To my mind, this is nearly 20 minutes of expertise -- genuine, authentic insight -- provided free of charge and with a dollop of eccentricity with every installment of a new vlog. Ralfy you are a genuine professor, passing along authentic and valid information and informed opinion -- and with an emphasis on clarity at each step. "Vanilla cream...vanilla custard...vanilla honey..." Gotta love it!!
That sigh in the beginning. It surely can't be easy pouring yourself a glass of whisky, but it's a sacrifice you're willing to make for the sake of education! Respect!
Great video Ralfy! I am a Christian of a branch where, unfortunately, people look on alcohol as a bad thing and have a hard time understanding my hobby. This is the kind of honest explanation that makes others understand us malty mates a bit bitter - that is as much valid for people who abstain as for binge drinkers. Anyways, what I'm trying to say is that I appreciate your balanced views - and even more your passion - for this liquid art.
After discovering your reviews I watched all of the first 317 in a row (where you were up to at the time) and stopped for some time. I keep a spreadsheet of your recommendations.. oh how I have missed hearing your fine words. Keep up the good work ralfy, that's all I have to say
Just got back from a co-workers place. Dropped off what was left of my JW blue. Don't miss it much - looking forward to a new bottle of single malt. I saw your review of it and your right - your paying for advertisements.
Hey Ralfy, been following your vlogs for quite a while now and learned so much from it! Your attitude to help people make better decisions when it comes to purchase is just great. Thanks for that. Still, I have two things to say: First, the poisonous substance in bitter almonds is cyanide, not arsenic. Second, one reason why children don't like bitter stuff is that they seem to have problems digesting the relevant substances, as a food expert pointed out to me. Which seems to make sense. Thanks again for your enthusiasm. Ralf
Hi Ralfy, I have followed your vlog for a few months already, very helpful and informative, thanks! Regarding smell/taste sense this is amazing how different smell/taste we can get drinking something before. For example drinking Old Pultaney and then Bushmills Bluck Bush I smell and taste almost one flavour from Bluck Bush and it is pears. I like to experiment with these things.
Very educational! I'm happy to announce that the first ever Norwegian whisky has been released to the stores. It is called "Agder Audny" 46%, aged 3 years on sherry casks. Unfortunately, in Norwegian tradition it is overpriced.
Really great as usual Ralfy! A while ago when I was in Copenhagen for an internship, I did some reading on taste/smell evoked memories in the congenitally blind. Do you happen to know any (congenitally) blind people enjoying whisky? It would be interesting to see how they experience these complex mixtures of taste and smell.
Sipping on a dram of Elijah Craig 12 atm, I've found a little water (I mean very little) opens up this bourbon like a jar of honey. The nose is amplified & the complexity is more drawn out to something you can identify with instead of bombarding all of those flavors at your palate like a machine gun. Do you ever add water or Ice to your whisky to "open it up"? If so, what whisky do you find the biggest evolution in flavor with? Keep up the good work Ralfy, this 12yo is toasted to you!
Terrific stuff. I was looking forward to your advanced masterclass and, as usual, you didn't disappoint. One tiny complaint: no HD option for this one?
Oh darn! I had already picked out a different whisky before I saw that you were vlogging with Ancnoc16. Maybe I'll watch again in a few days with the same. What's on deck for the next class?
Thank you so much Ralfy!All yours videos unique !Can you tell please what is idea to put different stuff every time on cupboard behind?Any matching with the video ?Thanks
Since I started watching these videos my drinking has become quite a bit more moderate as a result. Drinking neat and really appreciating the flavor takes some time. I'll have two 30ml drams in a typical evening. Drinking way less, but spending way more though. Running out of room in my liquor cabinet.
A bit off topic, but worth mentioning is when enjoying a cigar you "retrohale"... To do this you simply blow out approx 2/3 to 3/4 of the smoke thru your mouth; pull your tongue back (like you're at the dentist, and getting a oral cancer screening) then exhale the remainder 1/3 or 1/4 of the smoke thru your nose... This method makes use of the olfactory senses, and you'll be able to enjoy/distinguish the finer flavours of your cigar.
