3 Great Luxury Single Malts for 2023

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  • čas přidán 20. 07. 2024
  • If you like my content you can buy me a 'wee dram' at / ralfy , thanks !
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Komentáře • 198

  • @NickBR57
    @NickBR57 Před rokem +50

    You're a trooper Ralfy. All those hardships just for us 😀👍

  • @jaredpruett2056
    @jaredpruett2056 Před rokem +7

    I walked into the store Monday and saw Springbank (10) stocked for the 1st time in over a year… The browsing stopped after my eyes saw the orange label. Game over👏

  • @timkempisty258
    @timkempisty258 Před rokem +9

    It used to be that "18 Year" was your guide to finding the really complex and special drams. With rare exception, "18 Year" is fast becoming little more than a status symbol. With the help of the internet and CZcams channels like this one, it's easy to find the same Wow Factor with a "10 Year" or "12 Year" label attached to it. Luxury malts like these are rightly about the experience of tasting, not just displaying in a cabinet.

  • @alexcoyg3281
    @alexcoyg3281 Před 4 měsíci

    Ralphy is the guy to go to because he knows his craft. Thank you for your time and help!❤

  • @Aircraftsystemst
    @Aircraftsystemst Před rokem +15

    Thanks Ralfy, I much appreciate your hard work and commitment to your malt mates!🙂👍

  • @ironmantran
    @ironmantran Před rokem +5

    i waited 20 years to see my fave G SCotia to come forth - that "wet socks" smell , fusile and cakey from a 46% Signatory line in 2002-2003 ! . . . still have a case, so I will pop ONE for 2023 ! ! thx Ralfy .

  • @digitaldemocracyai-rob
    @digitaldemocracyai-rob Před rokem +3

    Lol. 'Whisky soldier'... That's a CZcams channel there. Love these recommendations...luxury and value!

  • @marinorasera
    @marinorasera Před rokem +4

    Got my very first Springbank today, found it online and bought he 10 years. I’m happy even if it’s expensive, but I made myself a Christmas gift. I am confident about Ralfy's reviews and tried different of his suggestions. So I'm looking forward to sip that Springbank. PS: I was shocked and still am about a review of a guy that said that the Springbank 10 is good for mixing. Halleluja!
    Dear Ralfy, thank you for your videos, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

  • @charlieweinstock2136
    @charlieweinstock2136 Před rokem +1

    Thanks so much for these top three videos. Very helpful! All the best Ralph! Merry Christmas!

  • @macgibbon
    @macgibbon Před rokem +1

    Haven't seen Springbank locally here for at least 3 years now. By local I mean the entire country...

  • @nomo9344
    @nomo9344 Před rokem +3

    Having so many choices and options to wade through is much better than the alternative!! But your'e right- someone has to do it. And why not you? Love the channel.

  • @ketilbjrnebekk2774
    @ketilbjrnebekk2774 Před rokem +2

    I am very happy to share your recommendations 100%. These are my three favourite drams and fortunately they are all in my shelf and they are all opened and in process of being enjoyed in full. SB10 has been a favourite for years, but so hard to find! And it will not be any easier after this... 🙂 I am now looking forward to Xmas enjoying some Deanston 18 while reading your third book - both presents to me from Father Xmas 🎅

  • @nicholasmartin1881
    @nicholasmartin1881 Před rokem +1

    Thanks for this one. You usually do entry level easy to find recommendations.

  • @budj13
    @budj13 Před rokem +3

    As usual, your recommendations are fantastic expressions that any serious whisky drinker would enjoy. This is the value of CZcams where we get honest and valuable information. I might add that anyone who has not seen the OSWA winners (or even the nominees) is missing out on a great list of recommendations that wouldn't have been available to us without the hard work you and Roy put in. Thanks.

  • @Lammys_Dram
    @Lammys_Dram Před rokem +4

    Bought a bottle of Springbank 10 yesterday for £57 in Elgin, Gordon Macphail shop on the highstreet. Great guy in there and he knows a vast amount of knowledge. He put me onto Longrow on my last visit. Get in there quick before I return for another Springbank. Cheers Ralfy

    • @NicolasMD85
      @NicolasMD85 Před rokem +1

      Wow, good price, well done. I've got myself some early Christmas present, 250£ on the table for the 18yo. What a smash!

