> Alberta Premium 30 Year Old Limited Edition®
Crisp clean oak and fresh red cedar, ripe fruit, butterscotch, vanilla, grapefruit pith, simmering spices, and dusty rye. A quick explosion of flavour followed by a slow, complex reveal. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★★
> Alberta Premium aged 25 years (40% alc./vol.)
Sweet vanilla pods and fresh-cut lumber. A complex mosaic of flavours from cedar to tropical fruit set on a creamy base with hot pepper and a delicate underlying citric zest. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★★
> Alberta Premium Dark Horse 45% alc/vol
Whisky drinkers seeking richer, more robust, and more sophisticated flavours will find that Alberta Premium Dark Horse delivers exactly that – an extraordinary symphony of rye. ★★★★★
> Alberta Springs aged 10 years (40% alc./vol.)
Luscious and weighty with beautifully integrated aromatic spices and waves of white pepper. Sweet, like Mackintosh’s® toffee, vanilla and dried fruit. Citric zest, linen, some dustiness, and hints of oak. Spicy Rye. ★★★★☆
> Amherst Gate 40%
Sweet, peppery and hot with dusty old wood, citrus zest, and burnt toffee that ends with a refreshing grapefruit pithiness. It’s a bit spirity which is why it works so well in cocktails and highballs. ★★★
> Bison Ridge Special Reserve 8 Year Old (40% alc/vol)
Buttery caramels with refreshing bitters in an oaky, peppery, and weighty dram. Mouth warming, spicy and smooth as the proverbial silk. Simple, straight forward, and richly flavourful. ★★★★
> Black Velvet aged 3 years (40% alc./vol. (80 proof))
Candy, sweet, dark fruit, cream sherry, pepper and hot spices, dusty, floral rye, spirit, slight zestiness, and hints of fresh wood. Fruity and Spicy. ★★★
> Black Velvet Deluxe (40% alc./vol.)
Creamy caramel and hot pepper. Ripe dark fruit, citric zest, fresh-cut wood and hints of spirit. Mild rye spices – cloves, cinnamon, ginger. A bit under-stated. Spicy Rye. ★★★☆
> Black Velvet Reserve 8 years old (40% abv (80 proof))
Caramel and pepper dominate well-defined fruits, fresh oak, vanilla, rye spices and zesty undertones. Both dusty and oily. Rich and Round. ★★★★
> Black Velvet Toasted Caramel 35% alc/vol
Succulent buttery caramel cream, canned cream-style corn and Mackintosh’s toffee waft gently into softly glowing peppery rye spices.
> Bush Pilot’s Private Reserve (43% alc./vol.)
Crisp, clean, Canadian oak. Musty corn, cardboard, gentle caramels and vanilla. Herbal, slightly spicy and quite peppery with a cleansing citric pith. Malty & Dry. ★★★★☆
> Canadian Club 30 year old (40% alc./vol.)
Fragrant and flavourful with sweet dark fruit, loads of fresh-cut wood, hot pepper, and recurring rich tobacco notes. Deceptively complex and surprisingly lively. Rich & Round. ★★★★★
> Canadian Club 40 Year Old
Plums, prunes, black currents balanced with sweet butter tarts and baking spices and the warming glow of real black pepper. Silky mouthfeel with hints of oak but not the woodiness of long-aged whisky. ★★★★★
> Canadian Club aged 15 years (40% alc./vol.)
Creamy smooth and full-bodied. Peppery with subtle, understated fresh cedar, black fruits, caramel, musty corn, citric zest, and pith. Soft Corn. ★★★★☆
> Canadian Club aged 20 years (40% alc./vol.)
A weighty, highly integrated, and fruity synthesis of wood, toffee, vanilla, dusty rye, and baking spices, with developing hot pepper, dark fruits, prune juice, and citric zest. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★★
> Canadian Club Classic 12 year old (40% alc./vol.)
Sweet oak caramels and burnt sugar, raisins, prunes, and Christmas cake. Peppery with a slippery creaminess and underlying notes of clean oak. Fruity & Spicy. ★★★☆
> Canadian Club Dock No. 57 (40% alc/vol)
A typical fruity, rye-forward Canadian Club nose becomes sweet, hot, and spicy on the tongue. The most whisky like of the spiced whiskies with added notes of black licorice, Mom’s baking vanilla and a touch of clean oak.
> Canadian Club Reserve 10 years old (40% alc./vol.)
Sweet, peppery, and fruity, with a pleasing bitter zest. Hard, flinty, earthy rye tinged with cinnamon and ginger. Nice weight and creamy mouthfeel. Spicy Rye. ★★★★
> Canadian Club Sherry Cask (41.3% alc./vol.) Batch SC-018
Rich and very fruity– from raisins to peaches to berries. Sweet hot tobacco, black tea, pencil shavings, pepper and baking spices. Fruity & Spicy. ★★★★☆
> Canadian Hunter 40% alc./vol. (80 proof)
Faint spirit evolves into robust rye spices with rich butterscotch, hints of dry grain, and ripe dark fruits. Very flavourful and mouth-filling with sizzling pepper, fleshy dark fruits and lime peel. Spicy Rye. ★★★☆
> Canadian Mist (40% alc./vol. (80 proof))
Toffee sweet, vanilla, grassy with citric fruits, and a cleansing bitter lemon zest. Some earthiness, sour mash, rye grain and rye spices, with a youthful spirit. Malty & Dry. ★★★☆
> Canadian Mist Black Diamond (43% alc./vol. (86 proof))
Brio, cola, white pepper, ginger, sultanas, prunes, coconut, grapefruit zest and juice, dry grain, mash, and hints of fresh-cut lumber. Fruity & Spicy. ★★★☆
> Canadian Rockies 10 Year Old 40% alc/vol
An excellent example of a well-aged Canadian whisky with a bold display of gingery spice, pepper, exotic fruit – kumquats, passion fruit – and oak. Finishes with a slight pleasing pithiness. ★★★★☆
> Canadian Rockies 21 46%
The most appealing barrel tones accented by peppery spices, high fruity esters and dark fruits, in a lush, creamy body. ★★★★★
> Canadian Rockies 21 Year Old 40% alc/vol
Robust, yet elegant and fine. Continues to develop in the mouth and in the glass. Sip slowly for maximum pleasure. Red cedar, lilacs, kumquats, and spicy-hot pepper in a rich butterscotch. ★★★★★
> Caribou Crossing Single Barrel (40% alc./vol. (80 proof))
Creamy vanilla, a dusting of rye spices, bursts of citrus and a veritable tsunami of fresh-cut wood. Soft Corn. ★★★★★
> Century Reserve 21 year old (40% alc./vol.)
Rich in nuance and suggestion, though muted, this is about as complex as pure corn whisky gets, with bittersweet citric notes, lilacs, spices, fresh-cut wood, and hot pepper. Soft Corn/Rich & Oaky. ★★★★☆
> Century Reserve Lot 15/25 40% alc/vol
Charred oak, pencil shavings and silky tannins melt into sweet citrus fruit, marzipan, hints of flowers and a certain meatiness. Peppery baking spices. Finishes long and hot with woody undertones. A carpenter’s nirvana. ★★★★★
> Chinook 5 year old Canadian Whisky (40% alc./vol.)
Ripe fruit and stewed prunes with vanilla coconut custard, blistering hot spices and a nutty cereal side accented with rose water, dusty roads and hints of oak. Fruity & Spicy. ★★★☆
> Collingwood (40% alc/vol.) Canadian Whisky Review
Dark fruits, Concord grapes, roses and spring flowers with a rich and creamy mouthfeel. Split cherry firewood with earthy rye and tingling hot pepper. Floral & Fragrant. ★★★★
> Collingwood 21-Year-Old Canadian Rye
Mellow, smooth and oh so robust with dark and sour rye bread, floral tones, something like licorice, and loads of herbal notes. The smoothest of the smooth. ★★★★☆
> Coyote Ugly Canadian Whisky (40% alc/vol)
Scotch snobs who rely on age statements to tell them if they like what they are drinking take note: Coyote Ugly is one three-year-old shooting whisky that is simply loaded with flavour. Loaded! Recommended. ★★★☆
> Crown Royal Black 45% alc./vol. (90 proof)
Rum-soaked Christmas cake. Creamy, with vanilla, hot pepper, ginger, dark fruit, orange bitters, Bourbon, charcoal, oak, and floral notes. Rich and Round. ★★★★
> Crown Royal Blenders Mash 40%
Fruity/floral esters, vanilla, green apples, nutty and creamy with clean grain and oak tannins. A silky smooth and very approachable whisky. ★★★★☆
> Crown Royal Bourbon Mash 40%
High esters, vanilla, green apples, nutty and creamy with oak tannins. A silky smooth Canadian whisky in the bourbon vein. ★★★★☆
> Crown Royal Cask No. 16 (40% alc./vol.)