I secretly want to see a Stoner version of Ralfy... Smelling and testing all different forms of marijuana. hahaha Of course he would need a scottish accent too
Good stuff. I'm a science geek so this was right up my alley! Yeah. I have had my eureka moments being pissed as a skunk. If i only could remember my "Nobel" thoughts... But seriously. I think this with focused thinking can be some truth in if alcohol is used wisely and not abused. I recommend AsapSCIENCE video "Your Brain on Drugs: Alcohol". Watch it :)
Sorry for another comment... Im a whisky beginner and need your advice I have tried Old Pultaney12, Highland Park 12, Lagavulin 16, Caol Ila12 and 18, Talisker 10 and Cragannmore12yo I'm gonna try Glenfarcles15, Glenmorangie Original and Ardmore TC and of course before malts I tried blends and Teacher's was the best one. I would like to ask what would you recommend to try next to have wider experience of different whisky flavours. Which whisky tastes completely different from already mentioned?
Hi Ralfy mate. Have you tried any of these new revamped Glen Scotia's, Tullibardine's or Inchmurrin's that are hitting the shelves? Any to be reviewed soon? :)
Hi Ralfy. We just rec'vd the 3L tabletop cask that you spoke of!! (its so cute;) Im now going to invest in a few bottles o/Kilchomans new-make! can u appx the wood/spirit conversion? Does 1wk = 1yr "in theory" God knows we dont want to ruin this guy w/excessive oakiness! thanks Ralfy...cheers
ralfystuff - i got way too drunk on whisky the other night, and it was the worst hangover I've ever had. Not to mention, I somehow got more drunk (per volume) than my normal beverage: vodka. I'm wondering if the excessive drunkeness, and the huge hangover (which I never get with vodka) is a result of methanol is whiskey? Or, is it simply the impurities in whiskey which give it the flavor, but also make it more difficult on the system?
methonal can exacerbate the effects of a hangover because it metabolizes to formaldehyde which in turn interferes with ethanol breakdown in certain parts of the liver. Ralfy is totally right though, savor your whiskey. I changed my drinking habits completely from my student days. Now that I can actually afford some nice whiskeys I drink a lot less in terms of quantity.
The amount of alcohol isn't the only thing that determines how drunk you get. Other factors play a big role as well, like the food (and other drinks) you had that day, your condition that evening (you get drunk much faster when you're tired), and even such basic thinks like the temperature of the room you were in. But I agree with Ralfy: just don't get drunk. And there's no such thing as excessive drunkenes; drunkeness is always excessive.
It's all part of the experience! Nothing like enjoying a whisky without having to see the level in your glass go down. After all, taste is 95% smell anyway! Agree to disagree I suppose.
Koskenkorva do a salmiakki vodka and its lovely. Its very thick - its more like an alcoholic rendering of salt liquorice rather than a flavoured vodka. Readily available from the whisky exchange.
Thanks ralfy interesting/informative as ever if a tad tending towards the next party political speech from the temperance society ; ) .... preaching to the converted possibly?
Meow, Meow, Meow, Woof, Bark, Bark, Bark...just being Catatonic...or is it Dogmatic...Who let the Dogs out...If it is raining cats and dogs...don't step in the Poodles. WOOF! That last one was the cats meow.
Have you posted a video about yourself? i.e. how you got into whisky, how you developed your palate and whisky knowledge, and why you chose to start sharing your perspective and knowledge with the world.
In addition to its motor function, the trigeminal nerve is primarily concerned with touch, temp, pain, and other "physical" sensation. However, chemical sensation is handled by the olfactory nerve (smell) and a few other cranial nerves for taste. Re: methanol. No, it's not in your whiskey. Methanol isn't a fermentation product. Even if you had trace amounts, it would evaporate off completely before your still got up to EtOH distilling temp. Vodka's just solvent and water. No point to it at all!
