Recycled Reviews #3 - 15 Whiskies in 10 Minutes (or so)
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- Опубліковано 28 сер 2024
- In the closest thing I'll probably get to a Christmas video, I review 15 or so empty bottles before a final goodbye. Some of them I'll miss, others not so much. Many of these would be perfect Christmas treats and while a few of them are discontinued by the producers they can still be bought through retail outlets.
I'm aware I used 'honey' as a descriptor at least three times. However, while that's pretty dull, I feel it's accurate. Still, apologies. I was pretty cold.
In this batch we have AnCnoc 22yo, Old Pulteney 21yo, Glen Alba (Lidl UK) 22yo, Douglas Laing's Big Peat, Bunnahabhain 8yo Gordon & MacPhail, Lagavulin 16yo, Ledaig 10yo, Clynelish 14yo, Blair Athol 12yo, Balblair 05, Nikka, Yoichi NAS, Aberfeldy 21yo, Glenfarclas 25yo, Cragganmore 12yo, Glengoyne Teapot Dram.
The opinions I offer here are based on the opinion of me, one guy, and where I am in whisky right now. I reserve the right to completely change my mind in a few months, or a few minutes. While I'm sincere, please know this is intended to be fun.
Don't take my word for it! Here are some other #whiskytube and #whiskyfabric reviews to check out if you're curious about any of these bottles:
AnCnoc 22yo • whisky review 566 - An... (Ralfy)
Old Pulteney 21yo
• Old Pulteney 21. Whisk... (Whisky In The 6)
• Old Pulteney 21 Year O... (Whisky Wednesday's Joe)
• Malt Box Whisky Review... (Malt Box)
Glen Alba 22yo
www.whiskybase... (Whiskybase Ratings)
Big Peat
• Douglas Laing's BIG PE... (Scotch Test Dummies)
Aberfeldy 21yo
www.somersetwh... (Steve Prentice - Somerset Whisky Blog)
Cragganmore 12yo
• Cragganmore tasting an... (Scotch Test Dummies)
Lagavulin 16
• Lagavulin 16 Year Peat... (Scotch Test Dummies)
• Lagavulin 16 Year Old ... (No Nonsense Whisky)
• whisky review 571 - La... (Ralfy)
• Lagavulin 16 Year Old ... (Whisky Wednesday's Joe)
• Lagavulin 16 (Foodquig)
Bunnahabhain 8yo G&M
• whisky review 585 - Bu... (Ralfy)
Glengoyne Teapot Dram Batch V
• Glengoyne Teapot Dram ... (JasonWhiskyWise)
• 2017 12 HOURS OF BOOM!... (Scotch Test dummies Live w/Aqvavitae)
Blair Athol 12yo
malt-review.co... (MaltReview)
Ledaig 10
• whisky review 471 - Le... (Ralfy)
• Ledaig 10 Year Single ... (Scotch 4 Dummies)
• Ledaig 10 Year Old Sin... (Whisky Whistle)
• Whisky Review: Ledaig ... (Jason Debly)
• Ledaig 10 Peated Singl... (Foodquig)
Clynelish 14yo
• Clynelish 14 Year - Hi... (Scotch 4 Dummies)
• ralfy review 634 - Cly... (Ralfy)
• Clynelish 14 Highland ... (Foodquig)
Glenfarclas 25
• Video (Malted in Montreal)
• Glenfarclas 25: Review... (Mike & Billy's)
Balblair 05
• Balblair 2005 1st Rele... (Whisky Whistle)
• Beginners Guide to Hig... (Whisky Wednesday's Phil)
Nikka Yoichi (NAS 50cl)
Pfft. Couldn't find much, trust me it's worth anything up to £45
Viewing is recommended for 18 years and older (or the minimum age for alcohol consumption in your country of residence).
Instagram: @aqvavitae
Facebook: @aqvavitaethewateroflife
Twitter: @aqvavitae_sco
A few of the bottles featured were again hustled from my whisky-drinkin' sidekick and friend TheWhiskyRev:
Instagram: @thewhiskyrev
Music by the awesome DJ Quads / aka-dj-quads
Slàinte whisky folks!
I've added links to full reviews and notes in the description box above to other #whiskytube and #whiskyfabric sources for the whiskies featured here - should anyone want to dig a little more. Slàinte!
i watched recycled reviews 1, 2 and 3. havent seen any taliska
High flying brother. The growth of this channel is a testament to the quality of what you're doing. Keep up the incredible work Roy. You're a star in the making.
Got me blushing again Rob, but seriously thank you for all your support and kind words.
Clynelish 14 and Deanston 12 are outstanding whiskies at incredible prices. Such great suggestions
I thoroughly enjoyed this video... I found myself agreeing with you on the whiskies that we both have tried, especially the Clynelish and the Ledaig... Superb piece of work, Roy!
Hey Foodquig thank you for stopping by I always look out for you! 😉 Glad our palates remain aligned in preference , if not performance!
Excellent show as always Roy! I give this a solid 9.5 out of 10!
Thanks for stopping by boys! Loved the tongue-in-cheek Compass Box Phenomenology review!
