vPub Live - Best 12yo Malts for 2021
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- **Timestamps below**
For many, the 12 year-old bracket of age-stated malts is an entry point, yet once upon a time it was a mark of maturity. Despite my love of exploring different whiskies and styles and occasionally enjoying more mature releases, I have a generous selection of the standards on the shelf and I've been confident in my understanding of what's out there. That is, until recently. It seems that things change quickly.
When looking back to the last time I placed the top 5 list in a vPub of September 2018, there was a little less choice out there in the whisky landscape, and I have a suspicion that there were less "naturally presented" offerings on offer. It certainly feels like that. Today it's looking like there's a lot more to take in, and that's a good thing. A very good thing. So, through the lens of the old-standard 12 year old, let's see how much has changed in that list. Perhaps look at some of the (my!) better whiskies out there today, at what they cost and, if at all possible, let's bring a few surprises.
Would love to welcome you then.
Edit after broadcast: In summary, and I may or may not have managed to get the point across, to judge these whiskies all by the only common denominator they have - their age - is a bit of a nonsense. All are very, very different whiskies and while the age perhaps gives us some insight, each of these fulfils a different niche. Enter the surprise entry at the very end to illustrate. Again, 12yo age stated but capable of upending whiskies of even twice its age. Still, this topic served a nice way for me to meander through various malt-related topics while exploring some new releases along the way. Hope you enjoy!
Here's the link to the Whisky & Wisdom video I mention - The History of Scotch (to the tune of Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire") • The history of Scotch ...
Timestamps:
Thanks to Glasgow Whisky Club : 20:20
Intro to 12 yo Line-up : 23:55
Glenmorangie - why no 12yo? : 27:38
Excluded from this list : 35:45
Glenallachie 12 : 46:38
Tobermory 12 : 47:14
S4D promo - Mark from Scotch 4 Dummies : 50:50
Glen Garioch 12 : 1:05:14
Glenlivet Illicit Still : 1:10:00
Loch Lomond 12 The Open 2020 (Chardonnay Yeast) : 1:12:10
Changing the order & surprises : 1:17:05
Balblair 12 : 1:19:27
Benriach "The Twelve" 12 1:27:36
Glenturret 12 2020 Maiden Release : 1:36:09
Is it a Speyside - Alasdair Gray : 1:49:10
Is it a Speyside - Jimmy Leg : 2:00:41
Quiz at the End (Questions by Eric Cunliffe) : 2:15:28
Time stamps included in the description box! 👆
Watching this on the replay. Just wanted to point out that a couple of years ago Glenmorange Original was a NAS for a period of time. The 10 has returned and have no idea why that was done?
Hello Roy, this was my first Vpub and i really like your concept, i will try to look in next week thursday
@@DonnerPassWhisky that’s news to me. I knew they’d changed their branding and the “10” disappeared and was replaced by “TEN YEARS OLD” in small font, but I wasn’t aware it had gone NAS.
@@gerbenblokker1917 thanks! Really glad you enjoyed it, we’ll look out for you next week
@@Aqvavitae Ah perhaps I did not look closely enough? Saw it on a bottle at someone's house.
Delighted to see Glen Garioch get some love. Underrated whisky.
I think I’ll enjoy my time with the 12, but it gets more interesting with a splash 💦
Love GG. In 2016 KL Wines had a 1997 vintage Single Cask of Glen Garioch, it quickly became my top two favorites along with Aberlour Abunah, I was just getting into whiskey at the time and didnt realize that certain bottlings go away, big mistake not stocking up as there where only about 180 bottles. It was only 70usd range then for 750ml. I still have 1/3 of that bottle left, scared to drink the rest!
I'm a beginner in the world of whisky. I just bought a bottle of Glen Allachie 12 YO. I hope I like it, will give it some time as people have said in reviews that when it breathes in the bottle it can get better. And you said it's sweet which is music to my ears. I have a bit of a sweet tooth.
Tiny sips, tiny steps, lots of patience. The pay back is life-affirming. Keep us posted.
Really great video Roy. Listened on the replay while cooking dinner. Agree about the Bunna, Kilkerran and Dean 12. My shelf is definitely a lot smaller than yours, but those three are all on the shelf and losing whisky quickly.
