Lot No. 40 12 Year Cask Strength

The crown jewel of Canadian whisky, full-stop. I am not going to go overboard on the ejaculatory adjectives, because this is not a perfect whisky (for my money, the younger, original release of Lot 40 was at a perfect age, and a cask strength version of THAT whisky was always the dream for me--at 12 years, this bottle leans a bit into bitterness on the finish). But it *is* absolutely the best Canadian whisky I've had. Needs time to open, but the smell is rich caraway, icing sugar, some dill, vanilla, sawdust, clove. Cinnamon, maple syrup. Mellower than an American straight rye, with a rounded sweetness and a sourdough bread base. Much less heat than you'd expect at 55% ABV. Fiery at first, leading with spice--caraway, clove, cinnamon. Then sweet bread or dough, dill, vanilla, some leather and rubber (not in a bad way). Sweet, but not quite "Canadian whisky" sweet--just a soft maple undercurrent. Finishes dry, vanilla, a bit tannic and slightly medicinal. Not perfect, but lovely. Limited to a few thousand bottles--if you can get your hands on one, please do so. (On the other hand, eww, it's gross; leave it all for me)

Inviting and sweet on the nose, a bit of dark fruit and hints of dill or grass. The palate is full, spicy, and bold. Take time with this one. The finish is dry, but nicely lingers with wood notes. This is a must try whisky. If you can pick it up, do. The shelves will be bare soon enough!