And no +/- either! Impressive...
I love when you say "this is gin" haha!
Great stuff, Roy. It’s not easy to create a new style for presenting whisky reviews when there’s so many people doing it on UA-cam, but you have managed to develop a new and refreshing format that’s like a breath of fresh air. Keep them coming.
Yeah, the other guys are damn good with expressions, tasting notes and reviews - I had to find where I could add some value, and I have fun with these recycling videos! Thank you Frank!
Roy, I have to say, I really enjoy your Recycle reviews. Something about the way you toss such amazing expressions around so causally, and then share a deeper experience than just a single tasting keeps me engaged. Thank you for doing these, I always keep a pencil near by to write down a few to start looking for!
This is a really nice comment to read, thank you! I think in time I'll refine what people take from these and try to keep it snappy but meaningful. I also think there's a value in perhaps linking to trusted review sources for deeper notes and appraisals. Thanks for taking the time.
not to mention how he remembers each one; or he saves his tasting notes for a long time.
Excellent video Roy, absolutely fantastic. I really like to taste the Glengoyne teapot dram!
I need to rewatch this and make a list or something .... to many things I need to explore!
I have that very same syndrome!
Well-presented quickie of reviews, i like this style: enough information to base selection on but more than 1 per video (even 15!!)
And bought today Ledaig 10yo (previously unheard of brand for me) based on this clip and am having first dram of it and already liking it.
Sláinte!
Oh Roy, it's a delight when these reviews come up on your channel! Just adding my own comment to this lovely Ledaig, I find that the aroma does bring a bit of a waxy, dairy suggestion, almost rancid… yes, a whiff of ghee. Not Indian buffalo ghee, but Tibetan yak ghee, salted and old, solid and with bits of wick dunked in it, scooped from a greasy, nearly lacquered old hemp bag. This is also by no means derogatory, just "exotisch". And I don’t know where I get this from. Perhaps there were plenty of Aureochsen grazing in Mull still after the Ice Age, and their remains are now in that lovely peat.
You should write tasting notes! I'll be digging deeper the next time I have my face in a Ledaig!
Absolutely LOVE this series. So much great information. Well done!
Absolutely *love* reading comments like this! 😀 It'll help me deal with the pre-release doubt in future. Thank you Ethan.
Hello Roy, just watching your video's for a few days now, and they are wonderful!
Thanks and looking out to the next one! Cheers from a very cold and white Holland right now!
Thank you and welcome, nice of you to stop by Jaap!
Great concept again. Jealous of the bottle recycling bin.
Thanks boys - but if ya wanna know jealousy slip into my shoes as I read about all those bucket-list drams you're reviewing for Malt Review. 🙁
I love these Recycled Review videos! So helpful for a beginner like myself.
Thanks Justin! 👍
id rather see 5 whiskeys in 15 minutes and go into more details. i love these recycles videos! frequently before i buy a whiskey, i search for info on it and i love how you describe them, and why you would or would not replace it. more 15 min videos. less 2 hour videos!!!!!!!
Love these videos - you always put out quality, creative, and informative videos!
You're doing a damn decent job yourselves boys! More Thursday night Jeopardy please!
Aqvavitae as an avid #whiskytube viewer and occasional creator, I have to take off my hat to you Sir. These recycled reviews are some of the best that are out there. I appreciate the production value you put into these. Please keep them coming!
I found Old Pulteney 21 at the state run liquor store in Virginia, USA. The price is preset so they’re still at the normal rate of $152 US. I got every bottle they had, plus a few 17 as well. The staff was unaware of the discontinuation and to their knowledge, they will get a few bottles every so often until the warehouses run out. The 21 yo is considered as a special item and only this particular store gets it in stock in my area. Good luck.
Yes! I snagged a bottle of the OP21 at retail in Austin, TX last weekend. Thank ou Dan - your wish of luck worked!
I've been looking forward to this Recycled Review video after your first two. One of the best whiskey review formats out there! Can't wait until your next one!
I have some shame in admitting there's another video's worth in the garage waiting. I'll spice it up with some Christmas bottle-kills and do another in the new year.
Aqvavitae Yes! I can't wait!
I need a whisky after watching that cold air.
Hey Eric - yeah it's even colder today! Thanks for sharing the love on Twitter too my friend!
Love the recycle videos Roy . Keep up the quality work my friend .Cheers and I'm glad I didn't trade my 22 yr old AnCnoc. Glad to hear it's good juice
Good juice that's been replaced with arguably better juice in the 24yo. The 22 is a nice soft-spiced Highlander that'll be a great one to pour for your VIP Christmas guests! If you ever pop it - tell me how long it is before you find the smoke..
The only hard part is finding the VIPs my friend, cheers
It is a good time to be into whisky Roy. Most whisky geeks are going to buy good stuff and encounter few duds. You hit the nail on the head with the Clynelish 14 my friend. That is a very solid whisky. I'm really struggling with the replacement issue right now. I always want to replace a good one but there are so many good ones I've yet to try and are on my radar. I have a respectable stash of bourbon, rum, wine and sherry going on as well (and whisky sidelines like Japanese). It's ruining my retirement plans. I'll keep an eye out for the Teapot Dram from now on. Love the review. Cheers big guy. WT
timely, helpful, concise, truthful...who could say more CHEERS
Hey Alan thank you, really appreciate it.