Thanks Phil! I’m sure you noticed a couple of tiny changes that were more than the whiskies 😉 Glad you could pick it up! Caught your email too... reply on its way 🤓
Hi Roy
Just watching the replay of V Pub Live best 12yr old malts.
You mentioned about members of your club.
I live near Liverpool and would welcome members of your club to interact with them as I'm malt head many, thanks for your shows love watching them slainte
Are you on Facebook? Are you already a member of the Aqvavitae Barflies Robert?
@@Aqvavitae yes I am
@@robertheyes5781 I put out a wee mention there. Hope to remember to mention it on a future live 👍 If be surprised if there weren’t people pretty close to you my friend.
Hard to argue against the Kilkerran 12 as the best twelve-year-old on the market when all factors including value for money are considered.
The Benriach Smoky 12 is one I'm keen to try - those medium peated style drams always go down well.
Thanks for another great VPub Roy.
Got good feedback on The Smoky but not tried yet. Actually super interested in the Glenturret Peated. Cheers Sam
The wonders of replay having 2 kids under 10 being able to watch snippets here and there whilst entertaining the kids over the wkend. Great stream fantastic contents cheers Roy and the wonderful Barflies.
The struggle and the juggle are real! Snippets here and there have been my life in recent months, that’s why it’s here when it fits for you Leejay, Thanks for catching on the replay
Another great vPub, Roy. I really enjoyed the discussion of the 12s and it is always fun to see Jimmy Leg live. I even managed an 8/10 in the challenging quiz. This was a wonderful way to kick off a new year!
Thanks Bud, it was fun to finally get Jimmy on a public live and that was a tricky quiz, so great score! Thanks,s always, for catching it!
One little collection on Balblair...of course from the vintages. It shines when it is at least not 15-16....but 21, rather 25. And there are a ton of 25 or older vintage . 1990 from 2015 (that was the bliss point) to 2017, then the 1991, all the old 1983, the 75s, the 78. And these are only the batch releases, not to mention the great single casks.
I have to agree, old Balblair are as elegant and graceful a malt as anything I’ve tried similar. I had the privilege of the 1983, and also the 1975 through a friend. Eye-popping. Cheers Zoltan
Very nice and interesting vPub Roy! Just watched the replay. I hope to catch live soon.
Glad you caught it Toni -your barstool is always here love or afterwards on the replay! Good to see you in
the 12yo category top 3 are tough to crack. i thought glendronach and glenallachie may have been able to force their way in. i love ancnoc at 40% it beats pulteney hands down imo and could probably go toe to toe with kilkerran if it was upped to 46%. the garioch i am quite enjoying at the moment but its not an "instantly replace" bottle. a 10yo top 5 would very tough especially if the peats are included - ardbeg, laphroaig, port charlotte, springbank, ledaig, talisker, arran, hazelburn, ben nevis, glencadam, glengoyne, glenmorangie, glenfarclas, benriach, aberlour - a total bloodbath!!
You’re not wrong there, I’d need to get brutal to keep the choice refined, but I think the peated style deserves its own session. I’m usually drawn to the old-school Ben Nevis and the Springer 🤓
@@Aqvavitae brutality is the only way lol. agreed on peated should be separate, ardbeg vs glenmorangie is potatoes vs bananas - its not really the same sport. i could see glencadam as the dark horse for you in this category.
that single barrel vintage isnt bad; a good daily sipper for the great low price.
This was a great evening . 3 hrs just flew. Only got 2/10 in the quiz alas.. and they were both guesses. Back to whisky school for me....
This isn’t whisky school, but you could think of it as learning as you enjoy the subject matter Glad you enjoyed and see you along again soon!
I can't join these live because of the time, but I'm glad to catch up with the recordings. I'm enjoying a nice Kilkerran 12 among others while watching. Love your lineup! Sláinte!
Stick with it Willem, I throw in a few curve balls. Thanks for catching on the replay 🙏
Another great vpub Roy.
Catching on the replay but will be sure to join live next week.
Love the positivity this community is bringing, great stuff.
It’s a life line when other things are upended, glad you’re enjoying and hope we can make it last as long as possible! Cheers Oliver and see you next week!
Wow the famous Jimmy Legg finally! He didn’t disappoint. I’ll even forgive the Tottenham scarf for it.
