Wow...two weeks since I’ve had a proper pour ( and no, two wee sips of what was left in the Tobias and Angel bottle doesn’t count). So—I decided to have this week’s pour in the form of this 13 yr Canadian “bourbon”, courtesy sent by my buddy @dubz480. I’m a huge fan of Crown Royal’s first in their Noble series: the Cornerstone, which coincidentally was also awarded “best” by that Panama hat wearing self proclaimed whiskey guru Jimbo Murray. Based on how much I liked that one, I bought their follow up act in the Noble series, Wine Barrel finish, which I wasn’t a fan of, nor did I dislike it...was middle of the road. I never tried their 3rd release ( French oak), having quickly written off Noble collection as a one hit wonder. This one here is their 4th in the series. This is the oldest of the Noble collection, and I think the only one with an age statement. With a mashbill of 60/36/4 corn/rye/barley, why is it not called bourbon? Well...that’s because ‘Mercia has a monopoly on the name “bourbon”. To be called bourbon, you need to have it made in the US of A. Who says the French are the only ones defensive of terroir ? We can play that game too. Anyway—for 13 years, this is pretty restrained..very much like a pissed off Canadian. Minimal sweetness, some oak and cloves. It’s not bad, but I’d have expected more more carrying a lofty title like Noble. But...at $60-70, it’s a damn good VFM. Where else can you get a pretty good 13 yr old for $60? Ask Whistlepig...tell say a 13 yr Canadian is about $200; and Barrell will say it’s about $110. So...all in all, not a bad deal. Thanks dubz for the pour!