Vodka for some reason is very gentle on a hangover but brandy is a disaster. I think vodka/gin are very clean spirits & don't contain the high levels of aromatic components that brandy or whisky has. Anyway one shouldn't drink that amount to cause a hangover.
tasting is just extension of nosing... try drinking without breathing or during cold. You loose most of the taste because main device of tasting stuff is your nose
Ugh. It doesn't even figure on the radar because it's a "kid's drink" (not advocating kids drinking here, by the way). Salmiakki is like salty piss mixed in alcohol and roofing tar with a teaspoon of sugar for good measure. I despair at the very standard selection of single malts at Alko, however we are lucky in that we have the best whisky bar in Finland here in Pori.
Or indeed a different - if not worse - combination of these. It is not uncommon for some people to feel drunk, forget cash, waste flavour and drink shit.
I can't tell you anything more than anecdotal evidence, but whisky gives me the worst kind of hangover possible. I feel even a single dram the day after. I now drink in moderation because of this.
To my mind, this is nearly 20 minutes of expertise -- genuine, authentic insight -- provided free of charge and with a dollop of eccentricity with every installment of a new vlog. Ralfy you are a genuine professor, passing along authentic and valid information and informed opinion -- and with an emphasis on clarity at each step. "Vanilla cream...vanilla custard...vanilla honey..." Gotta love it!!
That sigh in the beginning. It surely can't be easy pouring yourself a glass of whisky, but it's a sacrifice you're willing to make for the sake of education! Respect!
Very good and informative again Ralfy!
Also very nice that you made several remarks on alcohol abuse.
Savour and enjoy
in moderation!
cheers
Great video Ralfy! I am a Christian of a branch where, unfortunately, people look on alcohol as a bad thing and have a hard time understanding my hobby. This is the kind of honest explanation that makes others understand us malty mates a bit bitter - that is as much valid for people who abstain as for binge drinkers. Anyways, what I'm trying to say is that I appreciate your balanced views - and even more your passion - for this liquid art.
After discovering your reviews I watched all of the first 317 in a row (where you were up to at the time) and stopped for some time. I keep a spreadsheet of your recommendations.. oh how I have missed hearing your fine words. Keep up the good work ralfy, that's all I have to say
"emotioal transport" wat a unique concept & a tru gift!
realgud stuf Ralfy
Just got back from a co-workers place. Dropped off what was left of my JW blue. Don't miss it much - looking forward to a new bottle of single malt. I saw your review of it and your right - your paying for advertisements.
you taught me to moderate my intake, thank man.
I work within and study psychology, and enjoy this video very much. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Ralfy,
been following your vlogs for quite a while now and learned so much from it! Your attitude to help people make better decisions when it comes to purchase is just great. Thanks for that.
Still, I have two things to say:
First, the poisonous substance in bitter almonds is cyanide, not arsenic.
Second, one reason why children don't like bitter stuff is that they seem to have problems digesting the relevant substances, as a food expert pointed out to me. Which seems to make sense.
Thanks again for your enthusiasm.
Ralf
Hi Ralfy, I have followed your vlog for a few months already, very helpful and informative, thanks! Regarding smell/taste sense this is amazing how different smell/taste we can get drinking something before. For example drinking Old Pultaney and then Bushmills Bluck Bush I smell and taste almost one flavour from Bluck Bush and it is pears. I like to experiment with these things.
this is quality information..
many thanks for uploading these video's
Hi Ralfy; excellent video as per usual. Thanks again!
One of the best videos yet ralfy
I like you Ralfy, I really do. Doing these videos must get to you at times (it's only human), but it never shows on them. Got to respect that.
Very educational!
I'm happy to announce that the first ever Norwegian whisky has been released to the stores. It is called "Agder Audny" 46%, aged 3 years on sherry casks. Unfortunately, in Norwegian tradition it is overpriced.
Great video can't wait for the rest. Thank you
Thanks again our Scotch Sensei.
Educational and Entertaining
Easy, Ralfy! Don't choke! Wonderful review as always!
You're quite the treasure. Thanks Ralfy!
I admire your passion.
Really great as usual Ralfy! A while ago when I was in Copenhagen for an internship, I did some reading on taste/smell evoked memories in the congenitally blind. Do you happen to know any (congenitally) blind people enjoying whisky? It would be interesting to see how they experience these complex mixtures of taste and smell.
