A'bunadh was the second "proper" whisky I ever tried (excluding the commercial brands such as Johnnie Walker, etc), while the first one was Deanston 12. A'bunadh is still my favorite whisky
@WhiskyRiffsСағат бұрын
I could really use a dram of A'bunadh right about now. I've been traveling too much (@findingGinaMarie) and haven't had a chance to buy a bottle of whisky for fun - gotta focus on reviews when I can make them happen. Cheers!
@DanielSmith-o6d2 күн бұрын
This was my first peated whisky experience about 10 years ago, and I've since expanded my appreciation and knowledge of single malts, like Lagavulin 16 and Ardbeg 10. Whilst the Talisker is a less complex malt, with a shorter finish, it is still really enjoyable and good value for money when on special. I bought a bottle recently for $92AUD, marked down from $135AUD. I hope that the prices of these lovely malts remain accessible to the average punter. I'm enjoying your reviews, you deliver them with such a positive relaxed vibe, and some good tunes too. Keep it up. Dan from Down Under.
@WhiskyRiffsСағат бұрын
Thank you so much, Dan from Down Under! You're kind words are appreciated. Talisker 10 is an easy dram to enjoy. It's part of the Diageo family, like Lagavulin, which makes me a bit less excited about it now than I was when I first bought it. But it's all about the taste, right? We drink what we like and maybe have to decide on one bottle over another because of price. This is the golden age of whisky, which means we have a lot of variety and also rising costs. Cheers!
@guitarlessonsnow34314 күн бұрын
My wife just bought me a bottle of the 1884. Very nice and drinkable. Jack was my go to back in the day but this has a different flavor profile. I prefer it.
@WhiskyRiffsСағат бұрын
It's always nice to find new expressions and the 1884 is a good one. Cheers!
@LyndaCoulson649 күн бұрын
I live in England UK. I have tasted lots of whiskies over the years but I am not a person who will drink a glass or two, I am not a person who drinks rarely. I drink whisky usually once a week and I have to say that I love the Welsh Whisky: Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky - Madeira Finish. 46% ABV, 70 cl. My 2nd favoorite is: Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl, ABV 46.3%. I also enjoymy 3rd favourite whisky: Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold Single Malt Scotch Whisky | 43% vol | 70cl | Rich- Textured Highland Whisky | Honeyed with Notes of Heather & Peat. Those three are my top whiskies. I have tried another which was ABV 52% and that was just not for me, it was too strong both in flavour and ABV so I stick to the Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky. I think they have 5 flavours. I prefer the Madeira one. This is the description: MADEIRA: Distilled in our unique copper pot still, matured in bourbon barrels and finished in rich Madeira wine casks to create the perfect balance of oaky vanilla tones and dry sweetness ON THE NOSE: It begins with a classic freshness with aromas of cream toffee, rich fruit and raisins that introduce a creamy sweetness THE TASTE: The palette is Crisp and finely rounded, with the sweetness to balance an appetising dryness. Notes of tropical fruit, raisins and vanilla persist on the finish AWARD WINNING: 2022 Spirits Business World Whisky Masters - Gold, 2022 San Francisco World Spirit Awards - Gold, 2021 Spirits Business World Whisky Masters - Gold, 2020 Spirits Business World Whisky Masters - Gold CRAFTED: This 70 cl whisky is the original Penderyn ‘house style’, aged in ex-bourbon barrels uses in specially selected casks to bring out its full gold character, it is bottled at 46% ABV. Anyway, it's good to see whiskies in other countries.
@WhiskyRiffsСағат бұрын
You're in the right place for whisky. There were times in San Francisco when I could only dream of access to UK-specific expressions. While on a distillery tour, I was able to try the Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ZtyXoNB9sq68hmQ.html). They served it chilled, which limited my ability to taste any nuance, but it was good. I'm a fan of Madeira cask finished whisky and I'd love to taste the Penderyn, you're notes make it sound great. Thanks for sharing, Lynda! My wife and I are full-time travelers now (@findingGinaMarie) and I've had access to some expressions that I can't find in the U.S. Unfortunately, I'm also in many countries with little or no access to Scotch, so I haven't posted as often. I'll keep an eye out for the Penderyn though. Cheers!
@SaffasAbroadRugby10 күн бұрын
Can I please check the name of the whisky fest in San Francisco please? Keen to check it out
@WhiskyRiffs10 күн бұрын
I believe the SF one has passed already, but here's a link to more information: whiskyadvocate.com/whiskyfest?lid=nofreeniaoej. There are also Whiskies of the World events you can check out: www.whiskiesoftheworld.com.
