bra. I should check their whisly selection.
I love this one. Punches well above its weight. Very smooth easy drinking whisky.
finally. I've been waiting for this review, since I have try it for the first time, totally agree with you. For such price you just can beat it, there are a lot of single malts witch I would swap for this.
Not available in the US. US Aldi stores do not sell spirits, only beer and wine.
. . . that does not seem logical, I'm sure there will be a 'reason' !
Brian Streufert Our Condolences..
Brian Streufert
Same here in the Netherlands🤨
That seems to be a trend among all US grocery chains. I think it has to do with the difficulty in securing economical liquor distributors and acquiring liquor sales permits in several different states. For most chains, the potential benefits are far outweighed by the cost and time required to get approved.
Bummer. I was going to stop by after watching this video.
I love this whisky, Ralfy. But Highland Earl is also very good, and a tad cheaper. I love the latter's sweetness and vanilla notes. And the fact that it's under £11 a bottle!
I bought both bottles mate. HE is a cheaper JW red label.
Was in Aldi today and bought the slightly more expensive Glen Marnoch Highland Single Malt.
Which is nice.
Seeing Ralfy here makes me think I bought the wrong bottle !!
. . . any whisky from Aldi is decent.
Saw a bottle the other day ...couldn't get over the price! I thought there's got to be something wrong ? I'm snapping up it up tomorrow! Cheers Ralfy.
Lidl still have the Bourbon/Sherry/Port casked Highland.! £17.95
Like Aldis' Christmas range.. (Loved their Sherry Casked Highland)
Including an Islay (young Bowmore????!?), Highland and Speyside.. £17.95
Aldi have some competition!
Thanks for the review. Haven't tried this yet, but have been meaning to for some time. I think a lot of the hype surrounding this whisky is off-putting - someone recently told me that it was "the second best whisky ever made", which is clearly nonsense (and probably comes from a misunderstanding of its silver award) and demonstrates only that Aldi's marketers are very good at their job. But there's no doubt that there's a quality product in there, and at the price Aldi are selling it for... fantastic!
Good luck with your AsPod Ralfy... Sounds like a splendid idea, actually. It's amazing what you learn in a Ralfy review!
It won the Spirit Business gold medal this year, after your influence I'm sure.
Gold medal is the standard award for any half decent whisky. Master is the true 'gold' standard.
This whiskey was just in the news for winning a couple gold medals this year
It was good. For sure, whatever bottles were used to gain the awards are no longer available from the shelf. I tried it again last week and it was bowfin.
I bought a bottle. I took one sip and compare it with Black Bottle NAS, but I didnt care much. Then I cecant and forget about it. Its my malt for mixing and guests, who dont appriciate malt as much as I do. Tonight I was mixing a Bobby Burn, I love cocktails occasionally, and this concosion of schotch, benedictine and vermoth is somethings one I looking for. Anyway: I opened the decanter an I noticed, that this little whisky there had envoled. I tried it in a Glencairn and its not had at all. Very good for the price. It has a fair share of grain, but it had some malts in there I might recognize.
Big thumbs up for Big Clive
Unfortunately ALDI and other supermarkets are not allowed to sell spirits in The Netherlands, just beer and wine and *shudders* alcopop
spankmeister, I always thought of Netherlands as the land of easy weed and mushroom shops.
That's a very limited view mate.
@@Ivo-- lolz the netherlands = cannabis , mushrooms, canals, windmills, tulips, tall blondes with nice ass's,flat, islam
Keep going uncle. Spot on review
Great, Highland Black 8 was my first ever whisky!
They just stocked a wee bit of this in my local Aldi - I think I will pick up a box (for 12 Euros per bottle here in Vienna!).
Is he taking the piss?
Is this a parody?
He’s listed every flavour except pizza.
“Ahhh, I’m getting Twix, Snickers and Boogers from my 10th birthday”
“Ooohhh, I’m get cheese on toast and roast beef”
Excellent idea. I was thinking there was going to be suppositories involved with the key chain.