Peaches, apricots, Concord grapes and Port wine with rye spices, hot white pepper, peach pits and bitter lemon. Fresh-cut lumber. Fruity & Spicy. Last Call – 2013. ★★★★☆
> Crown Royal Cornerstone Blend 40.3%
Spicy, sweet, fruity and floral. Rye spices, rye grain and fresh-cut cedar. The fruity notes turn tropical with mango, papaya and bananas. Chocolate tones that linger just below the surface fade slowly away.
> Crown Royal Fine De Luxe from 1963 (40% alc./vol.)
A complex synthesis of ginger, clove oil, hot white pepper, cedar lumber, and prunes, with fresh spring lilacs and pansies and wilted tobacco. Caramel, vanilla and cooling citric pith. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★★
> Crown Royal Limited Edition (40% abv)
Controlled, elegant, creamy, and balanced with nutmeg, cloves and ginger, hot pepper and peppermint, green and ripe apples, floral bourbon-like vanilla and oak, cereal, and orange bitters. Spicy Rye. ★★★★☆
> Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye 45%
Sweetness and apple pie with hints of roses that develop tingly spices, crispy wood and typical rye fruitiness. Smooth vanilla pudding with a buttery finish. ★★★★★
> Crown Royal Texas Mesquite 40%
Vanilla sweet with a mesquite-smoke undercurrent. Barrel spices with clean dry oak and typical Crown Royal creaminess. ★★★★
> Crown Royal X.O.
The smoothest Crown Royal ever, except for the 1939 original. Rich and creamy in the mouth with clean wood, leather, tobacco and ripe black fruits Some berry notes and sizzling gingery pepper. ★★★★★
> Crown Royal XR – Extra Rare (40% alc./vol.)
A rich, weighty, hugely complex and skillfully structured whisky displaying ripe red fruit, fresh-cut oak, hot spices, dry grain, and violets. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★☆
> Crown Royal XR LaSalle Canadian Whisky
★★★★☆ Prune juice, sweet sherry and black fruit with spicy heat, clean oak and a delectable mix of clean farm smells and coniferous forest. Rich and creamy with a dash of black licorice.
> Danfield’s Limited Edition 21 years old (40% alc./vol.)
Classic rye spices—cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and pepper—all brought together in a lumber yard. Sweet, fragrant wood with a tangy citric zest and lots of weight. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★☆
> Dillon’s – The White Rye 40%
Dillon’s unaged Canadian rye grain spirit is handcrafted in a copper pot still, from 100% Ontario-grown rye, without being aged in wood, thus showcasing the pristine flavours of the rye grain itself.
> Dillon’s Rye Whisky 59%
Hot, and sweet with dark fruits, creamy cereals, hints of pansies. Burley tobacco takes it into the lower registers as do hints of oak. A bright, lively, potent, but not overly complex whisky, with a sweet and fruity finish.★★★★☆
> Dock 57 Blackberry 40% alc/vol
Blueberries, grape popsicle, sweet simple syrup and maybe just a hint of clean oak in a whisky liqueur-cum-ice-cream-topping designed for summer patio or winter hot spot bliss.
> Forty Creek Barrel Select (40% alc./vol.)
Creamy, sweet corn whisky with dusty, earthy rye, ripe red fruits, sherry, sweet-and-sour sauce, floral perfume, ginger, cinnamon, hot pepper, and hints of citric peels. Fruity & Spicy. ★★★★
> Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve (40% alc./vol.)
Butterscotch, fresh-cut wood, toasted oak and wood smoke. Sweet vanilla, berries, barbeque sauce, mash, granola. Restrained, but full-flavoured. Rich & Round. ★★★★☆
> Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve 43% alc/vol
Rich toffee and searing chili peppers with bursting rye spices, rye grain and bitter orange. A delicate floral touch with oaky maple syrup. Rich and hearty. ★★★★
> Forty Creek Cream Liquor 17% alc/vol
John K. Hall looked to Ireland for inspiration when crafting one of his latest creations, a cream liquor, made with fresh Ontario dairy cream in a base of Forty Creek whisky.
> Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve (40% alc./vol.)
Toasted oak sugars, vanilla, hot pepper, mustard, and ginger. Lemon cream, sweet- and-sour rye, dry grain, new sawdust, fresh fruit, and a citric zestiness. Almost chewy. Soft Corn. ★★★★☆
> Forty Creek Heart of Gold 43% – Preview
Oh my, what wonderful whisky! On-line reservations from Monday, May 27th to Friday, June 21st, 2013. After that you take your chances.
> Forty Creek John’s Private Cask No. 1 Review
Bursting gingery spice bombs, dark fruits, clean sweet wood, and crème caramel. A spice
“Monster.” Sultry fruits and dusky rye spices like fireworks in an ancient muggy rainforest. Spicy Rye. ★★★★★
> Forty Creek Port Wood Reserve 2012 45% alc/vol
Full-bodied with floral rye, black fruit, herbs, butterscotch, licorice root, celery, gunpowder, & old Madeira. Spiced fruit berries, apple cider, sweet pipe tobacco, clean oak, peppery cloves and cinnamon hearts. ★★★★★
> Forty Creek Three Grain Harmony
Mountains of dark fruit, toffee, and crispy oak burst to life amidst searing peppers. The initial boldness is then tempered with a delicate range of fruits, spices and floral notes. Complex. ★★★★★
> Gibson’s Bold 8 year old 46%
Redolent of rum, kola beans, vanilla, and sweet rye on the nose and the ever-so-robust palate. Sizzling spices spiciness and the classic Gibson’s grapefruit pith finish. ★★★★
> Gibson’s Finest aged 12 years (40% alc./vol.)
Crème brûlée, oak, cedar, spicy pepper, cloves, citric zest, black fruits, strawberries and cream. Masterfully balanced and seamlessly integrated. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★
> Gibson’s Finest Rare 12 – Canada Day 2018 40%
Butterscotch, crisp clean oakiness, peppery spice, citrus fruit. Creamy with baking spices, then bitter citrus pith and black tea. ★★★★
> Gibson’s Finest Rare Bourbon Cask (40% alc./vol.)
Creamy, soft, round and smooth. Fresh-cut wood, caramel, and vanilla. Hot peppery spices, a slight saltiness, and gentle citric zest. Mildly floral and fruity. Soft Corn. ★★★★
> Gibson’s Finest Sterling (40% alc/vol)
Rich and creamy mouthfeel with a plethora of sweet fruits and berries, citric zest and pith, a nuttiness, black pepper, and hints of spirit. Soft Corn. ★★★★
> Gibson’s Finest 100th Grey Cup Limited Edition
Spicy rye, butterscotch, and vanilla fudge, with glowing with heat. Hot pepper is softened by vanilla ice cream and fresh dairy butter. Real maple sugar and real maple syrup accentuate clean wood.
> Glen Breton Battle of the Glen (43% alc./vol.)
