Lot No. 40 Dark Oak

I view Canada Day as an occasion to express appreciation for local innovators, creators, and distillers. Within the global whiskey community, I'm often asked for Canadian whiskey recommendations, as many people are only familiar with a few common brands that don't represent the category well. Hiram Walker & Sons distillery in Windsor, Ontario, has been operating for over 160 years and possesses one of North America's largest production capacities, with 37 fermenters. Lot 40 is one of the whiskies they produce. Lot 40 Dark Oak is matured in new American Oak and then finished in a second, heavily charred new Oak barrel. Like the standard version, it's entirely rye, pot still distilled. Lot 40 Dark Oak is bottled at 48% ABV, compared to the standard Lot 40's 43%. Let's explore it, shall we? I detect aromas of orange, syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, and aged oak scent. Despite potential Canadian bias, I'm convinced I can smell maple sugar developing over time. This amber-colored spirit starts subtly. The texture is rich and full, with sweet cherry complemented by oak bitterness. A gradual build of spices emerges: anise, cinnamon, and black pepper. The spices diminish into a medium finish. It provides a pleasant warmth, a slight dryness, with a hint of menthol and a lingering oak impression on the palate. I appreciate Lot 40 Dark Oak's oak-forward character, as named, and believe it would work well in an Old Fashioned. I value the versatility of this offering, suitable for drinking neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. 7.75/10

This is my top whiskey choice right now. LOT40 Dark Oak performs exactly as a whiskey ought to. It possesses a great aroma and delivers a completely satisfying, smooth tasting journey from start to finish. An immediate menthol sensation hits the nose, then it fades, revealing notes of fruity maraschino cherry, spice, and toasted oak. I've noticed that the longer this whiskey rests in my Glencairn glass, the more the oak characteristics become apparent. I found the aroma so pleasing during my initial encounter with the bottle that I kept the empty glass nearby, and it filled my room with subtle woody scents. A bit odd, I know. I relish the intense spice on the palate. The blend of spice, cherry, and dark chocolate flavors is quite wonderful. To conclude, a lingering, slightly minty cooling sensation remained as the whiskey slowly dissipated. I find the branding visually appealing. It presents a sophisticated, modern, and distinctive look that catches the eye in stores and on my shelf. The overall experience, coupled with its price point ($65 CAD), makes this a necessary addition to my collection as long as it's available. I also appreciate its Canadian origin! Overall: 9.75/10

While I appreciate Lot 40, I typically reserve it for cocktails. I was eager to try this new release and see how it performed when sipped neat. It certainly has an appealing color! Nose: Predominantly vanilla at first, with strong caramel notes also present. I'm also detecting a hint of orange zest. Palate: Quite rich and full-bodied. It has a pleasing oily texture. The alcohol burn is mild, much smoother than I expected. My initial impression is of slightly burnt French toast with a lingering cinnamon flavor. Anise and black pepper then join the profile. Finish: Medium length. The highlight is a delightful tingle and a cool minty sensation at the back of the palate. The black pepper also persists for a while. I then sampled a small amount of the regular Lot 40. The Dark Oak is noticeably smoother and richer, despite its higher alcohol content. The mouthfeel is also superior with the Dark Oak expression. Overall, I am highly impressed and will certainly enjoy this both neat and in mixed drinks!

Nose: Right away, it lives up to its name. Deep and dark. Heavy rye spice that suggests maturity. It doesn't need to be forceful like many Ryes; its presence is commanding. Abundant spearmint. Rich oak and molasses. Heavily toasted dark rye bread with slightly burnt edges. Palate: Oily viscosity. It coats the mouth without being overly sweet. An immediate hit of dark brown sugar and barrel char is followed by a surge of heavy rye spice, spearmint, and savory dried herbs. As the sip mellows, rich oak reappears alongside cocoa. Finish: Satisfying and lingering. Oak, barrel char, spearmint, and semi-sweet chocolate. Summary: I feel like I've just penned a love letter. This is a Rye enthusiast's fantasy. It embodies all the finest qualities of the category without any drawbacks. Truly worth its reasonable price. Exceptional.

The aroma perfectly embodies what a rye whiskey should be. Rye spice and mint are immediately present, followed by bittersweet chocolate and a touch of German pumpernickel. The nose is not very sweet, offering purely rye characteristics. On the palate, black pepper and rye spice strike the back of the throat, while brown sugar and vanilla notes coat the roof of the mouth, inducing salivation and a desire for another sip. Dark semi-sweet chocolate is also noticeable. This is an exceptional rye from Lot 40. Outstanding. Aroma: 4/5 Palate: 4.5/5 Overall: 4.25/5 Would buy again: Yes Category: Friday Night Pour

Comparing Lot 40 and Lot 40 Dark Oak side-by-side. Both are excellent, classic examples showcasing the best of rye whiskey. The Lot 40 has rye spice notes, abundant black licorice, and a touch of apple. Lot 40 Dark Oak, despite its higher proof, feels smoother and creamier on the palate. It offers more spice, dark fruits like cherry, molasses, and a bubblegum-like sweetness reminiscent of Topps gum from 1983. The Dark Oak is slightly sweeter and has a significantly longer, spicy finish. While the regular Lot 40 is a superb rye showcase, the Dark Oak is a superior expression and justifies the additional expense.