He’s a glorious specimen isn’t he? Of course, I did forget to mention that the “asshat” reference was created by him - I’ll remind him next time 😉
Thanks Roy, yourself and Ralfy have helped make this lockdown “sh**e” far more tolerable:-) when I hear either of your voices “all becomes a little saner.” fantastic content, thanks again
That’s what it’s all about and very much the same for me Graham (except for the hearing my voice bit!) and while we’re still struggling through its great to have an outlet, that it involves a nice glass too... well so much the better!
@@Aqvavitae ps .. just ordered the glenturret 12.. £69.80 WTF ! :-) like you , spent up yesterday (two bottles of Deanston 12 in booths supermarket for £33 each) “a balance, I thought” :-) have a great weekend
@@grahamgreenwood4234 share how you get on with it Graham!
@@Aqvavitae Good morning Roy, DPD kindly dropped it of last night :-) currently not drinking on work days, I will let you know after the weekend..
have you bought another bottle yet ? If so where from and what was the cost (just planning ahead :-)
As usual I had to leave the live stream after 15 Minutes due to it being too late for someone who has to get up early the next morning (no complaint about the timing!), which gave me a bit of time to think about my personal favourites among the 12yo malts before watching the replay. For my list I did not apply your rules, rather I tried to get a bit of variety.
- Edradour Caledonia
- Deanston 12
- Glenkinchie 12
- Lagavulin 12 CS
- Tobermory 12 Manzanilla
BTW, sipping a wee dram of Benromach Cask Strength (Batch 2) while watching the replay. Some guy who throws empty bottles into a recycle bin recommended it ;)
And accidentally leaves a wee bit in the bottle too 😖
Thanks for the list and catching on the replay!
Once again a wonderful vpub to listen replay style. I can't speak enough to how much I enjoy this. My paternal grandparents came over to the States from Motherwell back in the 1920's so Scotch has always been dear to me even if not truly appreciated till recently. GlenDronach 12 is my favorite so far at that age but my favorite 12 yr old of all time is Yamazaki 12. Getting priced out of that one for now so trying to savor it. Slainte my friend.
Always great to have you here Bill. It matters not when you connected with it, what matters is that you did. Try to find that Glenturret 12 Maiden Release. It’s exceptional!
I got a single cask heavily peated glenturret for Christmas and it blew me away how good it is! But now I feel like I must buy a 12yo now and seeing as its only 20 minutes from me i definitely need one 😂 thanks Roy! Ps I blame you for when my wife kills me 🤣
That’s why I’m here! Copy and paste this -->. This is Roy. Steve’s terrible behaviour is all my fault. Please don’t blame him. He was acting under duress. I told him to do it.
I provide the same service for wives too.
@@Aqvavitae 😂😂😂 Absolutely brilliant reply Roy! You are the support I need and I've already passed this on to her 😂😂😂 she understands 👀. Thanks Roy and please don't change and keep up the great videos. 🥃 Slainte!
@@stevewhiskybrer2098 🙌
I watched the replay. First time here. I hope to catch the next one live.
Welcome Arjen, hope you enjoyed! We’ll look out for you!
I've only finished catching up this fantastic vPub. Great topic for the newbies like myself. Enjoyed it a lot. 👍
Thanks, that means a lot. It’s easy to get carried away and forget I’m trying to make content that includes everyone, if I’ve managed it in some way I’m very happy. Cheers Maciej
Very enjoyable as usual - cheers!
One note on the Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or - I was at a virtual tasting with Brendan McCarron (of Ardbeg and Glenmorangie) and asked him about the age statement thing. He was refreshingly candid: he said that it's more or less the same whisky as before, but they didn't feel they could justify pricing it higher than the now older Quinta Ruban. Customers would be confused as to why a 12 year-old was more expensive than a 14. So then it boils down to that old marketing ploy - make it NAS so they can afford to charge us more!*
*There was an explanation as to why exactly it should be more expensive than the Quinta Ruban - not an arbitrary decision, it's apparently down to the Sauternes casks being rarer and more expensive than the Ruby port casks.
Thanks Alex, glad you enjoyed. Wonderfully candid, but we’re capable of understanding such a thing, as are all the retailers. It doesn’t need to be removed altogether I don’t think 🤔 Regardless, this 4th Edition didn’t have enough going for it to trouble the others here. Shame, as the 10 has such promise. I’d love a core release from Glenmo all natural with no fuss and a good ABV. Thanks for sharing!
Another great whisky adventure!