A complex interplay of fresh fruit, spring flowers, nutty grain, and hot white pepper all kept in place by the pith of white grapefruit. Floral & Fragrant. ★★★★☆
> Glynnevan Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye 45%
Sweet heat and very flavourful. Rich dark rum brisk spices and strong barrel tones with camphor and cinnamon. Body is robust and muscular body. ★★★★☆
> Golden Wedding 40% abv
Hot, peppery and slightly spirity. Rich in toffee, with hints of burnt caramel and nutty dry grain. Dusty rye with earthy and flinty overtones and hints of pickle juice. Cooked fruit and hints of flowers. ★★★☆
> Gooderham & Worts
Warm floral tones, fresh-baked bread, clean but creamy palate with nutty dry grain, and a warming glow in the throat. ★★★★★
> Gooderham & Worts (44.4%)
Pansies, clean, crisp oak, dry grain, dark fruits and pithy citrus notes. Tightly integrated and very complex. Great Canadian whisky. ★★★★★
> Gooderham & Worts Little Trinity 17yo
Clean wood, vanilla, crème brulée, dried candied fruit, smoldering rye spices, creamy corn and delicate barrel notes. ★★★★★
> Gooderhams Centennial 15yo
Dark fruits, wet slate, sweet spices and assertive pepper. Sweet, crisp and slightly pulling. Great complexity and tightly balanced. Fruity, silky, long and clean. ★★★★★
> Grand Grizzly (40% Alc/Vol)
Black pepper and an earthiness reminiscent of agave spirit give way to hard and gingery rye while citrus zest, with dark fruits, real black pepper, and dashes of pickle juice meld into cold wet slate. ★★★★
> Highwood 25 Year Old Calgary Stampede Whisky
Vanilla ice cream with butterscotch pudding and real maple syrup. Fresh, sweet red cedar and weathered wood, dried cloves, sweet grapefruit juice. ★★★★★
> Highwood Canadian Maple Whisky 22% alc/vol
What’s a visitor to bring home from a visit to Canada? The easy answer is maple syrup. The whisky lover’s answer is Highwood’s maple whisky.
> Highwood Ninety 20 Year Old (45% alc/vol)
Rich, luxurious and creamy sweet with dark fruit, maple cream, cooked corncobs, hot peppermint candy and both sweet and savoury spices. Huge, complex and simply gorgeous. ★★★★★
> JP Wiser’s 18 Year Old
Complex, balanced and elegant with green apples, clean lumber, peppery spices, butterscotch, vanilla, barrel notes, cigar box, and dried baking fruits. Typical Canadian citric zest finish. ★★★★★
> JP Wiser’s Canada 2018 – 43.3%
Round, creamy butterscotch, fragrant flowers, clean wood, sweet baking spices, then peppery rye fading into a sweet citrus flavours. ★★★★★
> JP Wiser’s Hopped Whisky (40%)
Canvas and burlap with heavy fall flowers and dry brown hay. The palate begins with burnt caramel, searing spices and ripe orchard fruits and ends in a long juicy finish with a slight bitterness that integrates IPA hops and citrus pith. ★★★★☆
> JP Wisers 35 Year Old – 50% abv
Fruity floral tones, oak, tobacco, sweet grain, and brisk and glowing peppers. Hints of hay and green grass. Soft waxy finish. ★★★★★
> JP Wisers Last Barrels 45%
Floral fruity esters, sweet butterscotch, balsam, crisp clean wood, tobacco, vanilla, dark fruits, silky corn and lively peppers The glories of great spirit matured slowly. ★★★★★
> JP Wisers Seasoned Oak 48%
Clean dry exotic woods, dried figs, marmalade, brisk peppers and rye spices, Bounty chocolate bars, fresh firewood. Very unusual. ★★★★★
> JP Wiser’s Double Still Rye (43.4%)
Big whisky with butterscotch, bracing hot peppers, sweet baking spices, dried grain, roasted chestnuts, dried fruit, and coffee beans. ★★★★☆
> Lohin McKinnon 43%
Malty with cereal notes, mild honey, tree fruits, gentle spices and a creamy mouthfeel. ★★★☆
> Lord Calvert Canadian (Seagram’s 1970-80s) 40% alc./vol.
Maple butter, vanilla, and butterscotch. Dry wood, shellac, cedar, apricots and lilacs. Fresh-churned butter. Balanced, simple, and very flavourful. Soft Corn. ★★★☆
> Lot 40 (43% alc./vol.)
Rye, rye bread, sour rye, floral rye, hard rye, earthy rye, dusty rye grain, and then sweet citric notes, oranges, hot peppery spices, and tannic wood. Spicy Rye. ★★★★★
> Lot No 40 Cask Strength 55%
Dark fruits, blistering spices, pleasingly bitter with oak caramels, an oiliness and hints of wild flowers. ★★★★★
> Lot No. 40 – 2012 Release 43% alc/vol
Hard Christmas candy, sour rye and sweet fruitiness with hot pepper, hotter spices and heavy rye bread. A pleasing farminess accents sweet floral esters. ★★★★★
> Masterson’s Straight Rye Whiskey (45% alc./vol.)
A carefully crafted panorama of grassy dry grain, moist earth and burlap sacks, along with zingy pepper, blossoming floral vanilla, fragrant leather and tobacco leaves. Spicy Rye. ★★★★★
> Mastersons 12 Year Old Straight Wheat Whiskey (50% alc/vol)
Grand Marnier, luscious sweet buckwheat honey, creamy, rich and mouth filling, bran buds with chocolate milk, hot and peppery. Dried, dark fruits, barrel notes. Creamy and weighty in the mouth. Highly recommended. ★★★★☆
> Masterson’s Straight Barley Whiskey (46% alc/vol)
Unusual 100% unmalted barley whisky with a huge herbal nose and dusty herbal palate. Earth, corn cobs, fennel, green apples, sweet spices and crème brulée. ★★★★★
> My Very Own Crown Royal
Dark ripe fruit, lively spices, clean crisp oak, simmering white pepper and citrus zest all wrapped in luscious butterscotch. Big, big whisky.
> Odd Society Release 6 Single Malt 40%
Sweet and spicy, with apples, peaches, sweet flowers, malt, and nutty cereal. Slippery mouth with hints of chocolate and halva. Long, sweet spicy finish. ★★★★☆
> Pendleton 1910 Canadian Rye Whisky 40% alc./vol
Butterscotch and maple fudge with cleansing zesty limes. Gingery hot pepper and fresh cooling mint. Crisp charred oak. Rich, weighty, balanced, and ever so complex. Fruity & Spicy. ★★★★☆
> Pendleton Midnight (45%)
Full bodied with hefty toffee notes and searing peppers over flinty rye, citrus notes and soft fruit. ★★★★☆ (Four and one half stars)
> Pike Creek – Export Edition (40% alc/vol)
Red wine and ripe red fruit with candied ginger, caramel and blistering pepper. Minty and herbal notes complement the softest oak tannins. A big, slippery, smooth, voluptuous whisky. ★★★★☆
> Pike Creek 10 year old 40% alc/vol
Spicy dark fruit, poached pears, gingery spice, and clean oak. Like a nutty fruit bar with cleansing bitter grapefruit pith on the finish. Treads softly into single malt territory. ★★★★★
> Pike Creek 21yo Speyside Finish 45%
Sweet and fruity with dry lumber, tobacco, mild peppery spices, malted barley and dried fruit. Mouth warming and a little bit slippery. ★★★★★
> Proof Whisky (42% alc./vol) – Canadian Whisky Preview
Introducing Proof Whisky, a new Canadian whisky from Toronto’s Proof Brands, that has been showing up quietly on LCBO shelves for the past couple of weeks.
> Revel Stoke Spiced Whisky (45% alc/vol (90 proof))
Rich and creamy; smooth as the proverbial baby’s bottom. Vanilla, camphor, cherry cough drops, spicy pepper, and pleasing citric pith. Tasty Spice.
> Rich & Rare 40% alc./vol. (80 proof)
A vibrant young whisky with a lush and creamy richness. Caramel and sweet fruits swim in peppery rye spices, musty rye and sweet fruit. A tightly balanced mixer. ★★★☆
> Rich & Rare Reserve (40% alc./vol. (80 proof))
Full-flavoured and peppery with creamy maple syrup, clean oak, hints of rose petals, dark fruit, and tangy oranges. Fruity and Spicy. ★★★★
> Royal Canadian Small Batch (40% alc/vol (80 proof))
A very sweet fruit smoothie with earthy rye, hints of fresh oak, hot pepper, baking spices, pickle juice, spirit, and refreshing bitter notes. Fruity & Spicy. ★★★☆
> Royal Reserve Canadian Rye Whisky (40% alc./vol.)
Prototypical light and smooth 1970s cocktail whisky. Starts small, gradually becoming complex but subtle, with brittle rye, hot pepper, creamy toffee and lemon zing. Spicy Rye. ★★★☆
> Royal Velvet (40% alc./vol.)
