Canadian whisky, by law must be produced and aged in Canada, be distilled from a fermented mash of cereal grain, be aged in wood barrels (of a capacity not larger than 700 L) for not less than three years, and “possess the aroma, taste and character generally attributed to Canadian whisky”. Canadian whisky usually contains a large amount of corn spirits, but due to the traditional use of the rye grain in producing whisky in Canada, “Canadian whisky” and “rye whisky” are often used interchangeably. Canadian whisky is known for being lighter in color and smell than Irish, Scotch or Bourbon, but very smooth tasting. One interesting difference between Canadian whisky is, like Scotch, there is no “e” in “whisky” unlike Bourbon or Irish “whiskey”.
We at UV decided to sample three fine Canadian whiskies and report back with our findings. We chose to try them on the rocks and in a Manhattan with a cigar accompaniment . Our esteemed panel included UV whisky review standards Matt Brown, Andrew Robertson, Liam Churchill, Danielle Glatt, and yours truly, plus some fresh(ish) faces including Albert Lin, Jennifer Bush, Cary Ferguson, Sierra Robart, Michelle Jennet, MPG, and Gord Houseman. If you received an invite and decided not to come – you missed a great time, poor form on your part.
Whiskies
Canadian Club Classic – The Classic is a 12 year old blended whisky that Canadian Club describes as “beautiful straight, but also makes phenomenal cocktails”. We’ll see about that.
Century Reserve 15/25 – This blended whisky produced by Highwood Distilleries in Alberta was chosen based on the distinctive long neck bottle. Upon looking up the description on the Highwood website, it is discovered that the 15/25 means that the whisky has been aged at least 15 years, but up to 25… I’m not sure the distillery not knowing how old the whisky is bodes well for its consumption.
Forty Creek Premium Barrel Select – Barrel Select is a blend of high quality grains consisting of rye, barley and corn. According to the Forty Creek website – “to highlight the best characteristics of each grain, they are distilled separately in small batches in our copper pot still and patiently aged in American White Oak barrels”. Considering the amount of awards brought home by Forty Creek, we may have a ringer.
Results
Bottle and Packaging: Winner – Century Reserve – Half of the group choose the distinctive long neck bottle with gold lettering of Century Reserve as the best looking bottle. Apparently resembling an Alize bottle is not a bad thing to this group. Four of us chose the Canadian Club as the best looking, due to its classic styling.
Quote of the Round: “that bottle looks like a butt plug” MB discussing the Century Reserve bottle.
On the Rocks: Winner – Forty Creek – While everyone agreed that the Forty Creek had the most flavor, not all agreed that was a good thing. Matt called it “the pride of Canada” and Albert said it had a “hint of leather”. Gord felt it was the only whisky on the rocks that tasted like Rye. Liam felt it was sour, I thought it had a burnt rubber smokiness I didn’t care for. Michelle felt it had too much burn. 9 votes of 12
Runner up – Century Reserve – the reserve was described as having no burn, and perhaps a touch thicker. I felt it had a burnt sugar front and a longer finish than the Canadian Club. Others were less enthusiastic, Sierra describing it as “artificial vanilla and a cold burn like drinking freon.” 3 of 12 Votes
Last Place – Canadian Club – Jen Bush described it as having “not much bite” and “a hint of vanilla”. Albert called it “the Coors Light of Canadian whisky”. It may have been too watered down. 0 of 12 votes
Quote of the Round: MPG – “I don’t know what this tastes like. I’m just here for the kicks”
The Manhattan/Cigar round: Winner – Forty Creek – This may have won merely because it was the third attempt at a Manhattan, and the mix was finally right, but the Forty Creek Manhattan was described as the most balanced of the bunch. Albert felt it “tastes ethnic – like a hint of cinnamon from the Orient”. Andrew proclaimed it was “the best” and that he had “called it at 4:12 this afternoon”. It should be mentioned that at 4:12 we were waiting for him to meet us prior to going to the Summerhill LCBO. 9 of 12 votes
Runner up – Century Reserve – This Manhattan came after a terribly mixed Canadian Club Manhattan, so a great deal of the commentary was comparative, including Matt’s “100% better Manahattan, are you serious! (he picks up the voice recorder and starts pointing) Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you…..” Sierra, with the only descriptive comment said, “Barbie came w/ a small bottle of perfume – tastes like that mixed with cherry cough syrup – most girls will understand”. I’ll take her word for it. 3 of 12 votes
Last Place – Canadian Club – this Manhattan’s chances may have been sabotaged by poor mixology, but it was hands down the least enjoyed drink of the night. Cary, Liam, and Sierra all failed to finish this drink. Matt said “Andrew, I don’t want to talk shit on your Manhattan, but this is a shit Manhattan.” Cary called it, “the worst thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.” I find that hard to believe. Albert felt it was “very good”. 0 of 12 votes
Quote of the round: Sierra “I should start by saying I don’t like maraschino cherries, but I also don’t like shitty mixed drinks”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Forty Creek is the runaway winner. This is not surprising once one sees the number of awards won by this distillery. Century Reserve was an interesting contender, not ready for the title just yet, but still somewhat drinkable and will look nice on your bar. Not a bad choice if you are looking for something off the beaten path. Canadian Club was the night’s big loser, however it may have been the victim of placement in the rounds. Going first during the rocks round led to it being a bit watered down, due to a delay in starting, and going first in the Manhattan round made it an experimental mix. Maybe a second try for this Canadian standard is warranted.
Thanks UV for a great year of Whisk(e)y reviewing, and everyone who joined us for drinks. Till next year.