I seem to be a day or two late, but really like them just the same...you doing a live on thursday of this week?
I'm travelling this week but hope to be getting a live out on the 21st! I'll post a placeholder on YT and tweet it out too.
cheers and safe travels
Lagavulin 16 is a classic. I like to drink that especially in winter, watching Nick Offerman.
I enjoyed this video very much as I just took 37 empty whisky bottles to the recycling (err Beer Store) in 2 laundry baskets. I guess my favorites out of them were the Balblair 1990/2015 and the Old Rip van winkle 10.
I did manage to cash them in for 3 Innis & Gunn bottles of beer
I still have an unopened OP21 and there are more available for 96 BP equivalent. Still working on an Ancnoc 24, gotten much better over time.
Cheers
Looks as cold there as Ontario is today.
Cheers Peter nice to get your feedback - we are in complete agreement about the class of that Balblair 90/15. I've yet to try a Van Winkle 10. Innis & Gunn! Too funny - it's brewed in Glasgow! On the OP21 open it and give it a little time, at the price you have available there you'll pick up more, of that I can all but guarantee.
Good stuff, Roy. Love the Recycled Reviews.
Thanks for stopping by again Nathan 🙏
Loved the review my friend. Not sure about Aberfeldy but agree on everything else.
Thank you Walt! I hear ya on Aberfeldy, and one of the reasons I won't replace is the profile doesn't suit me at all. But so many of the folks I shared it with *loved* it to the point I wanted to stay a little more balanced in the video. I don't always take to heavy honey flavours in malt. The last few drams however, after being open for about a year or so, were *damn* good. Hope your travel plans are shaping up (?)
Great video! I thoroughly enjoyed this. If I could I'd go out and buy one of each bottle recommended here.
Cheers.
Raster thank you! Let me know your thoughts on any you try. And thanks for stopping by 👍
I really like this idea of short reviews on empty bottles cause it means you had the whole bottle to decide what you think about it. (Also a fun coincidence that so many of my empty bottles are the same brands) Great vlogs, keep em coming! :)
Thanks Criell! I think we all come to realise at some point that the whisky changes throughout the open bottle, and as such so does our relationship with it. The first dram of a new whisky is nothing more than a first date.
Btw, great review as always! Really loved how you linked to other reviewers and your own in the description. Might I please request a score summary there as well? Alternately, you could your scores up as a 5 second title card and the end and viewers could pause to review. Thanks! Slainte!
Good Lord, it looks pretty darn cold down your way. Brilliant as always, Roy. I've yet to have my first bottle kill, let alone enough to do a presentation like this. I've always been curious about the Lagavulin 16. Your run-down of it here has convinced me to get one sharpish.
Lagavulin is by far the most successful at converting people to what is usually a formidable style of whisky, give it time in an open glass - I hope you'll love it.
It's a a very well made whisky JDC and I'm fond of it. If was 46% it would be a classic. If you can get some Lagavulin 12 though. That is whisky perfection.
'speshly that 2017 - your eyes will fall out your head.
Great video Roy, hope you had a dram to warm you up afterwards! Haha
Hi fella, thank you - yeh I did! (What did you think of the Last Jedi btw?!)
Aqvavitae It had some cool scenes and I liked it overall but there were parts in there I didn’t like so much. There were some things unanswered questions too which annoyed me at first but I’ve calmed down a bit now😁Have you seen it yet?
Yup. Awesome except for the casino scenes and weird detour to that planet. Some real iconic scenes that I absolutely loved. Really enjoyed it overall!
Aqvavitae I wasn’t sure about the Leia bit near the start and I agree with the casino part too and that part of the film, thought it felt a bit un Star Wars. Just 2 short years to wait on the final part, I think Abrams will do a job on the last film again.
Great, well presented work! Lagavulin 16 got me into peat. I feel that what it lacks in mouth feel it makes up for by being just generally great and more importantly, a unique experience compared to most whiskies.
Thanks Ebril. I noticed a thinning in texture on Lagavulin 16 too, but I have to say the most recent bottle I have is much better again. Despite this, it's still a formidable whisky, as you say. Thank you.
Well done Roy - just love this format!!
Thank you Jason, great of you to stop by!
I flipped out over the Ledaig 19 and had to get the 10 and liked it so much I went back and got another bottle it's glorious stuff!
Jeez Roy, you've thrown out more empties there than I've gone through since the start of my whisky journey around 3 years ago. Quite a mixed bag there, hope you've put a pair of gloves on your list to Santa, as well as a Lagavulin 16. All the best when it comes Slainte
Gloves - check! I will say some of these have been open a loooong time Bob, and at least four were given to me by my whisky buddy the Whisky Rev. I'd only start to worry about my alcohol intake levels if I was putting these videos out monthly!