Pine pitch, Canada balsam, butterscotch, clove oil, dusty rye, pickle juice, hot pepper, flowers, and assorted fruits all neatly stitched into one. ★★★★☆
> Seagram’s VO (40% alc./vol.)
Much nuance, many hints. Pepper, ginger and other rye spices, ripe dark fruit, earth, dry grain, floral notes, vanilla, cedar, Fruity & Spicy. ★★★
> Shelter Point 5 Year Old Single Grain Rye 46% alc/vol
A complex synthesis of maple sugar, licorice cough drops, ripe black fruits, sweet flowers, and sizzling pepper painted in oils on an artist’s canvas. ★★★★
> Snake River Stampede 8 year old 40% abv (80 proof)
Butterscotch, dusty rye, hot white pepper, dark fruits and ginger. Refreshing citric pith and zest. Creamy smooth, then slightly grippy. Spicy Rye. ★★★★
> Stalk & Barrel Cask 1 (62.3% alc/vol)
Sweet, poached pears, marzipan, and apple pie with juicy fruit gum, cinnamon, nutmeg, wet hay, and earthy rye. Grain dust and cream of wheat mellow hot white pepper. Youthful but mature beyond its years. ★★★☆
> Still Waters 1+11 Canadian Whisky (40% alc/vol)
A tingling effervescence turns initially buttery, mouth-filling, toffee indulgences into clear, clean refreshment. Ever-present hot pepper is restrained by a richness of body and crisp cleansing pith. ★★★★☆
> Twelve Barrels 40%
Hits all the right notes with sweet intro, peppery, spicy, citrus middle and a longish peppery, pithy finish. ★★★★
> WhistlePig 10 year old Straight 100% Rye Whiskey
Dave Pickerell is a true icon of the American whisky industry so when he declares Canada as the source of the world’s very best rye whisky, that’s news to be shouted from the rooftops.
> White Owl Spiced Whisky (40% alc/vol)
Subtle vanilla, crisp oak, rich butterscotch and subtle rye spices, then hot pepper, lots of citrus pith in the finish with tingling ginger and cloves – a most whisky-like spiced whisky.
> White Owl Whisky 40% alc./vol.
Sprite™, citrus fruit cooler, anise, soft baking spices, butterscotch, hot cayenne, hints of oak tannins. Probably the tastiest white whisky anywhere in the world.
> Wiser’s Dissertation – Thesis in a Bottle
Maple syrup, vanilla, oak, marzipan, suggestions of red fruits and floral rye notes. Luxurious creamy mouthfeel and developing hot peppery spices. Complex and beautifully balanced. ★★★★★
> Wiser’s Legacy: Canadian Whisky Review
Sweet, rich and very spicy with overt rye notes. Cinnamon and cloves, dark fruits, hot peppermint and citric zest. Spectacular. Very highly recommended. ★★★★★
> Wiser’s Red Letter 2013 Release 45% alc/vol
Dusty rye, baking spices, crisp oak and fresh-cut firewood, with vanilla-caramel sweetness dissolve in a long, hot, gingery finish that fades to citrus pith. ★★★★★
> Wiser’s Small Batch (43.4% alc./vol.)
Big whisky. Cinnamon, cloves, and other rye spices. Dark fruits, vanilla, butterscotch, cedar oil, some earthy tones, and a slight flintiness. Weighty. Spicy Rye. ★★★★☆
> Wiser’s 18 years old, aka Wiser’s Very Old (40% alc./vol.)
Wood, wood, wood, but ever so complex with hot pepper, baking spices, butterscotch, vanilla, rye grain, tobacco, cigar box, sour-dough, and dried baking fruits ending in a citric zestiness. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★★
> Wiser’s Red Letter, 150th Anniversary (45% alc./vol.)
Complex, ever-changing flavours of dry grain, tobacco, Christmas spices, wood smoke, new tires, sour German rye bread, black fruits, cedar and fresh-sawn oak, toffee, vanilla, hot pepper, and bitter grapefruit. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★★
Most thorough review I’ve read on the 18 year old. Thanks for the back story!
My pleasure, Gerald. Gibson’s make good whisky and the 18 is my favourite.
Been a while since I’ve had this stuff but I recall aromas of baked apple and brown sugar. I find Gibson’s quite subtle in general, and their Sterling I found entirely unimpressive, but the 18 year old is one of the better Canadians I’ve had.
Yes, the 18 year old is good whisky, and so is the 12 year old.
je possède une bouteille de Whisky canadiens Gibson s finest rare 18ans qui c est combien sa vaut
ca vaut $89.95 en 2017
One of my favorite Canadian whiskies. Strange that they do not market it more. The website for Gibson’s targets an odd demographic.
Hi Jason,
I’m curious to see what Gibson’s new, re-vamped website will look like.
It seems to sell as fast as they can make it. In fact last year they actually ran out of 750′s of the 12 year old at LCBO.
This is the site: http://www.gibsonsfinestwhisky.com/
Check it out. Really seems to target the 20 to 26 yr old demographic.
Hi Davin, your website has been a great help for me. I’m trying to decide on a special Canadian whisky to get for my husband for our first anniversay. He is usually a mixer, but maybe that’s because he hasn’t gotten a whisky worthy of drinking straight yet. I think I’ve narrowed it down to Gibsons, Weisers, or Forty Creek. I’ve seen my husband buy CC, Gibsons, Weisers, Crown, Southern Comfort before but not Forty Creek, I’ve heard and read a lot of great things about Forty Creek while trying to decide on this purchase though. What whisky would u reccommend for me to buy. Also, I’m curious to know what your favorite Canadian Whisky is.
Hi Annie,
For a guy who likes to mix his whiskies you cannot go wrong with any of the Gibson’s, Wiser’s, or Forty Creek bottlings as you suggest. Personally, I am not a fan of Southern Comfort, but that is not Canadian whisky anyway. If he has already the others, then any of the Forty Creek, bottlings are good. If you spend a little bit more money you’ll often get better quality. Honestly, I don’t have one favourite whisky, but I tend not to drink the lower priced whiskies. From among the brands you mentioned, I love Gibson’s 18, Wiser’s 18, Forty Creek Double Barrel (Barrel Select is pretty good too), and Crown Royal Limited Edition.
Good luck and happy anniversary!
Hi:
I just found a bottle of Schenley’s “Spirit of ’86″ Canadian Whiskey. It’s a limited addition of 18 year old (now 42 year old) rye which was boxed in celebration of expo ’86. Any idea of it’s worth or if it’s still okay to drink?
Hi Clare,
The market for old Canadian whiskies is not well developed yet, and most old whiskies sell for less than $200. Most people say whisky does not age in the bottle so it does not improve. That is beside the point, because it’s value is more in its rarity and the fact that at some point it becomes an antique. If you send me some good photos showing the fill level, dated tax stamp if there is one, and the label I can help you establish a value, but of course the real value is only established by a willing buyer and seller. I am working on a piece about evaluating, buying and selling old Canadian whisky for posting here in the future.
As far as drinking it goes, as long as the seals are intact, the fill level is high and it’s not cloudy (very unlikely) it should be just fine to drink. Often the best thing to do with an old bottle is just to enjoy it at a special occasion.
Claire, if you still have this unopened bottle of Schenley’s “Spirit of 86″ I am Very interested in speaking to you as I would like to buy it. Please contact me at portmoodyrad@telus.net
Thank You
Shelly
Hey, Does anyone know the 3 different types of whiskey that Gibsons Finest makes?? please help me!
Hi Connor,
Yes, there are three different versions of Gibson’s Finest on the market today. The entry level is called Sterling and has a silver foil label. It is a great mixing whisky. Gibson’s Finest 12 year old is very popular in Canada and is much-sought-after as a sipper/mixer by U.S. whisky aficionados when they visit Canada. It has a gold foil label. Gibson’s Finest Rare 18 year old is the top of the line and a clear favourite with Canadian whisky connoisseurs. It has a cream-coloured paper label. There were also two special releases, Gibson’s Finest Rare New Oak, and Gibsons’s Finest Bourbon Cask, but these have pretty much sold out now, although I did see a few bottles in a store in Alberta a few months ago.