Sipping on a dram of Elijah Craig 12 atm, I've found a little water (I mean very little) opens up this bourbon like a jar of honey. The nose is amplified & the complexity is more drawn out to something you can identify with instead of bombarding all of those flavors at your palate like a machine gun. Do you ever add water or Ice to your whisky to "open it up"? If so, what whisky do you find the biggest evolution in flavor with?
Keep up the good work Ralfy, this 12yo is toasted to you!
Always good to make somebody smile using this remote internet thing :-)
Terrific stuff. I was looking forward to your advanced masterclass and, as usual, you didn't disappoint.
One tiny complaint: no HD option for this one?
Oh darn! I had already picked out a different whisky before I saw that you were vlogging with Ancnoc16. Maybe I'll watch again in a few days with the same. What's on deck for the next class?
Thank you so much Ralfy!All yours videos unique !Can you tell please what is idea to put different stuff every time on cupboard behind?Any matching with the video ?Thanks
Excellent video. Thank you Ralf, you malt-expert!
great stuff Ralfy , thnx
Since I started watching these videos my drinking has become quite a bit more moderate as a result. Drinking neat and really appreciating the flavor takes some time. I'll have two 30ml drams in a typical evening.
Drinking way less, but spending way more though. Running out of room in my liquor cabinet.
A bit off topic, but worth mentioning is when enjoying a cigar you "retrohale"...
To do this you simply blow out approx 2/3 to 3/4 of the smoke thru your mouth; pull your tongue back (like you're at the dentist, and getting a oral cancer screening) then exhale the remainder 1/3 or 1/4 of the smoke thru your nose...
This method makes use of the olfactory senses, and you'll be able to enjoy/distinguish the finer flavours of your cigar.
Wow Ralfy greatatuff!
wisdom & insight personified.
Hey watchin ya on Telly (thru pc) there ya go Hollywood by proxy!
Nice masterclass !
Love it! Very informative
Hi Ralfy / great video (again!). I have a question: how/with what do you clean your whisky glass?
Hot soapy water and a sponge.
Excellent stuff!
I especially enjoyed your drawing skills. ;-)
Again, learned alot. Thank Ralfy!
Updated version of this please, Ralfy! ❤
Ha! I just bought and opened a bottle of anCnoc before I found this video. Quality stuff!
I secretly want to see a Stoner version of Ralfy... Smelling and testing all different forms of marijuana. hahaha Of course he would need a scottish accent too
Good stuff. I'm a science geek so this was right up my alley!
Yeah. I have had my eureka moments being pissed as a skunk. If i only could remember my "Nobel" thoughts...
But seriously. I think this with focused thinking can be some truth in if alcohol is used wisely and not abused. I recommend AsapSCIENCE video "Your Brain on Drugs: Alcohol". Watch it :)
Hi Ralfy, I noticed that on this video there is no HD quality available. I hope you can get back to HD soon. Just a better video quality, that's all.
Ralfy, You just made my day! This IS good stuff. Well presented and informative .... is this knowledge a side effect of your former workings?
Sorry for another comment... Im a whisky beginner and need your advice I have tried Old Pultaney12, Highland Park 12, Lagavulin 16, Caol Ila12 and 18, Talisker 10 and Cragannmore12yo I'm gonna try Glenfarcles15, Glenmorangie Original and Ardmore TC and of course before malts I tried blends and Teacher's was the best one. I would like to ask what would you recommend to try next to have wider experience of different whisky flavours. Which whisky tastes completely different from already mentioned?
Wonderful stuff
Hi Ralfy mate. Have you tried any of these new revamped Glen Scotia's, Tullibardine's or Inchmurrin's that are hitting the shelves? Any to be reviewed soon? :)
„Horst Schlüter“ was one of my accounts. How time flies ...
how true...in general, the more you drink the better it tastes...
I'm glad you have fun making them. I just subscribed this week, you could call me a fan.
Hi Ralfy.
We just rec'vd the 3L tabletop cask that you spoke of!!