@YoungShag13 күн бұрын
Monkeys Shoulder wasn’t one of my favorites but I keep it on my shelves as a mixer. Johnnie Walker Black is my pick for best Blended whiskey.
@WhiskyRiffs10 күн бұрын
JW Black was not my favorite blended Scotch, but all tastes are personal. Monkey Shoulder is definitely designed as a mixer and it also can be a soft landing for people who haven't experienced Scotch before. Cheers!
@goodapolloimburningstariv753913 күн бұрын
This was just made two years ago and all these bottles are at least 40% more expensive now than he said in the video. I got into whisky at the wrong time.
@WhiskyRiffs10 күн бұрын
This is a new golden era of whisky and that has caused prices to go up, but it's a great time to explore whisky. These were San Francisco prices and not all expressions are up that much, but many have higher prices in certain areas of the world. Cheers!
@RVWhiskey15 күн бұрын
That pour though 😂
@WhiskyRiffs10 күн бұрын
I have to make sure I can thoroughly taste every bit of this dram. ;) Cheers!
@ninjs293219 күн бұрын
Loved your view on Whiskeys, I am a scotch enthusiast, very informative yet very simplistic, I like your tastes in whiskey and also in the Music. Only thing missing was a glass of whisky in my hand, loved it. Cheers!!
@WhiskyRiffs10 күн бұрын
Thank you for watching and for your compliments! Grab a dram and enjoy, cheers!
@AlcoholicGoblin20 күн бұрын
Man i wish the ueigedal was in the $60 range
@WhiskyRiffs19 күн бұрын
I wish a lot of expressions were less expensive, but that's a hard ask today. We do have a ton of variety in our whisky choices, which is a glorious thing. 🥃
@ColdGrayMorning22 күн бұрын
Nr.1 for beginners - Red Label
@WhiskyRiffs19 күн бұрын
I don't think Red Label is a good place to start for someone new to whisky. It is inexpensive, but the lack of depth of flavor might misinform someone who doesn't know what higher quality whisky expressions can offer them.
@patrickkelley704622 күн бұрын
Only just finished my way through the advent calendar almost two years later, but loved all the videos and made my experience so much more enjoyable!
@WhiskyRiffs19 күн бұрын
Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Cheers!
@johnzajac984924 күн бұрын
Tastes of a whisky can vary from day to day. After not having Ardbeg 10 for some time, I tried a small dram and found it to taste surprisingly sharp. (Several weeks earlier, it had a pleasant sweetness.) The very next day after having tasted the surprising sharpness, I poured another small dram to see if there was a difference. There was. I again tasted the remembered pleasant sweetness. The variable was the drinker (me), not the whisky!
@WhiskyRiffs19 күн бұрын
That's a great example of how whisky can change without the bottle being the culprit. I've had that happen to me so many times. Thanks for sharing!
@johnzajac984919 күн бұрын
@@WhiskyRiffs After fighting a battle during the Civil War, a Union officer said his whisky never tasted as good.
@johnzajac984925 күн бұрын
We like Caol Ila.
@WhiskyRiffs19 күн бұрын
Caol Ila is expecially great if you can get more of the expressions other than the 12, which is all I had available to me in San Francisco.
@johnzajac984919 күн бұрын
@@WhiskyRiffs I just bought a bottle of Lagavulin 16, and I love it! I will keep my eye out for a later expression of Caol Ila. Port Charlotte is on my list, too!
@Futile_Soundscapes25 күн бұрын
I just bought my second Talisker last week. The first one was the Wilder Seas, and now the 10. But again Talisker delivers a great whisky for this budget. Everybody should have a Talisker 10 in their cabinet!!! Nice review, Slaìnte!
@WhiskyRiffs19 күн бұрын
Thank you! Talisker is a quality distillery. Slàinte mhath!
@josephfranceski104125 күн бұрын
Thank you for your interesting and very straightforward Islay reviews. There's not a lot of laughing and sidebars and time wasting. Excellent presentation.
@WhiskyRiffs25 күн бұрын
That's very kind of you to say. Thank you for watching. Cheers!
@erniearruda886126 күн бұрын
I did a tour of Glen Moray distillery in Elgin in 2023, love it . A very good whisky 🥃 i highly recommend it.
