ralfy review 1088 Extras – A different malt-moment !

Speyside (Tam) Signatory Vintage 2013 – Whisky Folk Review

Balvenie 12YO Double Wood, 40%

THE REVIEW

A brand that still sits on the lips of so many people, but is it still for all of the right reasons?

Balvenie, in my opinion, has had its modern reputation built on its ease of drinking and an affordable price tag. The first point is certainly questioned in this video as I feel I’ve been disappointed on two separate occasions by batches of this particular product. The second point is that this is now getting to that £50 a bottle price tag in the UK. For that money, so many other approachable and more complex offerings of whisky are available.

This isn’t meant to be a rant at Balvenie, but I think this brand has been in the sliding doors situation in whisky, where some brands have driven into the high value category, whereas others have stayed in the good value area.

I’ve worked in specialist whisky retail for a decade, and since the price increases in the Balvenie range came in, even before, I wasn’t seeing people rush to buy bottles off any of the shelves, top or not. Although Balvenie 21YO remains popular, in the same vein as Glenmorangie Signet, for reasons that go beyond my understanding.

That did turn into a Balvenie rant, didn’t it? Anyway, let me know your views on what is happening with Balvenie. If your opinion mirrors mine, what can they do to get back in the good books? If it doesn’t what do you love about this distillery?

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 572: Scotland 2025 – 3 of 6 – Talisker Storm

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, travels to Scotland. This is part 3 of a 6-part series about his trip to Scotland this year. In this video, he visits the stunning Neist Point before heading down to Carbost for a hearty lunch at The Three Chimneys. Then, he visits – at last! – the Talisker Distillery, where he enjoys an exclusive Cask Draw Experience. He concludes with a tasting of the Talisker Storm at the sunlit Loch Harport. Enjoy the beautiful scenery.

https://youtu.be/nX37aamVQIY

The Good Dram Show – Episode 602 ‘West Midlands Distillery’

Welcome to a very special episode of the show, in which I’ll be taking a look at the inaugural single malt whisky releases from the West Midlands Distillery. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 602 – Mother Know’s Best…!     Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring

West Midlands Distillery Inaugural Release – First Fill Bourbon Cask 52.1%
West Midlands Distillery Inaugural Release – Bourbon Quarter Cask 53.8%
West Midlands Distillery Inaugural Release – Caribbean Rum Cask 53.2%
West Midlands Distillery Inaugural Release – Oloroso Quarter Cask 53.9%
West Midlands Distillery Inaugural Release – The Matriarch 51.9%

www.westmidlandsdistillery.co.uk

ralfy review 1087 Extras – Why Scotch Whisky is Changing.

The Good Dram Show – Episode 601 ‘Brave New Spirits Whisky Hereos’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the latest releases in Brave New Spirits Whisky Heroes range. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum: Episode 601 – But It’s the Juice In The Bottle That Counts…! Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring

Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes Back to the Roots’ Linkwood 2012 (12 year old) 56.7%
Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes Highland Huntress: A Silent Pursuit’ Royal Brackla 2015 (9 year old) 53.5%
Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes The Watch’ Mannochmore 2012 (13 year old) 55.3%
Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes The Might of the Moor’ Auchroisk 2013 (12 year old) 57.2%
Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes Silent Night’ Benrinnes 2011 (13 year old) 59.1%
Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes The Mask of El Peaton’ Undisclosed Peated Highland 2010 (15 year old) 50.4%

www.bravenewspirits.com

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 571: Scotland 2025 – 2 of 6 – Talisker Wilder Seas

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, travels to Scotland. This is part 2 of a 6-part series about his trip to Scotland this year. In this video, he visit the Bridal Veil Falls, climbs The Old Man of Storr, where he enjoys the Talisker Wilder Seas. On the way back, he passes Lealt Falls, Kilt Rock Waterfall, and makes a brief stop at The Fairy Glen with its Castle Ewen. Enjoy the beautiful scenery.

https://youtu.be/2MXu6k1VFnk

Jameson’s Black Barrel, 40%

THE REVIEW

One of the best selling bottles of whisky in the world, but with a few twists. Jameson’s Black Barrel is a blend that has a higher proportion of single pot still whiskies, with less grain overall. After that we’ve got a double maturation process in double charred casks that are adding so much more of these chewy, rich caramel notes. A modern classic already, this bottle used to go under the guise of ‘Select Reserve’ – thankfully the packaging and name has changed, much for the better. A truly wonderful bottle of whisky that offers a lot of flavour without having a huge price tag and comes from one of the most reputable big brands in all of whisky production.

ralfy review 1087 – James Eadie X @57.1%vol: (Blended Scotch)