White Owl Whisky

White Owl Whisky 40% alc./vol.

February 27, 2012

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Sprite™, citrus fruit cooler, anise, soft baking spices, butterscotch, hot cayenne, hints of oak tannins. Probably the tastiest white whisky anywhere in the world.

This White Owl is one odd bird. Just as micro-distillers in the USA, desperate for cash, start selling virtually un-aged spirit as “white whisky” (read “raw whisky”), Alberta’s Highwood Distillers, a well-established Canadian producer, comes along with a fully matured amber whisky and starts charcoal filtering the colour out of it.

Yes, American micro-distillers are selling grain spirit that has spent only hours in a barrel, calling it white whisky. It’s still clear as crystal when it comes out of the barrel, but hey, U.S. regulations say it’s whisky so that’s what they put on the label.

Canadian distillers don’t have that advantage. In Canada, spirit cannot be sold as whisky until it has spent at least three years ageing in white oak. But even at that, the whisky that goes into making the White Owl blend is no mere three-year-old.

No, several well-aged whiskies, including some ten-year-old wheat whiskies, have been blended together then filtered to make this whisky as clear as vodka. Highwood tried it first with corn whisky, but couldn’t get the whisky profile they were looking for. Then after several dozen attempts they finally came up with a wheat blend they could filter clear without losing all the whisky flavour.

So is this some kind of weird concoction dreamed up in the hazy aftermath of a white dog tailgate party? Clearly the intention was to tap into the growing consumer interest in clear spirits for cocktails. And is this the first time Canadian whisky makers have done something so heretical? No, not by a long shot.

White Owl whisky certainly is the only white Canadian whisky on the market today, and the only white whisky anywhere in North America that has been aged long enough to qualify as whisky in Canada. But Hiram Walker and Sons used to make aged white whisky as a regular part of the line-up at their Windsor, Ontario plant. They called it whisky blanc, and sold it to a ready market in Quebec.

The demand for whisky blanc was steady in Quebec until the 1980s when the bottom fell out of the whisky market. Ironically, whisky – a “brown spirit” – was displaced by so-called “white spirits.” And white though it was, poor old whisky blanc just got lost in the shuffle. That is, until now. The very innovative Highwood has resurrected it, though perhaps unknowingly. The back label calls White Owl “the original white whisky.”

Nose: The first impression is of Sprite™ or citrus cooler until the sweet spices kick in along with some soft fruit, hints of grain, cereal and mash, limes and sweet lemons, mild spirit, and a hint of anise. There’s a kind of creamy fruitiness to it.

Palate: Anise, lots of citric flavours, especially lime and a slight citric bitterness. Butterscotch but not much sweetness, and hot cayenne & hot spices that linger a long time. Hints of oak tannins and cereal grain. This is whisky alright, but only just.

Finish: Medium-long, citric, and fading out on pepper.

Empty Glass: Almost nothing but vague hints of wood.

Owls hunt geese, don’t they?

With the character of whisky and the mixability of vodka, White Owl has been created for the upscale cocktail crowd. In a blind tasting, over 30 female drinkers consistently preferred cocktails made with White Owl to the same drinks made with Grey Goose vodka. And that’s where the market for this new whisky blanc is: among young, upscale, trendy professionals who don’t mind paying a little more to get the best, and who want to be seen to have the best. As a sippin’ whisky, frankly, White Owl comes up short. But as a whisky-flavoured mixer, it’s pretty hard to beat, unless of course, you go back to the amber liquid itself.

But most good mixing whiskies don’t come in such an impressive bottle – it looks and feels expensive – and most mixing whiskies don’t cost $40.00 either. No, serving White Owl makes as much a statement that you have arrived as it does about your skills in adding a little extra octane to a clear mixed drink.

It might say whisky on the bottle, but it’s also the best vodka you’ll ever taste. Clearly consumers agree. The folks at Highwood are calling it their most successful new launch ever. They can barely keep up with demand from Canada’s four western provinces. Goodness knows what they will do in September when White Owl arrives in Ontario and Quebec.

$40.00 at B.C. Liquors and throughout western Canada.

Worth a try.

Update:  There is a new White Owl in the pipeline.  White Owl Spiced Canadian Whisky available for Christmas 2011 in Alberta.

White Owl Spiced Whisky is reviewed here.

Comments

60 Responses to “White Owl Whisky 40% alc./vol.”

  1. Mike:
    August 30, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    I wonder how this stacks up against Still Waters single malt vodka from Ontario. The vodka has a surprising amount of malt character, and indeed might taste almost as much like whisky as White Owl (which I haven’t tried).

    Reply
    • Davin:
      September 3, 2010 at 1:22 am

      Hi Mike,
      I’ve tasted both, and after your comment tasted them heat to head. Actually each has a lot of flavour but they are quite different from each other. The Still Waters vodka is a so-called “vodka with character” and it’s fruity but not whisky like. White Owl, on the other hand, is more flavourful and has whisky characteristics (like wood, for instance) that are not present in the Still Waters. I found apple cider notes in the Still Waters, and a slight sourness, but not a whole lot of malt. Either one is enjoyable to sip on the deck, but I think both benefit from a splash of gingerale.

      Reply
  2. Canadian Whisky » Canadian Whisky Awards 2010:
    December 6, 2010 at 5:02 am

    [...] Innovation of the Year: Highwood Distillery, White Owl Whisky White Owl Whisky has no peer in Canada or anywhere else in the world for that matter. The first ever fully oak-matured white whisky, White Owl retains the flavours of Canadian rye whisky, while adding the cocktail-mixability of white spirits. In so doing, it successfully introduces the flavours of Canadian whisky to a whole new demographic. [...]