@WhiskyRiffs25 күн бұрын
I have enjoyed the Glen Moray expressions I've tried. Cheers!
@M7ofATC26 күн бұрын
I just got my first islay whiskey. I got the ardbeg ten. I want the corryvreckan. I’ll grab it soon. It’ll be 139 after tax. The ten was 66
@WhiskyRiffs25 күн бұрын
Those aren't bad prices. Let me know how you like the Corryvreckan. Cheers!
@stuartweiss514128 күн бұрын
My first bottle was $59 and I liked it a lot. But every time I bought a bottle it went up in price. Now at $200 on Long Island, it’s a ripoff.
@WhiskyRiffs25 күн бұрын
Age-statement whisky is more expensive across the board and Japanese expressions have been skyrocketing in price for years. It's crazy.
@AerialEmber29 күн бұрын
Scotch age requirements are 3 years. Blended Malt included.
@WhiskyRiffs25 күн бұрын
Thanks. I'm not sure where I found conflicting information back when I recorded this.
@dennisrudloff2071Ай бұрын
I wanted to add a Campbelltown scotch to my collection. Could not find Springbank for months! Live in CA. Found this at Totalwine and enjoying it. I get what you mean about the dryness in the finish. But glad to have it on my shelf!
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Wow, Springbank was hard to find in California? That's weird. I used Total Wine as one of my main stores and also K & L Wine when necessary. The Whisky Shop is a great Scottish shop in SF that sells a lot of whisky and many other items. I miss that place. Cheers!
@barthur08Ай бұрын
Is that a Macintosh back there? I had one in the 80's. Thanks for the Scotch guide
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
It is my original March 1984 Macintosh 128K - and last I checked, it still works (but it's been a couple of years). You're quite welcome and thank you for watching. Cheers!
@user-up6rt5gx4uАй бұрын
I jus like to collect scotch....not a drinker
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
That's confusing to me, but okay.
@jacobgrubb6601Ай бұрын
So glad you included monkey shoulder. its so good!
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Monkey Shoulder is such an adorable Scotch. It understands its assignment and it does the job. ;) Cheer!
@shaddepaddeАй бұрын
2 years later.. what about the port cask now? :D
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
I haven't tried Kavalan since leaving San Francisco at the end of 2022. I was even in Taiwan and missed my opportunity. What are your thoughts?
@shaddepaddeАй бұрын
@@WhiskyRiffs i have only tried one solist ex bourbon. Liked it and i am now thinking of ordering on of each solist and sample away half of the bottles etc to cover some of the cost..
@claudianaranjo7456Ай бұрын
Greetings! I just came back from Scotland after a fun 2 weeks road trip. One of our stops was at Cardhu. I got this same whisky, but mine is Batch 2. I simply love it. We alsongot the 200 years anniversary. I would say the the 200 years one is very smooth and I like to say it is a "daily" kind of whisky while the distillery exclusive, we both got, is more for a special occasion.
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Congrats on your time in Scotland, you seem to have had fun. That 200th anniversary edition sounds like a treat. I'm not sure when I'll get back there, but I have been lucky enough to have several distillery tours around Scotland. Cheers!
@Futile_SoundscapesАй бұрын
Thanks so much for this fine recommendation video!!! It makes me want to try the Glenmorangie 14 now! I just started to enjoy whisky my first whisky I fell in love with is the Talisker Wilder Seas.
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
You're welcome and thanks for watching and commenting! Talisker is a great way to start your Scotch journey. Cheers!
@ellenlyons1840Ай бұрын
Sorry I’m finding this rather belatedly. I don’t find Laphroaigs particularly well balanced, but your other recommendations are good places to start. As a U.S. expat living in Europe, I have the wonders of easy access to full ranges of everything. Lagavulin 16 is a great basic, but there are a great variety of Distiller’s Editions out there. Similarly, Arbeg 10 is a rather pale tease of the glorious remainder of the line. I was so pleased to see you pull out Arbeg Corryvrecken at the end - that’s my basic Islay. And in addition to Arbeg’s many other expressions, you can still find the last few bottles of Arbeg’s legendary Airigh Nam Beist, if you know where to look. I so hope you’ve had the pleasure!
