Definitely worth watching this. Just as we need to know examples of how good whisky can be, we also need a reference point for what whisky should not be.
🤣🤣🤣Bravo brother. I knew this would be worth it. Look, we all know your a positive guy and a round up of "Rubbish" is just a bit of fun. The distilleries mentioned wont like it but they can get stuffed. I honestly enjoy whisky criticism as much as positive reviews and some of these distilleries should be called out. Despite all the positive stuff in the whisky world right now there is an awful amount of absolute swill being bottled and bought to market. I don't mind young whisky but some stuff being released by distilleries and independent bottlers just isn't mature enough and no amount of 'finishing', etc, can do anything to rescue it. Talking of 'finishing', there's definitely a shortage of good quality casks on the market. I've bought single cask bottlings with hefty age statements on them but they've been aged in such knackered casks the whisky tastes like it's virtually straight off the still. There are some distilleries doing that too. Fortunately, I've only ever bought crap whisky on a handful of occasions but like all whisky devotees I've been gifted my share of dodgy ones. My whisky spider-sense is quite sharp and although I've purchased some bottles that haven't lived up to expectations they're still pretty good. I'm glad you included the M&H because I would never buy that bottle and what you say just confirms why. Most of these global whisky awards are a joke. I don't know what's happened to Amrut's Intermediate Sherry because in its previous incarnation it was an absolute stunner. Just trawl through the old CZcams reviews of it. I still have a bottle but it was a classic. The colour is completely different and If this current version is poor they must be doing it differently. They wont be the only distillery selling whisky that's a shadow of its former self. Macallan Classic Cut at #1 😂What is there to say about this distillery and this expression? Guaranteed, overpriced, offer. Macallan is a 40-43% brand so if they sell a cask strength variety it's going to be the rubbish stuff. I have to admit that of all the junk on your list this is the saddest inclusion. I've been drinking whisky for 36 years and I know how excellent Macallan can be. There are a handful of distilleries that genuinely sadden me by how far they have fallen and Macallan are obviously one of them. Love the review. We can be critical and respectful of each others opinions. Happy New Year. WT
There you go brother it's important to call out the whiskies we don't like and give the reasons why because we all get ideas from each other and that's how we can make informed decisions. I love that you have personal vendetta toward M&H 😂 I tried the Lochlea first crops and actually recorded a video of it but I don't remember if I liked this one or not as some of them were a bit underwhelming. Cheers Wade for another great video!
"Dirty bathwater that sat in a cup on the side of a bench for a week." 😂 Fun list, man. Didn't hate the M&H as much as you do, but agree that award makes ZERO sense. I've heard the Intermediate Sherry has gone downhill in recent years, but I used to like it. Cheers! 🥃
Haha thanks man. I don't really hate the M&H Sherry, I hate that such an average whisky won the award for Best Single Malt in the world when it isn't even a remarkable whisky. Cheers for checking it out brother 🥃 Happy New Year!
Keep it up mate. Too many vids about "great" whisky. People need to be informed about poor whiskies. It's no use people getting upset, taste is subjective. Great work. Subscribed.
Good job Wade! More of this please! All reviewers don’t have to agree! We don’t have to live in a pink world as long as you support your choice it’s perfect! Happy new year to you!
As did I mate, it may be an absolute cracker for others, but I think it deviated too far from what makes Tamdhu great in my eyes. Measuring it against all the other Tamdhu's I've tried, it was unfortunately my least favourite 😞
@@McIntyresMalts ha, yeah good to know I’m not the only one who thought it was absolute rubbish. Good info about Lochlea too… It was on my radar but now I reckon I’ll wait until they have some age statement bottles before trying!
Appreciate the open and honest review. The Lochlea may be the one which will be something I may have had but not sure. I enjoyed their Our Barley and have a couple of other expressions, will have to go back and check them. This is a good way for people to maybe grab a taste of a whisky on a menu or by sample, rather than jumping into the hype and forking out for a full bottle.
Hi wade My top worst whiskey of 2023 and was just garbage, I bought a bottle of Highland Park 12year old viking honor (cork tainted or just garbage) Macallan 12year old single cask (just a bad batch) I found it on sale for $58.00 dollars, the viking honor I tried to take it back to the store and they wouldn't even take it back, I have spent many thousands of dollars there,but not ever again, glad to see you're list,thankfully I don't have any of the bottles you listed, have a great new year and keep the great reviews coming, love to Watch all of them !!!
Thanks Frankie, that's awesome that you tried to take the HP 12 back 😂 That's when you know it's bad. I made the mistake of trying the HP12 for the first time after whisky with higher ABV and I know where you are coming from. I have heard stories of people reaching out to distilleries when they have a tainted bottle and them replacing it for them.
Really good video I enjoy these type of vids because we all know that you can’t enjoy every whisky ! I agree with you on the Macallan very disappointing whisky . Keep up the good content 🥃
Love your videos regardless. I think it's good to see what you dislike to know your biases as tastes are always different. But i think i can agree with you on most of the list even if had none of these XD. Always wanted to try the M&H Elements Sherry cask but only had some cask strength expressions from them and liked some, but not that much, that i absolutely needed them. Nice to try but not a must at all. It's interesting what you can get in three years maturation in a extreme climate and good to know, but not something to run after. Also wish you a happy new year.