Aqvavitae maybe it’s because I’ve seen 3 of these videos in around a month now I was worried for your liver 😂
Thanks for looking out for me Bob! I'll keep sharing to keep the pressure off my own liver 👍
This is such a brilliant idea for quick commentaries on what you like! I have those days sometimes when I've completed a series of bottles and my neighbors think I may have a problem. Huge fan of Ancnoc (remember the 16 year old?) Ahah! Yes! Blair Athol F&F! I'm afraid to finish mine, but will likely soon replace it. Also just finished last month an Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) 19 year Blair Athol that was pretty amazing as well, if a bit interesting in presentation. Ledaig and Tobermory are usually in my cabinet. Anyone who doesn't have Clynelish 14 or Lagavulin 16, should. Balblair is typically very good (except maybe the Vintage Reserve which was meh). Finally let's have a moment for The Botonist. Nothing better from my experience, but if you like the style you should try also St. George's Terrior Gin.
Brandon we could talk for hours about that AnCnoc 16. People sometimes get caught up in their oloroso casks or their peated Islays, when really true class lies in a good quality spirit left alone in a good old refill bourbon hogshead. Lovely it was. Pretty cool for you to spot that Botanist as well - I shoulda scored that - it was damn good - but I'm not very up on my gin knowledge. Thanks Brandon.
Never thought I’d be in an Athol thread. My current is a 22 Rattray and it is splendid. AQ I bought 2 acnoc 24s for $150 and I couldn’t be happier with it
Agree with both of you about the AncNoc 16. If you can find the Balblair 1997 it's a similar age and profile. As is the Glencadam 15, but I've been told by Reb, who recently visited the distillery, that that is also due to be shelved. What with the Balvenie 15 Bourbon and the Glenlivet Nadurra 16 on the scrapheap also, it makes you wonder. I don't understand why distilleries can't source decent bourbon barrels, fill them and lay them down for 14-16 years. I don't drink much gin these days but I recently tried Oxley which is very good. Expensive but 47%
Amazing looking back on this and discovering Glanfarlas is now £215
Nothing negative indeed ....... that was an outstanding basket!
If you were here this week you’d be wearing gloves and ear muffs! I need that anCnoc! You’re flying through so many bottles - have there been Aquavitae VIP parties?? Where’s my invite??🤣🤣
Truthfully, it' because there are so many open at any one time that I tend to be able to kill quite a few off at once. Also, at least four of the bottles featured here were purchases by my friend the Whisky Rev, until he moved to the Highlands we'd meet up and share our bottles, he's kind enough to put aside some of the better ones for comment. Cheers Mark!
You have some great scotches at your house! I know where I would love to party. Anyway great vid, I love the diversity of scotches, great insight into some not-so-common scotches that I want to learn more about.
The door's always open Everwind! Hit me up on the live with any questions about the more obscure ones 👍
I would like to visit Scotland someday :) Anyway, I love Scotches that have a long. long, "warm" malty finish that warm you from the inside out, but not burn. Always on the lookout for long finish scotches.
Clynelish is one of my favorites too.
Absolutely love your recycled reviews, fantastic stuff!!! Thanks for shearing with us. Just one thing, the music on it........please, please......
Great video once again :-)
Btw I'm going to Edinburgh over the weekend - looks like I shouldn't forget my winterjacket ;-)
Yes it's been damn cold. Where you travelling from?
+Aqvavitae Austria - it's cold here as well (ok, not today because of a warm Foehn wind but normally it's around -1, -2°C)
Interesting. I wasn't wowed by the Old Pulteney 12, but I have seen the 21 available. Maybe that will have to go on the "to do" list after all. Keep up the great vids Roy.
The 21yo is playing a different game altogether. Thanks Telex!
OP21 was my first "dead" whisky, and Loch damn it if it wasn't amazing. The 17 likewise.
Just discovered your channel! Really great stuff. Keep it up
Welcome! thanks for connecting while you were here 👍
I would give the Lag 16 a 9 all day even though the price is pretty inflated in 2019 compared to when this video was made.
Roy your videos have a great format and I really enjoy your straight forward reviews of the malts. I'm curious what your thoughts are on travel retail single malts and if there are any worth purchasing (entry to modest budget). Slainte!
Love these Roy. Thank you
Very welcome Bronco and great to see you joining in on the live streams too!
Finally got around to trying the Clynelish 14. In Krakow of all places. I can see why you like it so much!
Just found a bottle of the AnCnoc 22 here in Cambodia ...21, 1, 2022...
Looking forward to giving you my review..
Excellent! Love these videos. A lot of good whiskies here. A coworker of mine visited Scotland recently and visited Glengoyne. I asked him to pick me up a bottle of theTeapot dram but unfortunately they were out. :( Fortunately, I was able to acquire a sample about a week ago. I guess that will have to do until I can make it there myself. Cheers!
Yeah I had a feeling they may be out of Batch V. Damn it was good while it lasted, let's hope they pull a similar stunt with Batch VI. I foget where you are in the whisky world - US?
Yes, US. California, south of San Francisco a bit.
ust discovered your channel! I don't think I can afford any of that aged whiskies
Some of them are pricey, sure. Some are really great value though. Thanks for commenting.
