I hear ya, but as annoying as Macallan is, price wise, it's a good whisky. This list is ordinary and, imo, spot on for me (even though there are a couple I'm not familiar with.)
I met a guy from the Aberfeldy distillery at a whisky fair and he ask me what can i offer you and i replied you have nothing i havent tried or want to try. He gave me a funny look and reached under the desk and pulled out a 40y from 1976 and gave me a dram for free and it is top 5 i ever tried but sure it is 2500euro😬
Good list Geoff. I do have a few of those, but generally steer clear of them also. I do have the Tamnavulin Sherry cask which is not bad, and stops me from drinking all of my much more expensive sherry bombs, or my Dalmore Cigar Malt, when I'm in the mood for something sweet as a break from my Islay obsession! Rest up and get better mate!
Tamnavulin Pinot Noir cask finish was an amazing bottle for me, despite being only 40%ABV it was really packed with flavour and so good that it made me experiment more with finishes in general when it comes to whisk(e)y.
I have only tried Aberfeldy 12y and I like it, it has flavour. My friends like it too. I would say it is better than Chivas 12y, Black Label and Monkey Shoulder.
Hi Geoff. With you on these brands, can also include , Dalmore, Auchentoschen, Bowmore, Glenlivet ( since the rebranding I’m finished with them) and Glenfiddich. Course we’re talking about OB’s right. Of course these brands are for the casual drinker but I’ve got a Tamnavulin ( was a gift) and in the garden or watching a film, over ice it’s fine, or at a party,and it won’t break the bank . Good list video Geoff, Slàinte 🥃
Auchentoshan definitely SHOULD have made this list, but I just plain forgot about it. And I agree, I think a lot of these are fine sipped casually in a non-enthusiast social sitting or on ice. Cheers David! 🥃
Hard to argue with your list - don't have a single one of these in my collection and not really compelled to get them either. I think I've tried Jura before and it was very average. The Aberfeldy 18 I had was actually alright, so maybe the revamp will put it over the edge for me. Fun list @Gwhisky - hope you're feeling better!
Geoff. I tend to ignore these in addition to your list!:- Ardmore Legacy, Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Benriach, Tomintoul, Deveron, Knockando, Glen Moray. Don’t know why, but there is usually something far more interesting and I’m not out to buy cheap and average alcohol but something which has the potential to justify the expenditure.
Watching this while being sick myself. And I can fully relate to your vibe lol. Regarding whiskies I pass by when I see them on the shelf - Tomintoul comes to mind.
tamnavulin, tullibardine and Royal lochnagar - can’t say I’ve ever heard of any of them (or, maybe more to the point, noticed them) and I’ve been in a lot of whiskey shops! aberfeldy - I’ve avoided it, not by design, just too many recommendations for other whiskeys out there. Jura, I keep hoping it’ll be good but hasn’t happened yet. Maybe an IB. Cardhu - I’ve only had the 12. Ho hum. Singleton - it’s not bad on the rocks, which generally is how I drink my cheap whiskey so the taste is calmed down lol There’s tons to add though, to each his own
New to the channel, but I already like the attitude and approach, and I really like when opinions differ - it's where we get new perceptions and broadens our horizons! It's a good list - for me I could add Jura and Fettercairn. It's a shame about Royal Lochnagar... I'll give you, that entry level 12 YO is not doing them any good reputationwise... But for IB's and special releases, the Royal Lochnagar is one of my absolute faves...! Keep up the good work!
I actually really like Tullibardine. The 228 is quite solid, the sovereign is kind of like a very sharp and woody budget orchard house and I have a bottle of the 25 that some friends gave to me a couple of years ago that is quite delicious if a bit unchallenging. To me Glenfiddich is a brand that I usually don't give much consideration to , though their experimental series does have some interesting expressions
Best review yet, Geoff. I agree with your entire list - supermarket standbys, every one of them. I'll admit I have the Tullibardine 15 - I bought it because it's one of the range that has an age statement, and it's not bad. But all the others are just a "mug's eyeful" - designed to impress the unwary. If you're gonna buy decent whisky, go to a specialist. I also liked this review because, as usual, it takes some unexpected directions. Tripotassium phosphate DOES sound delicious, but doesn't get great reviews - but, like you, I'll choose honey nut corn flakes over oatmeal any day!
Hey man, I had taste 20 years old oloroso single cask from aberfeldy as dark as petrol.. Just fabulous! But I agree on the core range. I am 100% with you, I had this cold, I couldn't taste or smell for almost a week... Lost time!! 😅😅
Fun list, and I do agree with all brands on the list, and I can ad, for example, Balvenie, atleast their standard bottles and also Glenlivet, but they sometimes shine, The Illicit still was a really great dram.
Tamnavulin for me has some fun finishes to try dirt cheap. For me Johnnie walker is missing on the list. But maybe thats because is never give it a chance.
Hello Geoff, I totally agree with your List and would proudly add the Standards of Dalmore,Glen Moray,Glen Keith, Auchentoshan, Glenkinchie, Knockando, Inchgower and last but not least the Pulteney Distillery. Somehow i never bought them and if they keep doing what they do the Way they do it i never will😅
good go, on 7 Tamnavulin and 6 Aberfeldy12 I really can agree, so I will pass on the others. No 1 Singleton 12 was nice as beginner, but on my direction to peated Whiskey, I lost my interest on Singleton, but I liked it much more then Tamnavulin or Aberfeldy 12. Thank you
Thanks Geoff for the review. Always helpful with your thoughts and opinions. Some of mine MEH-whiskys so far are mostly low budget single malts and blends, but also some that gone up too much in price for what it is. There are many budget blends in this list, wich I won't mention. But here's some in no specific order.. Jura 12 is definitely one of those, even though the sherry cask version is better. Some others are The Sexton, Gold Bar, Glen Moray, Highland Park 12, Islay Mist original, even though Double Peated is better. Latitude 53 and 55, Tullamore Dew, Naked Malt, Monkey Shoulder, The Balvenie
I bought Jura - distillery cask (~16y, 56.5%) while visiting the distillery on sailing trip around Scotland. It was surprisingly good, I personally really liked it. So I dunno, it could be just me, or they can sometimes make really nice stuff among those forgettable bottles.
I do agree with your list especially with the extremely bland Aberfeldy. Some permutation of your list is slightly better, eg. Jura 12 The Bay at 44% abv is a step up from the regular 12 and old bottling of Cardhu 12 at 43% abv. Pertaining to Singleton, the Glen Ord is the best among the three.
A friend recently served me the Jura 12 'The Bay' (44%) and it was quite good, with depth and character most likely brought on by finishing in casks that held 15 year old PX sherry.
1. Diageo brands. F-‘em. This means a lot of classics that used to be superb, but all good things… 2. Speyburn - particularly odd given the unstinting support Roy of Aquavitae gives the 15, but none of the notes or the profile calls out to me much. 3. Macallan. Best left to those with more money than sense. 4. Benromach. Tried a couple of times and not doing enough for me. Tastes too “generic”. 5. Springbank! Good whisky, but not worth the hype or the inflated prices IMO. BONUS: Arsbeg. My phone autocorrects this and I’ve given up changing the spelling. A brand that should be right up my Islay, but too many tell me it’s jumped the shark. When there’s Port Charlotte, Ledaig & Kilchoman, why bother?