Hope this helps.
Thanks so much Davin. It is a big help. And by any chance do you know what whiskys “nickname” is in canada?
Glad that helped.
Well, for more than 200 years we’ve just been calling it “rye.” If you ask for Gibson’s rye in a Canadian liquor store they’ll know exactly what you’re looking for.
Je ne trouve pas de wiskey gibson 18 ans au Québec pourquoi,je dois aller en Ontaroi pour me le procurer
Merci
[tr. Why can I not find Gibson 18 year old in Quebec? I have to go to Ontario to buy it. Thank you.]
C’est la SAQ qui décide de la sélection de whiskies au Québec. Donc peut-être que ce serait une bonne idée que vous posiez la question directement à la SAQ. Bien sûr que Gibson 18 est un très bon whisky et est fait des whiskies distillé au Québec.
[tr. The SAQ decides the selection of whiskies in Quebec. So maybe it would be a good idea if someone asked that question directly to the SAQ. For sure Gibson 18 is a very good whisky and is blended from whiskies distilled in Quebec.]
When will Gibson’s ever be marketed in the U.S.? This needs to happen as I am a big fan.
Hi Terry,
I’m just not sure when Gibson’s will be in the U.S. I know they are talking about it and given the number of enquiries I get I’m sure it will do well.
I have an original 1976 bottle of Gibson’s Olympic whiskey
with the serial number ets. it is still in the brown fabric bag can you advise where there is a market for this item thanks Jim
Hi Jim,
You have a very interesting bottle. It is one of the earliest Gibson whiskies. Without seeing it, I would guess it was distilled in 1960 as it was released as a 16 year old. It was distilled in Valleyfield Quebec at the Schenley distillery. Last year during the run-up to the Vancouver Olympics quite a few of these bottles surfaced. Again, without seeing it, I would estimate its value, if it is in relatively good condition, at between $75.00 and $100.00. If it is pristine and still has the price tag maybe a little bit more. You could try auctioning it on e-Bay, but prices this year have been terrible (low) for Canadian whisky. Maybe a little closer to Christmas they will get back to normal. I hope that helps.
Davin
I have a full unopened bottle of Gibson’s Olympic Canadian Whiskey numbered 2388. It is still in its brown tote bag and sealed in 1960 with number A0047607. Does anyone know its value?
Nice bottle but not particularly valuable. You might get $100 but more likely in the $50 to $75 range. It tastes good so why not open it and enjoy with friends on a special occasion.
Gibson Olympic limited edition limitee with no 5491
made for 3 co in 1976 but made in 1960 seal aged 16 yrs
before they turn it over to 3M
Gibson Olympic limited edition limitee with no 5491
made for 3 co in 1976 but made in 1960 seal aged 16 yrs
before they turn it over to 3M
Hi Davin! Thanks for your help, I somehow thought it would
be more valuable Jim
Hi Jim,
Well it should be more valuable, but old Canadian whisky is quite undervalued these days. I hope that will change as more people learn about it.
Davin
Where is Gibson’s Finest Bottled?
Hi Ann,
Last I heard the 18 year old was still being bottled in Valleyfield, Quebec. The Sterling and the 12 year old are bottled in Windsor, Ontario.
Davin
thanks Davin!
I can get Wiser’s Canadian rye in Texas but I have been unable to find any Gibson’s. Can you direct me to a website where I can inquire about he locations of American distributors?
Hi,
I wish I could help you, but, sad to say, Gibson’s whiskies are not distributed in the U.S. There just isn’t enough to go around. I know they are working on getting enough supply to enter the U.S. market, but it takes 12 years to make a 12-year-old whisky, so I wouldn’t hold my breath. They ran out here in Canada last year and they had to ration it. If you know anyone coming to Canada I’d highly recommend you ask them to bring you back a bottle of the Gibson’s 12 year old or the Gibson’s Rare 18 year old.
Hey T.G., I have been looking for months until 1 of my friends directed me here. I’m glad my job carries me to go across the border and I take full advantage of it. I’m on my heels as well waiting for it to come south.
Gibson’s Finest Rare, in my opinion, is one of the best Whiskey’s, in the world, for around 40 bucks. I would highly recommend Gibson’s Finest Rare to anyone I know and would give this fine whiskey as a gift. This is to show how greatly I believe in the product. There is no better way to enjoy this fine, premium whiskey served neat.
There is nothing bad I can say of this whiskey and have been a die-hard, return customer for Gibson’s!
Keep up the good work, boys! And all you American’s.. I wish we could help you out to experience a truly superb whiskey. Once you try it, you’ll never regret it and go for it over any other whiskey.
It’s a real shame that this stuff used to go for $40 and is now up to $65 in Ontario. Wiser’s 18 has followed suit, to a point.
Where can I buy Gibson Rye in the States?
I don’t think Gibson’s is availablein the U.S. yet, but it’s coming. Best thing to do is to follow their facebook page. U.S. release seems to come up there from time to time.
I have a 710 ml bottle of Gibsons 1976 Montreal Olympic Edition 80 proof Whisky. It was Bottled in 1960 and aged 16 years. Marked as No 0035. It was bought by my sister in Montreal. Excellent condition and includes the brown felt bag with the Olympic logo. Wondering if it is worth much.
Hi,
These are common and not worth much. Less than $100. It was distilled in 1960 and bottled in 1976.
Lived in Alberta for 2 years and got hooked. I am a big Rye fan over bourbon, but the CC and VO sold in the states is no substitute for Gibson or even Wiser’s or Alberta Springs.
I have looked every where and on hoping some one wl be able to help me I am looking to find a Texas Micky of gibsons whisky! Please e mail me if some one can find one
Davin,
Can you explain the Canadian fixation on 80 proof whiskies? I think that’s one of the main reasons that your brown spirits are not as well-regarded elsewhere. I know there are exceptions, but they are extremely few and far between.
There’s no question in my mind that respect for the category would flourish with the introduction of 86, 90, 100, or even (gasp!) barrel proof bottlings.
Are the distillers just trying to squeeze every dollar they can from each barrel, or does the Canadian drinker blanch at a bigger flavor profile?
I just don’t get it, but I still like your blog!
Thanks!
Thanks Sam. I’m glad you like the blog.
I have to say you have made an excellent point there, and slowly some of the distillers seem to be agreeing with you. Wiser’s Legacy, for example, at 45% abv really delivers huge flavour and I love it. Similarly, in the U.S. WhistlePig shows the kind of punch high abv Canadian whisky really can deliver.
On the other hand, there is also something to be said for elegance, refinement and nuance. When I first started getting serious about whisky I used to love the big peaty Islay malts. Now, for the most part I find them boring, dull, and one-dimensional. On the other hand, I can sit for ages with a Gibson’s or a Wiser’s 18 or an Alberta Springs and just feel the delicate clean crisp wood unfolding. Only Canadian whisky has this huge clean woodiness without getting dry or bitter. I have to admit that I am not and never have been a fan of the big fruity New World wines. I find them unrefined, simple, overly sweet, and just too easy to “get.” and to some degree I feel the same way about some ‘monster’ whiskies.
I may have over-stated my case when I reviewed Century Reserve 21 year old but I still have the sentiment that led me to say “If you are from the “bigger-is-better” school of rye whisky, and your brain’s rye-drenched pleasure centres require extraordinarily intense stimulation to be activated, then – despite this laudatory review – Century Reserve 21 is not the whisky for you.” But let me add, that it is a whisky that I really get a lot of pleasure from (and the latest batch is just sublime.)
Don’t get me wrong, I still love cask strength whiskies, but more and more I also seek out nuance and refinement.
That said, I still think you make an excellent point and I am delighted to see some Canadian distillers beginning to toy with higher abvs.
I asked John Hall of Forty Creek that very question recently. His answer (paraphrased) “high alcohol content holds too much of the flavours in, the dilution to 40% opens up the whisky”!!! LOL
Maybe you should listen to the master distiller then. yanks talking about our whiskey like they’ve got more than sour mashed corn swill to offer.
I have a bottle of 1966 Gibson’s Finest 12yr old. The bottle still has the factory seal and has a excellent fill level and is clear. What would the value of the bottle be and is anyone interested in purchasing it?
Provide me with any details needed to accurately date and price.
