December Spirits
Rush-rush- rush! It seems as though we’ve all been rushing around like mad the last little while, so we cast our thoughts to perhaps the most contemplative of spirits this month – whisk(e)y. Mostly Canadian whisky, a few widely available and a few, a little harder to track down, but also some American and Scottish examples. So this month, take a few minutes if you wish, and sit down, sip, and enjoy a little great whisky. Breathe…
Standard Proof Cinnamon Spiced Rye Whiskey, United States
A remarkably well done cinnamon-infused rye from the ol’ US of A. Not cloying, overblown, or even unbalanced, it’s showing off the richness of cinnamon spice without needless heat or overwhelming the spiciness of the rye. With an overall mash bill of 51 percent rye, corn, and about 4 percent barely, it’s a touch sweeter on the palate than you’d think, but it’s certainly enjoyable neat or in simple mixed drinks.
CSPC 109924 About $75-79
Canadian Club Invitation Series Issue No.2 18 Year Old “High Proof” Whisky, Canada
The hits just keep on coming! It’s never been a better time to be a fan of Canadian whisky as we are seeing so many rare, old, and even unthinkable spirits hitting shelves. Bottled at cask strength of 58 percent, this is also Canadian Club’s first 18 year old release. Fiery heat, and a mild silkiness on the palate with butterscotch, vanilla, and some dusty spice - it sings in the glass, though a splash of water will soften things up too. Excellent.
CSPC 113608 $90-95
Alberta Premium Batch 10 Legacy Reserve Whisky, Canada
Batch 10 is a blend of whiskies from ten years (specifically 2001-2010) and is definitely going to be a limited release – when it’s gone, it’s gone. Big, brassy, and beautiful, it’s only a touch higher in alcohol than usual, but with 100 percent rye in the mash, it’s rather spicy, with flecks of coffee and cocoa bean, and a fairly fruity nose too. A wonderful rye for the collector or collection, and consider adding a touch of water to help it open up.
CSPC 113606 $80-85
Forty Creek Maplewood Select, Canada
And from the Niagara region, here’s Forty Creek’s 2024 Limited Release. One for the collectors and whisky enthusiasts, it’s Forty Creek’s 18th annual limited edition and a blend of corn and rye whiskies infused with kiln-dried sugar Maplewood. Along with Forty Creek’s signature smoothness, there’s just that hint of sweetness, backed by a long spicy finish – Maplewood Select doesn’t get more Canadian than this!
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CSPC 107869 $92-97
Jefferson’s Bourbon, United States
Jefferson’s founders, Trey Zoeller and his bourbon historian father, Chet are carrying on a 225 year-old tradition - his 8th generation grandmother was the first woman in America to be arrested for the ‘production and sales of spirituous liquors!’ A blend of their straight bourbon whiskies, this is an easygoing and easy sipping bourbon with a lovely balance of brown sugar, warming spices, and citrus – perfect for your Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
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CSPC 762863 $65-70
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Torabhaig Allt Gleann Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Isle of Skye, Scotland
This makes me so happy. From the second distillery to be built on the Isle of Skye, Torabhaig have been flying under the radar for a few years, so it’s good news that we’re now seeing their Legacy Series releases appear in our stores. One for the peat-lovers like me, Allt Gleann at 46 percent ABV (also available at cask strength of 61.1 percent) is a lighter style, yet big on flavour, with notes of orchard fruit and a little orange. No dilution necessary.
CSPC 100133 $102-105