Pike Creek 21 Year Oloroso Cask Finish

Light amber in color, slightly darker than the 21-year European oak finish. I've been anticipating sampling this spirit since trying it at the Victoria Whisky Festival and finally obtained a bottle. Nose: Sweet with a characteristic Canadian whisky scent. Hints of maple, vanilla, and honey. Some almond/marzipan is also present. Palate: Initially remarkably rich but not overly sweet, and very full-bodied. Notes of dried fruits, particularly raisins, and some leatheriness appear. A mild astringency is noted here. Then, notes of cinnamon and baking spices emerge, along with some pleasant tannins and a tingling sensation on the sides of the tongue. Finish: Long and persistent. Dark chocolate is definitely present, along with more baking spices. Overall, a very delightful spirit to contemplate due to its abundant flavor and exceptional value, if you can locate a bottle. As a side note, I just had a sip of the 21-year European oak finish alongside this one. Unsurprisingly, the Oloroso cask is considerably sweeter and richer, while the European oak cask is much spicier. Both are superb offerings. If forced to choose, I'd suggest purchasing a bottle of each!

The master blender responsible for this whisky describes it as dessert in a bottle and one of his top 6 whiskies he’s blended. The nose is sweet and caramel with a hint of sherry. This isn’t the whisky’s strength though. The palate is incredibly smooth and all 21 years show up. Beautiful, sweet and a mix of delicate corn and sherry. On the finish there is spice and hints of European wood. This whisky is super sessionable. A great drinking whisky at the ideal proof. About 4400 bottles in the limited run. My favorite Canadian and one of my favorite whiskies period. To be safe I bought two more bottles for backups. Highly recommended.

Nose: McIntosh Toffee, sweet honey and caramel, vanilla, nutmeg, and clove. Further exploration reveals notes of cinnamon raisin oatmeal. Palate: A hesitant start gradually spreads across the mouth, delivering a full, rich, and sweet flavor profile, balanced by a subtle peppery spice. Finish: Medium to long and sweet, with black pepper notes persisting to the end, counteracting the inherent sweetness. Dessert is unnecessary after this dram, leaving one thoroughly satisfied!

Decent but not as good as the European oak finish. Nose: Vanilla, Raisins, Oranges, Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Nutmeg, Marshmallows, Walnuts, Almonds Palate: Raisins, Vanilla, Tobacco, Nutella, Peaches, Salted Caramel, Anise, Baking Rye Spices Finish: Vanilla, Raisins, Almond Cookies, Dark Chocolate

The aroma is like old leather-bound books mixed with wine-flavored gummies, followed by a smooth and very rich palate reminiscent of rum raisin ice cream. The finish is tannic and not excessively long, but certainly gratifying.

When a bottle claims 21 years old and costs under $80, it's a risk worth taking. I give it two thumbs up and plan to buy another bottle.