  • @Bansidhe
    @Bansidhe Před rokem +3

    Finally managed to grab a Springbank 10 a few days back. Small independent chain has a couple of shops within 20 mins of me (I'm in Perth) and they had 2 left so went out and got one. Any of the few that still pop up online, sellers sadly just ripping the pish with pricing.

  • @andrewwohl11
    @andrewwohl11 Před rokem

    Thank you Ralfy! Well done, short and sweet… and sooooo accurate.

  • @scottpascoe562
    @scottpascoe562 Před rokem +2

    I picked up the Deanston after your review a couple videos back. You gave it a 90 and I would say that was too low! Its one of the best spirits I have tasted to date. Just fantastic,.

  • @alexzepeda4201
    @alexzepeda4201 Před rokem +2

    My cousin gifted me a Springbank 10 a few years back, and ever since then, I've been hooked. I didn't quite enjoy scotch then because I used to only drink tequila, and my palate was not acclimated to scotch. Now scotch is the only alcohol I'll drink besides the occasional brew. I love deanston 18. I consistently find it for under 100 usd. I have yet to try Victoriana from Glen Scotia, but I do see it frequently for 80 usd sometimes less. Might give it a try as I do enjoy some of Glen Scotia's seasonal releases.

  • @jandasalovich6469
    @jandasalovich6469 Před rokem +1

    Excellent. Thank you for review.

  • @johnwood551
    @johnwood551 Před rokem

    Your sacrifices are appreciated ! Keep forging on.

  • @MrJBLH
    @MrJBLH Před rokem

    Love all three of these.
    Really enjoyed the warehouse selection tasting I did at Glen Scotia, very varied and tasty whiskies. Well worth doing (along with Springbank of course)

  • @evansteeves5888
    @evansteeves5888 Před rokem +2

    Ralfy, I so agree that Glen Scotia is an underrated distillery and have all their offerings locally on my bar (the Victoriana, the 15year old and the double cask). Until recently the double cask was fantastically priced (it was under $60CAD) but the price hiked and now it’s just over $70 :( the Glen Scotia 15 also offers exceptional value and it’s about 20% cheaper than the Victoriana here - but the Victoriana definitely has that something special going on especially when you add the right amount of water - definitely not a beginners’ dram but well worth the journey!

  • @cnwilliams59
    @cnwilliams59 Před rokem +1

    Thanks for the list Ralfy!

  • @tomaszwolinski3360
    @tomaszwolinski3360 Před rokem

    thank you very much for your work, Slàinte

  • @nigelbramley4188
    @nigelbramley4188 Před rokem

    I have to say i love my heavily peated whiskies, but i must concur the Victoriana and Deanston 18 are beautiful, complex drams. Im new to your channel and already enjoying your reviews. Excellent stuff sir!

  • @rfpho1456
    @rfpho1456 Před rokem +1

    I was expecting 20yr old total unaffordium! Good selection. I bought a bottle of the Glen Scotia 15yr old and have been impressed. There’s a lot of high quality malt at less than £100 a bottle and I’m enjoying looking for that next gem….

  • @heisenbergguy7772
    @heisenbergguy7772 Před rokem +1

    Great choices Ralfy, “Malt Mate”!