Great style! even for a non native speaker great to enjoy
Even though I am a recent subscriber to your channel, I am still waiting for an empty bottle of... AN IRISH WHISKEY.
I'm watching these totally randomly, I just jumped back from #6 or something. Please Roy, do my bank account a favour and make your next few recycled reviews nothing but bad ones. Something along the lines of "Tastes like sheep piss, stay away from this" would be very much appreciated.
Seriously, every time you give a whisky 8.5 or above, it goes on my wish list. I've always lived beyond my means, I guess at 51 it's too late to try changing now.
Thank you for making these videos, I'd love to sit in a bar on a cold Winter evening and sample a few drams with you.
Edit. Bloody hell, my list now has 9 whiskys on it, time to go watch Russians crashing their cars........
Great video!
Thank you sir!
Roy, I really enjoy & have become a whiskey fan because of your videos! Can you do us a favor when you’re rating the whiskies in your basket, can you give us a still closeup view as you go through them.. Please continue your great show 👍🏼..Dorian.
That's a nice idea Dorian. And thank you!
I expected the Big Peat to go straight into the bin with a score of 5! That was my opinion of it anyway! Maybe us colonials in Australia are being used as a dumping ground for some bad batches! Lagavulin 16 being a perfect example!
Being new to whiskey - tried the gordon and MacPhail Bunnahabhain recently at a “after work tasting” and found it very easy to drink neat...too easy maybe. Definitely on the list.
It's not gonna be around for long either Andrew, perhaps one to grab a back up bottle of.
Got me reviewing my Santa list now :)
Who ya buying for? 🤔 Yersel?
Aqvavitae Yesh 😁
Great recycling job!
Thanks VV!
Roy, really enjoy this review format! I really enjoyed Ledaig 10, and picked up a medicinal note that I find pleasing. Could you recommend something similar? I'm fairly new to peat.
If you were in Canada you could get 10 cents for each bottle. You should send your empties to Quig.
Spot on again sir!
BRAVO!
Cheers Mark!
Great review Roy, Lagavulin 16 was my first whisky love as well. Though, it's gotten a bit ashy lately it's still always on my bar. I was never a fan of the Aberfeldy 21 for the price, I may have to revisit it.
Thanks! (Billy?) Yeah Lagavulin seems to be coming back onto a good thing again 🤞 The Aberfeldy 21? Nah - you're good 😉
it's Mike, always Mike ;)
Sorry meant to type (Mike?) but my brain farted. Just watched your Bunna 25 review, superb!
Aye its bloody cauld here tae Aqva!
Love a bit of Lagavulin, just new to it, but had a few drams of only the 16 the other night and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially when its so bitter outside! Also enjoying an A'bunadh just now since its this time of year and its basically a liquid Christmas cake!
Opened a Clynelish 14 the other week, and struggled with it tbh. Heard its not for beginners, but I'll let it open over another month and return to it and see if I get on a bit better with it then.
I had the Big Peat last year and really enjoyed it. If all you want is peat then its stonking value. Heard the Christmas edition is better though as its CS?
Saltire don't lose faith with your Clynelish... Your strategy with it is solid. Glad you're enjoying what are two whisky extremes with obvious 'hooks', the Clynelish is a little more subtle. It'll demand your patience. Thanks for stopping by ma man.
Oh I'll not give up on it, that's for sure! I remember having something similar happen to me with Springbank 12 CS when I was just starting out - it overwhelmed me and I didn't quite get it to start with. I let it sit a few months, went to some other whiskies, then when I returned to it I loved it! Now that one has everything going on, whereas as you said the Clynelish does seem subtler. Having a cold doesn't help either just now when it comes to nosing and tasting hence why I'm on the peatier or CS stuff just now; but hopefully when I return to it, I'll enjoy it more.
Hopefully should make your livestream tomorrow if you are running one, since I'm all settled in now after my flit! Slainte!
Lagavulin 16....😍
times 2!
Love these, but I find what you find as a good buy in Scotland is the opposite in California and vice versa. Nonetheless great info.
I've had the Blair Athol 12 and think it is a damn fine Highland. It packs a sting, and it is quite woody, but this is a rewarding slow sipper to me.
I've also had a the Ledaig 10, and for a peated whiskey, it is so unique in its flavour profile. I've tasted pear, honey, cereal and some citrus and it's one of those whiskeys where I am taken on a journey from nosing to finish and I appreciate that.
Glad you’re loving them! 👌 I like ‘em too...
I just cry to myself when I hear the prices. Scotch costs so much more here in America!
Clynelish 9/10 ..you had a bottle recently ? still a nice profile and good value for mid £30s in today's market but super flat / nothing expectational
Shhh! Glenfarclas is listening!
1:40 "This is Gin" where else can you get this level of insight :P
Great job Roy.
Keep these great reviews coming. 👍🤜
I am big fan of Glenfarclas 15 which has good amount of sherry does 25 have more sherry?
How do they compare against each other?
Thanks Roy
Jez Bhatti thanks! The 25 is noticeably richer than the 15 as you'd expect, it's actually a masterclass in bringing deep, rich, we'll aged sherry style to the masses. Treat yourself Jez.