Thank You
hi i have a bottle of spirit86 rye for sale .it has never been open and still in original cedar wood box . it is a numbered and limited edition . if intrested call ken a 204 669 4713 in manitoba canada
Love Gibby’s 18 yr rare. Have not been able to buy it in Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Alberta for the last 5 months. Why is that?
I think Gibson’s 18 year old has moved beyond the cognoscente and they are seeing much higher demand. The trouble with 18-year-old whisky is that it takes so long to make it and there are no short cuts.
I just found an unopened bottle of Gibson’s Finest 12 year old dated 1968. Any idea if it would be worth anything or if it would be OK to drink?
i cannot find gibson 18 year old anymore in brampton stores,. is there any store that you are aware of where i can still buy this no. 1 drink thanks very much john.
Hi John,
It appears that there are 14 bottles left in the province. Follow this link to find them: http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/inventory/searchResults.do?language=EN&itemNumber=469114
GOOD NEWS !!!!!
GIBSON 18 YEARS IS AVAILABLE NOW AT OUR ALL LOCATIONS , 11-ELEVEN LIQUORS, HIGH RIVER , LANGDON AND NORTH EAST CALGARY . WON’T LAST LONG
GOOD NEWS !!!!!
GIBSON 18 YEARS IS AVAILABLE NOW AT OUR ALL LOCATIONS , 11-ELEVEN LIQUORS, HIGH RIVER , LANGDON AND NORTH EAST CALGARY . WON’T LAST LONG
CALL ME @ 403 804 6727
Thanks Nik. Gibson’s 18 has been is short supply. -
Short supply is correct and explains the $10 price increase in Ontario with the new supply. $75 puts me out as a buyer, not that its not a good whisky…a very good one and unique but there are several good premium Canadian whiskies on the market right now that are cheaper.
I was given a bottle many years ago and have just broken the seal for our son’s wedding and would like to replace this.. Is there anywhere in Australia that we can purchase this.
Our original bottle was in the early numbers
Hi Paul, as far as i know you can only get this in Canada. Nice idea to open it for your son’s wedding.
Did Gibson’s have a previous special release called platinum? 20 something years
Not sure. I’ll check and get back to you.
Where can we buy Gibsons Rare in B.C. It’s not in any liquor store or is it being sold under a new name?
Hi,
I am sorry, I do not know which stores carry it. It’s probably best to ask someone at BC Liquors.
When my daughter was born I was working at a distillery that has since left Canada.I purchased a Canidian Clun Expo 86 gold bottle,excise stamp date 1980,excise stamp number A51984047. I plan to drink it at her wedding next year but have considerd selling the bottle and giving her the money.I drink nothing but Gibson’s 18 as I was a blender in the day and appreciate whiskey.Any idea of value?
Hi Fred,
I know the bottle but not its value. That depends on a willing buyer and a willing seller. However, these commemorative bottlings rarely sell for very much. I have seen this bottle advertised on e-Bay with an exorbitant price tag, but I have never seen one sell. I think you would be very lucky to get $200 for it. But since you bought it when your daughter was born, why not crack it open at her wedding and make it part of a very special occasion. Think the the stories she’ll be able to tell your grandchildren.
I have a bottle still in the original case inside of the original Box of Grand Award 15 year old Canadian whiskey with tax stamp from 1951, my question is : does this 110% perfectly kept bottle hold any value ?
thank you, Matt D.
Hi Matt,
Canadian whisky does not appreciate much in value. Check e-Bay for a better idea but I think you’d be lucky to get $100 for it. Sorry not to be more hopeful. Why not open it and enjoy it with some friends? Then you can talk about it for years to come.
I love Gibson’s 12 year rye, very smooth, I use to drink Segrams VO, but after you’ve been away from it for awhile, then try it again, it burns my throat, seems very harsh. Reguardles, my question is, when Giboon’s or any other company says a whiskey a “suberb blend of fine aged” whiskeys, are all of the whiskeys in the blend aged 12 years, or a mix of various years, but the greater portion of the blend being 12 years, with others being 3, 5, 6 years, etc.
Hi Steve,
You can be sure that if the label says 12 years old then every whisky in the bottle is at least 12 years old. The age stated on the label is always the age of the youngest whisky used to make the blend.
FYI: Gibson’s in Texas? Here is a snippet from an email response I received last year.
“Thank you for the support on Gibson’s, especially coming from Texas. I will place your email in my March ’12 calendar and let you know our progress in getting product to Texas Q-1 next year.. Not sure where you live but every chance you get when shopping your other spirit needs I would ask the favor of requesting Gibson’s from the local liquor store manager!!
I will let you know in March ’12 our Texas Gibson’s progress.”
I will continue to dance in one spot waiting to see it on my local shelves.
UPDATE: Gibson’s is available in Texas. I can get it from Specs and another smaller local vendor. It was worth the wait.
Contact Gibson’s via their website to see about getting product locally to you.
[...] Gibson’s Finest Rare [...]
I am gluten intolerate so I was wondering if any of you products are gluten-free.
Sorry, I do not know. Best to ask your doctor.
I started drinking this in 92-93 visiting for opening walleye season. This is my 21st year coming up and ABSOLUTELY it always includes Gibson’s. Being from the states and it is not available, you can imagine my anticipation each year. I started buying a case (12) a few years ago each visit. This year I ran out in February…. Walleye season doesn’t open until the third Saturday in May…C’mon guys send me a case in Florida! Please!!!!!
GIBSON 18 YEARS AVAILABLE AT 11-ELEVEN LIQUOR STORES , CALGARY HIGH RIVER , LANGDON AND TURNER VALLEY LOCATIONS, WON’T LAST LONG /////////
is there anywhere in the USA wher Gibson’s can be bought or ordered? Please let me know.
I understand it is in at least one state – perhapsMinnesota. I am not sure though.
I bought a 12 year old bottle at Rays Liquor in Wauwatosa, WI
I was wondering if anyone knows where I can purchase the 18 year now?? I’m living In Edmonton Ab.
PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE GIBSON RARE 18 YEARS IN STOCK AT OUR ALL 4 LOCATIONS , CALGARY , HIGH RIVER , LANGDON AND TURNER VALLEY , CALL ME IF ANY QUESTIONS 403-804-6727 NIK
Great stuff, I’m glad I went for it. Nice mix of sweet and spice with an excellent smell to it.
Thanks for the great info. I’m visiting family in Scotland, and they claim only theirs (I’ve tried some great ones here) are whisky. Gets annoying, as I’ve loved Gibsons for many years. Any help? Thanks from Calgary.
As my father used to say “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” If your family wants to stick with their local whisky that’s up to them. You and I know there’s a lot of other good stuff out there too for us to enjoy.
Contact me in Florida I’d like to distribute Gibson’s here.
Brian, I write about whisky but I do not make or sell it. So sorry, I cannot help you. Davin
Does gibson’s make a Texas mickey. If so where can I get one or order one. Very interested in getting my hands on one
We do not do mail order here in Canada. Best to check on-line stores on the web.
Hullo Davin,
A few years ago we visited Canada and just before I left I bought a bottle of Gibson’s 18yo – which I still have, just waiting for the right moment to open it. From reading your blog it sounds like I am going to enjoy it. I enjoy a variety of single malts so this is going to be something very different. The wait is going to make it more enjoyable!! I cannot find the year of bottling but it does have a serial number on it – 156896. Can you give me an idea from that number or is there somewhere on the bottle I should have another look?
Hi Tony. This is very difficult. I don’t think anyone keeps track of those numbers after the bottles are gone. If you look VERY carefully, there may be a code etched into the glass on the bottom rim of the bottle. It starts with an L. The number after that is the last number of the year of bottling. I am not sure though that Gibson’s actually uses that coding. The best way is to guess that it was bottled the year you bought it. They don’t make much of the 18 year old and it often runs out long before a new batch is ready.