  • @FerNightwalker
    @FerNightwalker Před rokem

    I feel happy and lucky to get at least one of these expressions, let's hope that by 2023 there'll be at least 2 of them 🙏.... Fingers crossed, Thanks for the recommendation Ralfy.. Cheers 🥃

  • @Collwila
    @Collwila Před rokem

    Springbank. I did exactly as you said and visited my local whisky shop in Arbroath. They only had the one bottle

  • @WhiskyNotesCS
    @WhiskyNotesCS Před rokem

    Hi Ralfy
    Thanks for those recommendations!
    Springer 10yo and Deanston 18yo i already know they're amazing whiskys. The Victoriana i'have to try, but i discovered the Glen Scotia 15yo this year. Also a great, old style whisky that i can highly recommend to all of you!
    Slàinthe,
    Chris

  • @shan1340
    @shan1340 Před rokem

    Thanks Ralfy for the wonderful recommendation! You are right! Lots of good bottles is coming our in the holiday season.Thanks for the review 949 extra. Now Springbank 10, 15, 18 is still relatively affordable in the US, but the price is still jacking up too much compared to a few years ago. We need to pay at least twice of the price now for a bottle of Springbank. For Springbank 21 yo and up, oh no~~~~really out of my Mr. wallet capacity, can't afford it.

  • @steveno7058
    @steveno7058 Před rokem +1

    Nice picks Ralfy! Some other good ones: Glenallachie 10 cask strength, Bunnahabhain 18 and Ledaig 18

  • @Starkalicious07
    @Starkalicious07 Před rokem

    Hadn't picked up a Victoriana this year because I thought the batch wouldn't be as good as last year's, which was incredible. Very glad to hear my suspicions may have been dead wrong.

  • @bradl2636
    @bradl2636 Před rokem

    I returned from a trip to Japan a few weeks ago and was able to try these and more at just one whisky bar in Tokyo... and there are dozens of great whisky bars in Tokyo. My go-to city for trying new and hard to find whisky at reasonable prices.

  • @djbeacon6895
    @djbeacon6895 Před rokem

    ralfy, Great 3. I happen to have all 3, on my second bottles of the Victoriana and the SB 10, haven't cracked the Deanston 18 yet but real soon. Thanks and CHEERS!

  • @Justus-he3mx
    @Justus-he3mx Před rokem +1

    best selection, thanks

  • @davidrenfrew3793
    @davidrenfrew3793 Před rokem

    Huge fan of Deanston whisky, great recommendation

  • @mhdkam2288
    @mhdkam2288 Před rokem +2

    We appreciate...

  • @Zenmgtow
    @Zenmgtow Před rokem

    Recently got my hands on Mossburn single malt
    11 years. Only 302 bottles . Cask strength. Very nice.

  • @heatherharrison264
    @heatherharrison264 Před rokem +4

    I currently have Springbank 10 in my collection. In my area, Springbank 10 and 15 are sporadically available. Springbank is more costly relative to other whiskies in the same age range, and the 15-year is a bit too expensive. Recently, on the same day, I saw Springbank 15 and Balblair 15. I went for Balblair 15, as it was less than half the price of Springbank 15, and I think it was money well spent. I also have Deanston 12 and 15 (organic) in my collection. Both of those are excellent. I also sometimes order Deanston 12 at a local fancy restaurant/bar. It is very food friendly; it pairs well with seafood and poultry. The 18-year sometimes turns up in my area. After I run down one of the other bottles of Deanston, I might look for it. I remember it being around the same price as many other 18-year whiskies.

    • @timkempisty258
      @timkempisty258 Před rokem

      That Balblair 15 needs to be on people's radar. Such great oak on it, right down to that minty / herbal note that often gets lost in refill casks. Extraordinary.
      I found Deanston 18 really heavy on the bourbon influence, to the point that you're getting a lot of the sweet and bubblegummy flavors that are common with corn based spirit. I just happen to prefer barley whisky to corn whisky, so Deanston 12 is more in my wheelhouse. But that's just my own tastes.

    • @robfut9954
      @robfut9954 Před rokem

      I’m officially ignoring Springbank until they get off themselves and start to show up without needing a raffle or for 25% more than I am willing to pay. They’re becoming a snob malt like Macallan.

  • @louispare4147
    @louispare4147 Před rokem

    Love Glen Scotia! Besides the Double Cask, it's been hard to find this year in Canada. The 15 and Victoriana are delicious.
    Cheers!

  • @rafarutka4823
    @rafarutka4823 Před rokem +2

    I think there are other Deanston's worth our attention too, and they're available with proper ratio quality/price.

