Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Ninety Nine Proof Canadian Whisky

I'm a big fan of Canadian whisky, ranking just below Irish, and this is a superb illustration. It has a deep, welcoming rusty bronze color and a nose rich with sherry and a hint of tangerine invites the first taste. At 49.5% ABV, it should not be this intense. A few drops of water reveal pleasant malty rye notes, a touch of corn sweetness, and a long, fruitcake-like finish. At $100 per liter at duty-free, it's expensive for a non-age-stated Canadian, and not as good value as, for example, cask strength Lot 40 or Pike Creek 21. Nevertheless, it's as Canadian as it gets, and a damn fine drink.

Good whiskey, but ridiculously overpriced at $99 from the LCBO and the Wayne Gretzky Estates. It's not worth more than $45-50 Canadian. If it were appropriately priced at $45-50, it would definitely be worth getting and would be a great representation of Canadian Whisky, but at $99...it's a complete rip-off. They charged $99 because it's Wayne Gretzky...but there's no age statement. Is it aged 20+ years? If not, then lower the price!

The first sip sent tingles all over my body! I tasted sweet notes I had never experienced in a whisky before. It feels thick in my mouth. It's quite enjoyable, really. Aside from the price, the only downside is the aroma. It leaves something to be desired, really lacking the same notes as the palate.

This is indeed a flavorful, potent whisky. Initially, the Demerara flavor suggests bourbon rather than rye, but then a spicy clove astringency and a drying black licorice emerge in the finish. The high proof is undeniable, supporting the substantial mouthfeel. It's not for the faint of heart.

Puzzling. There's some sweetness, possibly red wine and hints of caramel. It's smoky and rubbery. The flavors are hard to pin down. Very noticeable one moment, then masked by a strong alcohol burn the next. It seems like it could be great with more time.

Definitely my preferred of the three available. Full-bodied, rich, with a touch of spice, but also something else. Like grape jelly? Something rich, sweet, and slightly viscous. This is worth experiencing and would make a flavorful mixer if drinking it straight isn't your preference.