Thanks Mike 😄 thanks for watching and commenting
Many thanks for the tip, Roy, with the new Glenturret 12. I'll be fascinated to give it a go and see how it shapes up. Somewhere I've got a Glenturret NAS sherry cask original bottling, which is patiently awaiting its opening and some TLC and appreciation. Here in Germany it's had very good write-ups for a NAS sherry expression, so if the GT 12 is a real progression beyond that, then it's going to be an interesting prospect. I'm just happy to see that Glenturret has been liberated from the Edrington stable! That can't be a bad thing. Cheers.
Where the NAS was good but a little “soft” the new 12 has layered depth and complexity, which for such dominant casks is a treat. I’d love to hear what you think. Cheers Russell!
Ahh, been a fan of your channel so long, and I totally agree with the Killkerran 12, unfortunately over here in Canada, Quebec especially, it's a baffling situation. There is none available in our provincial monopoly shops in my town, nor is it available on their online store, but for some reason they have 23 bottles in a small town store 200 miles away. Were it not for COVID, and other restrictions, I
Great feedback on the Balblair. Mine is also a recent purchase and it will carry over time. To be fair to it, it was being judged against and alongside the Top 5. Tough gig. Thanks Radu
Why is nobody talking about the Macnair's Lum Reek 12 y/o? It's a very nice whisky from the Glenallachie Distillery!
Picking up another past Vpub during the break while I do chores.
Benriach 12 is always available around here (both versions), but I have never picked one up. I will get The 12 to try next time I see it.
Thanks again for interesting "2 hours" Roy :D I've only recently, after 15 years or so, started playing with water in whisky, and it's a fantastic thing! Not always, but often times, depending on whisky and mood. Definetely don't discount water as you said! :)
Absolutely! It’s a revelation when a few drops brings a glass to life and great to play with that and a wee bit dilution too! Glad you could hang out for “two hours” 😜
Hi Roy I've just discovered your channel, I've watched 2 vpub nights on catchup and intend to watch live in the future. I started my whisky journey 8 years ago but have never found anywhere with the sense of community like your channel provides. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
This is such a nice comment to read Michael, it’s a great community and it’s nice to have you watching.
Watched the first hour then had to hit the sack, watched the rest Friday evening. Interesting too see different opinions on these 12 year old whiskies. One of my fav 12 yr old's was the discontinued ben riach 12 sherry wood, very good whisky. As always Roy a thoroughly enjoyable thought through vPUB. Nice one Roy and cheers,
Thanks do much David, great to have you live or on the bounce. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the nice comment my friend
An hour behind tonight due to work. Great v pub Roy. Only had SMWS Glenturrets to date. May have to try the 12 now. Very lucky 8/10 in the quiz. Day off tomorrow so popping over to the S4D stream...
Thanks for hanging out on noth streams Matt - always nice to see you stop by!
I'm not a peathead but defo agree the Kilkerran 12 is a great whisky, especially a the price. I've found the Aultmore 12 to be a consistent and good value integrity malt. My top 12 yo malt. Cheers
Great call on the Aultmore. You might also be interested to see the title for next weeks vPub! 😳
As teased this week; Currently in draft: it’s either Chasing Flavour.... or The Flavour Chase 😅
@@Aqvavitae it has to be The Flavour Chase. Lol. I've had my blog for over year but family and work commitments have overtaken my priorities. I've written for Vin at No Nonsense and hope to contribute more going forward. Really enjoying vPub even though I rarely am able to catch it live, still fun catching it on the replay. Cheers
@@jagsingh5652 where else are you? Have I seen you on IG?
@@Aqvavitae I'm on twitter but to be honest I've not proactive enough on social media. Life of a whisky blogger/vlogger is quite tough I found, fun but needs dedicated time. So hats off to you. Dont know how you do it. You won't remember but I e-mailed you a couple of years ago for advice and you gave me encouraging feedback which prompted me to give it a crack.
Hi Roy I've just bought the benriach 12 £41
A distillery I have overlooked but in reality always liked. The curiositas was the best peated whisky for the price outside of Islay and tobermory imo , and I had a 1980s 10 from whisky auctioneer which I enjoyed very much and a relative bargain at £62.
I've also just bought the glenturret 12 for £69 on Amazon prime that sounds good.