No no, I appreciate you going all in and I think every channel should do the same thing. We need to see more critical videos to keep the balance, even though we're trying to keep things positive. If these producers want to charge what they do they need to get more critical reviews and accept the bad with the good
Happy New 2024 🎉! I really enjoyed your review, and nothing to be ashamed of. Question for you, what is your take on Macallan 18yo Sherry Cask? Besides that the price is absurd, crazy expensive. Is it worth it?
Thank you my friend and Happy New Year to you too! I haven't tried The Macallan 18 Sherry Oak Cask and that's because for me personally the whisky cannot live up to the price they ask for it. In my market it is about $1,200 and there is no way I am paying that kind of money for a 43% ABV chill filtered whisky when there are whiskies out there that will make you believe there is a God for half that price. For example I tried a Macallan Rare cask NAS at $500 a bottle and the GlenAllachie 12 at $120 blew it out of the water.... Buying Macallan at that price is more a social status play to prove that you can pay that kind of money for whisky, not because the liquid in the bottle is that much better than anything else in the market. So whilst I haven't tasted the 18 Sherry Oak Cask I can confidently say (for me) it's absolutely not worth it, but that may be different for you.
You asked for feedback and I for one appreciate the negative and the positive. I’ll take the input and use it or discard as I see fit, as long as it’s given in good faith, thanks! As far as this video goes, I feel like you substantiated your criticism with enough details as to why.
I am happy to say I have not tried any of these on your list. I think it's impotent to see what you don't like as much as what you do like. If your palate aligns with someone you are watching on CZcams you need to know these things. If I had to put a list together it would be the Penderyn, Hancock's President's Reserve (review coming out today) The Irishman, Elijah Craig 18, and Clyde May's Single barrel selected by Total Wine & More. These would be my least favorite, but not necessarily "BAD" whiskies. Happy New Year Wade!
Yes I agree, if you can find someone whose palate is similar to yours it goes a long way in assisting your purchasing decisions. It has definitely been the case for me on my journey! Happy New Year my friend! 🥳
May still be worth considering some of their other expressions, the Dead Sea is better than their Sherry cask. Mainly what I’m saying is that it’s definitely not deserving of the world’s best. I would recommend tasting samples first before you commit
i recommend you Wade WhiskyNotes with complex reviews of M&H expressions and Reb Mordehai blog with deeper look inside the brand. Its always better know before you buy. ONLY good whiskies in 2024 cheers 👍😁🥂🙋🏻♂️
I nearly bought the classic cut. This isn’t the first review to say it’s not good, but it’s the one that convinced me to not bother finding out. Shame, cause I do appreciate the 12 year old and really wanted to try a cask strength version.
Agree 100%. Civilized "rants" such as this video are the BEST to watch, honest and no flannelling; otherwise, things would be like " ya, ya, good, good, yum-yum, buy this bottle". . .
Not holding back, eh? 😆 I think you are right, we have to call out the bad stuff. It helps people to not waste their money. For me it might be Glenmorangie 14. It’s just flat and boring. Apparently it used to be fantastic. Cheers, Wade!
I see what you're saying about the Lochlea. I would recommend you try the Fallow Edition 2nd Crop. It was one of the standout whiskies for me at the Glasgow Whisky Festival in November. Night and day compared to the Sowing edition and even compared to the Fallow Edition 1st Crop which was just average (still too young).
Thanks for the video, Wade. But... new distilleries - I never expect anything (but new) from them. Whether or not they've got staff and even managers from well known distilleries - it's just SO MUCH a new game (new environment, new production process) that I dont't think "expectations" of any kind are realistic. But... maybe that's just me?! And for the record: I've never tasted any Lochlea expression.
I don't disagree my friend, I definitely went into it with too high an expectation, but what I will say is if a distillery is prepared to put out such young spirt they must stand by their decision to do so and they must also accept the feedback that comes with it. It'a a risky game to put out 3 year old whisky, you only get one chance at a first impression. There is nothing stopping Lochlea from waiting until the whisky is ready, and the whisky I tried was definitely not ready.
I like this as a year end recap. Like you said, if you're going to talk about the good, why not talk about the bad? Its certainly a cheaper video for me to watch as well. Lol
Agree on the Amrut & M & H both disappointing although I really enjoy the M & H Dead Sea. That Tamdhu I have a bottle of that one which I havent opened so not looking forward to that now 😂
Nice to hear your honest feedback back on this vid never tried any so I’m ok!!!!😊 But I was surprise to see the Tamdhu !!! As I had the Tamdhu 12 was good!!!! Clynelish 14 was rubbish for me!!!😝 🥃✌🏻
I have yet to drink a M&H expression that didn’t make me grimace sipping it. I’ve had a half dozen different releases and I have no idea what people see in them
I don't see it either, and considering their Sherry is touted as the best when their other expressions are better, they should have picked a different one to buy the award for, but I dare say they used their sherried expression as they were looking to appeal to the broadest possible market with their "win"
Wow, just look at all these comments Wade. I told you to go for it. There's so much whisky out there there's bound to be loads of overpriced mediocrity in the mix. We all need to let off some steam sometimes and so long as it's constructive it is always enjoyable content.
