SHE SAID: I had originally hoped for a bottle of the Peacock, however it was sold out. I "settled" for the Westie instead. I was a bit nervous my disappointment might affect my first dram. We own several Arran's and I love them all. I love that these are non-chill filtered and that they have no caramel. They are a great new Island distillery (1995) making a name for themselves. I love this region of Scotland and the flavors the majority of them have. I tend to drink them in the fall, a bit in the winter and in the spring. Would I get another bottle of the Westie, probably not. Unfortunately, I was not overly impressed with the dram. Maybe my opinion will change, otherwise it might take some time to drink this bottle. I could simply save it for when my whisky drinking friends come over (that's an invite for any of you who live close by!)Color: Late season straw (golden). Legs very close and stringy. A bit viscous as it stuck to the glass, in general.Nose: Vanilla but very creamy. Reminded me of Tortuga rum cake I had in the Bahamas. Sweet, creamy and a bit of spice. Palate: Not oily, but sort of like buttery oak. I got a hint of metallic (?). Something very citrus, but zingy like orange zest.Finish: A bit dry, leaves a prickly mouth feel that lingers a bit. Hint of peppery at the back. Very waming in nature.Empty glass: Still a hint of vanilla and a bit of spice.I REALLY wanted that Peacock!
Somewhere on the whisky trail brooding (hehehe!)Johanne
Well, well, well... Just when I thought there still might not be a Canadian whisky on the market that might give Forty Creek a run for its money, I find this at a Whisky tasting event in Halifax NS. COLLINGWOOD.
So impressed was I (and I'm not talking after I had had my 15th dram), that we bought a bottle for our collection, a bottle for the Society and soon thereafter had a friend pick up another bottle for the ladies tasting I was hosting (as it's not available in my province yet, NB). It's another example of a great Canadian whisky for the price. From the ladies tasting, even though it did rank last against the 5 single malts we also had, many wanted to purchase a bottle and have it as a summer "sipping" whisky. My job here is done! LOL!
I had a brief conversation with Davin de Kergommeaux (Canadian Whisky guru!) via email about Collingwood and I loved his description of the fact that the water began as glacial melts over 10,000 years ago. How quietly and beautifully "Canadian", just like this great little whisky. Not available throughout Canada just yet but I think it will be the more people get to know it. I'm positive we will see this one win many awards.
Color: Deep golden yellow. Not an overly viscous whisky and the legs are fairly stringy and very close together.
Nose: Very aromatic! The smell hit me hard: Loaded French toast (Vanilla, maple syrup and buttery). Very sweet, almost borderline sticky toffee candy. Hints of cherry (sweet dark red fruit).
Palate: Not dry at all! It made my mouth water. Maple tree sap (I'm from the east coast!), light hint of caramel but not overly sweet. Had a hint of slight bitter at the back, like almonds about to go "off". Just a pinch of harsh (I'm assuming from Rye).
Finish: Warm, sweet, medium to long finish that warms the belly and makes you smile.
Empty glass: Still beautiful, aromatic with hints of maple and dark red cherries.
Overall, I'd rate this as one of the best Canadian Whiskies available under $50.00 and I can't wait to sit on the back deck this summer, my whisky tumbler in hand with a bit of Collingwood on ice.
Somewhere, skipping along my fantastic Canadian whisky trail!
Johanne
