It's widely thought that worm tubs and their weird sounding name is an old school thing. While it's true that they preceded the more common shell and tube condensers, both methods of condensing the spirit vapours back to liquid have been in wide use since the 19th century. They're both pretty 'old'. Still, if you ask most whisky geeks if they have a preference, most will probably say 'wormtub'. I'm probably one of them.

Why is that?

Well, out of the 143 scotch malt distilleries in operation, there are only twenty that use worm tubs in some form. Typically, the costlier way of doing things it seems, is also the less preferred br producers. However, two brand new distilleries: Ballindalloch and Ardnahoe, have specifically chosen this condenser type in their production despite the higher cost. Why is that? And what does it mean for us?

I'll share some of my favourite wormtub whiskies with you this week as well as the brand new Ardnahoe and, after that beautiful sherrymatured single cask from a couple of weeks ago, a couple of new Ballindalloch releases too. One or two of the bottles I’ll share, however, will be widely available and enjoyed.

All the while we'll ask; are wormtubs worth it?

0:00 Opening
2:15 Loose scope for tonight
7:22 Welcoming in the lounge
16:30 The Whisky Exchange "Whisky 24 Hours"
19:09 Killco Whisky Musings
21:35 Mortlach The best example(?)
28:40 What is a worm tub?
40:37 Glen Elgin a silkier style?
51:01 Comparing worm tub to nonworm tub
59:35 Ballindalloch installing new worms
1:12:48 Why choose a worm tub?
1:16:44 Old Pulteney is it more expensive?
1:24:17 Craigellachie & Edradour enthusiast favourites
1:36:46 Ardnahoe We are drawn to worm tub distilled spirits
1:47:00 Longrow the boldest worm tub distillate?
1:58:50 Quiz at the end



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