Macallan was my clear choice during my first blind whiskey tasting as a lad. With the 25 -year my absolute favorite. I could actually afford a 25 then! Now, most of what I taste from Macallan isn't worth it. The price now for the 18 and 25 year old's are outrageous. I think they now are more into marketing to pay for their new fancy distillery than producing high quality spirits. Very Sad.
It is sad Charles that Macallan has become a shadow of their former self, but I don't think they care TBH, they put their prices up and someone out there is still buying it so that is the lane they have decided to play in, which is fine really, I just know that they are not a distillery for me.
Definitely sounds like something was up with your Amrut. Disagreeing about whisky is one thing, but that's not the profile of mine at all. It's lovely, clean sherry all the way down. Yours almost sounds like cork taint. I haven't had that particular M&H but I wasn't high on the Pomegranate Wine cask I had either. Hot, without enough flavor to justify it.
Yeah I was very shocked with that Amrut, never had anything with that horrible ‘dirty’ taste so hoping maybe it was a bad batch. Has definitely put me off it though
It’s important to speak the truth I mean I’d probably get a different bottle if it is terrible and see if it’s just that bottle had that happen to me I had a taste of a craft local distillery and it was really good got a bottle and it was harsh. So I thought I’ll let it open up well I went back to it a month later and ended up a drain pour. But I tried another bottle same kind and it was great. I believe it would be rare for a whole batch to be bad you would think that someone would catch that before bottling. And I’ve had friends that miss handled a bottle leaving it in a car and the bottle was terrible cause it got hot enough that it changed the taste. But if you can save someone from waiting hard earned cash on something that is not worth it then I’m for it. Hope you have a wonderful New Year. Enjoy!!
Thanks mate, yeah I agree sometimes it is worth giving the benefit of the doubt and trying additional samples perhaps at a bar to be certain that it wasn't just a bad batch the first time. The hard part is there is so much whisky out there and I almost by default write off a whisky if my first impression of it isn't good. When I know there is good whisky out there, terrible whisky just doesn't get a pass. Perhaps I judge too harshly, but I know when I whisky captivates me how truly special they can be so the bar is definitely high. As they say, life is too short for bad whisky 🥃 Happy New Year my friend!
Awards can be bought, but the quality of a whisky can’t be faked. The real measure of success is if us consumers keep purchasing the product. It’s a foolish move to buy an award if your whisky can’t live up to it, and ends up doing more damage to a brands reputation than good.
Ha ha, you’re definitely going to ruffle some feathers here. I will say with the Amrut, although I haven’t tried this particular expression, “bath water” as a note sounds like that bottle may have been corked. It can happen to Whisky though not as frequently as with wine.
Well if that is the case I have been very fortunate to never have tasted a tainted bottle, and if that is what indeed caused it I pray that I never taste it again 😂
a finger of oak wood suspended in the Tamdhu bottle and given a gentle daily swirl might improve it. If not add ginger and give it to non whisky afficiados,.
Probably the one I considered the most on whether I should or shouldn't include it on the list. I think for sure some people would love this one, it's the best crafted of the five. It varied too much from the typical Tamdhu profile that made me fall in love with their spirit and because of that it just didn't work for me personally. Mine was batch one, what batch was yours?
I've tried two Amrut whiskies after my first purchase of Amrut Fusion, both to me were duds. I'll stick with the Amrut Fusion only when purchasing a Amrut whisky. It is excellent. I've also tried three different American Single Malt whiskies after reading up on on how outstanding they are. Sorry, but maybe it's me but I think they have have a long way to go to capture what the Scots are offering.
@@McIntyresMalts The first one I tried was as a shot n a bar in Portland, and I couldn't tell you what that was but it didn't make an impression. The next one was a Copperworks Single Malt and I go to it on occasion and it's okay but I wouldn't buy it again. The last one I got was one purchased for me when a friend went to Arizona. It sounded interesting, Del Bac Dorado, a mesquite-smoked single malt. At my Scotch tasting party on Boxing Day I gave it away to the only person who thought it was really good. So it could just be me,but I just didn't care for it. There are other American Single malts that I hope to eventually get my hands on. One of them being Courage & Conviction and the newer Jack Daniels Single Malt. Both sound interesting.
@@McIntyresMaltsIt's made in Portland , I'll have to make a point of looking for if I ever make it to Portland again. I wonder if that was the one I had a few years ago in Portland ? Hmmm.
Don't be afraid to have controversial opinions! I've had the Arran 10 and Bodega Sherry Cask and found them both far too astringent - I just simply do not understand the hype around that distillery!
It’s a weird and wonderful thing about whisky and flavour isn’t it! There will be others who absolutely love the whiskies I have mentioned on this list. I try to get a sense of who has a similar palate to me and usually their recommendations hit the mark for me.