Hot takes! I like Speyburn, but I can't match some of the enthusiasm there is out there for it. Benromach is slightly overhyped, I'd agree, although I'm a big fan of the profile. Cheers! 🥃
@@Gwhisky If you're traveling, check out some of the low budget Speyburn in travel retail sometime. They bottle a 10 year old at 46% and NCF which I can get at my local airport (Addis Ababa) for 41 USD and an NAS bottle called "Hopkins Reserve" (also at 46% and NCF) for 35 USD. Both bottles are a full liter. Won't set the world on fire, but the value is there. 🙃
Ardbeg is a weird one for me. I feel like the distillate is still pretty decent but they only want to bottle weird shit from mediocre casks and they're making it harder for IBs to get casks. I assume they have to have some great casks in their warehouses but the new releases seem to be all about some novelty with no concern for quality.
I 100% agree with this list. Jura is the worst. I never thought whisky could really taste bad until I had my first Jura. There is sharp, alcoholic, badly aged whisky but nothing has this vomity, sour, cheese-like taste. Jura is the only whisky you'll get in hell.
You should've gone for a Hot Toddy instead of the mystery pour Swap the Lochnagar for a Dalwhinnie, chuck in a Glenfiddich & you've got the bog-standard small UK supermarket malt selection
Pretty good list, Geoff. Periodically I host a tasting where 8 people sample 6 different whiskies. Cardhu 15 scored quite high for one of these tastings. I tend to walk by Dalwhinnie, Glen Moray, and Dalmore which I find way overpriced.
I resonate with you when you talk about Tullibardine distillery, but for the different reason. As the regulation of imported liquor of Taiwan has to reveal the original manufacturer, Tullibardine always appears on the back label of Costco's Kirkland whisky in Taiwan, "If I wanna taste some Tullibardine whisky, I'll just drink Costco's Kirkland whisky because this distillery is like Costco's OEM product." That's probably what Costco in Taiwan did to Tullibardine!
No surprises for me on your list. I have had a lot of personal satisfaction from Tullibardine's The Murray (Marquess Collection) (three expressions: three winners, for me), and like you, glaze over when I see anything else from them. I enjoy your reviews... great balance between humour and information.
Weirdly half of them is on my skip list too: aberfeldy, singleton, jura. I add expensive brands dalmore and maccalan too, it's mostly for the price. Can we have 7 bottle design you love next! 🎉 Thanks for the video 📸
First of all: get well soon. Thanks for another interesting list, something most of us might put together. For me it's kinda easy: basically everything OB (except for some like Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Springbank and Kilchoman) Maybe more interesting is: neglected distilleries. Then Macallan, Dalmore, Jura, Arran, GlenDronach, GlenAllechie and Tamdhu are one my list. My preference for non-grape polluted whisky indeed is a significant reasen for leaving them for others... Slàinte mhath
When I was first getting into scotch from the traitorous corn juice, I saw Jura 12 on a fantastic sale and thought I had definitely better try that out. In hindsight, I now see why it was on a fantastic sale!
Emirates had Aberfeldy 18 in their business class lounges and flights. When I flew in May it was in both but in July there they were using Glenfiddich 15 on the flight bars but the lounges still had Aberfeldy..
The only one I've ever tried on this list is Cardhu 12 in a pub. This was in the early stages of my whisky journey, and I thought it was good at the time, but would definitely be "meh" now. Hope you feel better soon! Cheers!
Boring? Are we talking about stuff that just doesn't pique ones interest? Aberfeldy (12,16,21) This could be the poster child. Famous Grouse (and the Naked Malt) Glen Grant (10, 16) Tomintoul (12 Olorosso, 14, 16) Glengoyne (10,15,18) Glenrothes (Vintage/Bourbon Cask/Sherry Cask - Reserve) Benriach (10, 10 smokey, 12, 12 smokey)
Glengoyne seems to have killed their brand over the last few years. Just a couple years ago, the 25 was a great value at under $300. Now it's more expensive and lower quality.
I'm often tempted to comment on things like this, but then I read the other comments and start feeling like Captain Harris finding out he's walked into the Blue Oyster Bar...
I can't agree regarding Glen Moray. It's cheap and cheerful but an honest tasty malty single malt for casual drinking in the evening. I'd recommend you try out their Travel Retail Non-Chill Filtered high abv bottlings. They are nice. As regards Deveron, yes, I'm with you there. Similar to Dufftown, Aberfeldy and Cardhu. Bland Bland Bland. Deveron (made at MacDuff distillery) is another one of those bland over engineered single malts. I would definitely seek out some independent bottlings of MacDuff though. Good examples of the light lemon grass and custard style Speysiders. The current Scapa lineup is to be avoided. I am with you there as well. If you want to know what Scapa tastes like, seek out the 14 or 16 Year-Old bottlings in auctions. These long discontinued bottlings are still relatively easy to find. Recommended.
I would have to agree with you there on Scapa, it's been pretty disappointing for some time now. However, the core range offerings Skiren and Glansa have now stopped being produced and Scapa are putting out a new core range. I'm not at liberty to say what bottlings these are, but they will be age stated and craft presented. Hopefully this will put Scapa back on the map.
@xDragzGOML I'm delighted to hear this. Anymore information you could give us would be appreciated. For instance, what exactly does craft presented mean? Natural Colour, Non-Chill-Filtered and bottled at 46% or more abv?
I understand the first 4of your but not the last 3. Deanston puts out pretty nice Stuff (18yo, 20yo Sherry is a 💣), Strathisla makes really good old Stuff (the older the better), and Glengoyne can be the better Macallan (if you put their newly Bourbon matured Stuff aside😅) . Give it a try and and you wont be disappointed 😊
@@Balkonwhisky Hi Balkon. I've tried all of them several times to reach my verdict. Deanston's distillate is rough and industrial. Hence it needs to be hammered in sherry or virgin oak. Ditto with Glenrothes. Straithisla is far too generic for my liking. Good as a filler for blends. Glengoyne is another generic malt. Their CS expressions were just about ok but I wouldn't rush to replace a bottle. Macallan is not a whisky anymore. It's a trophy to show off 😊
Aberfeldy is a brand I was not familiar with until I did the distillery tour. I find the 12 pleasant. Maybe good for beginners as the price is right. 16 is also priced well (Ontario Canada), 21 is well over priced. Side note: On the tour I got a sample of straight from the barrel 21 year old (distilled 2002)... it was delicious. They should bump up the abv on the core range... but they won't. Good video.
