With bourbon, I’ve been gathering single barrel barrel-proof bottlings from main stream distillers. Good examples include Jack Daniels, Wild Turkey, and Elijah Craig. All have outstanding barrel proof offerings between $50 and $70. (American). Talking 58%+ ABV. It’s fun to taste the “juice” as it was meant to be enjoyed!

I agree with Ralfy about bourbon. Don't hunt for the tater bottles, and don't pay secondary or museum prices for them. People are starting to get the hint; there are signs that the secondary market is softening, and some bottles that were once hard to get are starting to return to store shelves. Especially if you are in the United States, you will find plenty of other great options sitting on store shelves. The highly allocated bottles are generally good quality, but they seldom live up to the hype. My rule regarding those bottles is that if I stumble upon one that I think I would like and can acquire it without waiting in a line or paying an absurd price, I'm not one to argue with good fortune, and I'll buy it and drink it just like any other, but I will not actively seek out these bottles. Bottled in bond is a good designation for bourbon and other American spirits, as it is a stringent classification, guaranteeing that the spirit is additive free, has at least four years of barrel age, and is exactly 50% ABV. Bourbons stronger than this, and up to cask strength, are good choices too. American rye is also a great choice for those who can appreciate its rather distinctive flavor. Rum is typically thought of as nothing more than a cheap cocktail drink, but those of us who have explored it know better. Just within the last year, I've seen a sudden increase in availability of higher quality, interesting rums in my area. I've found single barrel, cask strength independent bottlings, some with impressive age statements, at decent prices. Rum that is made or finished in the United States, following the stringent standards of whisky production and aging, is becoming more readily available. Whisky producers and blending houses have been dipping their toes into rum, often with excellent results. Balcones and Nashville Barrel Company have some good ones. Also, don't forget tequila, mezcal, and other agave spirits. This segment of the booze industry is growing rapidly and is experimenting and innovating. New and interesting products show up all the time. I'm in California, so I have access to a great selection, but I understand that selection can be rather limited outside of North America. Hopefully, more of them will make their way around the world before long so that everyone can enjoy them.

Canada in many parts - the biggest cities - still lag behind in being able to find whisky in grocery shops! Government liquor stores for the most part.

Prices of whisky vary greatly in the UK. My local specialist seller which is a well known name sold a bottle of Ardbeg Corryvreckan for £69. In a shop I visited in Chester a few weeks back it was £107

I’ve heard both Ralfy and Billy Walker use the word “mocker” to describe a specific tasting note when tasting whiskys. Can anyone advise me on what this word means? I’m not sure if I’m spelling it correctly. Thank you!

My description of government and liquor taxation would be institutionalized crime.

One good point after another, they just kept on coming! Great extra , thank you Ralfy.

Bottled in Bond is my standard.

$300 before taxes in Vancouver, BC. You wouldn’t find it at half the price here. I still think this is a deal and purchase this beautiful scotch!

I hear you completely Ralfy. Definitely wise words. After my IT contract ended, I don't have my huge disposable income available that I used to right now. Now instead of buying a large quantity of bottles (I had at least 30 this last year), I will be confining my purchases to bottles that I know are good. Yes they are somewhat expensive but instead of buying big numbers of bottles that I found fine but mediocre like Speyburn, Glenmorangie, and Ancnoc 12 and Old Pulteney, now instead it will be bottles I know to be good. Glen Scotia Victoriana/15, Balblair 15, Kilchoman Sanaig, more Bunna 12 CS and Ardbeg Corry/Uigeadail. Sure cost is a bit higher than I would like but I'm not disappointed with what's in my glencairn. I have found high abv is the way to go.

Awesome 👌🏽 Greetings From South Africa 🇿🇦

If people want a shock, have a look at the tax on drinking in Australia 😏

Over the last few years my current approach has been every ~ 9-12 new bottles I get I do a blind tasting for a bunch of rounds, whatever wins I'll get a 2nd bottle of it. So then in 10 years I'll be able to do a big blind battle of all the best bottles for me in the last however many years to see what still holds up.

Such a focus on money!! I understand the Isle of Man is a tax haven of sorts, probably a good reason to move there to shelter income, but is it structured such that goods are cheaper there as well? Would it be worth traveling there for large purchases of whisky, or even if so would they tax upon returning to England/Scotland?

Any chance of getting the old Glencairn back with the ralfy logo back?

I'm going the other direction. I've started buying more but picking up bargains at the supermarket and enjoying easy sippers. I am still trying new whiskies in the bars. You've got to check out the Ardnahoe 5 year old.

I feel like we need a fresh ardbeg rant, after that announcement of the ardbeg abyss. The absolute disrespect shown to the whisky community, the avarice of LVMH. It's just mind blowing. Ardbeg is dead

03:34 I need to write those down.

Yes

Cheers

Dont know if you have had a chance to try "the midgie" from Ardnamurchan yet, but it punches well above its weight imo.

Interested in the comment about whisky not being fashionable any more - how long do you think that's been the case, will availability increase as a result (and prices decrease)? Plus overall do you think it's a good or bad thing?

❤ thank you for what you do

Been a bit curious of the rum world. Said to my self that +45% is a must. Found a fellow nerd on the rum side. We traded quality whisky samples for quality rum samples. After theese i will decide if a purchase of a quality rum bottle will be happening. Any suggestions when entering the rum world from the whisky side? :)

Single Malt Whiskeys In Bond. Interesting subject / topic🍪🎂🍫🍬 Which Single Malt Whiskys are In Bond🍪🎂🍧🍦

Do you have a list where you have provided the ratings? This Bunnahabhain received an 87 but interested where it sits compared to others.

You say you support small & new distilleries like Lochlea, but you refused to review their first age statement whisky because it was "too expensive", as you told me.

Em'bra...ripping off tourists? Another great advert for visiting Glasgow.