I think the Stiuireadair suffers from the fact that it isn't the 12 alternative that many people thought it would be. It was my first Bunnahabhain and I don't dislike it maybe because I didn't get the same notes as you, but thats whisky for you.
Best wishes for a Happy 2024 Wade on this first day of the year! I was recently offered a Johnnie Walker Black Label, the bottle of which had been opened a few years ago. Maybe its screw cap didn't do its job, but the whisky was truly terrible: watery, a bland, indistinct jumble of flavours! Worst whisky of 2023 for me! I don't think I'll ever taste a Johnnie Walker again unless I have to!
@@McIntyresMalts It must be one of their best and there are quilt a few.They are arround €300,- overhere not cheap.Never had one but maybe it Will chance your opinion.😉
😀BOWMORE 15! worst ever! Although it is true that it is not a whisky, just a whisky flavored water. So there is no place in this category, because here are the 5 worst whiskeys in your opinion.
I haven't tried the Bowmore 15, but I did try the 12 and the 18 deep and complex in 2022, and they were both terrible and I haven't touched a Bowmore since! They probably would've been on this list if they were tasted in 2023 and not 2022
I got it as a birthday present, islay/peat/sherry and award-winning, old traditional, etc. One of the most exciting words for a gift recipient. The website has a luxury (rolex quality) image. Only the product is a tesco level max 20 euro item. I never thought I'd run into something like this. Disappointment in a whiskey because it lacks taste and aroma is an everyday thing - but the quality is so low, huh, that's strong...@@McIntyresMalts
Can’t say I agree any of these would make my top five ‘worst’ for 2023! 😳 Whisky is subjective for sure, but none of these were ‘bad’ whiskies IMHO 🥃🏴🤷🏼♂️
Oh yeah they aren’t ’bad’ whiskies in the sense of the craft, but they my least favourite of all. I’ve been very spoilt for choice with many of the wonderful whiskies I’ve tried and when you put these up against the high standard that has now been set for me these simple don’t make the cut / measure up. It’s all subjective right and also depends on our reference points too, if someone had only tried a few mediocre blends and the first single malt they tried was the M&H Sherry it would probably blow their mind.
Chapter 7 prologue peated M&H elements peated These 2 were bottom of the barrel (pun intended) for me last year, both were just toilet water mixed with ethanol
Definitely worth watching this. Just as we need to know examples of how good whisky can be, we also need a reference point for what whisky should not be.
Thanks mate appreciate that 🙏
🤣🤣🤣Bravo brother. I knew this would be worth it. Look, we all know your a positive guy and a round up of "Rubbish" is just a bit of fun. The distilleries mentioned wont like it but they can get stuffed. I honestly enjoy whisky criticism as much as positive reviews and some of these distilleries should be called out. Despite all the positive stuff in the whisky world right now there is an awful amount of absolute swill being bottled and bought to market. I don't mind young whisky but some stuff being released by distilleries and independent bottlers just isn't mature enough and no amount of 'finishing', etc, can do anything to rescue it. Talking of 'finishing', there's definitely a shortage of good quality casks on the market. I've bought single cask bottlings with hefty age statements on them but they've been aged in such knackered casks the whisky tastes like it's virtually straight off the still. There are some distilleries doing that too. Fortunately, I've only ever bought crap whisky on a handful of occasions but like all whisky devotees I've been gifted my share of dodgy ones. My whisky spider-sense is quite sharp and although I've purchased some bottles that haven't lived up to expectations they're still pretty good.
I'm glad you included the M&H because I would never buy that bottle and what you say just confirms why. Most of these global whisky awards are a joke.
I don't know what's happened to Amrut's Intermediate Sherry because in its previous incarnation it was an absolute stunner. Just trawl through the old CZcams reviews of it. I still have a bottle but it was a classic. The colour is completely different and If this current version is poor they must be doing it differently. They wont be the only distillery selling whisky that's a shadow of its former self.
Macallan Classic Cut at #1 😂What is there to say about this distillery and this expression? Guaranteed, overpriced, offer. Macallan is a 40-43% brand so if they sell a cask strength variety it's going to be the rubbish stuff. I have to admit that of all the junk on your list this is the saddest inclusion. I've been drinking whisky for 36 years and I know how excellent Macallan can be. There are a handful of distilleries that genuinely sadden me by how far they have fallen and Macallan are obviously one of them.
Love the review. We can be critical and respectful of each others opinions. Happy New Year. WT
Thanks mate, Happy New Year to you too WT! 🥳🥃
Totally agree on the Macallan
There you go brother it's important to call out the whiskies we don't like and give the reasons why because we all get ideas from each other and that's how we can make informed decisions. I love that you have personal vendetta toward M&H 😂 I tried the Lochlea first crops and actually recorded a video of it but I don't remember if I liked this one or not as some of them were a bit underwhelming. Cheers Wade for another great video!
Thanks Sertug! Glad I took your advice on this one and put it out 🙌
"Dirty bathwater that sat in a cup on the side of a bench for a week." 😂
Fun list, man. Didn't hate the M&H as much as you do, but agree that award makes ZERO sense. I've heard the Intermediate Sherry has gone downhill in recent years, but I used to like it. Cheers! 🥃
Haha thanks man. I don't really hate the M&H Sherry, I hate that such an average whisky won the award for Best Single Malt in the world when it isn't even a remarkable whisky.