I'm sure Aberfeldy has the capacity to be a fantastic enthusiast brand if they chose to go in that direction. I've no doubt the 21 was a banger. Cheers! 🥃
@Gwhisky interestingly, I asked about it and the tour guide said no, Aberfeldy had no intention of releasing more niche offerings (peated, abv, etc...) outside of the samples for tours... he mentioned Craigellachie (also owned by Dewar's) as an alternative with more "interesting" bottlings for enthusiasts. He wasn't lying... I guess they maintain their lanes. #Business
@@itwasalladram...5657I visited the distillery in May this year and had an identical experience. The cask-drawn dram was very good but the rest was meh. I had the impression that the distillery is very proud of being conservatively traditional and they would actively resist any suggestion of change to their products. I guess they know their niche market pretty well.
Get well soon Geoff💪🥃🥃 Love the premise and the list. Sometimes its good to call a spade a spade. My most recent meh experience was Macallan 12 Double oak. I tasted once Aberfeldy and Jura in a bar...only thing I remember from the experience is telling to myself: - Never again. Capslock warriors go👇
Whisky is a personal choice. None of those in my opinion are “meh”! I have bottles worth a lot of money and some are not up to the standards of some of those whiskies you reviewed! But again, whisky is a personal choice! Sincerely. 👍 🏴 However Cardhu is not one for me, but the Singleton is wonderful!
A few of the brands on the list I have never tried, and the rest is brands I also ignore. Actually Aberfeldy 12 I would go around in a big circle. Same with Jura. Only tried Jura Journey, and that was enough from that brand for me. 😅
Mystery pour guess: JW Celebratory blend. OMG I GUESSED IT RIGHT I completely ignore Aberfeldy, Balvenie, Macallan, Auchentoshan, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Dalmore, Glen Deveron, Glen Moray, Glenallachie, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Glenmorangie, Kingsbarns, Knockando, Lochlea, Octomore, Penderyn, Scapa, Talisker, Tamnavulin, all Singletons, Tomintoul, Tullibardine... and the whole Compass Box mess. Don't get me wrong, I have bottles from all of them, and some of the bottles are actually pretty good, like Auchentoshan 21, Glen Moray 18, Glen Deveron 20, Aberfeldy 21, Knockando 21... but I can't see myself buying a bottle from any of these distilleries again.
I agree with most of that list, except maybe Tullibardine. I tried the 228 a couple of months ago with a few friends and we all enjoyed it way more than expected. So now I'm curious about their other offerings. I'd add Balvenie to the list. They make some pretty decent whisky but they're just incredibly overpriced here. I'd also add Macallan (surprise, surprise, lol), Scapa, Glen Moray and Glengoyne, with the exception of the Teapot dram which is just an outstanding sherry bomb
Never mind them, Glenfiddich's only peated malt, finished in Caribbean rum casks, and bottled as 'Fire & Cane' is a treat. It's a bit schizophrenic in the mouth but somehow the peat and rum sweetness echo back and forth and amazingly works very well.
Given that a brand I've been considering is on this list, I have something to ask. If it ain't too much trouble, I would like to know what you and other viewers would suggest I choose from the older whisk(e)y in my local area available to me that have my attention. To help in giving a suggestion, so far, my favorite scotch bottles have been Bladnoch 11, Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2013 (not peated), and Bruichladdich Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014. I haven't tried any older examples of whisky yet, and I've been looking for one to get to enjoy in my own home. I've recently been looking at an IB cask strength Tullibardine malt aged in a bourbon hogshead for 24 years. I was debating with myself between that and a cask strength IB North British 23 year malt aged in ex bourbon cask. At the price they are at, and overall stats, I feel they are a good value. There's some other stuff under the price those bottles are at that I could get. Bottles such as Bruichladdich re/define 18, Bladnoch 19, and Compass Box Experimental Grain (insert honorable mention for Art & Decadence here. I'd include hedonsim, but I'm worried about that 43% abv). I have had a not so in depth tasting from a CB sample pack and while I haven't finished the 50ml bottles yet (trying to let them develop), the brand has left a pretty good impression on me (excluding the Spaniard). What do you guys should I do?
@@WhiskyLoversSociety - was out of my range too at the time. I had it at a friend's place and have subsequently tried to get a bottle but it's very hard to come by.
I walk past Aberfeldy because of the branding and when I tasted it I found it to be not enough proof. Tullibardine I bought the 18 year because the price was very good. Jura I walk by because I bought dusty bottles of the 12 and I thought it was super meh. I'm a financially irresponsible whisky buyer.
Thanks for the review Geoff, opinionated of course, but who isn't when it comes to most things. The number of comments speaks for itself and I enjoyed reading all the other opinions. Well done!
Absolutely nailed the list for me. I have bought bottles from all those distilleries in the past. The only exception was an Aberfeldy 28 year old I had which was exceptional not only in flavour and character but cost too. All of them are OK and it's probably good to have a bottle of one of them around to share with those friends who are not really whisky drinkers but say they are because they drink Johnny Walker Black or Glenfiddich. Over and above that list there are a few others for me that just never seem to have me reaching for them on the shelf in my local whisky shops. They include: Aberlour - good stuff but there's other sherried stuff I like more. Glenlivet - no explanation necessary Core range Laphroaig - this is not for me at all. The cask strength releases and older stuff is excellent. Compass Box - There are a few I like, but again the core range is "eh" and the special release stuff is overpriced. Talisker - Other stuff I just prefer
Regarding Compass Box's core range both Orchard House and Spice Tree are very good. Alert: Spice Tree is being discontinued so for those who like it now is the time to pick up a few.
@@doronneuhaus30 Peat Monster and Spaniard were not for me either but they are to be discontinued along with the Spice Tree. Orangerie is not one that I know. I have a bottle of Hedonism that I bought out of curiosity but have yet to open it.
Good list, I just overlook most of those and actively avoid the rest. Singleton is Satan’s dishwater and Cardhu is a plump filler whisky for blending. Tullibardine has never impressed me in any expression. Jura has an undeserved reputation, I think based on what they were releasing 5-10 years ago. The contemporary expressions are much improved but it’s ignorable. Tamnavulin is the one whisky from the list where we differ, as I actively look for it. I used to buy blended scotch for mixing and long drinks but now I routinely buy Tamnavulin or Knockando single malts for that purpose. They are only slightly more expensive but more characterful. Tamnavulin Sherry Cask release punched above its price bracket and was a good session whisky.
Balvenie, Dalmore, Glen Moray, Glengoyne and Loch Lomond. To name a few. Just like you said, for maybe value, attraction, over hyped, or something else, maybe I just think I can spend my money better. I have a hard time walking away from Craigellachie, Benromach, Port Charlotte and Ladiag. I find some Compass Box offerings quite appealing as well. Enjoy your stuff. Carry on!
