Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye (2012 Release)

I recall when I was a nerdy chemical engineering student in university, I was dating a woman who was the kindest, sweetest person. She was also incredibly beautiful. However, she attended an all-girls college in a remote part of the state, which had numerous others who looked just like her. Her value there was surely diminished because everyone was attractive. When she began associating with us engineers, she stood out like a jewel among pieces of coal. That's analogous to this bottling. For years, this whiskey didn't receive the recognition it deserved. It was likely overshadowed by Scotch, American, occasional Taiwanese Kavalan, and Indian Amrut. But it's a gem. Likely one of my top 3 rye-based whiskies (along with Midwinter, and Crown Royal Noble). Its price is gradually increasing, so it might be wise to purchase it while it's still affordable.

The distiller's notes are spot on; this is among the finest Canadian whiskies available (and at an excellent price, although it has been gradually increasing as the manufacturer has recognized its value). Disregard what you believe about Canadian whisky before sampling this one. Any familial resemblance is coincidental. Flavors befitting a 100% rye: sweet rye, floral rye, spicy rye. Like a bakery at Christmas. Clove, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg. Especially cinnamon. Brown sugar, raisins. Fresh pears. Hay, grass. Dill pickle. Light vanilla-butterscotch ice cream. The taste is peppery, full of Christmas spice, light oak, fresh rye bread. Fresh and preserved fruits. A nearly transcendent whisky for me; likely the whisky that made the category of whisky truly "click" for me.

As I'm new to ryes, I'm still identifying the flavors, but I found this to be a robust whiskey that isn't very sweet and holds its own with some dusty, tobacco, woody, slightly herbal notes, and perhaps a hint of caramel-like flavor (without the sweetness) underneath. It brings to mind the kind of whiskey one might have found in an old western saloon in 1845 – it has the dust, spice, wood, and a firm, resolute but not aggressive character. It's not my preferred whiskey to drink neat, but it has become my go-to for creating whiskey cocktails.

Nose is sweet corn with a hint of vanilla and just a soupcon of burnt cherries (as if someone had shown the bottle a Xerox of a picture of burnt cherries). Taste is sweet, creamy, very slightly oily, almost dreamy, milk chocolate with a little bit of hot red pepper. Aftertaste has a bit more of a kick than the original light, sunny sweetness would make you think was coming. Absolutely pleasant if not thoroughly memorable, the kind of bourbon that is gorgeous, but not handsome. A worthy addition to your shelf.

Pungent. Straightforward. Uncomplicated. Sweet. Luscious. Sometimes a bit intense. Any of these words could describe this whisky. It's easy to appreciate when you're ready for a 100% rye experience. I detect notes reminiscent of cedar shavings, along with the more typical mint, dill, vegetal, and barrel characteristics. There's a pleasant wave of sweetness, ginger snaps, and red hots. Much is happening in the glass. This is a premium Canadian rye that will be a regular in my rotation for some time.

Excellent Rye. Plenty of spice upfront and in the aftertaste. It also has a nice sweetness, with soft fruit notes; some detect banana, but I taste something closer to cherry. Oak is present in the dry finish. It's a surprisingly mellow Rye, yet not subdued like some other Canadian Ryes. If you appreciate bold and complex Ryes, get this. Look for the 2012 or the yellow label. I like it a bit more than the green one.