  • @alexk3088
    @alexk3088 Před rokem

    I chuckled when Ralfy said "you're probably in the US" when talking about Springbank. I stumbled upon the Springbank 15 in a little shop in Florida in 2020. Last bottle on the shelf and it was $100. A year later I picked up a Springbank 10 at Costco, of all places. And they had multiple cases. I think it was$90. Not sold where I live, so a no brainier. At least with Springbank we know that there truly are a limited number of bottles, so it's worth hunting. With some of the so called allocated bourbons I really doubt they're as limited.

  • @brianmonaghan2498
    @brianmonaghan2498 Před rokem +1

    Rally, I’d love to see your 3 must have Irish whiskies for 2023

  • @AlitaAvenger
    @AlitaAvenger Před rokem

    Awesome video, thanks...!!

  • @Thomas_Ekstrom
    @Thomas_Ekstrom Před rokem +1

    Excellent whisky´s 👌

  • @davet7185
    @davet7185 Před rokem

    A triumvirate of tantalising throat warmers there Ralfy - anyone of those could grace my cabinet! 😁

  • @yoavreznik1860
    @yoavreznik1860 Před rokem

    Two of those are already on my shelf. I couldn't be more proud of myself, my work here is done. 😅

  • @chrisbergin390
    @chrisbergin390 Před rokem

    I love springbank , went to the distillery a few years back. I can never ever find any of their stuff on the net or in shops though

  • @davidcraig8367
    @davidcraig8367 Před rokem

    In Ralfy We Trust. Cheers!

  • @TheMetalGBG
    @TheMetalGBG Před rokem +1

    I put in an order for the Glen Scotia bottle. I'll have a sip in a week or so :)

  • @alcotrener
    @alcotrener Před rokem

    Unexpected and very interesting top-3 👍👍

  • @MrLachlanmackenzie
    @MrLachlanmackenzie Před rokem

    Again I have to shout bingo. Thanks Ralfy!

  • @neilanderson2374
    @neilanderson2374 Před rokem +2

    Managed to try a glass of Springbank at a Whisky bar in Liverpool (The Puffin Room, excellent selection of whisky). also tried a glass of Laphroaig Lore. Springbank was very good (and subsequently i was lucky to find a bottle for sale online) but i was mightily impressed by the Lore. I still cant bring myself to pay that much for a bottle of NAS whisky, though...
    For me the Deanston is gobsmackingly good at a good price.

  • @speedmatters
    @speedmatters Před rokem

    As usual, another expensive video for me! Many thanks for the hard work ;)

  • @gillesdebritalycars
    @gillesdebritalycars Před rokem +1

    Two Campeltown ❤❤❤❤

  • @mtl5131
    @mtl5131 Před rokem

    I have all 3 but would be over the moon if anyone bought me one of these for Christmas. Great picks Ralfy 👌🏻

  • @janetmackinnon3411
    @janetmackinnon3411 Před rokem

    Thank you! Wish I could....

  • @ollirasanen1222
    @ollirasanen1222 Před rokem

    Hi Ralfy, thanks for another great video! I was wondering, which version of the Glen Scotia Victoriana did you have? The first version of 51,5 ABV or the newer 54,2 ABV? The first version seems to be impossible to find, although l hope the difference is not huge between these two.

  • @richardjones4080
    @richardjones4080 Před rokem

    I have a Bowmore 12 yr old its absolutely beautiful

  • @pfalzgraf7527
    @pfalzgraf7527 Před rokem

    Now I see what is luxury for Ralfy!
    And he is right.

  • @Alcazam
    @Alcazam Před rokem

    Love this! Would you ever be interested in reviewing Norwegian Aquavit? I quite like the Lysholm Throndhjems Aquavit (aged 3 years). Gilde Non Plus Ultra has been aged 12 years.

  • @richardkilley6838
    @richardkilley6838 Před rokem +2

    It's tough at the top!

