Northern Eyes

I'm enjoying this whiskey on my patio in Edmonton. This is the first spirit I've tried that was produced entirely in my hometown. It's unlikely to be available widely, so who is this review for? Honestly, I just enjoy the process. I'm unsure of what to anticipate. This bottle is a special selection for Wine & Beyond, specifically barrel #7, bottle #27. Unlike the standard release from the distillery, which is diluted to 43% ABV, this one is 50%. The aroma is powerful yet smooth, carrying distinct notes of grain, leather, and spice. After a five-minute aeration, the oak barrel influence emerges, accompanied by a subtle sweetness. The first taste offers a fleeting sweetness before quickly shifting to citrus zest. Before I can identify the citrus type, it transforms into peppery rye spice, followed by familiar warm baking spices. The finish is surprisingly long, considering the medium oily texture. Notes of leather, tobacco, and wood appear, along with a pleasant, sustained warmth from the higher proof. As I noted in my assessment of Gooderham & Wort, it's commendable to see a Canadian producer offering a spirit that genuinely tastes like whiskey, rather than the overly sweet concoctions that make one feel apologetic. However, the cost is somewhat high. I wouldn't repurchase it at $84, but experiencing a spirit made so close to home was necessary. Quite remarkable.

Bright pale straw color. Nose: tobacco, citrus peel, spices, herbs, and earthy notes. Mouth: creamy, spicy, ripe fruits, herbs, caramel, cedar, and vanilla.

Not for the faint of palate. It's spicy. It could use more time aging, but I still enjoy it.