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Thank you for finding my video at all and for taking time to leave a comment! Laphroaig is not an Islay Scotch that I'd deem well-balanced either. I have a fondness for 10 year because of how it introduced me to smoky whisky, but it's not my go-to bottle anymore. Ardbeg 10 is simply an affordable expression in their lineup that shows off the campfire-influenced peat smoke for me. Lagavulin 16 still has its place, but it's not the shining star it was years ago. I stand by this list for the time it was compiled, but I'd make some changes if I were to record an updated version today. If you watch some of my newer videos, and I hope you do, you'll see that I lean more towards Port Charlotte expressions. Bruichladdich still seems more focused on flavor than marketing. I have not had the pleasure of tasting the Airigh Nam Beist, but I did enjoy their Traigh Bhan 19 Batch 2. I'll keep looking! My wife and I are also no longer living in the US, instead, we travel full time (@findingGinaMarie). This has led me to discover some new expressions, but my time (and money) is more limited and I don't invest in whisky as much as I did when I was in San Francisco. Cheers!
@leventkilicoglu8607Ай бұрын
Perfectly explained. Thank you
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
You are welcome! Cheers!
@colombimacАй бұрын
Nice review 🙌
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Thank you! Cheers!
@roberttrotter9505Ай бұрын
Dram of whiskey - not gram Sorry
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
No worries. You should be able to edit your comments, if you'd prefer to fix it. ;)
@roberttrotter9505Ай бұрын
A bit late to this, but… I don’t really like this either - especially for the price. The taste just doesn’t live up to to what it should be. I told myself I would not buy this again. You can get one and a half bottles of cheaper whiskey with a lot better nose and pallets. I prefer the regular 10 year Glenmorangie over this and is almost half the price. Or… your could spend another $20 and get any number of great single malts that will make you think, “that was money well spent “ This was not great - it was a disappointment. However, if you have already bought it ( like me) then I highly recommend adding a little water. For a regular gram of whiskey, I am only adding 1/2 to 1/4 a teaspoon of water. ( I do take few sips straight to see if I can get any more out of it). Those few drops of water will change the experience. Wait 3 to five minutes and the nose is quite different; wait another 5 minutes on top of that, and the spice notes subside and the sweeter, sherry, vanilla, marzipan notes really come out. The nosing is WAY better. And the taste is a lot nicer. I was just trying to finish it and put the bad experience behind me, but adding a few drops of water - slowing down again and enjoying it a lot more. Summary- don’t buy it. But if you have, add a few drops of water and give it a breath ( don’t swish it all around - just roll it and settle) Don’t add ice - doesn’t do anything for it in my opinion.
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
I think I tried water in it… it's been so long and my brain cells have diminished so much. 😅 Thanks for watching and commenting. It's good to know what others think of these expressions that don't always hit me right. It's always possible that I'm simply holding the bottle wrong (Apple iPhone 4 joke) or my palate is simply misaligned with the flavors. The latter is always possible. Cheers!
@YOUTUBE_AMERICAАй бұрын
Amrut Distilleries from Bengaluru wins "World's Best Whiskey" title at 2024 International Spirits Challenge in London. Try this
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Thank you for this tip! I haven't investigated Amrut until just now, but they look like they have a great selection of single malt expressions: www.amrutdistilleries.com/single-malts.php. Cheers!
@truthrn7975Ай бұрын
My new fave
@theedgeofbreakup5192Ай бұрын
We can get Laphroaig 10 for $29.99. It’s a banger!!!
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
That's a damn good price! Enjoy!
@MetalGuitar911Ай бұрын
this is my fav channel now
@juhalindevall4520Ай бұрын
Hi Kevin. Nice review. I’ve tasted all of these except for the Corryvreckan. My favourites are the Port Charlotte 10 and the Lagavulin 16. They are the ”easiest” for a new whisky enthusiast like me. I’ve just finished my Ardbeg 10, which was my very first Ardbeg ever, and I still have the Uigeadail and the An Oa, which in my opinion are excellent whiskiws and easier for a beginner. The Laphroaig 10 is really something different but very enjoyable!
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Thank you for your kind words! The Corryvreckan is a beast (not to be confused with the Wee Beastie 5 year) compared to the Ardbeg Uigeadail, but it may be my favorite expression. You're doing an amazing job of enjoying the Islay peated expressions. Well done!
@jesseregenauer630Ай бұрын
I'm hearing my Telecaster with just a touch of tremolo thru my 15 watt tube amp in the background (in my head) playing minor chords in the background. Also enjoying a dram of the 18 too. Outstanding single malt in my opinion..... 🥃🎸 Edited to add; I also have been watching Ralphy for years too.....😁
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Ralfy is a whisky hero! I don't know how he's done all those detailed reviews over the years. Thanks for watching and enjoying the minor chords. ;) Cheers!
