Uploaded May 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
As enthusiasts we know what we want. Over months and years of whisky promiscuity we know - not from a single pour or two, but hundreds - that we prefer our malts natural.
Now, for those stepping into whisky, what choice do they have? Well, the potentially intimidating shelves of a retailer or myriad of categories on an online outlet probably has them taking the path of least resistance. In the UK and many parts of Europe, that is likely a supermarket. This calls a few things into question.
What are the offerings there and how are they presented? How different are they and why are they so? If supermarket whiskies aren't available (like in the entire spread of North America!) does this change the perspective or presentation?
I'll be inviting Ben from from Whisky Geek to trade a few samples with me. He'll send me his interpretation of these whiskies and I'll send him mine. All blind (of course!). Two will be typical supermarket or 'price-point' whiskies and two will be....let's not say better - let's say more 'enthusiast friendly'.
From there we'll discuss our thoughts and try to discern the value. You may be surprised how important I think these whiskies are.
Bring along your favourite supermarket regular. It'll be valuable for everyone to hear what and why, wether they have a supermarket selection or not.
0:00 - Opening
2:00 - Intro and overview of topic
5:48 - Welcoming in the Whisky Folk & Barflies
10:10 - My review of 4 Blind drams from Whisky Geek
24:16 - The supermarket pricing model
28:54 - Welcoming in Whisky Geek Ben
37:05 - What are the blind samples form Ben?
44:33 - My assessment of Ben's samples
1:07:05 - Ben's assessment of my samples Link to key: https://rb.gy/hk5em2
1:18:46 - Welcoming in Trenny from Trenny & C
1:24:28 - Trenny's assessment of the 4
1:29:01 - Reveal & Thoughts about the four drams
2:28:34 - Quiz at the End
As enthusiasts we know what we want. Over months and years of whisky promiscuity we know - not from a single pour or two, but hundreds - that we prefer our malts natural.
Now, for those stepping into whisky, what choice do they have? Well, the potentially intimidating shelves of a retailer or myriad of categories on an online outlet probably has them taking the path of least resistance. In the UK and many parts of Europe, that is likely a supermarket. This calls a few things into question.
What are the offerings there and how are they presented? How different are they and why are they so? If supermarket whiskies aren't available (like in the entire spread of North America!) does this change the perspective or presentation?
I'll be inviting Ben from from Whisky Geek to trade a few samples with me. He'll send me his interpretation of these whiskies and I'll send him mine. All blind (of course!). Two will be typical supermarket or 'price-point' whiskies and two will be....let's not say better - let's say more 'enthusiast friendly'.
From there we'll discuss our thoughts and try to discern the value. You may be surprised how important I think these whiskies are.
Bring along your favourite supermarket regular. It'll be valuable for everyone to hear what and why, wether they have a supermarket selection or not.
0:00 - Opening
2:00 - Intro and overview of topic
5:48 - Welcoming in the Whisky Folk & Barflies
10:10 - My review of 4 Blind drams from Whisky Geek
24:16 - The supermarket pricing model
28:54 - Welcoming in Whisky Geek Ben
37:05 - What are the blind samples form Ben?
44:33 - My assessment of Ben's samples
1:07:05 - Ben's assessment of my samples Link to key: https://rb.gy/hk5em2
1:18:46 - Welcoming in Trenny from Trenny & C
1:24:28 - Trenny's assessment of the 4
1:29:01 - Reveal & Thoughts about the four drams
2:28:34 - Quiz at the End