Thanks Davin. I just checked, and nothing that I can see that looks like it may refer to a date/year. There is a ’12′ over what looks like ’34 CD (or CO or similar) followed by a mark I cannot identify then a 0 and a smaller 2′. Not a very good description I know, but that is all that I can make of it. We were there in 2005 so nothing appears to match that date or earlier unless it is the 02. Who knows… I don’t, but I am looking forward to the event when I open it (whatever that may be) and tasting it. My three boys are getting a taste for scotch these days so I may not be alone when I do open it!! In the meantime I shall begin looking around to see what we have here in Aussie from the land of Maple Syrup and wide open spaces! Enjoy your tasting, as I do. Tony
Just drink it for God’s sake…you’re making my mouth water. It is so frickin good. Have had it off and on for 21 years. We’ve had none in fish camp now for at least 3 – 4 years. So drink it!
Davin,
With you being the contact or spokesperson for the company one would expect a better response to Sandra’s March 12 question:
Sandra:March 2, 2012 at 4:58 pm
I am gluten intolerate so I was wondering if any of you products are gluten-free.
Reply
Davin:
March 2, 2012 at 5:09 pm
Sorry, I do not know. Best to ask your doctor.
How would a doctor know if your whiskey is gluten free? It would be a question to ask your distillers – do they know if their distillation process removes 100% of the gluten (Do they run it to complete distillation)? Do they add caramel coloring that contains gluten? Do they add any of the undistilled grain mash back after the distilling process? Take a minute and ask your distillers, they may tell you they try to make it gluten free but cannot guarantee it, or they may tell you that one of the process steps guarantees it is not gluten free.
Regards, Bill
Thank you for your comment. I am a whisky writer and I do not make or sell whisky, nor do I work for any company that makes or sells whisky. I have no medical or nutritional training and I am completely unqualified to advise people on issues that may affect their health. I am neither a contact person nor a spokesperson for any whisky or whisky company.
So nice to see this being reviewed! Gibson’s is a staple in my whisky collection and the 18 is my absolute favorite. I think it encompasses everything that is the definition of a great Canadian whisky. It has a fresh sawed pine tree smell and a delicious spicy rye bread meets sticky toffee pudding. What could be more Canadian than that!
Thanks Davin!
J
Thanks Johanne!
And I know from reading http://www.theperfectwhiskymatch.blogspot.ca that you have a fine palate, so kudos indeed for the quintessential Canadian whisky.
How often is the 18 year bottled? I’ve noticed that it doesn’t hit the shelves as frequently as it used to.
Not sure but just once a year if I remember correctly.
Wouldn’t you know it. I should have picked up a bottle last year when I had the chance.
The BC liquor board computer shows one bottle in the whole province -way out in the boonies.
They’ve been out of stock since October with no re-order in the works for time being.
Oh well, at least I’ve got the well-stocked Wiser’s 18 to play with…
Check in Alberta. I know there was at least 1 store in Calgary with 14 bottles 2 weeks ago.
Thanks, I had checked as well and it’s all over the place in Alberta. Guess I’ll get a family member to pick up a bottle for my next visit.
A friend of mine has a bottle of Rare from about 2 years ago with a 6 digit number on the label; much like the one at the top of this page (Example: No 425301). The bottle I just purchased 2 weeks ago has a 5 digit number with a letter before it (Example: No A.21330). Does anyone know what the significance of the numbering system is?
I have 3 bottles of pendleton 20 year old directors reserve, 100th anniversary edition bottles for Pendleton Roundup. I was wondering what the value might be on these and where a guy can legally sell these? They have seals intact, in wooden boxes in perfect shape. Not a ding or scratch. Been in bubble wrap since i bought them. Appreciate any info, thanks!
The value is the same as what you paid. Not sure where you can sell them though.
Seriously? Limited edition collectors bottles that i havent been able to find anywhere else and they arent worth a dime more than the pusrchase price? How can that be? The last edition of collectors bottles from Pendleton was fetching 1000-1500 a bottle off of ebay before they changed their policies on alcohol bottles. And those were only aged 8 years. So my question is how can you say they are worth so little?
Years of buying old whisky. Yes, there are a few people who will pay more but that is because they don’t know the market. I expect that if they go to sell them later they will be very disappointed.
Perhaps you are looking at asking price, not selling price. For years there were people putting whisky on e-Bay at very high prices just in case they might get a buyer, but I never saw any of these over-priced bottles actually sell.
Any chance you still have those bottles of Pendleton 20?
I want your Pendleton Wiskey. Call me 436-705-0471
I have an unopened bottle of Canadian Club Hiram Walker
(40 ounce) Bottle is Gold, Marked 1970,
Made specially for 1976 Olympic games,held in Montreal.
Any idea fo is value at thie time.
Thank you in advance
Probably in the $30 range. Maybe slightly more.
Hi I live in Wales,United Kingdom.I wish to purchase a bottle of your 18 year old Gibson,for my father in law.Where can I buy it in the U.K.
All the best,Paul F Martin.
You could try a specialty shop such as The Whisky Exchange, but I really doubt you will find it in Great Britain. Good luck, it is great whisky.
I have a bottle of Olympic 1976 gold label Canadian club whiskey limited edition unopened do you have an idea of the value
Less than $100. It’s good whisky so why not crack it open and enjoy it?
I just noticed gibsons only has three products available in the lcbo. Do you have a line on any new exciting gibson products?
Nothing on my radar. The big excitement is expansion into the U.S.
[...] . If you do want more information and background on this one , you need to check out Davin’s Excellent site, which is indeed the best resource for any Canadian [...]
I purchashed a Canadian Club Expo 86 Gold bottle back in 1986 when I was but a wee lad. Unopened Limited edition #13627 Canada Excise sticker 1980 still intact.
I was wondering if there is any value in the bottle to collectors or should I just crack it open an enjoy.
Appreciate you thoughts you’d have.
Thank You Jim
There is no collectors market for Canadian whisky. You have found a real treasure but it has no real value. I’d suggest you open it on a special occasion and enjoy it.
I have Gibson Olympic Canadian Whisky limited edition limitee made for 3M in 1976 with no 5491 it aged 16 for 3M for the Olympic. What would it be worth? 864-787-2880
Shirley
Less than $100. Probably a lot less. It’s nice whisky. Why not just open and share with friends?
I have 2 bottles of Canadian SCHENLEY ORDER OF MERIT RYE WHISKEY Full bottles. This was aged for 15 years. The first one is dated 1961 and the other is dated 1962. Just wondered if there is a value for them. Government seal #D1086879 1962, and the bottle batch number is V207015.
This is very nice whisky but not particularly valuable. Certainly less than $100.
Hi i am from Scotland and i wonder if you can help me out here please i have a bottle of whisky that was giving to me about 15 years ago from a friend! whom he got from a friend years before me the name of the whisky is “Nordingle”. What it is i have been trying to find out some info about it i have even Goolged it & to no joy can i find out were it came from? It was Distilled & Blended by Herblay & Duvallon. Ltd & i look forward to hearing from you of any info with thank.
Sorry, that is a new one for me too. Perhaps a small private bottling for a retailer. There were and are hundreds of those.
Thanks Davin i’ll just have to keep trying i have been asking around about this one & no one seems to have an answer? thanks again my friend
Hello,
My question is to Davin.
Davin I was wondering if you could help me with a little info and prices on a bottle of Ten year old Canada cup canadian whiskey 1972 on the seal with ser# A5213247. I got it from my father in law which passed away last year.
Thank you kindly in advance.
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I am not familiar with Canadian Cup. In general though I can tell you that these old bottles of Canadian whisky do not go up much in price, especially for the lesser known ones. You might get somewhere in the $30 to $60 range. I know that is not what most people expect. I always tell them to crack it open on a special occasion and toast the person from whom they inherited it.
Davin
Was given a bottle last year from a friend and finally opened the 18 yr old Rare last night with family over for dinner. WOW! Simply amazing whiskey. I usually drink bourbon (Maker’s and Maker’s 42) from Kentucky or Crown Reserve or Limited Edition but I now have a new FAVORITE whiskey.
Main problem is now I want MORE but living in Texas presents issues. Anybody know of an online store that sells and ships to the States? Any suggestions would help a thirsty whiskey drinker.
It’s great whisky. Unfortunately, Canadian liquor stores are not allowed to ship. All purchases must be picked up in person.
Hi Davin,
Back available in BC, after being out of stock for a year, maybe a year and a half. I missed it the last time round, so I didn’t make that mistake again…
Greg!