  • @fchow8652
    @fchow8652 Před rokem

    Thank you, running to the liquor store now

  • @ledsvik
    @ledsvik Před rokem

    Looks like 3 really good choices. I've tried Springbank and it's fantastic. About Glen Scotia. My brother told me long time ago that the Glen Scotia distillery were closed because it was haunted? :) I guess that was just a marketing trick if that happened? :)

  • @DayKlight
    @DayKlight Před rokem

    Good recommendations, Springbank is nearly not available here, and if it is its hugely overpriced, deanston 18 also not really available. The victoriana, i have an older batch in my stash for the future me. So instead i got myself a williamson from berry bros 7y and found a dusty bottle of tobermory first editions, 16y, bottled in 2012, am really curious about them :)

  • @johnw1597
    @johnw1597 Před rokem

    Amazing! I just won a bottle of Deanston 18 with Master of malt! Not a bad freebie eh Ralfy?! Cheers mate! take care.

  • @andyreeves8941
    @andyreeves8941 Před rokem

    For the first time ever, I own them all!!! 🎉

  • @artvandelay3922
    @artvandelay3922 Před rokem +1

    I've over accumulated and looking to downsize - thanks for the recommendations for 'essential' buys

  • @Andy_Holbrook332
    @Andy_Holbrook332 Před rokem

    Good picks

  • @tillmanmcadams1534
    @tillmanmcadams1534 Před rokem

    Suffer through it Lad!

  • @josephkiselica8923
    @josephkiselica8923 Před rokem

    Ralfmaster. You have a wonderful way of "whinning". Spank those bottles". NAZDRAVYE!

  • @MonkeyspankO
    @MonkeyspankO Před rokem

    Good choices (if you can find them) can confirm.

  • @nohandle257
    @nohandle257 Před rokem +1

    New glasses ralfy? They look good.

  • @wescrutcher77
    @wescrutcher77 Před rokem

    Love these, currently into the Victoriana Cask Strength and am loving it. Dark fruits and dark sugar goodness, almost rum like? Does anyone know the age of the whisky? I only ask as it’s NAS and using the Ralfy tried n tested min per year system, this whisky tastes best after at least 15, maybe 20 minutes of pouring…. Thanks!

  • @DonnerPassWhisky
    @DonnerPassWhisky Před rokem

    Speyburn 15 is another one that is available for a good price and very good quality.

  • @martinreid1740
    @martinreid1740 Před rokem

    I've been lucky to have tried two, who knows what Santa will bring.

  • @rolopolo66
    @rolopolo66 Před rokem

    Deanston 10 is a ripper. Would love to try the 18.

  • @jans9065
    @jans9065 Před rokem

    Im happy to have a shop in my City, that dont want to go Crazy with the prices. I could buy a springbank 10 for 80€ and the same with a Kilkerran 8 sherry Wood. In other shops i pay 100€ an more for the Springbank 10 an 160€ up for the Kilkerran.❤

  • @zoltanlakoyt8665
    @zoltanlakoyt8665 Před rokem

    Fodasse yet another Springbank. Cheers Ralfy, wish you a very happy Xmas.

  • @peterc3822
    @peterc3822 Před rokem

    Hey Ralfy, assuming you will be reviewing the new 54.2% victoriana but i'd love to hear your thoughts about how it compares to the 51.5% bottle from your older video about the Victoriana.

  • @bluesmanen1
    @bluesmanen1 Před rokem

    Got 2 out of 3....and that ain't a bad thing 🤔
    Have had the third one about 2 years ago

  • @peterdawson9408
    @peterdawson9408 Před rokem +1

    If only I could get a Springbank 10!!☹️

  • @steviestevie6868
    @steviestevie6868 Před rokem

    On your recommendation. Bought Deanston 18yo and Glen Scotia Victoriana, but could not locate the SB10yo... Just tried the Deanston - wickedly good whisky!!!

    • @steviestevie6868
      @steviestevie6868 Před rokem

      Gosh Ralfy - that Deanston 18yo is immensely good! I was drinking some Steamship Bushmills and changed to the Deanston 18yo and my socks eneded up in the next room! Gobsmacked.........

  • @peartreedu
    @peartreedu Před rokem

    Despite Springbank being so famous, I've never seen it sold in Vancouver.