Well one could administer is as such and it would be absorbed with efficacy. Although orally is far more commodious.
Awesome review and words of wisdom on looking after not just our own hearts but that of others who may be in need. As for the whisky I will be on the look out for that one. (Hopefully some where in Canada!!!)
Great review on an affordable dram! Thank you Ralfy for perspective and words of wisdom. Top video 👌😊🥃!
Aldi is opening 10 locations in Canada during June, but doubt they will selling spirits. Costco could not even get beer sales licenses
It varies from province to province. Costco in Alberta sells everything, mind you they've had private retail for decades.
Hello Ralfy, I have told you before and I will say it again. I love your reviews and your charming personality. Thanks .
I’m currently about to make the plunge on one of these bottles out of curiosity hopefully I’m feeling similar to others.
Aspod good for the morning after reviewing blended whisky too!
Brilliant review Maestro and great recommendation for those of us on a tight budget (also have to be able to pass under the wife-wire, lest she thinks I am enjoying myself too much!!).
Peat FTW....thanks to Ralfy I'm a peat fan.....never going back...
Thanks for the recommendation Ralfy!
Im drinking it right now. I like it. Nice review. Thanks!
Also works as a decent whisky mac!
Thanks a million Ralfy. Can you expand on how much peatiness there is, please? you mention it a lot but say it is overridden each tie yet still peatiness again; I like Oak flavours but not a fan of the peatiness. That said, for £12 probably worth just getting it and trying it myself. You and Clive are legends!
$ 35.00 in Australia. A good option with the absence of B N J. Not disappointing!
Aldi must have seen your post. It's now $36.
We do have an Aldi's nearby but my state does not allow liquor to be sold anywhere but the state liquor stores
Thanks for the review Ralfy.
Update late October 2024 - £14.99, still brilliant
Ralfy, have you considered reviewing Lidl's equivalent in 'Queen Margot 8 Year' Blend? I like both that and this 'Highland Black' from Aldi. I'm on a strict budget and these tick my price range and the quality is very good, at least for the amazing price of £12.99 each, at least in my locals. I'm looking to try 'Chivas Regal 12 Years' and 'Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years' also as I've not had them yet. Thanks for the review by the way.
. . . it's on the List !
Not available here in Denmark...bummer...would love to try.
Nice review as always... is there a reason why a bottle of bourbon would change flavor over time? Have a bottle of Eagle Rare that I opened and tasted twice and really loved it... 3rd and 4th time, it isn't as "smooth"... more "fire" than "flavor"... storage issue? Peace and props to you Ralfy!
Greatest whiskey in the world for the thrift, discerning buyer.
Ralfy you need to write a book if you havent already! If you have, I'll buy a copy tomorrow! Cheers!
. . . I'm writing a book right now !
ralfydotcom keep us posted on its release!
I told you it was good Ralfy
Good review, good aspirin advice too.
Fantastic review 🥃💥
Yes I really like this whisky 🥃
im more of a bourbon fan but this is a nice tipple. great for this price.
Hey Ralfy, do you think it might be ex-Ailsa Bay casks giving the peat note?
. . . no idea !
Ralfy, who started making videos first? You or your brother? I only noticed him more recently, was he doing it as long as you have?
. . . Me first !
Thanks so much, Ralfy! Would you still recommend Scottish Leader, by the way? I recall that being another bargain blended scotch you once reviewed. The reason I ask is that I believe Scottish Leader has changed owners since then.
. . . about six years since I treid Scottish Leader, it used to be very good !
Great video as alway ralfy! Have u tasted the bruichladdich 8yo unpeated version if so what did u think? I thought it was very good for an 8yo!
. . . not tried that yet !
Picked one of these up from Aldi in Elgin (in Moray) yesterday for £11.49! Has anyone seen it cheaper?
You're welcome ! You rightly guessed I sometimes like such bargains. Unfortunately my online search suggests ALDI may have it only in the UK.