I'm a relative newbie to Whisky and I tried my first Lagavulin 16 at the weekend. I was blown away at how good it is. I've tried Laphroaig (10 and Select) and I'd definitely rather spend the extra few pounds and buy the Lagavulin
Now, go and see where it's made, how it's made and why it exists. It's an absolute joy. Thanks for watching and commenting Paul, your whisky journey ahead is going to be amazing.
Sorry - I meant to link to the video I've just released today on that very subject - here it is : ua-cam.com/video/KJpEvVvnhuQ/v-deo.html
Hi Roy. I know these are 4 years old or so, but I'm really enjoying the Recycled Reviews, but something you've said raises a question for me. You mentioned the experience of a bottle changing as you get further down. Do you finish a bottle relatively quickly after you open it? I tend to have many bottles (maybe too many) open at one time, so I honestly don't remember in detail what a given whisky was like last time to make that kind of comparison. I wonder if I should limit the bottles I have open and go back to the open ones more often to get that experience?
I can pick up the Blair Athol for 56 euro. Not cheap for a 12 year old. For almost the same price i can pick up the linkwood or mortlach 15 G&M. Doubting if i should by the Blair Athol pure on your review....
apu de geest You shouldn’t, not on my say so. Perhaps if we knew other better, but I’m just one guy. Linkwood and Mortlach are both dear to me and I’m not sure if you refer to the G&M Linkwood 15 or the Flora&Fauna 12, regardless they’re both good but to compare these or G&M Mortlach 15 to Blair Athol 12 wouldn’t be fair to any. Different styles. I go on value, and for me I’m pretty sure I’d pick the Blair Athol every time. I hope you can try a sample or bar pour first. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Great Video as usual! :)
I'll definitely have to check out Clynelish as much praise as it gets from you. About a month ago I managed to score a dram of a 20yo SV bottling in a Whisky bar for a ridiculously low price and it was great (not fantastic but great). Alas, there are so many others I want to check out or have already waiting in my cupboard.
You forgot to tell us whether you would replace the 8yo Bunna. I pretty much agree with you on it, but I don't think I'll replace it any time soon, just because there is so much other interesting stuff in its price range and because for me it's a bit hit or miss depending on my day.
How would you see the Distiller's Editions of Cragganmore and Lagavulin in comparison with the standards? I managed to score a Laga DE for a great price and a Cragganmore DE (
Clynelish is always worth a look, the SV's I've really enjoyed, but there's little to find fault in their standard 14yo OB. On the Bunna 8yo I think you've nailed it. It was excellent whisky, but now that it's been bought and enjoyed it'll probably give its shelf space up to something else for a while - there is indeed just too much choice out there.. On the DE Classic Malts, people make the mistake that these are slightly premium versions of the standard and that's not strictly true, they're just a different take on the standard. For example I prefer the standard Lagavulin 16 over the DE most years, I will say however that the Cragganmore is quite a departure from the standard, and despite not always loving port wood finishes I do like that one a lot. This brings me back to your first point - if you can find the Clynelish DE - grab it. Thanks Everest!
Hi Roy, thanks for the reply and the heart! :)
My boss tasked me with picking/buying a bottle of whisky ("something good, up to 100€") for our Christmas celebration (sometimes I love my job :D ), and during my search I came across a Clynelish DE for the absolutely insane price of 44€ ... 5 minutes before reading your reply. That one will be mine alone though. :D
Regarding the DEs in general, I know what you mean. I also quickly learned that the Talisker 10 and DE wonderfully coexist, whereas I prefer the standard Caol Ila 12 over the DE because it is more straight-lined and self-consistent. My question was actually sort of in the context of that already.
PS: Does it surprise you, that the Clynelish DE is actually out of stock? ... I knew there was a catch ... :(
Everest314 hmm...that's a shame. I should mention that it was also out of stock at Glenkinchie distillery last week. I wonder.... If you find it anywhere it'll cost around £60 to £70. If you're buying for colleagues the only mistake I've made in the past is buying cask strength for folks who aren't used to it. How about a nice rich Glendronach 18?
Thanks for the input! Yeah, I already pretty much excluded cask strength, because even despite the budget, we are aiming for something suitable for casual enjoyment.
Glendronach 18 or 21 (just within the budget and sounds very christmasy :D ) are on my list, along with Talisker 18, Caol Ila 18 and Ballechin STFC Port Cask (it's cask strength, but "only" 50.9%). There is definitely a positive bias towards smoky whisky here, but I refrained from the heavy stinkies. :P
Not quite sure yet.
A teaspoon of Port Ellen?
"Tea-spooning" is common in whisky right now. 1) In the context of which you imply. 2) rendering casks of single malt into blends to avoid brokers, bottlers and traders selling traded casks as a single malt (where the original distiller are overly protective or nervous of brand dilution) and 3) My favourite - the "Ralfy" - using a teaspoon to carefully add just the right amount of water to your dram!.
👌
So did you like the Botanist Gin or not? :D
KNUR Konesur it was very tasty. 8/10! 🙂
So will you buy it again? :D
BTW. Did you drink the Esker Gin by any chance? ;) (And if yes, could you compare the two?)