Cheers for checking it out brother 🥃
Happy New Year!
The Intermediate Sherry was AMAZING. If it's less than that with the updated version it's a different whisky.
@@welshtoro3256 Sounds like I need to try again from a different source, this was about as far from amazing as a whisky could be.
Keep it up mate. Too many vids about "great" whisky. People need to be informed about poor whiskies. It's no use people getting upset, taste is subjective. Great work. Subscribed.
Much appreciated! Thank you my friend 🥃
Good job Wade! More of this please! All reviewers don’t have to agree! We don’t have to live in a pink world as long as you support your choice it’s perfect! Happy new year to you!
Thanks Pierre, appreciate the words mate! Happy New Year 🥳
Loved your honesty , subscribed because of this :-)
Thank you my friend, appreciate it! 🥃
Good list, I struggled to finish my bottle of Tamdhu Distinction, it was just not my scene, so glad I wasn't the only one!
As did I mate, it may be an absolute cracker for others, but I think it deviated too far from what makes Tamdhu great in my eyes. Measuring it against all the other Tamdhu's I've tried, it was unfortunately my least favourite 😞
I agree, it was just a bit...shht
I'm not an expert but of the over 300 whiskies I've ever tried, M&H is in my bottom five all time. One of the few drams that I couldn't even finish!
I’d say having tried 300+ whiskies makes you somewhat of an expert right? Lotta reference points to measure against.
@@McIntyresMalts ha, yeah good to know I’m not the only one who thought it was absolute rubbish. Good info about Lochlea too… It was on my radar but now I reckon I’ll wait until they have some age statement bottles before trying!
Happy new year. Great video.
Thanks mate! Happy new year. Gave you and Chris a shout out in the best rare whiskies vid too 😉
Appreciate the open and honest review. The Lochlea may be the one which will be something I may have had but not sure. I enjoyed their Our Barley and have a couple of other expressions, will have to go back and check them.
This is a good way for people to maybe grab a taste of a whisky on a menu or by sample, rather than jumping into the hype and forking out for a full bottle.
Yeah hopefully it helps some people avoid spending on a dud.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Big Dan 🥳
Great topic that very rarely gets discussed. Thanks for this one.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for checking it out 😊
Well presented!
Cheers 🥃
Thanks John 🥃
Hi wade
My top worst whiskey of 2023 and was just garbage, I bought a bottle of Highland Park 12year old viking honor (cork tainted or just garbage) Macallan 12year old single cask (just a bad batch) I found it on sale for $58.00 dollars, the viking honor I tried to take it back to the store and they wouldn't even take it back, I have spent many thousands of dollars there,but not ever again, glad to see you're list,thankfully I don't have any of the bottles you listed, have a great new year and keep the great reviews coming, love to Watch all of them !!!
Thanks Frankie, that's awesome that you tried to take the HP 12 back 😂 That's when you know it's bad. I made the mistake of trying the HP12 for the first time after whisky with higher ABV and I know where you are coming from.
I have heard stories of people reaching out to distilleries when they have a tainted bottle and them replacing it for them.
Really good video I enjoy these type of vids because we all know that you can’t enjoy every whisky ! I agree with you on the Macallan very disappointing whisky . Keep up the good content 🥃
Thanks for watching Bigjazz!
Love your videos regardless. I think it's good to see what you dislike to know your biases as tastes are always different. But i think i can agree with you on most of the list even if had none of these XD. Always wanted to try the M&H Elements Sherry cask but only had some cask strength expressions from them and liked some, but not that much, that i absolutely needed them. Nice to try but not a must at all. It's interesting what you can get in three years maturation in a extreme climate and good to know, but not something to run after. Also wish you a happy new year.
Thank you my friend, Happy New Year to you too 🥃🥳
Thanks for this I think its important to call out the bad stuff out there. Its not negatieve per se
Thanks Jaspers, I’m glad it hasn’t come across in the wrong way ☺️
Great job BUT I would rename it to “this year’s most disappointing whisky”
But there's more than one. 😀
Good suggestion! Wade's Top Five most Disappointing whiskies of 2023?
No no, I appreciate you going all in and I think every channel should do the same thing. We need to see more critical videos to keep the balance, even though we're trying to keep things positive. If these producers want to charge what they do they need to get more critical reviews and accept the bad with the good
Thank you for the honesty! I have to disagree and add Amrut Fusion to the list.
P.S. can do a sh*t list from a value for money perspective.
So sorry I've haven't seen these whisky's in my state. Very good videos, Cheers...
Thanks for watching!
Interesting list! I've tried none of these whiskies so lucky me, I guess? Cheers 😄🥃
Haha you are not missing much my friend! Happy New Year
Happy New 2024 🎉! I really enjoyed your review, and nothing to be ashamed of. Question for you, what is your take on Macallan 18yo Sherry Cask? Besides that the price is absurd, crazy expensive. Is it worth it?
Thank you my friend and Happy New Year to you too!