Especially as an inaugural release ( mainland Europe price aside ) they're tied in with lalique which I think they'll be going full steam ahead for the premium market fancy bottle is a sign imo.
At least we get to try it before it jumps off a cliff chasing macallan.
Hope I'm wrong mate but I'll at least be able to give a good sample to my friend from Creiff of his local distillery.
After Iain MacArthur asked him was that a real distillery a couple of years ago at lagavulin , were still laughing at that now as well as his hair replacement therapy.
All the best Roy
Haha, Iain is a blast, always ready with a funny put down. I hope you’re wrong about the inevitable premium market and luxury goods chasing inevitability. Still, it’s here now and you won’t regret that purchase. Cheers Glynn
Fantastic episode, Roy! Had to catch it on the replay - and immediately bought a bottle of Glenturret 12. Wow, thanks for the recommendation, it really is reminiscent of a Macallan 12 Sherry Oak.
So glad you’re enjoying it too, a beautiful and slightly nostalgic pour!
Keep putting off buying the Glenturret 12 trying to cut back for a couple of months but finally gave in tonight!
I doubt you’ll regret that. I bought another Look forward to you sharing your thoughts!
@@Aqvavitae thanks Roy will do - managed to get it for £62 inc delivery so not too bad on price either 👍
@@AlReyn I think you’ll forgive its price when you taste it. Difficult to find another core release at the price point that delivers this style today.
@@Aqvavitae trust your judgement Roy looking forward to opening it
What a peach of an episode only just managed to catch this classic is it a Speyside! Macduff @ Jimmy Legg classic, classic stuff. Have to say on the replay alone I pulled the trigger on The Glenturret and blew my Xmas cash on a very worthy dram form WExc (I’ll share with my dad it’s on him) ... and I’ve asked for Glenlivet illicit still from the hubster . Roy 2021 hasn’t started brilliant but the content has cheered me right up. Slainte! ❤️🥃🥃🥃🥃
Thank you Andrea, I think you’re safe with the Glenturret but I’ll be curious to see how you get on with it. That IIAS with Jimmy was great - you couldn’t have written it!
Thanks for including so many honorable mentions! It made for a very full overview. You even put in Caledonia, which probably belongs in your discussion on 18-year-olds 😛... what a dank, dark, musty whisky ... or, as you eloquently put it, "flavorsome." Cheers!
The Caledonia also varies wildly and embraces that batch variation. Yet again, another take on a whisky where the 12yo statement doesn’t really reveal what it is. In many way closer to Springbank release in spirit. Thanks for watching Robert!
Great vPub Roy (as always)! I know it‘s not Scotch but the Redbreast 12 or the Yellow Spot would be on my list. And since I have a sweet-tooth Glenallachie 12 as well^^ Can‘t wait to try the Glenturret 12 - it‘s on its way. Cheers Roy!
Please share your thoughts - and you may be aware I love Single Pot Still Irish too! Thanks my friend - off to read Wikipedia 😉
Roy, I can see the Kilkerran Virtual Malt Festival bottle in the background. As a triple distilled whisky it reminded me so much of a rich Jameson’s. I’d love to hear what you think about it when you open it. Always watch on reply and catch one or two per year live. Your content really helped me last year and it would be great if you could do a month of Thursdays and Sundays like you did in lockdown.
Simon
I’m trying to fathom what I can do there Simon, was a lot of work last year with everything else and I was pretty spent by summer. Still, I hear you. Thanks for the feedback and I got to try a sample of the KKVMF and was intrigued. KK and the experimentation reminds me of a “skunkworks” for whisky! Cheers Simon
This was a really excellent and thought-provoking conspectus of the contemporary 12-year-old single malt landscape. I would love if this was a regular (monthly?) vPub style of episode looking at 10,15,18 and 21 y.o.
Anyway, I'm a regular silent viewer and always enjoy your work. Long may it continue!
Thank you for speaking up Cornelius 🙂 all of those are on the planning page, it might take time to assess each segment tho, so much good whisky to cover! Thanks for commenting
Thank you Roy for another great vPub. Looking forward to you peated 12 year old review, and going to look out for Glenturett 12.
