The Really Good Whisky Blog

12 Year Old Single Malt Flavor Guide and Tips for Pairing
Updated on: February 11, 2026 Dalmore 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky represents one of Scotland's most distinguished expressions, combining heritage craftsmanship with refined flavor complexity. This comprehensive... Read more...
How to Choose and Enjoy Premium Bourbon at Home Like a Pro
Updated on: February 10, 2026 Premium bourbon represents one of the most sophisticated categories within the American whiskey market, characterized by meticulous craftsmanship, superior aging processes, and exceptional flavor complexity.... Read more...
Regional Whisky Explorer Tasting Regions and Flavors
Updated on: February 9, 2026 Understanding spirits organized by geography reveals how terroir, water sources, and local traditions shape distinct flavor profiles and production methods. Scotland, Japan, Ireland, and the... Read more...
Rare Single Malt: Uncovering Hidden Gems for Collectors
Updated on: February 8, 2026 Rare single malt whisky represents one of the most sought-after categories in the spirits industry, commanding premium prices and attracting serious collectors worldwide. Understanding the... Read more...
Whisky by Region: A Guide to Global Regional Flavors
Updated on: February 6, 2026 Understanding whisky by region is essential for any enthusiast seeking to explore the world's finest spirits. Each geographical area produces distinct flavor profiles shaped by... Read more...
Understanding Blended Scotch Whisky Flavour and Aroma
Updated on: February 4, 2026 Blended Scotch whisky represents a sophisticated category that combines single malts with grain spirits to create balanced, approachable expressions. Understanding the production methods, flavour profiles,... Read more...
Cask Strength Whisky Guide to Bold Flavors and Notes
Updated on: February 5, 2026 Cask strength whisky represents the pinnacle of authentic spirit appreciation, bottled at its natural alcohol content without dilution. This comprehensive guide explores what makes undiluted... Read more...
Mastering Single Malt Whisky A Beginner to Aficionado Guide
Updated on: February 4, 2026 Single malt whisky represents one of the most refined and sought-after spirit categories in the world today. Understanding what makes these products distinctive, from their... Read more...
The GlenAllachie 2013 PX Hogshead Single Cask
A Star Bottle for Whisky Club Members and Sherry Lovers Alike At Really Good Whisky, we’re always searching for bottles that truly represent why joining our whisky club — and... Read more...
Small Batches vs. Single Casks: What to Know
When it comes to premium whisky, small batch and single cask are two terms that stand out. Here's a quick breakdown of what they mean: Small Batch: Whisky made by... Read more...
How Cask Size Changes Whisky Flavour
The size of a whisky cask directly impacts its flavour and maturation process. Smaller casks, like quarter casks, create intense flavours faster due to a higher wood-to-spirit ratio. Larger casks,... Read more...
Legacy of Canadian Whisky Regions
Canadian whisky is one of the world’s four major whisky styles, known for its smoothness and global appeal. With over 17.5 million 9-litre cases sold annually and a strong foothold... Read more...
5 Economic Factors Shaping Whisky Markets
The whisky market is influenced by five key economic forces that impact pricing, availability, and investment opportunities. Here's a quick breakdown: Inflation: Rising production costs and shrinking consumer spending power... Read more...
Whisky Prices: Why They Fluctuate
Whisky prices are unpredictable, influenced by demand, production challenges, and global economics. Key points: Demand vs. Supply: Limited releases or aged whiskies drive up costs, while oversupply, as seen in... Read more...
Top Whisky Data Platforms in 2025
Whisky investment has transformed in 2025, driven by data and technology. Platforms now offer tools for real-time market tracking, portfolio management, and predictive analytics. This shift has made whisky investing... Read more...
How to Pair Whisky with Spicy Foods
Pairing whisky with spicy food is all about finding balance and contrast. The heat from spicy dishes interacts with whisky's flavours in unique ways - whether it's the sweetness of... Read more...
Macallan & Bentley: Collaboration Analysis
The partnership between The Macallan and Bentley blends whisky craftsmanship with automotive design, focusing on sustainability. Their first joint release, The Macallan Horizon, features a horizontal bottle design, a rarity... Read more...
Tracking Whisky Price Trends in Collector Markets
The whisky collector market has transformed into a lucrative investment space, with rare bottles delivering strong returns over the past decade. Between 2011 and 2021, rare whisky investments surged by... Read more...
How Pot Stills Revolutionized Whisky Making
Pot stills are the cornerstone of whisky production, shaping its flavour and quality through a meticulous batch distillation process. Unlike continuous stills, pot stills allow for greater control over the... Read more...
Ultimate Guide to Whisky Still Operations
Whisky still operations are the core of whisky production, transforming fermented ingredients into the spirit we know as whisky. This process involves heating the wash, collecting alcohol vapours, and condensing... Read more...
How Experts Curate Whisky Gift Packs
Creating the perfect whisky gift pack isn't just about picking bottles - it’s about crafting an experience. Experts focus on three key areas: understanding the recipient, selecting a balanced variety,... Read more...
How to Host a Private Whisky Tasting
Hosting a whisky tasting at home is simpler than you might think and can turn an ordinary gathering into an engaging experience. Here’s how to do it: Pick a theme:... Read more...
Study: Whisky Preferences and Collection Trends
In 2025, the whisky market is thriving, with changing consumer preferences and a growing focus on premium and rare whiskies. Valued at £53 billion in 2023, global whisky sales are... Read more...
How Barley Quality Affects Whisky Flavor
Barley is the backbone of whisky production, defining its flavour and character. High-quality barley contributes to sweetness, maltiness, and complexity, while poor-quality barley can lead to off-flavours and lower yields.... Read more...
