Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Over the last six years, the vPub has been focused on where the value lies in whisky. It's great when we find a bargain and there's nothing better to share. However, as we often remind ourselves, 'value' doesn't mean cheap. That's never been truer than today.
As we approach that time of year where we'll maybe consider indulging ourselves or pushing the boat out a little for something with a venerable age statement or perhaps a loved distillery, and maybe we'll consider spending a little more for a 'treat' whisky. Yet, as we browse the bricks and mortar shelves and the online search engines, we discover our money doesn't really go very far these days.
What we once paid for a nice twenty-plus year age statement distillery bottling is now only able to bring something closer to 16, 17 or perhaps 18 years old. We heave a sigh but try to settle ourselves that it's scotch whisky's 'sweet spot'. So what to buy?
Well, to celebrate six years of whatever this is, I've been adding bottles to a 'nice stuff' stash. The most recent arrival to the bunch is Arran's 17 year old limited edition. I'll slide it alongside two other 17 year olds in the shape of Craigellachie's official release and a limited Balvenie "Week of Peat" that's still floating around. I'll also have a go at two official 18 year releases to see if any of these are able to compete or budge my WOTY Ledaig 18yo off the permashelf.
Why? Well, if you are going to treat yourself this year, I'll do my best to determine where I think the value lies. All the while I get to indulge myself and give thanks for six years of amazing hang outs with all of you beautiful whisky folk and dedicated Barflies.
And this won't be an uncorking. I'm getting to know these beauties now, ahead of time. This’ll be a review. I'll share all on Thursday. If you're in the mood to celebrate with me, bring something treat-worthy along too. It would be amazing to celebrate with you. Thank you all.
0:00 - Opening
3:21 - The vPub - Six years in
4:56 - Tonight's topic
8:21 -Welcoming in the lounge
21:32 - Tonight's bottles & benchmarks
27:12 - Visualising 18yo prices in 2023
39:07 - Whyte & Mackay's strategy
42:26 - Arran's new 17yo
53:32 - Craigellachie 17yo
59:56 - A word on Dramface.com
1:04:43 - Tomatin 18yo
1:10:03 - A word on Kilchoman 16yo
1:20:00 - Old Pulteney 18yo
1:28:08 - Balvenie Peat Week 17yo
1:36:40 - Longmorn 18yo (again!)
1:53:04 - Some vPub stats
2:06:59 - Quiz at the End
Over the last six years, the vPub has been focused on where the value lies in whisky. It's great when we find a bargain and there's nothing better to share. However, as we often remind ourselves, 'value' doesn't mean cheap. That's never been truer than today.
As we approach that time of year where we'll maybe consider indulging ourselves or pushing the boat out a little for something with a venerable age statement or perhaps a loved distillery, and maybe we'll consider spending a little more for a 'treat' whisky. Yet, as we browse the bricks and mortar shelves and the online search engines, we discover our money doesn't really go very far these days.
What we once paid for a nice twenty-plus year age statement distillery bottling is now only able to bring something closer to 16, 17 or perhaps 18 years old. We heave a sigh but try to settle ourselves that it's scotch whisky's 'sweet spot'. So what to buy?
Well, to celebrate six years of whatever this is, I've been adding bottles to a 'nice stuff' stash. The most recent arrival to the bunch is Arran's 17 year old limited edition. I'll slide it alongside two other 17 year olds in the shape of Craigellachie's official release and a limited Balvenie "Week of Peat" that's still floating around. I'll also have a go at two official 18 year releases to see if any of these are able to compete or budge my WOTY Ledaig 18yo off the permashelf.
Why? Well, if you are going to treat yourself this year, I'll do my best to determine where I think the value lies. All the while I get to indulge myself and give thanks for six years of amazing hang outs with all of you beautiful whisky folk and dedicated Barflies.
And this won't be an uncorking. I'm getting to know these beauties now, ahead of time. This’ll be a review. I'll share all on Thursday. If you're in the mood to celebrate with me, bring something treat-worthy along too. It would be amazing to celebrate with you. Thank you all.
0:00 - Opening
3:21 - The vPub - Six years in
4:56 - Tonight's topic
8:21 -Welcoming in the lounge
21:32 - Tonight's bottles & benchmarks
27:12 - Visualising 18yo prices in 2023
39:07 - Whyte & Mackay's strategy
42:26 - Arran's new 17yo
53:32 - Craigellachie 17yo
59:56 - A word on Dramface.com
1:04:43 - Tomatin 18yo
1:10:03 - A word on Kilchoman 16yo
1:20:00 - Old Pulteney 18yo
1:28:08 - Balvenie Peat Week 17yo
1:36:40 - Longmorn 18yo (again!)
1:53:04 - Some vPub stats
2:06:59 - Quiz at the End