Glengoyne...did I hear you right, "Teapot Dram?" Is this different than the Glengoyne cask strength which I saw yesterday?
Yes. Teapot Dram is a distillery exclusive unfortunately - but they do sell it through their online shop, it was £90 but limited to around 3,000 bottles has now sold out. Auction sites now I'm afraid. JasonWhiskyWise did a review which I've linked to in the description if you're interested. It differs from the CS as they agonise over a very exacting cask selection in trying to recreate a style of young, bold and powerful first-fill sherry aged whisky similar to what may have been issued during the days of 'dramming' in distilleries. I shared this on a live with the Scotch Test Dummies - here's a link to the exact spot in the live stream where we cover the Teapot Dram ua-cam.com/video/qK2g_bNFzaM/v-deo.htmlm51s This was batch V, selected from 5 first-fill casks, 4 butts and a hogshead.
Ledaig is my 10/10, as I just love it. I try to have two bottles on hand, one for drinking, and one in reserve. So if you give it 9/10, we can be friends.
Friends! Deal! thanks Harold
What would be your favorite single malt whiskey under 50£ ?
Clyenish 14 is only 35 pounds there!! Bring me some please!! It is $90 CAD (50 pounds) at the only place I can find it in my area 😞
You are right about the Aberfeldy. It is a crime that it is bottled at 40%. Have some indies that are non-chill, no color, 18yo, 20yo and 46%. It was an epiphany for me and cost less than the official.
I know it's pitched to someone who already feels 40% is powerful enough, but yeah, it's heartbreaking for us who want to connect with it. Often we get so much more from IBs, there's a middle ground there but not many in the industry are exploring yet.
I must be a contrarian. With just superficial blind knowledge, I would choose an indie over an official any day any time. It is almost the reverse of logic-indies are higher abv, more transparent, usually not chil-fil, no color added and cost less! I guess people hypnotized by branding.
I just bought the last 4 bottles of Old Pulteney 21 a store had for 99 pounds a bottle. Good buy? I think so!
I think that's a great buy, I really do - I hope you come to love them!
Nice take on reviews :)
Thanks boys - outside in the cold - just like you fellas!
It is refreshing ;)
Great video. I do not agree with your comments regarding Ledaig 10. It's a flavourable and characterful whisky but as an introduction to peated whiskies, certainly not. It's very farm yard, wet hay with a slight "countryside" smell which takes some getting used to and I would not give this to someone who had never had a peated whisky before. I would however recommend Compass Box Peat Monster (which contains Ledaig), and Caol Ila 18. Perhaps even Kilchoman 100% Islay or The Glenlivet Nadurra Peated Cask. All very approachable peated whiskies. But not Ledaig!
Hi Reb. I know the taste/profile you speak of well, but I've never picked it up in Ledaig 10yo. I do have a Kilchoman 100% Islay and it's not enjoyable for me due to that very character! How interesting! It's like a wet hay, mulchy, sawdust-type note. I think this is perhaps influenced by the cut-point and I understand it's a batch-driven phenomenon. Hope you get to try Ledaig again to see if it's consistent to you. In recent times the range has been improved hugely across all Burns-Stewart distilleries, there was once an expression of Ledaig (NAS) which was nothing like the current 10yo, and closer to the style you speak of.
Nàdurra is powerful! - I'd give that to a newbie with a warning and a jug of water on the side! Thanks Reb.
Wow, you have brought up a number of points here.
I am on my 4th bottle of Ledaig 10 in 3 years or so. I have found it very consistent. I enjoy it a lot as a different type of Island peaty whisky. Yes, it’s the Burn Stewart 46.3% abv expression. Nevertheless, I have found that it’s signature character is very farmyardy.
The Kilchoman 100% Islay 5th Edition is readily available here in Israel and actually cheaper here than in London. I tried the 4th Edition at the distillery and found it too young and new spirity. The 5th Edition I just loved and it is one of my all-time favourite single malts. I am on my 8th (9th?) bottle already. I love the stuff and have 3 bottles in the cupboard at the moment. I have never ever found any hint of farmyard with this whisky at all! How strange!
Here is my review here:
The Distillery Tour
rebmordechaireviews.blogspot.co.il/2016/01/kilchoman-distillery-tour-and-machir-bay.html
Kilchoman 100% Islay 5th Edition Review
rebmordechaireviews.blogspot.co.il/2016/01/kilchoman-100-islay-5th-limited-edition.html
Here are my Tasting notes:
English Digestive biscuits, Under ripe banana. Shortcake Butter fingers. After the earthy peat smoke has made "his" dramatic appearance it retires to the back somewhat to graciously allow its co-star, the delicate floral fruity nature of the whisky to take centre stage.
Delicious notes of citrusy glazed lime peel come through, followed by Yorkshire Tea with full fat milk, vanilla custard and lemon and banana meringue pie filling with a touch of sea-salt crystals.
The Finish leaves you with a satisfying long malty polished wood
(think of a new mahogany dining room table in a furniture shop), soft heather honey, roasted citrus and banana on a barbeque with a generous sprinkling of a variety of dry spices.
