Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky

Caribou Crossing 40% abv, no age stated, minimum is 3 years. Single barrel Canadian whisky bottled in Kentucky (Sazerac). Aroma: a general sweetness, nuttiness, very pleasant Taste: nice rye spice in the middle that lingers, barrel notes in the back end, cinnamon, nutmeg. Medium mouthfeel. Sadly over time it did not improve and astringency appeared, and the whisky became less complex. Overall it is an enjoyable and decent whisky. Cost: 99.95 plus tax for a 750 ml, overpriced in my opinion, these use to be around 60 to 70 bucks from my research. Grade: B-/B

Nose: Not particularly complex. A little bit of vanilla. There's a hint of rye spice but it doesn't come through strongly due to the low proof. Taste: I get some toffee and Christmas spices. A bit more burn than the nose and low proof would suggest. It has a lingering finish that is better than you might expect. Overall taste is better than the nose. An easy-sipper. Won't win any awards. Definitely overpriced. Lot 40 is half the price and a far better Canadian whisky.

This is difficult to find in the greater Kansas City area. It shouldn't be so hard to get. But then again - considering distribution and hype, it is. This is an 80 proof spirit that tastes more like 100. I can see how reviews might differ; it is a single barrel statement. This particular one was a definite 'I'd buy another.' Rich, butterscotch, with a bit of spice at the end. Smooth due to the proof, but it has abundant flavor.

Toffee right away, some light oak, leather, perhaps some light strawberry fruitiness. Then some hay, mild baking spice, and a rum-like note near the end. The finish has spice but nothing too strong, and the finish lasts and lingers gently for a good duration. Likely one of the best Canadian whiskies I've encountered, and what a fantastic price for a single barrel!

It's acceptable, not very complex, with the usual sugary flavors I anticipate from Canadian whiskey. Perhaps a higher proof would improve it. It's a bit of a disappointment; I've sought it for years and always seemed to miss out. I began with Canadian spirits, but for comparable cost and a superior sugary profile in my view, choose Flor de Cana 18.

*** TOP SELECTION *** Nose - Smells musty, reminiscent of damp beach towels. A slight unpleasant ethanol scent is present. Palate - Light strawberry and subtle wood notes; very average. The faintest whiskey characteristics. Too subtle for my preference. Finish - Mirrors the palate; it's just not for me.