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Archive for the ‘Canadian Whisky’ Category

2019 Rum Howler Favourite 20 Canadian Whiskies: #20 – High River Canadian Whisky

Posted by Arctic Wolf on December 3, 2019

This year I have shortened my list of favourite Canadian Whiskies considerably as I have selected only 20. The main reason for this is that I just ran out of time to do a comprehensive list especially in a year where I wasn’t as active doing reviews as I normally am. This years list doesn’t necessarily reflect the 20 best Canadian Whiskies, rather it represents my favourites. Some are mixer’s, some are sippers, and some are somewhere in between. But all are whiskies which I would have no hesitation sharing with my friends or enjoying on my own.

Let’s start with number 20, High River Canadian is owned by Sazerac, the producers of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Here is a link to my recent review:

Review: High River Canadian Whisky

“… There is a light impression of maple and cedar which combine with grain to give me an impression of graham wafers dipped in syrup. Oak builds with vanilla and almond making me think of marzipan. Marmalade and chocolate complete the nose which seems to be rich and full of whisky goodness …”

Please enjoy my review which includes a nice recipe suggestion, the Bitter Chocolate Old Fashioned.

 

Note: As we get further along in this list (I hope to publish one whisky per day through until December 22nd), I will introduce 20 more of my favourites. The listing is roughly in order, although I would be the first to caution you that I don;t really have an overall fave. Some days I like to sip, and some days I like to mix.

Chimo!

Posted in Canadian Whisky, Whisk(e)y, Whisk(e)y Review | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

Review: Forty Creek Victory (2019 Limited Release)

Posted by Arctic Wolf on November 30, 2019

Forty Creek Whisky has an annual tradition of producing a special limited release whisky which is built upon the foundation of the company’s flagship whisky, Forty Creek Barrel Select. These annual special releases each seek to bring new character to the Forty Creek family.

The 2019 Limited Release, Forty Creek Victory, commemorates the 205th Anniversary of the Engagement at the Forty which was a battle during the War of 1812 which occurred almost on the very ground upon which the Forty Creek Distillery is situated. In creating this years limited edition release, Forty Creek’s Master Distillery decided to do a little experimentation with a four year old Forty Creek Whisky, high wood vanilla staves, a ten year old Corn whisky and Starboard Wine.

Here is a link to my final Canadian Whisky Review of 2019:

Review: Forty Creek Victory (2019 Limited Release)

“… The breezes in the air bring fine oak spices forward along with just a hint of alcohol astringency. The spirit seems youthful and perhaps just a little brash. Hints of red licorice augment the spice, with notes of vanilla, and grain (rye predominantly) beginning to peak though …”

Please enjoy my review, and stay tuned as Tomorrow I begin my 24 Days of Rum Advent series of reviews>

Chimo!

 

Posted in Canadian Whisky, Whisk(e)y, Whisky Review | Tagged: , , , | Comments Off on Review: Forty Creek Victory (2019 Limited Release)

Review: J.P. Wiser’s Dave Keon Alumni Whisky

Posted by Arctic Wolf on November 28, 2019

Today I am completing my series of reviews for the 2018 and 2019 J.P. Wiser’s NHLAA  Whiskies. A few years ago J.P. Wiser’s and the NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA) got together to bring whisky fans something uniquely Canadian. One time edition Canadian whiskies which are each blended with the aim of containing characteristic links to specific NHLAA members for whom the blend is named.

This is the review for the J. P. Wiser’s Dave Keon Alumni Whisky. According to the press information sent to me:

With a 45% ABV to celebrate the 45-points Dave scored in his 1st season, this well-balanced whisky compliments his offensive and defensive abilities on the ice. To truly pay homage to this hockey legend, this whisky is aged 14 years for Dave’s playing number and uses 4 different barrels to commemorate his 4 Cup wins.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: J.P. Wiser’s Dave Keon Alumni Whisky

“… The aroma rising from the glass is complex with scents of orange peel mingling with vanilla, oak spice, almond, and ginger. As the glass breathes I begin to notice corn syrup and oak sap mingling with the orange peel giving me an impression of marmalade and canned fruit …”

Note: As part of the partnership with the NHL Alumni, a potion of the sales are be donated to NHLAA to support their philanthropic causes. This whisky was exclusive to Canada and marketed primarily in Quebec and Ontario. 

Chimo!

Posted in Canadian Whisky, Whisk(e)y | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: J.P. Wiser’s Dave Keon Alumni Whisky

Review: J.P. Wiser’s Lanny MacDonald Alumni Whisky

Posted by Arctic Wolf on November 6, 2019

J.P. Wiser’s Lanny McDonald Alumni Whisky is blended from 3 grains, predominantly corn but with a significant amount of wheat as well as barley. The higher than normal percentage of wheat is apparently an homage to Lanny McDonald’s prairie roots, and the three grains together are said to give the spirit a ‘well rounded’ character in keeping with Lanny’s well rounded play throughout his NHL career. The spirit has been aged 9 years (McDonald wore number 9 on his jersey). Apparently the corn and barley grain spirits were aged in ex-Canadian Whisky oak barrels and the wheat was aged in virgin oak.

Here is a link to my complete review:

Review: J.P. Wiser’s Lanny MacDonald Alumni Whisky

“… Interesting that I tasted coffee a few times during my tasting sessions as Paul Coffey played for the Oilers during Lanny’s run with the Flames in the early to mid 80s. Perhaps a little Coffey rubbed off on Lanny during those battles in the corner …”

I hope you are enjoying this little review series, in a couple of days I will be tackling Wendel Clark. (Come to think of it, that guy is tough as nails, tackling him might not be such a wise move.)

Chimo!

Note: This whisky is a Canadian only release and is almost completely sold out across the country. Grab some while you still can if you are a collector.

Posted in Canadian Whisky, Whisk(e)y, Whisky Review | Tagged: , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Review: J.P. Wiser’s Guy Lafleur Alumni Whisky 

Posted by Arctic Wolf on November 3, 2019

A couple years ago J.P. Wiser’s and the NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA) got together to bring whisky fans something uniquely Canadian. Regionally marketed whiskies which were blended with the aim of mimicking characteristics of each region’s favourite Hockey Players.

J.P. Wiser’s Guy Lafleur Alumni Whisky is a pretty special whisky as it is one of only a few single grain 100 % corn whiskies released by J.P. Wiser’s to date. In keeping with the chosen alumni member it is meant to represent, the spirit has been aged 10 years (Guy Lafleur wore number 10 on his jersey), and the whisky is described as ‘Naturally Smooth” which is in keeping with how Guy’s playing style was often described. The spirit was matured in a unique manner being aged for 10 years in American Oak and then finished in Speyside, bourbon, and rum barrels.

Here is a link to my latest review:

Review: J.P. Wiser’s Guy Lafleur Alumni Whisky

“… The breezes bring initial impressions of oak spice and corn with light vanilla and butterscotch accents. Although this is a 100 % corn whisky there is nevertheless an impression of spicy rye grain in the air and as the glass breathes I also notice impressions of rich maple and marmalade with hints of marzipan …”

Please enjoy my review, and stay tuned for more on the J.P. Wiser’s Alumni Edition Whiskies.

Chimo!

Note: This whisky is a Canadian only release and is almost completely sold out across the country. Grab some while you still can if you are a collector.

Posted in Canadian Whisky, Whisk(e)y, Whisky Review | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: J.P. Wiser’s Guy Lafleur Alumni Whisky