I don't think I can disagree with any of your choices. *Tamnavulin* I would never buy as they no longer have any expression which doesn't have some Ex-Sherry cask maturation mixed in there. I actually still have a bottle of the Tamnavulin 12 from before the closure in the 1990s, exclusively matured in Ex-Bourbon barrels. I've been through quite a fair amount of these bottles in my time. Despite the added colour, chill filtration and 40% abv, I'd rate this highly and would recommend buying one of the many offered at auction for really cheap prices. *Aberfeldy* A beginner's whisky which I have always found a bit too caramel sugary sweet. I also ignore this but it's not terrible. *Tullibardine* At least in Israel, they are very very expensive. I loved the now discontinued 20 Year Old. I bought the 15 YO when it first came out really wanting to like it. It smelt and tasted like burnt plastic. Horrible stuff. I even complained to the distillery about it. I also had a bottle of the NAS Sovereign. Never again. It tasted like nail polish remover. Far too young. Definitely a brand to avoid IMO. *Jura* Once you've had a distillery bottling of this. you realise just how much they ruin the official bottlings with over engineering, far too much colouring filtration. I have not bought a Jura since the late 1990s. *Royal Lochnagar* I ignore this as again, they don't offer expression which does not have some Ex-Sherry cask maturation in the mix. *Cardhu* Yes, it's similar to Aberfeldy. A beginner's single malt which you will quickly lose interest in as it really doesn't offer anything unique or special. As you say, it's one of those bland Speyside brands. If you go to the distillery, they also sell bottles of Knockando 12-YO, the nearby sister distillery, which I much prefer to the Cardhu 12. Having said that, I haven't bought a bottle of Knockando for about 20 years. *Dufftown* The Singleton of Dufftown is burnt toffee sickly sweet. Awful stuff. One to avoid unless you have a very sweet tooth and love fudge.
I agree, Tullibardine is better than the rest on the list, Yes its a supermarket regular. The Sovereign is ofter reduced to nearly half the price here in the UK. You know, sometimes we dont want to think about a whisky or have it knock our socks off. Tulli is a good standard whisky for when you want to have a nice meaningless dram...no strings attatched.!😉
I skip by anything by diagio, I ignore bourbons for the most part. I keep half a bottle of buffalo and wt 101 just in case tho. I like to explore though so I pick up anything that looks interesting.
@@Evertreynold I tried them, they're good, but for their price they're hardly the best choice. I don't believe the distilleries make bad whisky, it's just being sanitized by the bottling plants. I've had my fair share of taliskers singletons monkey shoulders and the like, but I shoot for the more robust flavors nowadays, so I skip right past these now. I have a bottle of Signatory 12 year old Inchgower, and it's one of the tastiest sherried unpeated malts I've had, but I wouldn't buy the Diageo releases.
Interesting stuff Geoff. On the flip side it occurred to me when looking through my open and unopened bottles that I regularly buy from only 16 or 17 brands so my walk past list is way longer than yours 😏
I am deeply upset with the list because you included all the whiskies I am a big fan of! 🤣🤣🤣 .... hahahaaa No, I am not! I honestly couldn't agree more, only with the exception of Royal Lochnagar as I haven't tried it yet, it's not available here. I have a couple of Jura's that I've tried a few times and they are almost forgotten on the shelf. The Singleton 12 (glendullan) that is available here and the Aberfeldy are quite dull to be honest; more of the same with the Tamnavulin which is very accessible in price, but would typically end up in a cocktail... Good list.. Cheers Geoff 💪🥃
As an Aussie I feel like I’m being unpatriotic every time I bypass Australian whiskies at the liquor shop but sadly only a small number are both enjoyable and reasonably priced.
Have had a few Starward, young but alright, never tried Sullivans C, doubt I will- so expensive- am I right thinking you lot in Oz are heavily ‘shafted’ on the tax?
Apropos of nothing, recommend trying the new Ardbeg Spectacular. It’s gotten dramatically mixed reviews, I personally quite liked it, like and Ardbeg 10 with more character.
"Smelling and tasting is helpful" ~ Geoff 2024
And we were all waiting for the Macallan kicking which never arrived 😀😀
😂😂😂
I hear ya, but as annoying as Macallan is, price wise, it's a good whisky. This list is ordinary and, imo, spot on for me (even though there are a couple I'm not familiar with.)
Me too man!
“All the personality of a doorknob.”
I relate. 😂
Hey, at least a doorknob be getting them hand jobs
I’ve met doorknobs with WAY more personality than any Singleton 😀
I met a guy from the Aberfeldy distillery at a whisky fair and he ask me what can i offer you and i replied you have nothing i havent tried or want to try. He gave me a funny look and reached under the desk and pulled out a 40y from 1976 and gave me a dram for free and it is top 5 i ever tried but sure it is 2500euro😬
I can’t argue with any of your picks. No angry boy here 😅 Cheers, Geoff!
Good list Geoff. I do have a few of those, but generally steer clear of them also. I do have the Tamnavulin Sherry cask which is not bad, and stops me from drinking all of my much more expensive sherry bombs, or my Dalmore Cigar Malt, when I'm in the mood for something sweet as a break from my Islay obsession! Rest up and get better mate!
Tamnavulin Pinot Noir cask finish was an amazing bottle for me, despite being only 40%ABV it was really packed with flavour and so good that it made me experiment more with finishes in general when it comes to whisk(e)y.
I have only tried Aberfeldy 12y and I like it, it has flavour. My friends like it too. I would say it is better than Chivas 12y, Black Label and Monkey Shoulder.
leaving the image of the whisky up during your explanations is a GREAT idea. well done.
Thank you! Cheers! 🥃
Hi Geoff. With you on these brands, can also include , Dalmore, Auchentoschen, Bowmore, Glenlivet ( since the rebranding I’m finished with them) and Glenfiddich. Course we’re talking about OB’s right. Of course these brands are for the casual drinker but I’ve got a Tamnavulin ( was a gift) and in the garden or watching a film, over ice it’s fine, or at a party,and it won’t break the bank . Good list video Geoff, Slàinte 🥃
Auchentoshan definitely SHOULD have made this list, but I just plain forgot about it. And I agree, I think a lot of these are fine sipped casually in a non-enthusiast social sitting or on ice. Cheers David! 🥃
Hard to argue with your list - don't have a single one of these in my collection and not really compelled to get them either. I think I've tried Jura before and it was very average. The Aberfeldy 18 I had was actually alright, so maybe the revamp will put it over the edge for me. Fun list @Gwhisky - hope you're feeling better!
Geoff. I tend to ignore these in addition to your list!:- Ardmore Legacy, Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Benriach, Tomintoul, Deveron, Knockando, Glen Moray.
Don’t know why, but there is usually something far more interesting and I’m not out to buy cheap and average alcohol but something which has the potential to justify the expenditure.
Watching this while being sick myself. And I can fully relate to your vibe lol.
Regarding whiskies I pass by when I see them on the shelf - Tomintoul comes to mind.
tamnavulin, tullibardine and Royal lochnagar - can’t say I’ve ever heard of any of them (or, maybe more to the point, noticed them) and I’ve been in a lot of whiskey shops! aberfeldy - I’ve avoided it, not by design, just too many recommendations for other whiskeys out there. Jura, I keep hoping it’ll be good but hasn’t happened yet. Maybe an IB. Cardhu - I’ve only had the 12. Ho hum. Singleton - it’s not bad on the rocks, which generally is how I drink my cheap whiskey so the taste is calmed down lol There’s tons to add though, to each his own
Crabbies Yardhead and Jura Journey are the worst malts I have had! 😂😂
New to the channel, but I already like the attitude and approach, and I really like when opinions differ - it's where we get new perceptions and broadens our horizons! It's a good list - for me I could add Jura and Fettercairn. It's a shame about Royal Lochnagar... I'll give you, that entry level 12 YO is not doing them any good reputationwise... But for IB's and special releases, the Royal Lochnagar is one of my absolute faves...! Keep up the good work!