Great episode
Hello Roy, just finished watching on catch up, sorry I'm late!. The top three 12 year olds in your list are 'no brainers' for me, but then it gets tough. Arran and Ledaig are 10 years old and Clynelish is 14. Glen Garioch is nice and Loch Lomond seems to do everything well. My two choices would be Aultmore at number 4 and Glengoyne at number 5. The Aultmore is harder to get. The Glengoyne 12 doesn't state on the label that it isn't chill filtered, but buy one and put it in the fridge over night and you will see a thing of beauty. Great show as always, stay safe Roy!
Good to have you watching again, always have a place in the cabinet for Glengoyne, and enjoyed my time with that Aultmore. Cheers Billy
Thanks for the content. I do enjoy your channel...
Thanks for the comment! Good to have you watching
I had to catch this on the replay this time Roy.I thought your comments on the Highland Park 12 were interesting,especially as the first cask strength release shows how much body that whisky can have.
I was really tempted by that release. HP still make great whisky, but the confusing releases and their recent positioning has meant less for the enthusiast it seems. Interestingly, there’s been plenty of independent releases under the banner “Orkney”, which is one of two distilleries (just not Scapa! 😉 ) Cheers!
For me it's got to be the Bunnahabhain. I'd be happy paying twice its price for that quality, it's THAT good.
Kilkerran 12 I have great respect for, but it isn't really my dram. I enjoy it, but I don't find myself grabbing that bottle very often.
I recently bought a bottle of Glenallachie 12 and it's decreasing in quantity surprisingly fast!
I do enjoy it and I’m very grateful that it’s available at the price. Based on mood and moment, it could easily slip back to first place, but that KK12 has the ability to surprise time and time again. Good times Alessandro!
Thank you for a very informative episode spread over two replays. It’s nice to see that reasonably (ok that’s a loaded term but I’m too lazy to grab the thesaurus) priced offerings by virtue of their age drive such passion and community engagement. There’s ample food for thought here as my Deanston 12 isn’t far off from a heels moment. Cheers.
Totally agree, all of these whiskies punch above their weight against their peers. Glad you enjoyed and always great to have you stopping by Nathan
I ordered the Glenturret 12 before the vpub was over 😉... already sipping it now and love it. I'd say it's the best of Glendronach 15 and Springbank 15 combined. Complexity, balance and funk !
Excellent. Great to hear you love it. Funk you say? Sounds like I need to go pour and investigate!
Another grand Vpub and some fine drams highlighted too! Looking forward to trying the Open Edition of the Loch Lomond 12yo! Glad you had 50p to put in the slot to keep everything going lol!
Me too Hellen still can’t figure out what happened but the last thing you want to see mid-stream is a black screen with a spinning circle! Please share your thoughts on that fizzy fruit bomb 🍎 💣
Cheers!
That was a great game of Is It a Speyside with Jimmy Leg. Too bad he is a Spurs fan lol 😅
Also another good quiz. 6/10 I was confident that Q10 was Ardnahoe but fell just short!
Passmark! Take it and run, it was a tricky quiz. Glad you enjoyed Jimmy’s effort at the challenge
Cheers Marc.
1:36:09 have you had a chance to try the 2021 release yet Roy? It's been sat in my basket for a little while and I don't have the...bottle...to take the punt
Man, one day ill get over 6/10. Always start off well and then drop off.
This was a tough quiz tho Paul!
Happy new year Roy. Great to have the VPub back and with a great topic to start. Bunna 12 has a lot of good memories for me so I have a soft spot for it but recently got LL12 and it offers more than I expected. Really enjoying it. Too much good whiskey indeed. And too little money, liver and time like you said. That was great. Too true.
Haha yes! There’s more whisky choice than we can handle. Great to hear you’re loving the contrast the Loch Lomond can bring, usually a great price point too. Thanks Carlos!
Great vPub Roy and great quiz from Eric.
He brought some crunchy questions for sure... loved it! Sharing your score Gary? 😜 cheers my friend
@@Aqvavitae Yeah, happily. Got 6/10.... so a pass but a bit of luck involved on that!
New subscriber, loving the channel Roy :) great work
Great to have you watching and enjoying JC, thanks for leaving a wee note of thanks 🙏
Nice one Roy! As a beginner wanting to explore as much as possible, the KK 12 and Bunna 12 were the ones that i immediately restocked; both excellent and very different profiles; definitely want to try the Loch Lomond 12 and Glen Gairoch next:) Cheers!
