Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Even before prices got crazy, whisky has always been an expensive interest to have. It begs the question; How do those coming into whisky in 2023 fare?
While I talk regularly about the dizzying choice available today (it's true!) is there enough for them to afford? What about if they want to find products they deem to be better quality? Or better presented? Are they priced out?
These are serious topics, not just for the purse strings of everyone, but when the old guard all get fed up with pricing abuse or decide to shuffle off - what's encouraging newer folk, potentially younger folk, inside the increasingly expensive whisky bubble? Shiny boxes, gimmicks and exclusivity? Status and lifestyle statements? I don't think so.
In line with previous collection topics I've shared, I set myself a challenge, with pretty specific rules included. Sticking with scotch, they have to be good quality and as close to natural as possible. They should represent all scotch regions and I can't make use of special offers, flash sales, loyalty discounts or reductions. Oh, and they should all be malt. I set my usual £250 target. Then, mindful of the times we live in and acknowledging this is after all, a luxury indulgence, I slashed it to £199.
Then I set to work. Not easy...
Anyway, I'll share where I've succeeded and where I've failed, but I have managed to put together a set of five good quality bottles that I think anyone could get onboard with recommending to a beginner, or even having at home to enjoy themselves. Even better - there's at least one surprise in there. Isn't there always?
I hope to welcome you there!
0:00 - Opening the vPub
5:02 - Welcoming in the lounge
13:55 - A good watch and a good listen
26:06 - Intro to topic & Why
35:09 - 1.The Campbeltown pick
45:00 - 2. The Islay pick
59:33 - Chill-filtering Cask Strength? It happens.
1:08:48 - 3. Lowland pick
1:19:24 - Regions in 2023
1:28:30 - 4. Speyside pick
1:40:33 - Highlands pick
1:53:13 - Summary
1:59:40 - Quiz at the End
Whisky Rant with Whisky in the 6 & Sippers Social Club Part 1
youtu.be/OzMosrQJexs
Whisky Rant with Whisky in the 6 & Sippers Social Club Part 2
youtu.be/7A-iZpf4SVM
SMWS USA Burns Night collaboration with Scott
youtu.be/p6v0S8usiWg
The Liquid Antiquarian : The Mystery of Bub
youtu.be/Vihwz4Xjcjs
BBC The Food Programme - The Wild West of Whisky
open.spotify.com/episode/5GkwEw89C7lVReptSWAG9q
Thanks to Ralfy & Eifion
Even before prices got crazy, whisky has always been an expensive interest to have. It begs the question; How do those coming into whisky in 2023 fare?
While I talk regularly about the dizzying choice available today (it's true!) is there enough for them to afford? What about if they want to find products they deem to be better quality? Or better presented? Are they priced out?
These are serious topics, not just for the purse strings of everyone, but when the old guard all get fed up with pricing abuse or decide to shuffle off - what's encouraging newer folk, potentially younger folk, inside the increasingly expensive whisky bubble? Shiny boxes, gimmicks and exclusivity? Status and lifestyle statements? I don't think so.
In line with previous collection topics I've shared, I set myself a challenge, with pretty specific rules included. Sticking with scotch, they have to be good quality and as close to natural as possible. They should represent all scotch regions and I can't make use of special offers, flash sales, loyalty discounts or reductions. Oh, and they should all be malt. I set my usual £250 target. Then, mindful of the times we live in and acknowledging this is after all, a luxury indulgence, I slashed it to £199.
Then I set to work. Not easy...
Anyway, I'll share where I've succeeded and where I've failed, but I have managed to put together a set of five good quality bottles that I think anyone could get onboard with recommending to a beginner, or even having at home to enjoy themselves. Even better - there's at least one surprise in there. Isn't there always?
I hope to welcome you there!
0:00 - Opening the vPub
5:02 - Welcoming in the lounge
13:55 - A good watch and a good listen
26:06 - Intro to topic & Why
35:09 - 1.The Campbeltown pick
45:00 - 2. The Islay pick
59:33 - Chill-filtering Cask Strength? It happens.
1:08:48 - 3. Lowland pick
1:19:24 - Regions in 2023
1:28:30 - 4. Speyside pick
1:40:33 - Highlands pick
1:53:13 - Summary
1:59:40 - Quiz at the End
Whisky Rant with Whisky in the 6 & Sippers Social Club Part 1
youtu.be/OzMosrQJexs
Whisky Rant with Whisky in the 6 & Sippers Social Club Part 2
youtu.be/7A-iZpf4SVM
SMWS USA Burns Night collaboration with Scott
youtu.be/p6v0S8usiWg
The Liquid Antiquarian : The Mystery of Bub
youtu.be/Vihwz4Xjcjs
BBC The Food Programme - The Wild West of Whisky
open.spotify.com/episode/5GkwEw89C7lVReptSWAG9q
Thanks to Ralfy & Eifion