(its so cute;) Im now going to invest in a few bottles o/Kilchomans new-make! can u appx the wood/spirit conversion? Does 1wk = 1yr "in theory" God knows we dont want to ruin this guy w/excessive oakiness!
thanks Ralfy...cheers
ralfystuff - i got way too drunk on whisky the other night, and it was the worst hangover I've ever had. Not to mention, I somehow got more drunk (per volume) than my normal beverage: vodka. I'm wondering if the excessive drunkeness, and the huge hangover (which I never get with vodka) is a result of methanol is whiskey? Or, is it simply the impurities in whiskey which give it the flavor, but also make it more difficult on the system?
methonal can exacerbate the effects of a hangover because it metabolizes to formaldehyde which in turn interferes with ethanol breakdown in certain parts of the liver. Ralfy is totally right though, savor your whiskey. I changed my drinking habits completely from my student days. Now that I can actually afford some nice whiskeys I drink a lot less in terms of quantity.
Great Vid!
The amount of alcohol isn't the only thing that determines how drunk you get. Other factors play a big role as well, like the food (and other drinks) you had that day, your condition that evening (you get drunk much faster when you're tired), and even such basic thinks like the temperature of the room you were in.
But I agree with Ralfy: just don't get drunk. And there's no such thing as excessive drunkenes; drunkeness is always excessive.
i learned something new today
It's all part of the experience! Nothing like enjoying a whisky without having to see the level in your glass go down. After all, taste is 95% smell anyway!
Agree to disagree I suppose.
Koskenkorva do a salmiakki vodka and its lovely. Its very thick - its more like an alcoholic rendering of salt liquorice rather than a flavoured vodka. Readily available from the whisky exchange.
Thanks ralfy interesting/informative as ever if a tad tending towards the next party political speech from the temperance society ; ) .... preaching to the converted possibly?
I'd like to see that too. I bet it's a great story :)
Meow, Meow, Meow, Woof, Bark, Bark, Bark...just being Catatonic...or is it Dogmatic...Who let the Dogs out...If it is raining cats and dogs...don't step in the Poodles. WOOF! That last one was the cats meow.
Have you posted a video about yourself? i.e. how you got into whisky, how you developed your palate and whisky knowledge, and why you chose to start sharing your perspective and knowledge with the world.
how whiskey pungent smell can be removed ??
i am having project on it so i want some scientific method for removal
any scientific method for removing
I'm sorry - I meant what whisky you would be having to go along with the next class. It's more fun when I'm experiencing the same thing you are.
Nice alex grey.
In addition to its motor function, the trigeminal nerve is primarily concerned with touch, temp, pain, and other "physical" sensation. However, chemical sensation is handled by the olfactory nerve (smell) and a few other cranial nerves for taste.
Re: methanol. No, it's not in your whiskey. Methanol isn't a fermentation product. Even if you had trace amounts, it would evaporate off completely before your still got up to EtOH distilling temp. Vodka's just solvent and water. No point to it at all!
Vodka for some reason is very gentle on a hangover but brandy is a disaster. I think vodka/gin are very clean spirits & don't contain the high levels of aromatic components that brandy or whisky has.
Anyway one shouldn't drink that amount to cause a hangover.
tasting is just extension of nosing... try drinking without breathing or during cold. You loose most of the taste because main device of tasting stuff is your nose
Ugh. It doesn't even figure on the radar because it's a "kid's drink" (not advocating kids drinking here, by the way). Salmiakki is like salty piss mixed in alcohol and roofing tar with a teaspoon of sugar for good measure.
I despair at the very standard selection of single malts at Alko, however we are lucky in that we have the best whisky bar in Finland here in Pori.
nosing is over-rated (unless you are master blender)...taste is what it counts
Ralphy, do you like black liqourice?
Wash your glasses?
Like 👍
The end cracked me up...sry.
Or indeed a different - if not worse - combination of these.
It is not uncommon for some people to feel drunk, forget cash, waste flavour and drink shit.
I can't tell you anything more than anecdotal evidence, but whisky gives me the worst kind of hangover possible. I feel even a single dram the day after. I now drink in moderation because of this.
very funny