Glynnevan Double Barrelled Canadian Rye

A new craft producer is sourcing whiskey and presenting it as their own. At least the Glynnevan team is open about sourcing and re-barreling to add age. However, it doesn't showcase the East Coast, seaside character advertised; it's not like Talisker. There's no age statement or clarity on the process. We're told spirit from across the country is aged, shipped, re-barreled, and aged again on the Canadian east coast in Nova Scotia, representing a "West meets East" concept. The "west" origin suggests Alberta Distillers as the source, but the barrels don't seem to be the highly sought-after cherry ones. The aroma offers sweet butterscotch, maple syrup, licorice, a marker scent, a whisper of pickle juice, and rye spice. The taste, despite a slightly higher ABV, feels a bit thin initially. It mirrors the nose with pancake syrup, licorice (especially black), pickle, pepper, and baking spice. Butterscotch and vanilla are present. It's quite sweet with a gingery, peppery warmth. The distiller's notes are accurate about a rum-like quality, akin to a vegetal Jamaican funk. The finish brings ginger, pickle, and dry, unintegrated wood, with more rum funk. It’s a mixed experience, but fans of the Canadian style might find it more appealing than many similar priced bottles (around $45).

Nose: Wood, maple, molasses, caramel, sherry/dark fruits, ripe red apple, spice/pepper, rye, a hint of anise seed, candied fruit, a touch of dark chocolate. Palate: Maple, caramel, sherry (dark fruits/red grapes), rye, spices, cloves/Christmas flavors, dark chocolate. Finish: Caramel, peppery bitterness, slight tangerine citrus, tannins, rye.

A pleasant dram. It has spicy and sweet characteristics with some vanilla, without being overwhelming.

Excellent with Angostura bitters.

Smooth. Smoky.