Let's take a whisky journey North to the land of the rye where we have this delicious Hiram Walker & Sons 100% rye whisky that's been copper pot-distilled and aged in new oak casks. I'm just going to come out and say that, for a two-time Canadian Whisky of the Year award winner, this offers amazing value for what it brings to the table. Like a rich, complex bottle of Scotch, there is a lot going on from the nose to the finish that will leave you second-guessing yourself and asking, "Wait a minute. Did I actually taste that?" On the nose, you get a mingling of corn and rye with some baked pastries filled with almonds, marzipan, and summer fruits. If you closed your eyes and took a whiff, you would think you've walked into a Parisian pâtisserie! The palate quickly changes your perspective though. You're hit with spices followed by lime and lingering smoke in the background; but the moment passes swiftly as the fruity notes make an encore appearance - this time around, it's a blend of berries and grapes which then diminish into some sweet vanilla, syrups, and grain. The cool thing about this whisky is that it was produced in Ontario with 100% rye, yet the flavours and aromas remind of a decent Kentucky bourbon - think Buffalo Trace or 1792. If you fancy something new and intriguing, grab a bottle of this Lot 40 and it won't disappoint. Even if you're like myself who doesn't drink a whole lot of rye, you will find this whisky very palatable. Enjoy neat or on the rocks, it will be smooth regardless. P.S. Happy World Whisky Day! I know I'm a day late to review this thing, but I was too busy enjoying it. #WWD NOSE: Corn, confectioners' sugar, egg tart, egg custard, almonds, marzipan, apricot, peach jam, rye grain, light oak PALATE: Spices, cinnamon, ginger root, lime, light smoke FINISH: Cranberries, raspberries, grape juice, lime, vanilla, cough syrup, rye Rating: 85/100 Grade: B Good – not a “must”, but a nice-to-have.