I actually really like Tullibardine. The 228 is quite solid, the sovereign is kind of like a very sharp and woody budget orchard house and I have a bottle of the 25 that some friends gave to me a couple of years ago that is quite delicious if a bit unchallenging.
To me Glenfiddich is a brand that I usually don't give much consideration to , though their experimental series does have some interesting expressions
@@manel2012 Tullibardine The Murray 12yo Cask Strength was one of my all-time favorites; but that's gone and the new stuff is pretty ghetto ✌️
Best review yet, Geoff. I agree with your entire list - supermarket standbys, every one of them. I'll admit I have the Tullibardine 15 - I bought it because it's one of the range that has an age statement, and it's not bad. But all the others are just a "mug's eyeful" - designed to impress the unwary. If you're gonna buy decent whisky, go to a specialist. I also liked this review because, as usual, it takes some unexpected directions. Tripotassium phosphate DOES sound delicious, but doesn't get great reviews - but, like you, I'll choose honey nut corn flakes over oatmeal any day!
Hey man, I had taste 20 years old oloroso single cask from aberfeldy as dark as petrol.. Just fabulous!
But I agree on the core range.
I am 100% with you, I had this cold, I couldn't taste or smell for almost a week... Lost time!! 😅😅
Fun list, and I do agree with all brands on the list, and I can ad, for example, Balvenie, atleast their standard bottles and also Glenlivet, but they sometimes shine, The Illicit still was a really great dram.
Tamnavulin for me has some fun finishes to try dirt cheap.
For me Johnnie walker is missing on the list. But maybe thats because is never give it a chance.
jonnie walker taste like molded cardboard smells.
Hello Geoff,
I totally agree with your List and would proudly add the Standards of
Dalmore,Glen Moray,Glen Keith, Auchentoshan, Glenkinchie, Knockando, Inchgower and last but not least the Pulteney Distillery.
Somehow i never bought them and if they keep doing what they do the Way they do it i never will😅
good list of easy sipping whiskies that just dont jump out at you or have any complexity to them....great for beginners.
good go, on 7 Tamnavulin and 6 Aberfeldy12 I really can agree, so I will pass on the others. No 1 Singleton 12 was nice as beginner, but on my direction to peated Whiskey, I lost my interest on Singleton, but I liked it much more then Tamnavulin or Aberfeldy 12. Thank you
Agree with your list, would add old pulteney. I just have not been impressed with any old pulteney I have had in the last 3-4 years.
Sadly I have to second that. Old Pulteney had a steep fall from grace when they revised the lineup. I pine for the old 17 and 21 year olds 😢
Thanks Geoff for the review. Always helpful with your thoughts and opinions.
Some of mine MEH-whiskys so far are mostly low budget single malts and blends, but also some that gone up too much in price for what it is. There are many budget blends in this list, wich I won't mention. But here's some in no specific order.. Jura 12 is definitely one of those, even though the sherry cask version is better. Some others are The Sexton, Gold Bar, Glen Moray, Highland Park 12, Islay Mist original, even though Double Peated is better. Latitude 53 and 55, Tullamore Dew, Naked Malt, Monkey Shoulder, The Balvenie
Good picks! (or bad picks?)
Some of those will likely be included if I do a follow up list. 🥃
The Balvenie is dead to me. MEH!
I bought Jura - distillery cask (~16y, 56.5%) while visiting the distillery on sailing trip around Scotland. It was surprisingly good, I personally really liked it. So I dunno, it could be just me, or they can sometimes make really nice stuff among those forgettable bottles.
Distillery exclusives and standard OBs are rarely in the same league. 🥃
I do agree with your list especially with the extremely bland Aberfeldy. Some permutation of your list is slightly better, eg. Jura 12 The Bay at 44% abv is a step up from the regular 12 and old bottling of Cardhu 12 at 43% abv. Pertaining to Singleton, the Glen Ord is the best among the three.
Yup! What’s with people who live Aberfeldy?!!
A friend recently served me the Jura 12 'The Bay' (44%) and it was quite good, with depth and character most likely brought on by finishing in casks that held 15 year old PX sherry.
1. Diageo brands. F-‘em. This means a lot of classics that used to be superb, but all good things…
2. Speyburn - particularly odd given the unstinting support Roy of Aquavitae gives the 15, but none of the notes or the profile calls out to me much.
3. Macallan. Best left to those with more money than sense.
4. Benromach. Tried a couple of times and not doing enough for me. Tastes too “generic”.
5. Springbank! Good whisky, but not worth the hype or the inflated prices IMO.
BONUS: Arsbeg. My phone autocorrects this and I’ve given up changing the spelling. A brand that should be right up my Islay, but too many tell me it’s jumped the shark. When there’s Port Charlotte, Ledaig & Kilchoman, why bother?
Hot takes! I like Speyburn, but I can't match some of the enthusiasm there is out there for it. Benromach is slightly overhyped, I'd agree, although I'm a big fan of the profile. Cheers! 🥃
@@Gwhisky If you're traveling, check out some of the low budget Speyburn in travel retail sometime. They bottle a 10 year old at 46% and NCF which I can get at my local airport (Addis Ababa) for 41 USD and an NAS bottle called "Hopkins Reserve" (also at 46% and NCF) for 35 USD. Both bottles are a full liter. Won't set the world on fire, but the value is there. 🙃
Ardbeg is a weird one for me. I feel like the distillate is still pretty decent but they only want to bottle weird shit from mediocre casks and they're making it harder for IBs to get casks. I assume they have to have some great casks in their warehouses but the new releases seem to be all about some novelty with no concern for quality.
Just poured a glass of tamnavulin and watch
I 100% agree with this list. Jura is the worst. I never thought whisky could really taste bad until I had my first Jura. There is sharp, alcoholic, badly aged whisky but nothing has this vomity, sour, cheese-like taste. Jura is the only whisky you'll get in hell.
You should've gone for a Hot Toddy instead of the mystery pour
Swap the Lochnagar for a Dalwhinnie, chuck in a Glenfiddich & you've got the bog-standard small UK supermarket malt selection
We all know that feeling of standing in that section, squinting in case there's something interesting lurking somewhere. Alas, there is not.
@@devononairhaha and we know its never happen but still going there and confirm to ourself nothing is changed. 😁🥂🥂🥂🙋♂️
Pretty good list, Geoff. Periodically I host a tasting where 8 people sample 6 different whiskies. Cardhu 15 scored quite high for one of these tastings. I tend to walk by Dalwhinnie, Glen Moray, and Dalmore which I find way overpriced.
I resonate with you when you talk about Tullibardine distillery, but for the different reason. As the regulation of imported liquor of Taiwan has to reveal the original manufacturer, Tullibardine always appears on the back label of Costco's Kirkland whisky in Taiwan, "If I wanna taste some Tullibardine whisky, I'll just drink Costco's Kirkland whisky because this distillery is like Costco's OEM product." That's probably what Costco in Taiwan did to Tullibardine!