  • @robfut9954
    @robfut9954 Před rokem +1

    I can find the Glen Scotia 15 for about $11 less than Victoriana. Is the 15 near as good? I’ve had the Victoriana before and liked it.

  • @Jacobsmemesnstuff
    @Jacobsmemesnstuff Před rokem

    So grateful i have two of those in my cupboard currently...might have to hunt down some deanston 18 to get the trifecta

    • @peatbull3426
      @peatbull3426 Před rokem +1

      Amazon less than £60 now. Enjoy 😁🥃🙋🏻‍♂️

    • @Jacobsmemesnstuff
      @Jacobsmemesnstuff Před rokem

      @@peatbull3426 you folk get to buy liquor on amazon in Europe?! ☹️ Being American makes malty moments tougher to come by from across the pond unfortunately! What a deal!

    • @peatbull3426
      @peatbull3426 Před rokem +1

      @@Jacobsmemesnstuff yes it true 🤷‍♂️ you guys in US have 43% and 0.75L bottles so life of Malt Mates is not fair 😁🥃🙋🏻‍♂️ anywhere.

  • @michaeltovey02607
    @michaeltovey02607 Před 7 měsíci

    You are a martyr Ralfy. I have just opened a bottle of Wormtub 10 year old batch 4. Can’t afford Springbank so I will have to force it down somehow and dream of winning a premium bond.

  • @buffdogg
    @buffdogg Před rokem

    If any of you ever cross a Victoriana and don't pick it up, you've made a huge mistake. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a cask strength Victoriana and it is one of the most superb whiskies I've ever had.

  • @forwork2601
    @forwork2601 Před rokem +1

    I prefer glenfiddich 12 over Springbank any day

  • @nabeelrafique7166
    @nabeelrafique7166 Před rokem

    IMHO, Luxury Whisky is to be incomparable & exclusive.
    A 20+ year old thorough sherry cask Glen Ord, Bowmore, Lagavulin, Benrinnes, Mortlach, Caol Ila or Glenrothes from one of the following bottlers is ultimate luxury -
    1. The Nectar
    2. Adelphi
    3. Gordan & Macphail
    4. Berry & Rudd
    5. Signatory
    6. The Collective
    These bottlers beat Diageo's market bottles left and right.
    I am happy to pay $499 for one of the above, than pay $299 for Diageo's 40% bottle.

  • @Hellboy700
    @Hellboy700 Před rokem

    Springbank, GOOD. Deanston, GOOD! Glen Scotia, huh? Ok, I am game. I hope you will expand on this list of offerings from these distilleries, or expand your list to include other distilleries for 2023.

  • @beebobox
    @beebobox Před rokem

    Have two, need the 18 y deanston, only have a 12 year one.

  • @magnusalmen6168
    @magnusalmen6168 Před rokem

    Found a10y Springbank i Helsingör Denmark

  • @antipodesman
    @antipodesman Před rokem

    The only one that I might be able to find here in British Columbia is a Deanston and even that I'm not sure about the 18. Springbank is very rare. I have bought it in the past but I haven't seen it in years. As for Glen Scotia . . . never. I have my eye on a Glencadam 18 though. That would be nice I think.

  • @carlubambi5541
    @carlubambi5541 Před rokem

    Unfortunately we won't be seeing these in Canada!

  • @jaakkorahkola2430
    @jaakkorahkola2430 Před rokem

    Im running out of my Red Breast 12 cask strength... Would you happen to be releasing one of these 3 Great... vids for Irish whiskeys?

  • @PunschRS
    @PunschRS Před rokem +1

    Something that would be nice is hearing how much you paid for these, then we could compare to the price we have in our location :) Cheers!

  • @alexk3088
    @alexk3088 Před rokem

    Ralfy, kudos to you for mentioning the Victoriana. Obviously the NAS is just forced by the rules. There's something to be gained by blending older and younger malts. So doesn't it seem restrictive that you wouldn't review it? 😎 I've generally been in agreement with you on the position. We should know the age. But there are bound to be exceptions 😂