Canadian Club 40 Year

I don't possess a bottle of this, so please bear in mind that a 35ml sample has limitations. This assessment is naturally confined in scope, and I don't claim to have the most refined or discerning palate globally. Tasting Notes I allowed this to 'breathe' (covered) in a Glencairn for an hour or more. • Nose (undiluted): caramel popcorn, butterscotch candies, cola, rye spices, aged oak, a subtle mustiness akin to old books (which I rather enjoy) • Palate (undiluted): rich buttery texture, a gentle initial impression, rye spice, orange zest, pepper, a hint of canned pineapple somewhat reminiscent of a fine rum • Finish: buttery, brown sugar, cola, molasses, cloves With water added, there's some vanilla, barrel char, and an aroma reminiscent of freshly baked Old Fashioned Plain doughnuts (my personal favorite). Following another brief rest in the glass, the pineapple aroma becomes more prominent. This truly evokes good rum. Unfortunately, the flavors do not benefit from the addition of water. The delightful, buttery texture becomes thinner with water, and the orange zest note nearly vanishes. The finish is also diminished by the addition of water, becoming somewhat nondescript, like a 'standard' Canadian whisky. This is pleasant, but I wouldn't rate it higher than 87-89 points. I certainly wouldn't be eager to purchase a bottle.

We now arrive at the oldest of my samples from the 2017 Canadian special releases, and indeed the oldest age statement ever created in Canada. The Canadian Club 40 presents a wonderfully creamy nose, with abundant vanilla and a hint of buttered toast. The creamy flavors persist on the palate, but it swiftly becomes spicy from its extensive oak aging and concludes with a sharp peppery finish. It's pleasant enough but rather simple, and I failed to notice any plum or caramel notes mentioned in Blair’s Expert Review.

Excellent Canadian whisky, a source of national pride. Even the packaging is stylish, a common failing of whiskies from the northern border region: a striking square bottle resembling a decanter. The spirit itself is delightful yet predictably mild, with subtle hints of rye and spice. Oak makes a minor appearance, not overwhelming given its extended aging, dating back to the time of Elvis's final concert tours. My recommendation.

I'll need to revisit this review once I've spent more time with this bottle. For now, having opened it, I can say it's a beauty. Wonderful harmony of sweetness and butter with touches of spice and oak. The finish is enduring and memorable.

Among the finest whiskies I've ever encountered. It greets the nose with softness and sweetness, then offers subtle oak, vanilla, and caramel on the palate, culminating in an enduring finish. I adore it and plan to acquire another bottle.

Intense aroma. Vanilla. Luscious. Sweet. Gradual warmth. Spicy. Could be the best rye I've ever sampled. Definitely the priciest at $250 per bottle. It comes in a drawstring bag within a box. Features a pewter cap.