No surprises for me on your list. I have had a lot of personal satisfaction from Tullibardine's The Murray (Marquess Collection) (three expressions: three winners, for me), and like you, glaze over when I see anything else from them. I enjoy your reviews... great balance between humour and information.
Weirdly half of them is on my skip list too: aberfeldy, singleton, jura. I add expensive brands dalmore and maccalan too, it's mostly for the price. Can we have 7 bottle design you love next! 🎉 Thanks for the video 📸
Dalmore for sure - chill filtered, coloured and low ABV. The only thing high is the price.
Bottle design? Nah.... I am here to drink not to look at it.
Ah! You got the JW Celebratory Blend. It's not bad at all, the ABV is much appreciated too.
Yeah it's good stuff! 🥃
First of all: get well soon.
Thanks for another interesting list, something most of us might put together.
For me it's kinda easy: basically everything OB (except for some like Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Springbank and Kilchoman)
Maybe more interesting is: neglected distilleries. Then Macallan, Dalmore, Jura, Arran, GlenDronach, GlenAllechie and Tamdhu are one my list. My preference for non-grape polluted whisky indeed is a significant reasen for leaving them for others...
Slàinte mhath
When I was first getting into scotch from the traitorous corn juice, I saw Jura 12 on a fantastic sale and thought I had definitely better try that out. In hindsight, I now see why it was on a fantastic sale!
Emirates had Aberfeldy 18 in their business class lounges and flights. When I flew in May it was in both but in July there they were using Glenfiddich 15 on the flight bars but the lounges still had Aberfeldy..
The only one I've ever tried on this list is Cardhu 12 in a pub. This was in the early stages of my whisky journey, and I thought it was good at the time, but would definitely be "meh" now. Hope you feel better soon! Cheers!
Boring? Are we talking about stuff that just doesn't pique ones interest?
Aberfeldy (12,16,21) This could be the poster child.
Famous Grouse (and the Naked Malt)
Glen Grant (10, 16)
Tomintoul (12 Olorosso, 14, 16)
Glengoyne (10,15,18)
Glenrothes (Vintage/Bourbon Cask/Sherry Cask - Reserve)
Benriach (10, 10 smokey, 12, 12 smokey)
Some of those would definitely be added to a follow-up list, if I make one. 🥃
Glengoyne seems to have killed their brand over the last few years. Just a couple years ago, the 25 was a great value at under $300. Now it's more expensive and lower quality.
I'm often tempted to comment on things like this, but then I read the other comments and start feeling like Captain Harris finding out he's walked into the Blue Oyster Bar...
And cue the music…
Da da da da da der
Proctor I don’t see a saladbar.
I would add Glen Moray, Devron and Scapa (although I rarely even see it anymore) to round out the top 10.
I can't agree regarding Glen Moray. It's cheap and cheerful but an honest tasty malty single malt for casual drinking in the evening. I'd recommend you try out their Travel Retail Non-Chill Filtered high abv bottlings. They are nice. As regards Deveron, yes, I'm with you there. Similar to Dufftown, Aberfeldy and Cardhu. Bland Bland Bland. Deveron (made at MacDuff distillery) is another one of those bland over engineered single malts. I would definitely seek out some independent bottlings of MacDuff though. Good examples of the light lemon grass and custard style Speysiders. The current Scapa lineup is to be avoided. I am with you there as well. If you want to know what Scapa tastes like, seek out the 14 or 16 Year-Old bottlings in auctions. These long discontinued bottlings are still relatively easy to find. Recommended.
Glen Moray is great for the price you pay. the 18 year-old and the fired oak 10 are nice.
@@RebMordechaiReviews I'll keep an open mind on Glen Moray and look for some IB MacDuff
I would have to agree with you there on Scapa, it's been pretty disappointing for some time now. However, the core range offerings Skiren and Glansa have now stopped being produced and Scapa are putting out a new core range. I'm not at liberty to say what bottlings these are, but they will be age stated and craft presented. Hopefully this will put Scapa back on the map.
@xDragzGOML I'm delighted to hear this. Anymore information you could give us would be appreciated. For instance, what exactly does craft presented mean? Natural Colour, Non-Chill-Filtered and bottled at 46% or more abv?
Fettercairn, Glenkinchie, Auchentoshan, Glenrothes, Deanston, Straithisla, Glengoyne
I understand the first 4of your but not the last 3. Deanston puts out pretty nice Stuff (18yo, 20yo Sherry is a 💣),
Strathisla makes really good old Stuff (the older the better),
and Glengoyne can be the better Macallan (if you put their newly Bourbon matured Stuff aside😅) .
Give it a try and and you wont be disappointed 😊
@@Balkonwhisky Hi Balkon. I've tried all of them several times to reach my verdict. Deanston's distillate is rough and industrial. Hence it needs to be hammered in sherry or virgin oak. Ditto with Glenrothes. Straithisla is far too generic for my liking. Good as a filler for blends. Glengoyne is another generic malt. Their CS expressions were just about ok but I wouldn't rush to replace a bottle. Macallan is not a whisky anymore. It's a trophy to show off 😊
@@whiskyflu The World would be soooo boring if everybody had the same Taste.😀
@@Balkonwhisky Indeed 😁
Glen Moray - Dalwhinnie - Springbank (kidding) - Dalmore - Jura - Auchentoshan
Aberfeldy is a brand I was not familiar with until I did the distillery tour. I find the 12 pleasant. Maybe good for beginners as the price is right. 16 is also priced well (Ontario Canada), 21 is well over priced.
Side note: On the tour I got a sample of straight from the barrel 21 year old (distilled 2002)... it was delicious. They should bump up the abv on the core range... but they won't.
Good video.
I'm sure Aberfeldy has the capacity to be a fantastic enthusiast brand if they chose to go in that direction. I've no doubt the 21 was a banger. Cheers! 🥃
@Gwhisky interestingly, I asked about it and the tour guide said no, Aberfeldy had no intention of releasing more niche offerings (peated, abv, etc...) outside of the samples for tours... he mentioned Craigellachie (also owned by Dewar's) as an alternative with more "interesting" bottlings for enthusiasts. He wasn't lying... I guess they maintain their lanes. #Business
@@itwasalladram...5657I visited the distillery in May this year and had an identical experience. The cask-drawn dram was very good but the rest was meh. I had the impression that the distillery is very proud of being conservatively traditional and they would actively resist any suggestion of change to their products. I guess they know their niche market pretty well.
Tomatin, Auchentoshan from top of my head
Ah damn. Missed Auchentoshan! 🥃
Get well soon Geoff💪🥃🥃
Love the premise and the list. Sometimes its good to call a spade a spade. My most recent meh experience was Macallan 12 Double oak.
I tasted once Aberfeldy and Jura in a bar...only thing I remember from the experience is telling to myself: - Never again.