I have been nagging the Israeli importers to bring in the 100% Islay 7th Edition but so far no luck.
By the way, I bought a bottle of the Kilchoman Cask Strength Quarter Cask at the distillery and am not too impressed with this finding it tastes too much of burnt wood ash and lacking the creamy butter and biscuits of the 100% Islay.
Finally, we get to The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Cask. This is bottled at cask strength 61.5% abv. When I describe its character and flavour it is obviously with water! (I cannot understand why anyone would want to sit down and drink a Cask Strength malt straight from the bottle unless they are a recovering Meths-drinker?!)
So, with water, it has a mildly coastal peaty ashy base with nose of sweet peat smoke and green apples and honey. However, this only supports the wonderful crispy green apples, honey and almond Country Breakfast cereal, smoky roasted barley grain, apricot jam on scones, milky fudge, furniture polish and wood spices.
Now I find this whisky quite perplexing. If you would have asked me I would have said the casks were from Islay. Laphroaig or Bowmore. However, the official press release says that the casks are heavily peated from a Speyside distillery! This narrows down the options considerably. Pernod Ricard (Chivas Brothers), owners of The Glenlivet do not (as far as I am aware) own any distillery that produces heavily peated whisky. The only distillery they own that produces peated malt is Alt-a-Bhainne and they use malt at 10 PPM, hardly heavy! It therefore must be from distillery they don’t own.
Candidates include Benromach, BenRiach, Glen Moray, Tomatin Cù Bòcan, Glen Rothes, Balvenie and of course the king of Speyside Peat Monsters, Old-Ballantruan (Tomintoul).
Out of all of these, only Benromach (in my opinion), has a slightly coastal flavour. I even wrote to my Cask expert contacts in the Speyside region asking them if they knew but so far, no one has replied. The casks remain a mystery but I have not given up yet.
Reb Mordechai I sense a future sample exchange! 😀
What Sample do you want? I don't think it's very practical sending samples through the post from/to Israel but you are welcome to try. The only thing I have which you definitely will not be able to get in the UK is our newest whisky distillery here in Israel called "Milk and Honey" (I know it's a shmotzy name but I didn't choose it!).
The distillery was designed by the late and great Doctor Jim Swan and produces around 1 Million litres / year. Their first bottling is amazing! It's called Milk And Honey "Young Single Malt" Batch #33.
It cannot be called whisky because it's only 12 months in casks but wow, it's good! 12 months maturing in the hot and humid climate of Tel Aviv in First Fill American Ex-Bourbon casks,
See my review here:
rebmordechaireviews.blogspot.co.il/2017/07/milk-and-honey-young-single-malt-cask.html
Thanks Reb, I'd like to check it out. I hear you about the sample exchange and yes some countries it's tricky. I was kind of only half-joking though as I do enjoy trading samples, but my Kilchoman 100% is so famryard-y it's like a hamster cage compared to the sweetness and round mellow Ledaig 10, quite a contrast. However, one of the great things about whisky is the debate and subjective nature, as the owner of one of our local whisky bars says "It's a conversation in a glass" (Paul at the Bon Accord in Glasgow.)
OP 21yo is readily available here...Its $120. I know its hard to say, but should I make a conscious push to stock up? I really like the 12 and 17.
The 21 is not much at all like the 12, but much closer to the richness of the 17, imo. I think I'd feel cautiously comfortable pushing you to pick up at least one and try it. Like so many of the style and age - it gives its best when allowed patience.
You seemed to be quite busy Roy’! Ever tried the Lagavulin 12 Cask strength? Cheers Mate,
See the follow up video! ua-cam.com/video/A_yHnJCoBFc/v-deo.htmlm38s
Lagavulin is nectar of gods. Criminal that label lacks natural color, NCF, & 46%.
Mark Wilson try the 12yo cask strength, order will be restored to your world. Thank you for watching!
Amazing review as usual Roy. I think you have surpassed me in bottle flipping skills. Sounds like I need to pick up some Ledaig 10 asap! What do you think about Aberfeldy 21 for $110 USD?
Thanks for stopping by Keith! Ledaig yes, Aberfeldy no. Although it is a good price I feel like I'm getting to know your preferences and even if you find this at 43% export ABV (although it could still be 40%) I'd say spend elsewhere.
K....thanks for the tip:)
Unfortunately that Ledaig is hard to find for less than $60 stateside. Otherwise I'd have at least one in my stash.
HAPPY BURNS DAY ROY11
Sláinte
Mike
Thank you Mike!
I really like your style but I find the music very distracting when I'm trying to concentrate on what your saying.
I hear ya, you're not the first to say so. I kinda edit to my own ear and appreciate that's not to everyone's taste (you might not wanna catch some of my other videos!). Thanks for taking the time to feedback rather than just hit the down thumb - or worse - leave without doing anything! I'll give the next one a second pass to make sure the music is throttled a bit.
I admire your cognitive prowess.
What I admire most about your vids(including the livestreams) is that they are not jejune. Always fun.
I love that I increase my vocabulary with each new comment from you! While I'll not always succeed, I'll try hard to never become jejune!