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Search For A Whisky Bothy
A humorous autobiography by a whisky reviewer with a youtube channel called 'ralfydotcom' travelling from early childhood memories to an adults apprenticeship with scotch and Scotland. People and places are explored and whisky is sampled, and all for the sake of malt-moments.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
178 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2019
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61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 19, 2021
Ralfy tells his story in true fashion - full of humour, honesty, and feistiness
If you're a fan of Ralfy's legendary YouTube channel, "ralfydotcom", then you'll know all about his feisty, uncompromised, insightful, and humorous views on whisky and pursuit of genuine malt-moments, divorced from commercial hype, marketing, and most of all non-chillfiltered, non-colored, and presented at a decent ABV or 46% or more. There are lots of quirky details of journey of malt discovery, and his unexpected career as a Glasgow undertaker, and all the insights into mortality and drink that entailed. It's full of surprisingly spiritual insights, in both senses, and doesn't shy away from discussing alcoholism, especially when we try to disguise it as upmarket whisky enthusiasts. It may have a lot of grammar mistakes and typos, but this is a self-published book full of genuine passion for that most complex and rewarding of sprits: uisge bheatha, aqua vitae, malt whisky.
If you're a fan of Ralfy's legendary YouTube channel, "ralfydotcom", then you'll know all about his feisty, uncompromised, insightful, and humorous views on whisky and pursuit of genuine malt-moments, divorced from commercial hype, marketing, and most of all non-chillfiltered, non-colored, and presented at a decent ABV or 46% or more. There are lots of quirky details of journey of malt discovery, and his unexpected career as a Glasgow undertaker, and all the insights into mortality and drink that entailed. It's full of surprisingly spiritual insights, in both senses, and doesn't shy away from discussing alcoholism, especially when we try to disguise it as upmarket whisky enthusiasts. It may have a lot of grammar mistakes and typos, but this is a self-published book full of genuine passion for that most complex and rewarding of sprits: uisge bheatha, aqua vitae, malt whisky.
January 6, 2020
An authentic self published autobiography by an icon of online malt knowledge. Ralfy brings a rare honesty and perspective to enjoying malts, craftsmanship and intrinsic quality where he cuts razor sharp through marketing lingo and shares his personal insights into the evolution of the spirit world.
Commendably, he broaches these topics without resulting in mindless ranting or becoming a grouchy 'it-used-to-be-better' relic, quite the opposite his Glencairn is always half-full. (It isn't but you know what I mean malt mates!)
You won't find tasting reviews or distillery listings in this book (you'll have to visit his YouTube channel for that, but you probably already knew that if you got here, because let's be honest this book is much better when you've that anonymous connection with the main character). Ralfy will share his path to malt knowledge from the early days up 'till the moment we got to follow along when he started his online adventure (thanks broken clavicle!), interlaced with maltecdotes (goh I suck at this, I'll leave the malt mentions to Ralfy) and musings. Some more dreamy (quite literally) then others, all in all a thoroughly enjoyable book which only reinforced my respect for Ralfy, a person that seems every bit as authentic as his online persona.
Slainte, and to my first and possibly only book review, single take of course!
Commendably, he broaches these topics without resulting in mindless ranting or becoming a grouchy 'it-used-to-be-better' relic, quite the opposite his Glencairn is always half-full. (It isn't but you know what I mean malt mates!)
You won't find tasting reviews or distillery listings in this book (you'll have to visit his YouTube channel for that, but you probably already knew that if you got here, because let's be honest this book is much better when you've that anonymous connection with the main character). Ralfy will share his path to malt knowledge from the early days up 'till the moment we got to follow along when he started his online adventure (thanks broken clavicle!), interlaced with maltecdotes (goh I suck at this, I'll leave the malt mentions to Ralfy) and musings. Some more dreamy (quite literally) then others, all in all a thoroughly enjoyable book which only reinforced my respect for Ralfy, a person that seems every bit as authentic as his online persona.
Slainte, and to my first and possibly only book review, single take of course!