I haven't tried The Macallan 18 Sherry Oak Cask and that's because for me personally the whisky cannot live up to the price they ask for it. In my market it is about $1,200 and there is no way I am paying that kind of money for a 43% ABV chill filtered whisky when there are whiskies out there that will make you believe there is a God for half that price.
For example I tried a Macallan Rare cask NAS at $500 a bottle and the GlenAllachie 12 at $120 blew it out of the water.... Buying Macallan at that price is more a social status play to prove that you can pay that kind of money for whisky, not because the liquid in the bottle is that much better than anything else in the market.
So whilst I haven't tasted the 18 Sherry Oak Cask I can confidently say (for me) it's absolutely not worth it, but that may be different for you.
Finally someone calling out M&H!!! Always has a granite tasting note for me.
Got to be truthful with our experiences 😉
You asked for feedback and I for one appreciate the negative and the positive. I’ll take the input and use it or discard as I see fit, as long as it’s given in good faith, thanks!
As far as this video goes, I feel like you substantiated your criticism with enough details as to why.
Thank you for the thoughtful feedback Steve 🥃
I am happy to say I have not tried any of these on your list. I think it's impotent to see what you don't like as much as what you do like. If your palate aligns with someone you are watching on CZcams you need to know these things. If I had to put a list together it would be the Penderyn, Hancock's President's Reserve (review coming out today) The Irishman, Elijah Craig 18, and Clyde May's Single barrel selected by Total Wine & More. These would be my least favorite, but not necessarily "BAD" whiskies. Happy New Year Wade!
Yes I agree, if you can find someone whose palate is similar to yours it goes a long way in assisting your purchasing decisions. It has definitely been the case for me on my journey!
Happy New Year my friend! 🥳
Thanks Wade, I know how hard it can be when you are putting this out in the public for the world to judge you.
I was looking at M&H. I’ll stop now.
May still be worth considering some of their other expressions, the Dead Sea is better than their Sherry cask. Mainly what I’m saying is that it’s definitely not deserving of the world’s best. I would recommend tasting samples first before you commit
i recommend you Wade WhiskyNotes with complex reviews of M&H expressions and Reb Mordehai blog with deeper look inside the brand. Its always better know before you buy. ONLY good whiskies in 2024 cheers 👍😁🥂🙋🏻♂️
Enjoyed this one as usual. We need reviews both good and bad as it's not cheap to buy crap whisky.
Thanks mate, glad it was helpful 🙌
I nearly bought the classic cut. This isn’t the first review to say it’s not good, but it’s the one that convinced me to not bother finding out. Shame, cause I do appreciate the 12 year old and really wanted to try a cask strength version.
Exactly why I bought it. It's supposed to be the modern version of the older sherried cask strength Macallans, but it's just not.
100% agree with M & H, I disliked all of the ones I tried at the Brisbane whisky show. Not sure why heaps of people seem to rave about them
Yeah I don't see it either, they aren't fantastic...
Agree 100%. Civilized "rants" such as this video are the BEST to watch, honest and no flannelling; otherwise, things would be like " ya, ya, good, good, yum-yum, buy this bottle". . .
Thanks mate, appreciate you checking it out and leaving some kind feedback!
Hi Wade, about time someone done a worst whisky video.👍 enjoyed it, slàinte
Thanks David, glad you enjoyed it!
Not holding back, eh? 😆 I think you are right, we have to call out the bad stuff. It helps people to not waste their money. For me it might be Glenmorangie 14. It’s just flat and boring. Apparently it used to be fantastic. Cheers, Wade!
"It used to be" - How often do we hear that about modern whisky?
@@welshtoro3256Very true! Cheers!
Thanks mate, it's great to see such a positive response to this one.
I see what you're saying about the Lochlea. I would recommend you try the Fallow Edition 2nd Crop. It was one of the standout whiskies for me at the Glasgow Whisky Festival in November. Night and day compared to the Sowing edition and even compared to the Fallow Edition 1st Crop which was just average (still too young).
Thanks for the heads up mate, will keep an eye out for this one and see if it’s better than what I’ve tried so far 🙌
Thanks for the video, Wade. But... new distilleries - I never expect anything (but new) from them. Whether or not they've got staff and even managers from well known distilleries - it's just SO MUCH a new game (new environment, new production process) that I dont't think "expectations" of any kind are realistic. But... maybe that's just me?!
And for the record: I've never tasted any Lochlea expression.
I don't disagree my friend, I definitely went into it with too high an expectation, but what I will say is if a distillery is prepared to put out such young spirt they must stand by their decision to do so and they must also accept the feedback that comes with it.
It'a a risky game to put out 3 year old whisky, you only get one chance at a first impression. There is nothing stopping Lochlea from waiting until the whisky is ready, and the whisky I tried was definitely not ready.
I like this as a year end recap. Like you said, if you're going to talk about the good, why not talk about the bad?
Its certainly a cheaper video for me to watch as well. Lol
Haha fair point, this one is definitely a money saver 😂
Agree on the Amrut & M & H both disappointing although I really enjoy the M & H Dead Sea. That Tamdhu I have a bottle of that one which I havent opened so not looking forward to that now 😂
Yeah the sea sea was MUCH better than the Elements Sherry
Nice to hear your honest feedback back on this vid never tried any so I’m ok!!!!😊
But I was surprise to see the Tamdhu !!!