Shame Aldi and Lidl can't do the same with rum. Kudos for reviewing what others might sniff their noses at though.
. . . you should contact them Wes, they will probably listen to you !
I shall give it a try
Quite enjoyable videos, very informative.. Malt mention: Master Marauders of Malt.
. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks !
I'm guessing the whisky shelves will be empty by the time I get to Aldi. Will be interesting to see how many Ralfy fans have raided my local store.
The tax and VAT on a 70cl bottle at 40% is £9.50. It's shocking that Aldi and the brewer can operate on such margins. It must be pennies.
Ralfy: I tried some Balcones Baby Blue recently and I swear I thought I was tasting Glenfiddich 12. Maybe it was me.
Hmm, I saw this at Aldi just before Christmas and didn't pick it up, because i assumed this was another rubbish blend not worth 15€. apart from that i can find Single malts like Tomatin Legacy for only 5€ more.
Ralfy I always look forward to your reviews, please come to Ireland on one of your location v,logs
. . . being planned !
I wish malt mates in Canada (Alberta ). Had a better selection of Whisky direct from uk.
Very surprised you gave a positive review to this whisky Ralfy. There’s way too much caramel in it
I don’t know..blended whisky and diageo whisky really doesn’t do much for me...useful for hot whisky or Irish coffee but that’s about it
Please, Ralfy, if you give medical advice to your followers regarding heart attacks, don't ever forget to tell them to in first place call the ambulance. Otherwise it could lead to self treatment and to increased number of deaths, cause Aspirin is a good treatment for heart attacks, but only one of some and it's never so easy...
. . . your totally right, I am naive to assume that people will use common-sense, that's not always the human condition.
16.99 euros in ireland
I search out and buy all my malts bases on your reviews. My collection is pushing 60 now (along with good bourbons, Irish whiskies, tequilas and other spirits). One thing I can’t get though is where you always say you are. Are you saying “Mikes bothy”? I’ve found places like that on Google. I thought you were at your house. Can you clear this up for me? It’s been killing me
I thinknhe says manx bothy.. as he lives on the isle of man
. . . MANX Bothy, on the Isle Of Man !
Been drinking this for few years now. What is wierd is its stablemate Highland Earl is awful. This is a great daily driver however.
Ralfy..
Can you do a video about...
Getting Peshed up..alcohol ...and experiences of an alcoholic nature?
I don't mean AA level stuff...
But...
You know?
Ralfy, there is £8.05 alcohol duty on a 40abv 70cl bottle + 20% VAT on the top. Means that Aldi are able to buy this from the producer and sell it at a profit for £2.77 which means it must be pretty shite.
Now £15 a bottle but thats ok
€19 in Europe!!!!
18.99 e in europe
Love your accent hahaha, where are u from? Irland? Or scotland?
I swear you listen to me...
Anyone tried Grants' Sherry Cask (Green Label)??
It is £15 at Waitrose at the moment...
I rate Grants as a malty blend..after Whyte & Mackay's and Grouse...
I'm a knighted Anorak and that green label Grants' Sherry Cask is tasty and enjoyable, at least in my book.
I always think the random shit which booze reviewers use to describe whatever their tasting makes me think their chatting shite - how can something taste like pickles, nuts and allspice?!
However, if your of the same ilk as Big Clive, and you know at least half as much about whisky as he does about electronics, then I'll take your word for it that a whisky can taste like pickles and nutmeg.
You must have outwardly tastebuds.
Brexit 'all theatre', lazy comment Ralfy 'if' it all goes t*ts up and people lose their jobs #justsayin
Theodore raz, I think Isle of Man should stay in the EU as well as Scotland.
Except unemployment is at its lowest in decades... #justsayin
Move on. Make the best of it.
FIRST! For the first time :)
.
. . . Verified as First !
.
Secound as 100 times :))
18th
Thomas Nolder Confirmed!
It is just a knock-off Johnnie Walker black.