June 22, 2020
This is an unusual book for me to read. I like whisky, usually have a few bottles stashed somewhere, but I am by no means a collector. I am certainly not an 'anorak' as Ralfy puts it. Whisky is for me an occasional luxury.
But because it is an occasional luxury I like those occasions to count. To know which bottle is good a review by Ralfy is the best place to go. Entertaining, informative and honest, that's the core of what you get from this reviewer, without all the horrible snobbishness and wastefulness that you get from other reviewers. You know, the kind that tell you to get this or that 'exclusive' and usually unaffordable bottle.
Think about it, why on éarth would I spent 100 euro's on something that I drink? (especially considering the huge amount of people who don't even have access to clean water, let alone whisky) I am not judging those who do, it is your money, but this is where I am coming from.
No, Ralfy prefers quality over so called exclusivity.
And now I got to read his story. From the humble beginnings stealing whisky from his father, to visits to distillery's, collecting 500 bottles and eventually starting a youtube channel. Fun characters, usually alive and existing, in some cases neither. The evening Ralfy spents with fighting Greek philosophers and his deceased cat is.... well.... weird? but certainly fun.
And also, to the observant reader, it becomes obvious Ralfy himsels is quite well-read. Besides all the things he knows, it is obvious through the language he uses. Also for someone who's native language is Frisian his book is a joy to read.
I higly recommend this if you want to know more about whisky, if you want to understand why people like whisky, and the experience that comes with it.
Slàinte
But because it is an occasional luxury I like those occasions to count. To know which bottle is good a review by Ralfy is the best place to go. Entertaining, informative and honest, that's the core of what you get from this reviewer, without all the horrible snobbishness and wastefulness that you get from other reviewers. You know, the kind that tell you to get this or that 'exclusive' and usually unaffordable bottle.
Think about it, why on éarth would I spent 100 euro's on something that I drink? (especially considering the huge amount of people who don't even have access to clean water, let alone whisky) I am not judging those who do, it is your money, but this is where I am coming from.
No, Ralfy prefers quality over so called exclusivity.
And now I got to read his story. From the humble beginnings stealing whisky from his father, to visits to distillery's, collecting 500 bottles and eventually starting a youtube channel. Fun characters, usually alive and existing, in some cases neither. The evening Ralfy spents with fighting Greek philosophers and his deceased cat is.... well.... weird? but certainly fun.
And also, to the observant reader, it becomes obvious Ralfy himsels is quite well-read. Besides all the things he knows, it is obvious through the language he uses. Also for someone who's native language is Frisian his book is a joy to read.
I higly recommend this if you want to know more about whisky, if you want to understand why people like whisky, and the experience that comes with it.
Slàinte
April 5, 2020
Thank you Mr. Malt maister.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, could be me except I do not own +2000 bottles, part of me wishes I did another side of me says stick with your 25 and keep turning them over at regular pace. I enjoy my European trips which I do on regular basis and to look for new hidden malt gems.
Some lovely stories in the book, specially how it all started, the local pub and the Glasgow whisky club. I could not rate that high enough but beeing member in a whisky club is just sublime. Nice folks with the same interest and chance to try some golden Nectar you otherwise would not be able to try. The whisky shows are other brilliant malt events where you can try out some different ones and see if they are to your liking. Follow and seen many of Ralfys online vlog reviews.
There are some comments and words that touch deep down such as, time, water and stillness.
Thank you for the chapter including Bladnoch, tried it but forgot how it was so will look it up again.
This is a book for any malt maniacs and I am looking forward to the next one.
Sláinte.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, could be me except I do not own +2000 bottles, part of me wishes I did another side of me says stick with your 25 and keep turning them over at regular pace. I enjoy my European trips which I do on regular basis and to look for new hidden malt gems.
Some lovely stories in the book, specially how it all started, the local pub and the Glasgow whisky club. I could not rate that high enough but beeing member in a whisky club is just sublime. Nice folks with the same interest and chance to try some golden Nectar you otherwise would not be able to try. The whisky shows are other brilliant malt events where you can try out some different ones and see if they are to your liking. Follow and seen many of Ralfys online vlog reviews.
