Call me ‘rye’ because I’m 💯 % all in…
The second date that I’m on this month for the “I Like My Whisky the Way I Like My Men…” Canadian series is Lot №40. I must say as a former bartender, this is the rye whisky of choice for many bar wells which would make me inclined to classify it as a “Life of the Party” type whisky, but when I really think about it, it’s the epitome of “Spicy + Seasoned”.
This is one of those rare whiskies where every time I nose this whisky, I pick-up different notes. The personality of the whisky is just so dynamic and multifaceted, which comes as no surprise as it was created by the brilliant Don Livermore.
✨ At under $40 a bottle, it’s a must-have at your bar or home bar ✨
I find that high rye whiskies have this menthol/dill/eucalyptus + sometimes floral notes (hence the spa). In addition, new oak + rye create an enormous amount of baking spice, vanilla/toffee, fruity and nutty notes (hence the spiced banana bread).
Some quick notes about “Canadian Whisky”:
1️⃣ Canadian whisky regulations are governed by the Food and Drug Regulations (C.R.C., c. 870) and in section B.02.020 [S], Canadian Whisky, Canadian Rye Whisky and Rye Whisky are all synonymous. So while there can be some rye in the composition of a Canadian Whisky, it’s not required for there to be any minimum and it can still be called Rye Whisky.
2️⃣ Unlike Bourbon/American Rye, it’s not required for Canadian whiskies to be aged in Virgin oak casks — they can be aged (for a minimum of 3 years) in any type of wood. Typically they are aged in ex-bourbon barrels, but in the case of @lot40 they use Virgin White Oak which accentuates the baking spice notes and brings intense vanilla/caramel/toffee notes to create harmony + balance with the rye.
3️⃣ How exactly are you able to even make a 100% (unmalted) rye whisky? Well, unlike some countries (ahem Scotland), in Canada distillers are able to add commercial enzymes to break down the starches into sugars.
Have you dated this Canadian Whisky? Would you go on a second date? What are your thoughts? Let me know below.