Capslock warriors go👇
Did not expect you to talk about glyphosate on this channel :)
I have plenty of interests outside of whisky. Big into glyphosate. 🥃
@@Gwhisky Haha :) Cheers and I hope you feel better soon.
Whisky is a personal choice. None of those in my opinion are “meh”! I have bottles worth a lot of money and some are not up to the standards of some of those whiskies you reviewed! But again, whisky is a personal choice! Sincerely. 👍 🏴
However Cardhu is not one for me, but the Singleton is wonderful!
4:10 for the start.
Hi Geoff, to your list I would add Devron, Spey, Glen Keith, Auchentoshan, Knockando and Cragganmore. Get well soon!
Oooh, Cragganmore. Loads of people would shift in their chairs reading that. So many people swear on the 13. Not me, haven't tried it yet.
A few of the brands on the list I have never tried, and the rest is brands I also ignore. Actually Aberfeldy 12 I would go around in a big circle. Same with Jura. Only tried Jura Journey, and that was enough from that brand for me. 😅
Mystery pour guess: JW Celebratory blend. OMG I GUESSED IT RIGHT
I completely ignore Aberfeldy, Balvenie, Macallan, Auchentoshan, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Dalmore, Glen Deveron, Glen Moray, Glenallachie, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Glenmorangie, Kingsbarns, Knockando, Lochlea, Octomore, Penderyn, Scapa, Talisker, Tamnavulin, all Singletons, Tomintoul, Tullibardine... and the whole Compass Box mess. Don't get me wrong, I have bottles from all of them, and some of the bottles are actually pretty good, like Auchentoshan 21, Glen Moray 18, Glen Deveron 20, Aberfeldy 21, Knockando 21... but I can't see myself buying a bottle from any of these distilleries again.
Pretty much nailed the list mate. Most of us know what lives at the lower end of the spectrum, you just said it out loud.
I'm getting a little bit more into Scotch and Irish, thanks for your imput.🥃
Glad you put up this video. Glenmorangie is a brand like the ones in this video for me. Meh exactly 😅
My top three are Jura, Auchentoshan and Glenfiddich
I agree with most of that list, except maybe Tullibardine. I tried the 228 a couple of months ago with a few friends and we all enjoyed it way more than expected. So now I'm curious about their other offerings.
I'd add Balvenie to the list. They make some pretty decent whisky but they're just incredibly overpriced here. I'd also add Macallan (surprise, surprise, lol), Scapa, Glen Moray and Glengoyne, with the exception of the Teapot dram which is just an outstanding sherry bomb
I agree with you. I'll add Glenfiddich
Nothing wrong with Glenfiddich, especially the 15 and 18.
Never mind them, Glenfiddich's only peated malt, finished in Caribbean rum casks, and bottled as 'Fire & Cane' is a treat. It's a bit schizophrenic in the mouth but somehow the peat and rum sweetness echo back and forth and amazingly works very well.
Dalmore, balvenie, Jura, MacAllan, auchentoshen, aerstone, and anything Japanese for me- oh yes, tamnavulin too
You should taste them before making that statemnt
I have- thus feel happy to state these things
Good list!
I would add any Japanese whisky to mine
Go try out the cardhu SR btl Jeff. Will change ur mind. One of the best bourbon expression dram I had
Just remember, if whisky reviewers diss a brand you like, it just means less competition 😉
I’m hoping the amateur influencer community will agree to collectively pour hatred on Springbank 😉
I might switch the order around but, for me, this is spot on. Well done Sir.
Good list I would also add to the list Glenrothes. For years ’ve been trying to like that whisky, and I don’t.
I have tried Aberfeldy 12, Tamnavulin Tempranillo Cask, and Jura 12.
Aberfeldy and Tamnavulin were 'competent', but Jura was simply 'dull'.
Given that a brand I've been considering is on this list, I have something to ask. If it ain't too much trouble, I would like to know what you and other viewers would suggest I choose from the older whisk(e)y in my local area available to me that have my attention.
To help in giving a suggestion, so far, my favorite scotch bottles have been Bladnoch 11, Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2013 (not peated), and Bruichladdich Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014.
I haven't tried any older examples of whisky yet, and I've been looking for one to get to enjoy in my own home. I've recently been looking at an IB cask strength Tullibardine malt aged in a bourbon hogshead for 24 years. I was debating with myself between that and a cask strength IB North British 23 year malt aged in ex bourbon cask. At the price they are at, and overall stats, I feel they are a good value.
There's some other stuff under the price those bottles are at that I could get. Bottles such as Bruichladdich re/define 18, Bladnoch 19, and Compass Box Experimental Grain (insert honorable mention for Art & Decadence here. I'd include hedonsim, but I'm worried about that 43% abv). I have had a not so in depth tasting from a CB sample pack and while I haven't finished the 50ml bottles yet (trying to let them develop), the brand has left a pretty good impression on me (excluding the Spaniard).
What do you guys should I do?
You'd think that anything with the royal warrant would be sufficient for a princess. 😇
Great list. Maybe tomintoul is another one for me.
Today’s mystery pour: cough mixture?
That would have been the responsible thing to do...
Busy with a video on the Aberfeldy 21 and 18. Sooo much better than the 12. That singleton is window cleaner
Looking forward to that video. Curious about the 21. The 16 didn't impress me, but I haven't had it in year. Cheers! 🥃
@@Gwhisky I will review the 21 and 18 soon.
I had an Aberfeldy 28 that was incredible.
@@doronneuhaus30 nice. Out of my range unfortunately. Hoping the 21 will be good. And off course is there much of a difference between the 18 and 21.
@@WhiskyLoversSociety - was out of my range too at the time. I had it at a friend's place and have subsequently tried to get a bottle but it's very hard to come by.
I walk past Aberfeldy because of the branding and when I tasted it I found it to be not enough proof. Tullibardine I bought the 18 year because the price was very good. Jura I walk by because I bought dusty bottles of the 12 and I thought it was super meh. I'm a financially irresponsible whisky buyer.
Thanks for the review Geoff, opinionated of course, but who isn't when it comes to most things. The number of comments speaks for itself and I enjoyed reading all the other opinions. Well done!
Appreciate the kind words of encouragement. Cheers! 🥃
For me it’s Aberfeldy and Glenlivet
here's 7 flavors i don't like the taste of: cereal milk, jagermeister, tangie, pinesol, durban poison, mendocino purps, and lavender kush.
Big fan of Pine-sol myself. The forbidden whisky. 😉
@@Gwhisky in the same way all malts are still better than all bourbons, keep the tobaccy wacky
Totally agree with all. Thx Geoff
Perfect list. Even the Jura 18 was crap. You should have added Glen Moray don't you think?
I don't mind The Singleton inside the Anthon Berg Dark Chocolate!
Absolutely nailed the list for me. I have bought bottles from all those distilleries in the past. The only exception was an Aberfeldy 28 year old I had which was exceptional not only in flavour and character but cost too. All of them are OK and it's probably good to have a bottle of one of them around to share with those friends who are not really whisky drinkers but say they are because they drink Johnny Walker Black or Glenfiddich.