@phatzwave4424Ай бұрын
Caol Ila is woefully under-represented in the USA compared to Ardbeg. luckily CI is IB rich and many cask strength variants are available. Currently my favorites are young & sherry casked. BBQ in a bottle!
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
I've noticed more of the Caol Ila expressions after my wife and I started traveling full time (@findingGinaMarie). I'll have to try the BBQ in a bottle one you've mentioned. Cheers!
@T_Man-mm9sz2 ай бұрын
Hilarious!!
@sameenperera38082 ай бұрын
Glenmorangie 10 or Glenfiddich perpetual vat 01 which one is best ?.
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Repeat of my earlier reply: Well, that's going to come down to personal preference. I've never tasted that Glenfiddich expression, but I know that the Glenfiddich/Glenlivet/Glenmorangie mass-market expressions are all decent; even though none are exceptional. They're designed to be easy on the palate and the wallet.
@lucassalviano2 ай бұрын
What a nice label!
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Honestly, the label is more luxurious than the whisky. ;)
@sameenperera38082 ай бұрын
Glenfiddich perpetual vat 01 or glenmorangie 10 which one is best?.
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Well, that's going to come down to personal preference. I've never tasted that Glenfiddich expression, but I know that the Glenfiddich/Glenlivet/Glenmorangie mass-market expressions are all decent; even though none are exceptional. They're designed to be easy on the palate and the wallet.
@WhooshFlyingHorse4442 ай бұрын
Thanks and very interesting. I'd love to hear more about the Glenfarclas Distillery please? Regards, P.
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Glenfarclas has a very nice distillery and visitor area, but I didn't find any tour offerings - only tastings. It was great to see all the history of their expressions. Maybe if I had more time, I could have scheduled a proper tour.
@footbowl89392 ай бұрын
I've had and enjoyed both the Ardbeg 10 and the Lag 16 ... next stop, Port Charlotte! One thing I totally enjoy about the scotch / bourbon market is that there is never a lack of new expressions to try! I love it.
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
You're so right, there's a never-ending list of expressions to try. I found even more as I started traveling outside the US on a full-time basis (@findingGinaMarie). Cheers!
@warrenhurley41482 ай бұрын
Love the Classic Laddie and every time buy a bottle, it goes too quick! I recently got "Islay Barley" and "The Laddie Eight," while they are similar - Classic Laddie is just the much enjoyable whisky from this distillery for me. Great review!
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Oddly enough, I just bought a bottle of The Laddie Eight at Barcelona airport for my month-long stay in Spain (most of that in Madrid). I'll be doing a review of it in the near future. Cheers!
@sokunset22532 ай бұрын
We are much appreciated for your positive review our Holly Creek Whisky . Whenever you schedule to be back to Siem Reap again, please let us know. We are inviting you to our shop destination room.
@WhiskyRiffsАй бұрын
Thank you for watching! We loved our time in Siem Reap (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qrVlosihxNKxn30.html) and will probably return some day. I'll definitely contact you about your offer to visit. Cheers!
@user-wy3dl2em7p2 ай бұрын
So far,I've tried 30-40 single malt whiskys,some of them pretty expensive,and Talisker 10 is still my favourite.
@WhiskyRiffs2 ай бұрын
I recently had a Talisker 10 at a restaurant in Orvieto, Italy. It was quite a treat! Cheers.
@jmcnamara96502 ай бұрын
It has been a long time since you have posted anything. I hope you are well. All the best. signed You Fan Base.
@WhiskyRiffs2 ай бұрын
I'm doing very well and so is my family. Judy and I have been traveling so much, I haven't had time to buy and try whisky. The videos on @findingGinaMarie are growing in complexity, which also takes up my time. When I can find some time, I'll get back to proper whisky tasting videos. Thank you so much for checking in with me! ❤️ 🥃
@Kell40882 ай бұрын
I started my Scotch journey with Mac12. When I first tried Lagavulin 16 I couldn’t believe people could actually drink it. FF a few years and L16 is a little TOO drinkable for me. I prefer the Ardbeg offerings which at least to my palate are a little more challenging.
@WhiskyRiffs2 ай бұрын
That's exactly what it is: a journey. Whisky has been a wild ride for me and I love not knowing what expression will be my favorite next. Cheers!