Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I'm not against lists. Arguably, this topic could be viewed as a Top 10, but I maintain it's not.
If I listed my Top 10 right now they would inevitably include things a little pricier, perhaps a little rarer and a little more special - even if they may not all be easy to replace. They would also be very dependent on variable moods and transient moments.
The Permashelf idea is different; they have to be ten solid, reliable friends that you're guaranteed - or at least tempted - to replace as soon as they've given up their last few drops and are finally rinsed. They should be good value and available and - above all else - the easiest of recommendations to make to friends and curious entrants into the scene.
Arguably, these lists of the staples we enjoy most, could be the foundation that, if forced, we could pare back everything and still be content with a small allocation of the most celebrated everyday pours - on an imaginary 'shelf' that can only hold ten bottles.
What would you pick? I'll share what I've picked this week.
PS: I first covered this topic back in summer 2022, let's see what's changed since then!
Link: youtube.com/live/qOppEDAsLms?si=lKEhyFqU7DddKW3s
Time stamps:
0:00 - Opening
1:53 - Intro to theme
5:08 - Welcoming in the lounge
18:15 - Framing the Permashelf
24:08 - 2022 List: Deanston 12yo
27:50 - 2022 List - Glencadam 10yo
29:48 - 2022 List - Ledaig 10yo
34:07 - 2022 List - Ardbeg 10yo
36:32 - 2022 List - Loch Lomond 12yo Inchmurrin
38:48 - 2022 List - Craigellachie 13yo
40:25 - 2022 List - Glendronach 12yo
48:40 - 2022 List - CB Orchard House
49:25 - 2022 List - Ardnamurchan AD/
52:51 - 2022 List - Glasshouse Blend (100% malt)
59:30 - Listing off the 2024 challengers
1:00:44 - The Guardian of Islay 2024?
1:12:45 - 2024 entrant - Kilchoman Sanaig
1:21:09 - Replacing the sherry bomb
1:26:24 - 2024 entrant - Thompson Bros. TB/BSW 6yo
1:34:31 - 2024 entrant? - Kilkerran 12yo
1:46:30 - Bonus - a 25yo for £75?
1:50:16 - 2024 entrant - Benromach 10yo vs Glen Garioch 12yo
2:00:32 - Our attitude toward price (as a community)
2:18:05 - The quiz vs chimpanzees 🙈
2:20:04 - Quiz at the End
I'm not against lists. Arguably, this topic could be viewed as a Top 10, but I maintain it's not.
If I listed my Top 10 right now they would inevitably include things a little pricier, perhaps a little rarer and a little more special - even if they may not all be easy to replace. They would also be very dependent on variable moods and transient moments.
The Permashelf idea is different; they have to be ten solid, reliable friends that you're guaranteed - or at least tempted - to replace as soon as they've given up their last few drops and are finally rinsed. They should be good value and available and - above all else - the easiest of recommendations to make to friends and curious entrants into the scene.
Arguably, these lists of the staples we enjoy most, could be the foundation that, if forced, we could pare back everything and still be content with a small allocation of the most celebrated everyday pours - on an imaginary 'shelf' that can only hold ten bottles.
What would you pick? I'll share what I've picked this week.
PS: I first covered this topic back in summer 2022, let's see what's changed since then!
Link: youtube.com/live/qOppEDAsLms?si=lKEhyFqU7DddKW3s
Time stamps:
0:00 - Opening
1:53 - Intro to theme
5:08 - Welcoming in the lounge
18:15 - Framing the Permashelf
24:08 - 2022 List: Deanston 12yo
27:50 - 2022 List - Glencadam 10yo
29:48 - 2022 List - Ledaig 10yo
34:07 - 2022 List - Ardbeg 10yo
36:32 - 2022 List - Loch Lomond 12yo Inchmurrin
38:48 - 2022 List - Craigellachie 13yo
40:25 - 2022 List - Glendronach 12yo
48:40 - 2022 List - CB Orchard House
49:25 - 2022 List - Ardnamurchan AD/
52:51 - 2022 List - Glasshouse Blend (100% malt)
59:30 - Listing off the 2024 challengers
1:00:44 - The Guardian of Islay 2024?
1:12:45 - 2024 entrant - Kilchoman Sanaig
1:21:09 - Replacing the sherry bomb
1:26:24 - 2024 entrant - Thompson Bros. TB/BSW 6yo
1:34:31 - 2024 entrant? - Kilkerran 12yo
1:46:30 - Bonus - a 25yo for £75?
1:50:16 - 2024 entrant - Benromach 10yo vs Glen Garioch 12yo
2:00:32 - Our attitude toward price (as a community)
2:18:05 - The quiz vs chimpanzees 🙈
2:20:04 - Quiz at the End
