Seagram's VO

Appearance: This Canadian blend exhibits a light caramel color. The streaks it leaves are thick yet watery. Nose: The aroma is extremely subtle, perhaps the least noticeable I've ever encountered. If you actively search, you might detect faint hints of apricot, nail polish remover, lemon, and rye grain. Taste: Similar to the nose, the flavor is quite subdued. You'll find a rye spice, and with some effort, notes of tart apple and cinnamon. Finish: The finish lasts a moderate amount of time and leaves a lingering bitter sensation in your mouth. Impression: If our country were to face another prohibition, I imagine I'd drink whatever I could obtain, just like everyone else. This spirit was comparable to that situation back in the day. Unfortunately, its only utility today is as a mixer or for those in dire need. I won't be purchasing this again and do not recommend it. My apologies, Seagram's, perhaps a different product from your brand could change my mind. Until then, Cheers!

I received a 750ml bottle of this whisky that had been bottled in 1970. It came in a rather kitschy plastic container, which might have been considered stylish back then. So, it's a 54-year-old bottle of a 6-year-old Seagram's VO. I imagine that's uncommon. I also suspect it has somewhat mellowed the flavor, although it's apparently typically smooth anyway. It doesn't offer a great deal, but it has flavor and is very drinkable, especially after sitting for 50 years.

I sampled some budget-friendly options over the past few days, and the flavor was as expected. This spirit is practically dejected on its own. The taste is quite weak, like alcohol with a whiskey essence. It does combine well, and I suppose that's its redeeming quality. It mixes admirably with soft drinks and even other liquors. Considering the low cost, it holds some value as a bottom-shelf spirit solely for mixing. I might keep it stocked for inexpensive drinks. Time will tell.

Seagram VO is a budget-level spirit but priced like a premium one. Its quality is on par with Canadian Mist or Black Velvet, yet it costs significantly more. The aroma is a blend of creamy corn and ethanol. The initial taste is dull, featuring only creamy corn and ethanol on the palate and finish. It's a faint echo of the seventies VO before the Seagrams company split, when it was aged for six years.

From a holiday gift set, this bottle offered a nose of medicinal alcohol and apple juice. The taste followed suit with caramel and medicinal alcohol, and little else. It ended quickly and with heat, a merciful relief. I would pick cheap vodka over this any day; at least that spirit lacks extraneous flavors besides the alcohol.

Consumed over a few small ice cubes in a wide-mouth glass. The smell is reminiscent of... paint thinner? It doesn't taste like much. A slightly sweet, standard whiskey. As the ice melts, the flavor seems to worsen – the vanilla notes are present, but the overall taste, mouthfeel, and everything else is quite unpleasant. Perhaps it's better for mixing.