Let us know how you get on Floyd! Thanks for watching and commenting
Great vPub! Looking forward to the peated edition ;)
That’ll take a little work.... too much choice 😅
Oh, and on the Glen Grant 12 - there's a travel retail version at 48% ABV an un-chill filtered. Not sure where it's available now, but highly recommended if you can find it.
Now you’re talking!
@@Aqvavitae I'm happy to send you a sample if you'd like to try it - you can DM me your details on twitter @dailydrambyalex
In 2nd year of buying scotch only by whisky at 46 abv
Sipping The Glenturret 10 Peat Smoke right now. I could nose this all day!! Can't wait to try the 12. Cheers 🥃
Ordered and en route, very much looking forward to it. Cheers Andrew
My five favorite 12s I've had so far: Bunnahabhain 12, Deanston 12, Glendronach 12, Aberlour 12 NCF 48%, Blair Athol 12
Five 12s, I'd like to try: Tomatin 12, Loch Lomond 12, Kilkerran 12, Cragganmore 12, An Cnoc 12
Definitely all worthy of your time, there’s no shortage of whiskies to try, hope you find a few “moments” with some of them
Loving the vPub on the replay as usual Roy. Haven’t had the Loch Lomond or the Tobermory but I do love the Kilkerran, Deanston and Bunnahabhain. I prefer all things Peated so I tend to gravitate towards Islay and Campbeltown. The Lagavulin 12 and Springbank 12 are two of my absolute favorites though I understand why they weren’t represented here. I have enjoyed some mainland peat but usually find it more sharp with pepper, ginger and even pine when compared to Islay and Campbeltown peated whiskies. Keep up the great content bud. 👍
Suspect peated malts will be better represented when we get an episode on 10 year olds, with Ledaig, Ardbeg and Port Charlotte in the mix to name but three.
I’m kinda leaning towards a Peated only episode at some point, exploring the difference made by different peat and kilning etc -one for the future...
Can’t argue with the top 3! Need to try Loch Lomond 12.
It brings a nice unique take on “funk” which contrasts well in a line up. Not for everyone, but now a staple for me.
Roy enjoyed the stream informative as ever, with respect your comments on the Glenturret shouldn't whisky price be based on quality regardless of age ? If it's a brilliant whiskey then isn't age statement irrelevant?
Thanks Alastair. Exactly the point I tried to make. The only common denominator here is the age statement and the fact they’re all malts. These are incredibly varied and different whiskies so making a “Top 5” is clumsy without the context and back stories. The Balblair is still young at 12, I’ll bet it’d be great at 18 or 21. The Glenturret is resplendent now, and is better than many 21yo’s. I think I wrote it in the description box but I used the age strategy to run through what’s available, what it costs, what it’s like and from there discover the value. The ‘turret is expensive, but the value is undeniable. Hope you get to try it!
The rep from Michters told me they bottle their whiskies at the proof their panel of tasters feel represents that particular whiskey best. This is unfortunate as some of their whiskies are bottles sub 43%.
I’d prefer it a bit higher, subjectivity is then replaced by personal preference. You can’t take the water out. That said, some are just fine at low ABV. Cheers John. ( it is John - right?! 😬 )
@@Aqvavitae Lol. Nope it’s Clay
@@Aqvavitae and I agree, ya can’t take the water out. It would be best if they bottled it high strength and just advised on their recommended consumption strength. Let the consumer explore strength and decide their own preference. I definitely prefer my whiskies 55-60% ABV
@@dram_mondays50 ahh... getting you confused with Malt Mondays! It’s age... 🤓
@@Aqvavitae oh interesting. Dram_Mondays is a play on Damn Mondays. It’s my Instagram account of my whisky journey. No CZcams channel for this guy. Just pretty pictures. Lol
I really enjoying the Springbank 12 (2020), Deanston 12 and AnCnoc 12 at the moment.
Sounds like you keep fine company! Thanks for tuning in!
Bunnahabhain 12 was always my go to whisky but as my journey has developed I find it doesn’t have enough distinct flavours.
It’s a great whisky, but if you’re looking for something more complex it can sometimes be a little simple, I agree. Still, it remains a permanent feature at casa Aqvavitae. Thanks David!
I really hope the Glenturret 12 will become available in Japan. Checked the whiskey exchange and it was $76 + $40 (shipping) so decided to patiently wait.