How Old Distilleries Become Heritage Sites
When distilleries in the UK gain heritage status, they are legally protected for their architectural and historical importance. This recognition not only preserves the physical structures but also safeguards age-old... Read more...
How to Pair Whisky with Charcuterie
Pairing whisky with charcuterie is all about matching flavours and textures to create a balanced tasting experience. Whisky’s complexity - smoky, sweet, or spicy - can complement or contrast with... Read more...
How Climate Shapes Whisky in New Regions
Whisky production is deeply influenced by climate, affecting everything from raw ingredients to ageing. As distilleries expand beyond Scotland and Kentucky, they’re discovering how local climates shape whisky’s flavour and... Read more...
Whisky Aging in Hot vs. Cold Climates
Whisky ages differently depending on the climate. Hot climates speed up the process, creating bold, intense flavours in fewer years, while cold climates slow it down, allowing for subtle, balanced... Read more...
Burns and Scotch: Distilleries Honoring the Bard
Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, is deeply tied to the country's whisky heritage. His poems and songs often celebrated whisky as a symbol of joy, connection, and Scottish identity. Today,... Read more...
How Distillery Design Preserves Historic Architecture
Historic buildings are increasingly being transformed into distilleries, combining heritage charm with whisky production needs. This process involves preserving architectural features, integrating modern systems, and creating engaging visitor experiences. Here's... Read more...
Whisky in Royal Ceremonies Worldwide
Whisky has played an enduring role in royal ceremonies across the globe, symbolising heritage, celebration, and diplomacy. From King George IV's historic preference for Glenlivet in 1822 to modern commemorative... Read more...
How Microbes Transform Whisky During Aging
Microbes play a key role in whisky maturation, shaping its flavour and complexity. During aging, yeast, bacteria, and moulds interact with the spirit and oak barrels to create unique tastes.... Read more...
Whisky Pairings For Thanksgiving Turkey
More and more people like to drink whisky with their Thanksgiving turkey. It's a big thing now in the UK, where folks choose whisky over wine. The many tastes of... Read more...
Science of Whisky Aging: Time and Taste
Whisky gets old in oak barrels, which turn a simple drink into a rich one. This is not just about the wait - it's a mix of science, where it... Read more...
Glenlivet and George Smith: Whisky's Early Champion
George Smith, a man who farmed in the Scottish Highlands, changed how whisky was made in the 1820s by being the first legal maker in Glenlivet. At that time, most... Read more...
10 Whisky Tasting Mistakes to Avoid
Whisky tasting is a skill that uses all your senses, but even pros make slip-ups. Here are 10 blunders that could mess up your tasting and how to dodge them:... Read more...
Top 5 Carbon-Neutral Whisky Brands
The whisky industry is shifting towards greener production methods, with distilleries adopting carbon-neutral practices to reduce emissions and meet consumer expectations. Here are five whisky brands leading the way in... Read more...
Why Custom Whisky Labels Matter for Branding
Custom whisky labels are more than just decoration; they’re a brand's first chance to make an impression in a crowded market. With 85% of shoppers influenced by packaging and 72%... Read more...
How Distilleries Test Whisky for Quality
Distilleries ensure whisky quality through a combination of scientific methods and expert tasting. Testing begins with raw materials and continues through production to bottling. Key methods include: Chemical Analysis: Techniques... Read more...
Whisky Pairings for Festive Winter Desserts
Pairing whisky with festive winter desserts creates a delightful balance of flavours. Different whisky profiles - sherried, peated, fruity, or creamy - complement seasonal treats like Christmas pudding, chocolate truffles,... Read more...
How Whisky Survived Prohibition in the USA
During Prohibition (1920–1933), whisky production and consumption in the USA faced severe restrictions due to laws like the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act. Despite the ban, whisky endured through... Read more...
Ultimate Guide to Whisky and Steak Pairing
Whisky and steak are a classic match, enhancing each other's flavours for a satisfying dining experience. The key? Balance. Match the richness of the steak with the intensity of the... Read more...
Highland Whisky Styles: Key Flavor Profiles
Highland whisky is Scotland's most diverse whisky region, offering a wide range of flavours influenced by its geography and microclimates. Here's what you need to know: Light & Floral: Soft,... Read more...
Limited Edition Whisky Labels: Legal Basics
Limited edition whisky labels are more than just a design choice - they're a legal necessity that ensures trust, transparency, and compliance in a highly regulated industry. Whether you're crafting... Read more...
How to Match Whisky Strength with Food Flavors
Pairing whisky with food isn’t just about matching flavours - it’s about balancing the whisky’s strength with the intensity of the dish. Whisky’s higher alcohol content and bold flavour profile... Read more...
How to Train Your Palate for Whisky Finish
The whisky finish is the lingering taste and sensation that remains after swallowing a sip. It’s often overlooked but can reveal the most complex and rewarding aspects of a whisky.... Read more...
Scotland's Whisky Boom: Industrial Revolution Era
Scotland's whisky industry transformed during the Industrial Revolution, shifting from small, often illicit operations to a major global force. Key changes included: 1823 Excise Act: Lowered taxes and encouraged legal... Read more...
Top 7 Whisky Gift Sets for Employee Recognition
In today's workplace, recognition matters. Employees who feel valued are 2.5 times more engaged and far more likely to enjoy their roles. Whisky gift sets offer a sophisticated way to... Read more...
Top 5 Whiskies for First-Time Tasters
Whisky can feel intimidating for beginners, but starting with approachable options makes all the difference. This guide highlights five whiskies perfect for first-time tasters, each offering a smooth, balanced flavour... Read more...
Accelerated Aging vs Traditional Whisky Maturation
Whisky maturation transforms raw spirit into a complex drink, with traditional methods relying on years in oak casks to develop flavour. Accelerated ageing, using techniques like heat, pressure, and smaller... Read more...