Wondering if anyone would be interested in an unopened bottle of Gibsons finest 12 year with a seal marked 1981. fill level is 1 inch below cork label.
I have an unopened bottle of Schenley Order Of Merit Canadian Whiskey with the unbroken Canada Stamp #19188246 dated 1949. It is Bottle No R474399. Does it have any value?
Beyond very good drinking, not a whole lot of monetary value. Sorry.
Hi just curious about Canadian Schenley O.F.C whiskey bottle. Aged 8 years with a Certificate in the back dated Nov. 1966 and was bottled in Nov. 1974.
S 98777 F
C4823657 1966
Thank you for your response.
Quite common. $30.00
I have a bottle of gibbson 18 year old rare.where it should say rare it say venerable could u tell me why.
Thanks Jon cousins
Sorry, I do not know. Perhaps it is a label variant. Sometimes when they print new labels they make little changes to update them.
I checked this site because I saw this question but cannot find the answer. Just bought 3 bottles of Gibson’s Finest Venerable thinking it was Gibson’s Finest Rare…they look identical. is there any difference?
Hi Phil,
Sorry, I thought I had replied to your e-mail. Venerable is the new name for Gibson’s 18 year old. Same juice, new name.
Davin
i live in Prince George, BC i was wondering where a guy could pick up a couple bottles of the Gibson’s Finest rare(venerable)
best i can suggest is ask at a liquor store or try wine searcher http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/gibsons+venerable/1/canada
Wot? Super hard to find at most LCBOs and no reason why…what a shame. Really…get in on LCBOS. This is one one the very finest Canadian products and should be a staple in any urban LCBOO.
Hey Davin,
Do you know how to tell the valleyfield bottles from the newer ones? I have started collecting whiskey from the now defunct distilleries, and would like to add this to my collection…
I have a feeling, the new bottles with a letter at the start are from new stock….
Rick
Not certain, but as far as I know they are still using Valleyfield whisky for the 18 and will for some time to come.
Thanks muchly, Davin. into the bunker that goes
Thanks for the review Davin. I agree with Kurt, this remains difficult to find at the LCBO. I recently posted an analysis of LCBO inventory on my whiskyanalysis.com website, and found that only ~1% of Gibson’s inventory (by volume) was the 18 year old – everything else is the 12 yo or the Sterling.
Incidentally, they have changed the label on these to “Gibson’s Finest Venerable 18″ from the old “Finest Rare” label. From discussion on my site and others, it seems like most agree this is just a marketing change, and they are still using the old Valleyfield stock.
Either way, my “Venerable” bottle is a lovely expression. A fabulous whisky from the first sip (which is something rare). Thanks again!
Yes, it is a limited release. They don’t have the volumes for more, and yes, it’s still the same great whisky as ever, with a face lift on the package.
mom just passed away, and my brother and I were going through her stuff and found 2 limited edition olympic aged 16 years gibson 40% montreal 24 fluid oz. in a nice brown velvet and gold marble bag. still perfect shape. and of course, being there were 2 of them,,,and being 2 sons in the family, and one daughter,,,,,they must have been meant for me and my brother, being the only two of the same gender. Elimination,,,,anyway,,,,it says,,mom paid 9.70 for them each,,,the number on the back is o/g 2290 it says that the bottled 1960 edition, and released in 1976 when the montreal olympics were held, will not be remade,,,do you know how much each bottle would be worth? don’t know if I will keep it or let it go,,,,me and my brother do not drink very much, as old dad, did for all of us. Not sure how mom could hide it from him,,,his breath was sometimes sweet with aftershave lotion. if you get my drift,,,,,If anyone has an idea, or where I can find out, please let me know and I will let my brother know….thanks a bunch.the paper seal over the top of the screw on lid is A0110133 1960 thanks again, bryon
Bryon, normally I would suggest you should enjoy them for what they are because Canadian whisky does not command a high price at auction, but since it is not likely that you or your brother will be drinking them, I would be interested in talking to you about them.
I also would like to talk to you regarding these bottles.
Hola!! Tengo una botella Gibson Finest de 1,14l embotellado en 1972, no soy bebedor de Whisky y no se si tiene algún valor especial, agradecería algo de información.
Ningún valor especial. Vaya por delante y abrirlo.
I just bought a bottle of the Gibsons 12 year old Rare. I was disappointed with it as compared to the 12 year old Gold bottle. Where did the 12 year old gold go?
They changed the name but not the whisky.
Why did they put a cork in the bottle I hate the cork…..I have been drinking this rye for over 25 years and now they cork it and every time my cork breaks inside
LCBO currently lists this as discontinued, and it’s not included on Gibson’s website. Is this really the end of the road for this most amazing whisky? I surely hope not.
http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo/product/gibson-s-finest-venerable-18-years-old-whisky/469114#.VvmIYnMpDqA
jai une bouteille de gibson finest de 1965 veillie 12 ans quel prix elle peut valoire
Environs de $65.
Yup, de-listed, make no more – or reborn at double the price. Some LCBO has -30%off now June 2016 for 52$CAD. Perhaps making room for Gibson 8yo 46% …. (samples given out as samples…). Good hunting.
Do you know which stores are currently offering the discount?
Sorry, no idea.
I have a rare I think bottle of Gibsons Finest 12 year with a label covering the unopened lid from 1972. Just wondering what something like this might be worth?
$65 or so. Old Canadian whisky does not go up much in value. Sorry to disappoint you.
is there anywhere to purchase in Australia or have shipped here??
To my knowledge, no. Too bad; it is great whisky.
Interesting, now in Dec 2016, relisted for . . . 90$CAD !
Have enjoyed Gibson “rare” for many years….now called venerable. My dear colllegue and I refer to it as “serial” aka cereal…..not on your corn flakes. Purchased a bottle yesterday….last one in stock with a serial number….. new bottles no numbers….store clerk advises the 18 year old may be in very short supply?? Anyone have more details
Yes, the 18 year old is in short supply. I think they track them with a laser code now so no need for serial numbers.
I want to purchase a bottle of Gibson’s for my fiance as it’s his favorite brand. Price isn’t an issue. Any suggestions?
Ask at a liquor store. Don’t wait. It is in short supply.
Just purchased a whole case of he bottled Gibson’s Rare (12y) in Dallas, TX.
I live in Ottawa Ontario Canada, i was @ the LCBO trying to buy Gibson 18 years old no dice why? and in Fort McMurray Alberta Canada i’m able to buy one.
Buy Gibson’s Venerable. It is the same whisky.
Same whisky, different packaging.
I have a bottle of 18 I bought a year ago and it went down in bottle about 1/2oz and it wasn’t opened. Does it evaporate over time and does is that normal?
Normally it does not evaporate, or if so, jut a little bit.
Hi there I have a 12 aged Gibsons finest made in 1980 how much would that be retail?? Never been opened I think its 49 years old
Same value as a new one today. Sorry.
I have an unopened Gibsons finest 18 year old Rare whisky purchased in the 90′s and the serial number is 100
Would that be of value to a collector? or should a person just enjoy it?
Enjoy it.
[...] Pennsylvania distiller who started up in the 1830s, and by 1856, according to Canadian whisky guru Davin de Kergommeaux, his operation spanned 40 acres alongside the Monongahela. Once Prohibition rolled around, though, [...]
I bought a 66oz.of Gibson’s Gold and when I opened it, it had a very bad musty taste. I returned it to the liquor store where I did receive a new bottle. This was when it still was gov’t owned and they knew me as a good customer. I have now opened another bottle that is worse than the first one and the new Sobey’s store will not take it back without a receipt. Who keeps their receipt? This could be because of the change to the corks or just a problem that will never happen again. All I know is that I am a frequent customer, that is all I drink and it is a huge problem to not be able to return it to the liquor store. I am hoping you can rectify this problem
Sorry, I do not make whisky, I just write about it. I am a huge Gibson’s fan too, and I have had no problems with off flavours. I wonder if there is a contact form on their website.
I have an unopened numbered bottle of Gibson 18 yr old rare and it has evaporated the first 1/4 way down. I am looking for contact information to let them know.
Lesley
I have a 1978 Gibsons 12yr old not opened yet so aged in barrel(1966). Has the receipe changed from then compared to the current one?
Not really. The grain changes every year depending on the weather.