There are some comments and words that touch deep down such as, time, water and stillness.
Thank you for the chapter including Bladnoch, tried it but forgot how it was so will look it up again.
This is a book for any malt maniacs and I am looking forward to the next one.
Sláinte.
December 6, 2020
I enjoyed the autobiographical journey Ralphy took the reader on in this book. He takes us from his early life and an experience at a whisky bar in Glasgow (The Bon Accord) a place that the story would return to throughout the book. There was one chapter about an imagined meeting of well known philosophers from times past that was very odd but other than that I was entertained. I looked foreword to picking the book up every evening right as I too poured a wee dram.
March 14, 2021
Disclaimer: I am a big fan of ralfy's youtube channel. It is quite unique to read a self published book from an author that is so honest, modest and anti-commercial as ralfy. The book is quite rough around the edges (e.g. there was even a typo in the title on the spine of the book) but the contents make up for the form. I loved reading about the history of ralfy and the events in his life that made him into the whisky anorak he now is.
March 30, 2020
Good job Ralphy. Nice to see an honest book written by an everyday, relatable person just trying to live a pleasant life. Good advice for people in avoiding alcoholism while enjoying whisky, perhaps a little too much detailed abstract philosopher dream conversations for my taste.
November 26, 2020
Humble and incredibly charming, much like his whisky vlogs. Ralfy has a way with words, spinning yarns that make you feel like you’re sitting with him, curled up with a glass of Laphraoig near a cozy fire. I didn’t want it to end.
February 7, 2020
As charming, informative and fun as his YouTube videos and a perfect companion to a good dram.
September 1, 2020
If you enjoy his YouTube vlog, this is for you.
October 27, 2020
And that's a book mark!
June 1, 2021
Very admirable, entertaining story of how the author grew to a whisky You-Tuber, interlaced with interesting insights on the whisky industry and philosophical observations. An honest book.
August 8, 2021
Highly enjoyable read. Ralfy has a knack for putting his entertaining thoughts and experience on paper.
November 11, 2025
"Even now I mostly enjoy whisky in silence, alone, and in the presence of sunshine or fire, or both together are even better. Company is good, but the best company is my own and with a dram."
What is great about "search for a whisky bothy" is that it makes me want to have a dram. It makes me want to visit Scotland, and it reminds me of my own ‘journey through whisky’. Of course, Ralfy is rather famous and I am not, which is perfectly fine, but the random drinks of whisky leading into a full fledged passion, or even mania, is very recognizable. It's basically a bit of a biography centered around whisky.
What this book does great is reestablishing a passion for whisky, with more focus and zeal. Ever since I’ve been reading this, it made me love whisky more for what it is. Not for what ‘The Industry’ wants it to be.
What is great about "search for a whisky bothy" is that it makes me want to have a dram. It makes me want to visit Scotland, and it reminds me of my own ‘journey through whisky’. Of course, Ralfy is rather famous and I am not, which is perfectly fine, but the random drinks of whisky leading into a full fledged passion, or even mania, is very recognizable. It's basically a bit of a biography centered around whisky.
What this book does great is reestablishing a passion for whisky, with more focus and zeal. Ever since I’ve been reading this, it made me love whisky more for what it is. Not for what ‘The Industry’ wants it to be.
January 3, 2022
Had a lot of fun reading this book. Unpretentious, lots of (sometimes sharp) humour in both character and situation descriptions. Being a fan of whisky, a lot of things are easily recognizable and relatable. I should watch his youtube channel more often, but I'm more of a reader than a watcher.... But things might change in 2022!
September 9, 2025
It's not superlative writing, yet it entertained me. It's definitely more enjoyable if you sip a wee dram while reading it. Keeps you in the mood of the whiskey-centric themes of his tales.
January 9, 2021
Enjoyable and inspiring to read. Good down to earth, honest maltiness.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews