Blended Canadian Whisky
18 Years Old
Case 0191 of 2000
40% ABV (80 proof)
~$60
Color: very nectarine-tinted light brown
Smell: definitely Canadian. Lots of honey and what is (for me) a distinct toasted marshmallow aroma. I definitely pick up some toasty oak, but there's lots of caramel and coconut as well. Really nice nose, definitely on the sweet side. Very smooth and creamy.
Taste: similar to the nose, but a little thin on the palate. There's a big amount of sweetness (honey, marshmallow, caramel) balanced by just enough oak spice to keep you from thinking it's pancake syrup. This oak spice/toasty wood element are particularly noticeable on the finish.Overall: it's good. For me, it's a "B+" but (and this is a big but) the Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel runs circles around it. For about the same amount of money or a bit less, you get 50%+ proof Canadian whisky that turns this basic flavor profile up to an 11. I don't think the 18 year age statement is worth paying for in this case - at least, not at 40% ABV.
