Sortilège Original Canadian Whisky & Maple Syrup Liqueur

Appearance: Clear amber gold. Smell: Maple syrup, alcohol, spun sugar (cotton candy), vanilla. Taste and Feel: Sweet. Extremely sweet. Burnt sugar, maple syrup, wood. Not much else. The sugary syrup notes slowly vanish. The texture is thick and sugary. It is what it claims to be. When compared to many other whiskey liqueurs (I'm talking about all you terrible Jim Beam and Jack Daniel's expressions) this isn't too shabby. It states it's Canadian whisky with maple syrup added, and it lives up to that, so – it's acceptable. You do need a preference for sweets (which I have) but it's a little excessive even for me. However, my wife really liked it and might even get a bottle. Damn! Still, I would pour it over pancakes anytime. While it's far superior to any bourbon-based liqueur I've sampled (yes, I'm sure good ones exist, I just haven't encountered them – please share in the comments:)), it doesn't match Drambuie or Glayva, and is vastly inferior to Dunkeld Atholl Brose. If you desire to taste a *genuine* whiskey liqueur, that's the one to choose. Tasted from a complimentary 50ml sample. “Average”: 78/100 (2.75 stars)

As a nod to how early Quebec settlers enjoyed their spirits (with a hint of maple syrup), Sortilège incorporates maple syrup into its production process, offering a taste of Canadiana. There's a slight funkiness on the nose that later develops into a syrupy character. My nose could easily present a plate of pancakes given this level of syrup. Interestingly, this pale gold liqueur appears almost watery in a glass but deceives you into perceiving it as thicker than it is. My first impression upon sipping Sortilège neat is: "Oh my, this is truly a liqueur"; meaning, it's quite sweet. After the initial sugary impact, it subsides into a slightly tannic note with appealing maple. The finish is lightly dry and sticky. This bottle is essential for maple syrup enthusiasts. I would prefer to use it sparingly as a cocktail component or as a substitute for the original syrup itself: This served with ice cream would be a wonderful idea. 6.25/10

It's sweet, but not excessively so. Any Canadian can tell you that genuine maple syrup offers complexity beyond mere sweetness. This offering genuinely reflects that. It's not like artificial syrup; it's intricate, not on par with top-tier scotch or Irish whiskey, but significantly more nuanced than one might expect. Similar to authentic maple syrup, it exhibits a deep, dark, charred maple essence and a robust sweetness that lingers on the palate. NOTE: The ideal way to enjoy this is on the rocks, preferably with a large ice cube.

This is my go-to Canadian liqueur. You can distinguish between whisky with actual maple syrup and fake-flavored junk (I'm looking at you, Crown Royal). It's essentially a pleasant blend of maple syrup and whiskey. If you appreciate those two components as much as I do, you'll enjoy this. Add some to espresso for a Canadian coffee cocktail. You won't regret it.

Full disclosure: I am from Quebec but reside in the US. I discovered this product while traveling internationally. Whenever I visit friends and family, I always purchase a couple of bottles as gifts for cherished individuals. It's sweet and warming. Excellent with a large ice cube. My go-to spirit.

This resembles a liqueur more than a Whiskey. It's pleasantly sweet and not at all harsh. It's an enjoyable mix of whiskey and a true Canadian icon. It is highly recommended to serve it over ice, with a large cube or sphere likely being the best option.