As I had the Tamdhu 12 was good!!!!
Clynelish 14 was rubbish for me!!!😝
🥃✌🏻
Hey brother! Only that Distinction expression would make the list, love Tamdhu in general and a big fan of the 12 for sure 👌
I have yet to drink a M&H expression that didn’t make me grimace sipping it. I’ve had a half dozen different releases and I have no idea what people see in them
I don't see it either, and considering their Sherry is touted as the best when their other expressions are better, they should have picked a different one to buy the award for, but I dare say they used their sherried expression as they were looking to appeal to the broadest possible market with their "win"
I have one Lochlea expression - the cask strength batch 1 - and it's excellent. Did you not like this either?
Hey Brett, I have not tried any of the cask strength expressions
Great take on your poor whiskys glad you did it no point buying poor hype whisky
Exactly!
Wow, just look at all these comments Wade. I told you to go for it. There's so much whisky out there there's bound to be loads of overpriced mediocrity in the mix. We all need to let off some steam sometimes and so long as it's constructive it is always enjoyable content.
Thanks mate, to good whisky in our glasses 🥃
Intrigued to know if you’ve had the Lochlea Ploughing in the laphroaig casks. I rated that one
I haven't tried that one, maybe it might be more impressive. Open to seeing what else they do for sure
Macallan was my clear choice during my first blind whiskey tasting as a lad. With the 25 -year my absolute favorite. I could actually afford a 25 then! Now, most of what I taste from Macallan isn't worth it. The price now for the 18 and 25 year old's are outrageous. I think they now are more into marketing to pay for their new fancy distillery than producing high quality spirits. Very Sad.
It is sad Charles that Macallan has become a shadow of their former self, but I don't think they care TBH, they put their prices up and someone out there is still buying it so that is the lane they have decided to play in, which is fine really, I just know that they are not a distillery for me.
Definitely sounds like something was up with your Amrut. Disagreeing about whisky is one thing, but that's not the profile of mine at all. It's lovely, clean sherry all the way down. Yours almost sounds like cork taint. I haven't had that particular M&H but I wasn't high on the Pomegranate Wine cask I had either. Hot, without enough flavor to justify it.
Yeah I was very shocked with that Amrut, never had anything with that horrible ‘dirty’ taste so hoping maybe it was a bad batch. Has definitely put me off it though
It’s important to speak the truth I mean I’d probably get a different bottle if it is terrible and see if it’s just that bottle had that happen to me I had a taste of a craft local distillery and it was really good got a bottle and it was harsh. So I thought I’ll let it open up well I went back to it a month later and ended up a drain pour. But I tried another bottle same kind and it was great. I believe it would be rare for a whole batch to be bad you would think that someone would catch that before bottling. And I’ve had friends that miss handled a bottle leaving it in a car and the bottle was terrible cause it got hot enough that it changed the taste. But if you can save someone from waiting hard earned cash on something that is not worth it then I’m for it. Hope you have a wonderful New Year. Enjoy!!
Thanks mate, yeah I agree sometimes it is worth giving the benefit of the doubt and trying additional samples perhaps at a bar to be certain that it wasn't just a bad batch the first time.
The hard part is there is so much whisky out there and I almost by default write off a whisky if my first impression of it isn't good. When I know there is good whisky out there, terrible whisky just doesn't get a pass.
Perhaps I judge too harshly, but I know when I whisky captivates me how truly special they can be so the bar is definitely high.
As they say, life is too short for bad whisky 🥃
Happy New Year my friend!
I’m glad you called this out. Shows how corrupt and misleading these awards are
Awards can be bought, but the quality of a whisky can’t be faked. The real measure of success is if us consumers keep purchasing the product.
It’s a foolish move to buy an award if your whisky can’t live up to it, and ends up doing more damage to a brands reputation than good.
Ha ha, you’re definitely going to ruffle some feathers here.
I will say with the Amrut, although I haven’t tried this particular expression, “bath water” as a note sounds like that bottle may have been corked. It can happen to Whisky though not as frequently as with wine.
Well if that is the case I have been very fortunate to never have tasted a tainted bottle, and if that is what indeed caused it I pray that I never taste it again 😂
@@McIntyresMalts I’ve come across it once in 8 years of running whisky tastings. You probably never will.
@@thewhiskyscribe pray to the Whisky Gods!
a finger of oak wood suspended in the Tamdhu bottle and given a gentle daily swirl might improve it. If not add ginger and give it to non whisky afficiados,.
Thanks Michael, those are good suggestions!
The Tamdhu Distinction was my favourite Tamdhu, guess it depends on your palate.
Wouldn’t say it should deserve a spot on your list.
Probably the one I considered the most on whether I should or shouldn't include it on the list. I think for sure some people would love this one, it's the best crafted of the five. It varied too much from the typical Tamdhu profile that made me fall in love with their spirit and because of that it just didn't work for me personally.
Mine was batch one, what batch was yours?