I think there’s a good chance there was enough of an output for it to get there. Maybe I should keep enough aside for you in case you miss it 😉
I keep telling myself that I don’t need to try everything, but it makes it hard with you doing a very good job of evangelizing😂
I could only come up with 4: Bunnahabhain 12, Glenmorangie Lasanta, Glenrothes 12 (40% abv), and Loch Lomond Inchmoan (peated).
I wasn't keen on the regular Loch Lomond, I found it very bitter. Nectar D'or would've made the list if it kept the age statement. Benriach 10 is good enough to make the list, but the new (and I hear improved) range hasn't got here yet.
I’ve heard and read over at Malt Review there are things about the new Benriach 10 to make it worthy of attention too. Could be one to try. Thanks Jake
Couple other nice 10-12 years: Glendronach 12, Arran 10, Bladnoch 10, and Hazelburn 10.
All worthy drams, so many are talking about the Bladnoch. Maybe I’ll have pulled the trigger by the time we cover 10yo malts. Thanks Steven
If you can find a Hazelburn 12 year old buy it.
Roy, Thank You for the great content! The time stamps are a great addition for those of us who cannot make the full V Pub. I cant help but think there are a bit of 10 yr old's that could beat out the 12s out there. Glencadam, Springbank and Arran (Ardbeg for the future peat discussion) for example, would you reach for any of those over your 12 yr line up?
Of course, I’ll switch out the “lens” (sorry for stretching the metaphor) to cover 10yo on another session and labour why that’s a silly thing to do. 🙂 All your mentions deserve discussion. Thanks Ryan 🙏
I also hate the tubes and dump them straight away to make more bottle room. :)
We could save money if they discounted our tube-free purchases!
Was wondering if to pull the trigger on the Glenturret 12 but after this may give it a go. Thanks
Don’t hesitate David. Honestly. It’s beautiful.
Great vpub Roy. Hard to argue with your top 3. Just wondering if F+F were excluded on basis of limited availability? Thought our friend the Blair Athol 12 🦦 might make the honourable mentions!
Absolutely. I regularly get feedback and messages about the F&F video I released simply because, for so many people, it teases what they can’t get. There are releases in that range that are frustratingly good. The Athol, as you mention, as well as the Benrinnes, the Teaninich and the Dailuaine. But you’re right, of those it’s the Blair Athol that’s a12yo. Thanks Tom
Glenfarclas 12 year old what is your take
Friday night watch with Inchmurrin 12 cheers!
Got only to try a wee sample of it. How are you finding it? It was quite oaky sweet from memory? 🙂
@@Aqvavitae one of my fav’s! It’s got that lovely juicy strong thing going on - I can never pin it down to a proper description 😄
12 Years old ? In summer i'd pick an Aultmore 12 as an accessible whisky. It started to snow again, so.... caol ila / bunna it is, aswell.
Interesting selections. I love the Edradour. Most people I know seem to love the Glendronach 12 but I find it a touch too sweet. The Deanston 12 is not mentioned. It says on the bottle its NCF but not whether caramel is added so am I right in thinking they might be?
I’ve covered the Deanston, KK12 and Bunna so much on the channel, but I should’ve summarised the live up. It is likely using caramel colouring, they at least reserve the right to do so. I hope they’re not far from removing it altogether. Still, it’s a great highlander and remains a staple here.
Ironic that you didn’t like the Glenturret bottle when it’s obviously a reference to the Lalique ownership.
I still don’t like it. But for the liquid that pours from it I’d forgive it looking like an oil can.
Not Springbank 12?
35:45 I do explain. It’s not in for two reasons; cask strength and limited (twice yearly) release in limited numbers and continually stretched allocations. Becoming very difficult to buy now, especially domestically.
Your prices are a bargain compared to the prices in Ontario
Roy, I am a recent subscriber and really enjoy the channel. I have to confess I got a little lost as to the final selection of the Top Five 12 Year, can someone help me out?
Benriach “The Twelve”
Yes George I realise a final summary could’ve been good, I was worried for time and let it slip. The original line up is relatively intact; KK12, Deanston and Bunna 12 tied for 2nd, LL12 4th but being challenged now by Benriach The Twelve and Glen Garioch 12. If we throw a spanner into the works with the new Glenturret it’s a different game - I’m grateful it’s a limited release and let’s me off the hook, but if it was core it would be the best 12yo core official releases I’ve tried... maybe ever. Hope that helps.
P
Butt press? 🙂