Over and above that list there are a few others for me that just never seem to have me reaching for them on the shelf in my local whisky shops. They include:
Aberlour - good stuff but there's other sherried stuff I like more.
Glenlivet - no explanation necessary
Core range Laphroaig - this is not for me at all. The cask strength releases and older stuff is excellent.
Compass Box - There are a few I like, but again the core range is "eh" and the special release stuff is overpriced.
Talisker - Other stuff I just prefer
Regarding Compass Box's core range both Orchard House and Spice Tree are very good. Alert: Spice Tree is being discontinued so for those who like it now is the time to pick up a few.
@@GlenLossie - I do like the Orchard House and have a bottle or 2. But Peat Monster, Orangerie and Spaniard are just not for me at all.
@@doronneuhaus30 Peat Monster and Spaniard were not for me either but they are to be discontinued along with the Spice Tree. Orangerie is not one that I know. I have a bottle of Hedonism that I bought out of curiosity but have yet to open it.
Having watched this and read the comments, I have come to understand my taste buds are completely broken 😂😂
Geoff, you have Covid? If so, feel better. Jura doesn’t not impress me as a neat pour. I would use it in a mixer.
As a fan of oatmeal this video triggered me…. But you pronounced Tullibardine correctly so I guess we’re cool.
Redeemed. 🥃
What were the odds that Jura would not be on this list? The red headed stepchild of single malt Scotch.
Good list, I just overlook most of those and actively avoid the rest. Singleton is Satan’s dishwater and Cardhu is a plump filler whisky for blending. Tullibardine has never impressed me in any expression. Jura has an undeserved reputation, I think based on what they were releasing 5-10 years ago. The contemporary expressions are much improved but it’s ignorable.
Tamnavulin is the one whisky from the list where we differ, as I actively look for it. I used to buy blended scotch for mixing and long drinks but now I routinely buy Tamnavulin or Knockando single malts for that purpose. They are only slightly more expensive but more characterful. Tamnavulin Sherry Cask release punched above its price bracket and was a good session whisky.
Balvenie, Dalmore, Glen Moray, Glengoyne and Loch Lomond. To name a few. Just like you said, for maybe value, attraction, over hyped, or something else, maybe I just think I can spend my money better. I have a hard time walking away from Craigellachie, Benromach, Port Charlotte and Ladiag. I find some Compass Box offerings quite appealing as well. Enjoy your stuff. Carry on!
Way to be a trooper Jiff!
I don't think I can disagree with any of your choices.
*Tamnavulin* I would never buy as they no longer have any expression which doesn't have some Ex-Sherry cask maturation mixed in there. I actually still have a bottle of the Tamnavulin 12 from before the closure in the 1990s, exclusively matured in Ex-Bourbon barrels. I've been through quite a fair amount of these bottles in my time. Despite the added colour, chill filtration and 40% abv, I'd rate this highly and would recommend buying one of the many offered at auction for really cheap prices.
*Aberfeldy* A beginner's whisky which I have always found a bit too caramel sugary sweet. I also ignore this but it's not terrible.
*Tullibardine* At least in Israel, they are very very expensive. I loved the now discontinued 20 Year Old. I bought the 15 YO when it first came out really wanting to like it. It smelt and tasted like burnt plastic. Horrible stuff. I even complained to the distillery about it. I also had a bottle of the NAS Sovereign. Never again. It tasted like nail polish remover. Far too young. Definitely a brand to avoid IMO.
*Jura* Once you've had a distillery bottling of this. you realise just how much they ruin the official bottlings with over engineering, far too much colouring filtration. I have not bought a Jura since the late 1990s.
*Royal Lochnagar* I ignore this as again, they don't offer expression which does not have some Ex-Sherry cask maturation in the mix.
*Cardhu* Yes, it's similar to Aberfeldy. A beginner's single malt which you will quickly lose interest in as it really doesn't offer anything unique or special. As you say, it's one of those bland Speyside brands. If you go to the distillery, they also sell bottles of Knockando 12-YO, the nearby sister distillery, which I much prefer to the Cardhu 12. Having said that, I haven't bought a bottle of Knockando for about 20 years.
*Dufftown* The Singleton of Dufftown is burnt toffee sickly sweet. Awful stuff. One to avoid unless you have a very sweet tooth and love fudge.
I can’t disagree with anything on your list.
Don’t you dare talk bad about my Tullibardine!!!! That’s my favorite budget line hahah
Hah I did like the Murray. The 15 and the 22-something? didn't sell me on it, though. Decent unpretentious stuff, I admit. 🥃
I agree, Tullibardine is better than the rest on the list, Yes its a supermarket regular. The Sovereign is ofter reduced to nearly half the price here in the UK. You know, sometimes we dont want to think about a whisky or have it knock our socks off. Tulli is a good standard whisky for when you want to have a nice meaningless dram...no strings attatched.!😉
I skip by anything by diagio, I ignore bourbons for the most part. I keep half a bottle of buffalo and wt 101 just in case tho. I like to explore though so I pick up anything that looks interesting.
..you skip Talisker and Lagavulin??? Your loss.
@@Evertreynold I tried them, they're good, but for their price they're hardly the best choice. I don't believe the distilleries make bad whisky, it's just being sanitized by the bottling plants. I've had my fair share of taliskers singletons monkey shoulders and the like, but I shoot for the more robust flavors nowadays, so I skip right past these now. I have a bottle of Signatory 12 year old Inchgower, and it's one of the tastiest sherried unpeated malts I've had, but I wouldn't buy the Diageo releases.
Interesting stuff Geoff. On the flip side it occurred to me when looking through my open and unopened bottles that I regularly buy from only 16 or 17 brands so my walk past list is way longer than yours 😏
Aberfeldy Exceptional cask is…exceptional
I am deeply upset with the list because you included all the whiskies I am a big fan of! 🤣🤣🤣 .... hahahaaa No, I am not!
I honestly couldn't agree more, only with the exception of Royal Lochnagar as I haven't tried it yet, it's not available here.
I have a couple of Jura's that I've tried a few times and they are almost forgotten on the shelf. The Singleton 12 (glendullan) that is available here and the Aberfeldy are quite dull to be honest; more of the same with the Tamnavulin which is very accessible in price, but would typically end up in a cocktail...
Good list.. Cheers Geoff 💪🥃
Can I add Sullivan’s Cove please
As an Aussie I feel like I’m being unpatriotic every time I bypass Australian whiskies at the liquor shop but sadly only a small number are both enjoyable and reasonably priced.
Have had a few Starward, young but alright, never tried Sullivans C, doubt I will- so expensive- am I right thinking you lot in Oz are heavily ‘shafted’ on the tax?
@cascode1192 👆
I would avoid all of these too..Yuk!😂
singleton --- yuk ;; tullibardine sauternes 225 is good , and sometimes on offer ;;
Apropos of nothing, recommend trying the new Ardbeg Spectacular. It’s gotten dramatically mixed reviews, I personally quite liked it, like and Ardbeg 10 with more character.
In other news my 4 year old said it smelled like a “smoke storm” which is you know, awesome
Rawr. I am an angry little boy.