Rich & Rare Reserve

Appearance: The color on this aged Canadian blend is like caramel syrup and it has the thinnest legs ever seen! But it also shows good viscosity. Nose: The nose offers no surprises, with notes of oak and wood shavings alongside significant sweetness: caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, frosting on a sheet cake, maraschino cherry syrup, and of course, (at the risk of being prejudiced against Canadian whisky) maple syrup. Taste: It goes down smoothly without any burn, which is pleasant, but overall there isn't much substance. Rye notes and black pepper spiciness, salty almonds, and sweet maple are present in the thin palate. Finish: The rye and black pepper spice linger throughout the swallow and finish. The finish is brief but leaves a bitter aftertaste. Thoughts: So this whisky would likely be considered a “bottom shelfer” by most, not meant for serious consideration, only purchased out of desperation or if you're in a financial bind. Personally, I don't want my whiskey exploration to be biased against the less expensive options; I'm sure there will be times I'm disappointed, but I'm also sure other times I'll be pleasantly surprised. This was one of those times. Now, this wasn't a whisky worth raving about, but it was nice. It smelled and tasted pleasant, wasn't expensive, and is easily found almost everywhere. I had pretty low expectations going into this dram, so because they were met, I was satisfied. And maybe that's the secret, or maybe it really isn't bad at all. Either way, Rich and Rare, thank you! I'll probably mix you in a drink later tonight. Cheers!

An outstanding budget-friendly Canadian whiskey. I shared this with my father over the weekend, and it was a wonderfully smooth sipping experience. For me, this is the benchmark Crown Royal aspires to be. A very smooth, full-bodied spirit with a clean, crisp taste and a pleasantly warm sensation as it goes down. The nose is soft with vanilla and sweetness, and it pairs excellently with mixers like coke and ginger ale. For $10 to $12 in my region, I don't hesitate to mix it, but it's also smooth enough to enjoy neat or on the rocks. Well done, Canada. While this is my only Canadian whiskey currently, after I finish searching for specific Irish bottles, I'll be exploring what our northern neighbors have to offer. I'm open to recommendations. Rich and Rare Reserve is a no-brainer; it's smooth neat and enjoyable when mixed. It's a keeper.

I have a few clues that this will be excellent. 1) This pour comes from a small plastic bottle, half of which has been consumed over the past year. 2) A friend, who is taller and less attractive, put this in my bag as a prank. 3) The label claims it contains “natural flavors.” On the nose, it’s intensely sweet with a touch of peppermint. It’s unexpectedly reminiscent of some barrel-strength bourbons. Oh, hell. That’s the polite way of saying what I just blurted out the moment this liquid hit my tongue. It feels like mouthwash on the palate. Spearmint is present, along with what tastes like cough syrup, possibly NyQuil. The finish is blessedly brief, with a trace of cinnamon and mint fading away. This is awful. I understand it’s inexpensive. Even so, I can’t justify its worth. It’s unusual to be able to insult someone through a gift. My friend, taller and less handsome, managed it.

Rich & Rare presents a clear, gold-to-chestnut color with prominent alcohol legs. The aroma is distinctly that of a corn distillate, though it's mild overall with little burn. Bready barley malt is also detectable, along with hints of the 'natural flavors' if inhaled deeply. The taste mirrors these elements, but the brandy, rum, and sherry flavorings are more apparent, contributing a vanilla character. Rye is not prominent, perhaps used subtly to balance sweetness. The mouthfeel is light to medium, and the finish is medium-quick. I find it to be a surprisingly good value for its price.

Rich & Rare, a Canadian whiskey from Sazerac, bottled in Kentucky at 80 proof. The smell is indistinct and sweet, and the flavor is similarly unclear sweetness with just a whisper of oak at the finish. I tried it neat and on the rocks, then mixed it with RC cola, which somehow intensified the sweetness and blended nicely. It's a very smooth whiskey, but its flavor is quite subtle. Fortunately, I purchased it in a 750ml glass bottle, not plastic, for $7.99 plus tax. Grade: C-

This Canadian whiskey packs more flavor than most spirits found on lower and middle shelves. Its notes of vanilla, butter toffee, and toasted oak meld together in a pleasingly smooth fashion. While it doesn't offer much in the way of intricacy or profound depth, those qualities aren't always essential. Occasionally, a mellow, enjoyable drink that's simple to sip while my thoughts wander is perfectly welcome. Considering it costs only $17 for a 1.75L bottle, it represents excellent value.