👍👍
Also, Glenrothes 12 might be a great addition to the list. Yuck! 🤢
I’ve never tried it
I've tried two Amrut whiskies after my first purchase of Amrut Fusion, both to me were duds.
I'll stick with the Amrut Fusion only when purchasing a Amrut whisky. It is excellent.
I've also tried three different American Single Malt whiskies after reading up on on how outstanding they are.
Sorry, but maybe it's me but I think they have have a long way to go to capture what the Scots are offering.
What were the American single malts you tried?
@@McIntyresMalts The first one I tried was as a shot n a bar in Portland, and I couldn't tell you what that was but it didn't
make an impression. The next one was a Copperworks Single Malt and I go to it on occasion and it's okay but I wouldn't buy it again. The last one I got was one purchased for me when a friend went to Arizona. It sounded interesting, Del Bac Dorado, a mesquite-smoked single malt. At my Scotch tasting party on Boxing Day I gave it away to the only person who thought it was really good. So it could just be me,but I just didn't care for it. There are other American Single malts that I hope to eventually get my hands on. One of them being Courage & Conviction and the newer Jack Daniels Single Malt. Both sound interesting.
@@Slipshott I haven't tried a great deal of American single malts, but I didn't mind the stuff Westward is doing.
@@McIntyresMaltsIt's made in Portland , I'll have to make a point of looking for
if I ever make it to Portland again. I wonder if that was the one I had a few years ago
in Portland ? Hmmm.
Don't be afraid to have controversial opinions! I've had the Arran 10 and Bodega Sherry Cask and found them both far too astringent - I just simply do not understand the hype around that distillery!
Fair call. That’s one of the beautiful things about whisky that we can experience certain whiskies differently to one another
I was shocked at how bad the Bunnahabhain Struiduur (spelling?)....hot, harsh and sulphury....
However my mate liked it?!?!
It’s a weird and wonderful thing about whisky and flavour isn’t it! There will be others who absolutely love the whiskies I have mentioned on this list.
I try to get a sense of who has a similar palate to me and usually their recommendations hit the mark for me.
I think the Stiuireadair suffers from the fact that it isn't the 12 alternative that many people thought it would be. It was my first Bunnahabhain and I don't dislike it maybe because I didn't get the same notes as you, but thats whisky for you.
Great fun. However: I've heard some very reliable reports re "alcohol free whiskies". Surely none of your list could top these?! 😀🥃
Haha yeah the only thing worse than these would be alcohol free whisky 😂
Best wishes for a Happy 2024 Wade on this first day of the year!
I was recently offered a Johnnie Walker Black Label, the bottle of which had been opened a few years ago.
Maybe its screw cap didn't do its job, but the whisky was truly terrible: watery, a bland, indistinct jumble of flavours!
Worst whisky of 2023 for me!
I don't think I'll ever taste a Johnnie Walker again unless I have to!
Sounds about right. You just can’t compare JW with a good single malt, two different beasts!
Happy new year my friend!
@@McIntyresMaltsHave You ever tried a YW Ghost?
@@caskstrength7629 No I have not, how does it stack up?
@@McIntyresMalts It must be one of their best and there are quilt a few.They are arround €300,- overhere not cheap.Never had one but maybe it Will chance your opinion.😉
jooooooooooooooiiiiiiiiiiisssshhhhhh
What does that mean?
😀BOWMORE 15! worst ever! Although it is true that it is not a whisky, just a whisky flavored water. So there is no place in this category, because here are the 5 worst whiskeys in your opinion.
I haven't tried the Bowmore 15, but I did try the 12 and the 18 deep and complex in 2022, and they were both terrible and I haven't touched a Bowmore since! They probably would've been on this list if they were tasted in 2023 and not 2022
I got it as a birthday present, islay/peat/sherry and award-winning, old traditional, etc. One of the most exciting words for a gift recipient. The website has a luxury (rolex quality) image. Only the product is a tesco level max 20 euro item. I never thought I'd run into something like this. Disappointment in a whiskey because it lacks taste and aroma is an everyday thing - but the quality is so low, huh, that's strong...@@McIntyresMalts
Can’t say I agree any of these would make my top five ‘worst’ for 2023! 😳
Whisky is subjective for sure, but none of these were ‘bad’ whiskies IMHO 🥃🏴🤷🏼♂️
Oh yeah they aren’t ’bad’ whiskies in the sense of the craft, but they my least favourite of all. I’ve been very spoilt for choice with many of the wonderful whiskies I’ve tried and when you put these up against the high standard that has now been set for me these simple don’t make the cut / measure up.
It’s all subjective right and also depends on our reference points too, if someone had only tried a few mediocre blends and the first single malt they tried was the M&H Sherry it would probably blow their mind.
Yeah I thought this was good too, for me whiskeytube can become a bit of a circle jirk where everybody likes the same shit even if it’s no good.
Thanks mate, glad it resonated 🙏
Chapter 7 prologue peated
M&H elements peated
These 2 were bottom of the barrel (pun intended) for me last year, both were just toilet water mixed with ethanol
Damn sounds rough. Hopefully you had some at the other end of the spectrum too