    Reply
  3. chad:
    January 22, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    Best whiskey available in manitoba. By far worth the extra 10 bucks a bottle. Wont be buying anything else when white owl is available

    Reply
  4. Al:
    February 1, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    Just tried it and I love it. Amazing straight up on the rocks. very unique. might be nice to try it with a hint of coconut aroma..umm.

    Reply
    • Davin:
      February 1, 2011 at 9:29 pm

      Hi Al,
      A dash of Malibu perhaps?

      Reply
      • Darko Vusir:
        February 14, 2011 at 2:26 am

        I tried that. It doesn’t quite work for me. What the problem is IMO, White Owl has too much flavour, and the whisky tends to overpower the coconut flavour of
        malibu.

        Reply
        • Dale:
          August 20, 2012 at 2:48 am

          I find Malibu has too much artificial flavours and sugars. What about a cocktail mix with rum cream or coconut milk. Worlds end has a great product that I have tried.

          Reply
  5. Darko Vusir:
    February 13, 2011 at 6:46 pm

    Just bought a bottle yesterday. First time I saw it at the local LCBO. I must say, I like it, but it’s almost difficult to categorize. I’m having a hard time with it just because I’m not expecting that much flavour and smoothness from a clear spirit. All I know is that White Owl will replace Vodka and white rum in my supply!

    Reply
  6. Chip Dykstra:
    April 8, 2011 at 3:02 am

    Hi Davin:

    I just talked to the fellows at Highwood again yesterday. White Owl Whisky is as you say by far the most successful new product launch in their history, and you are right, they cannot keep up with the demand now that the product has reached Ontario. A great Canadian success story.

    (PS: I’m stalking up on this one)

    Reply
    • Davin:
      April 8, 2011 at 3:31 am

      Hi Chip,
      Yeah, this stuff just goes from strength to strength. What a great idea it was.
      Davin

      Reply
  7. Scott Ferguson:
    April 10, 2011 at 11:35 am

    Hello and thank you for the recent updates on the White Owl. I am so looking forward to seeing this product in Atlantic Canada… I understand from the folks at Highwood that they currently have their product in front of the NBLCC board but they (NBLCC) have not yet approved their application for distribution in New Brunswick. Keeping my fingers crossed that someone will either send me a sample or pick one up for me in their travels in Ontario! Grrr..c’mon NBLCC — get it on the shelves!

    Reply
  8. Mike:
    May 6, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    I keep looking at this on the shelf but I can’t get myself to spend the forty bones when Century Reserve 1525 is $10 cheaper. I can’t get past the idea of paying more for less (less age, and presumably less flavour). It strikes me that they are marketing it in the same way as “ultra-premium” vodka: fancy bottle, relatively high price. On the other hand, if it tastes good and stands apart from other whiskies that alone might justify the cost.

    Any comments?

    Reply
    • The Cask:
      March 22, 2013 at 3:22 am

      Hello friend.
      I’m sipping on a glass of White Owl as I type and would highly recommend spending the extra 10 dollars if not only for the experience. “fresh” was the word that sprung to mind when sipping on the whiskey and believe that the addition of this whiskey to either a dark or fruity drink would bring a new intensity to your drink.

      Reply
  9. sam k:
    July 18, 2011 at 3:22 am

    Man, this is tough for me to take seriously. I’m with Mike here…let’s take several “well-aged” whiskies and run them through a filter so that the color (conveniently no mention of flavor here) is removed, then sell it as whisky.

    I understand that the regulations prohibit you from calling white spirit “whisky,” but why go through all this trouble to remove whatever congeners were imparted by the barrel just to compete with vodka or rum, and need I point out that it’s being done at that most flavorsome (read: minimum) 40% alcohol?

    This is EXACTLY why our microdistillers bottle new make as whiskey…we want to avoid the malarkey that’s involved here and get a good unaged spirit on the shelves, often at 45% or higher (gasp!). For crying out loud, Canada, please give us something that peeks above that 40% threshold. Really…we can handle it!

    Reply
    • The Cask:
      March 22, 2013 at 3:25 am

      40% is actually quite a norm for any liquor, this is mainly for serving regulations. Also, it maybe be a point to mention that Canada is stereotypically know for drinking more aclohol dense drinks (albeit the generality is concerning beer)

      Reply
  10. Whisky Critic:
    July 18, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    It’s interesting, unusual stuff, and I’m also unsure what to think of it. It’s delicious, and it -is- whisky, but it’s the vodka in my cabinet that it’s replacing, and not the whisky. For that I’m also more likely to just buy my old amber and golden colored favorites.

    Reply
    • sam k:
      July 20, 2011 at 4:18 am

      As it should be, WC>

      Reply
  11. Rod K:
    September 8, 2011 at 3:06 am

    We had this at our monthly Whisky club meeting. Most didn’t like it but some like me enjoyed it enough to buy a bottle. I like it for sipping but then I appreciate new make as well. Don’t get me wrong, I have a cupboard always full of single malt, it’s just that I tend to enjoy all whiskys. If you like White Owl, try 40 Creek! It’s cheap at $25 here in BC and a great whisky. (Your mileage may vary)

    Reply
  12. Thomas Chen:
    October 7, 2011 at 3:16 am

    Wonderful review! thanks Davin!

    Reply
  13. Thom:
    October 14, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    Sprite?

    Reply
  14. Colin Goudie:
    October 24, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    I have sampled some White Owl whisky tonight in the UK and would love to buy a couple of bottles for Christmas for my guests, could you kindly advise where I could order some please.

    Many thanks

    Colin

    Reply
    • Davin:
      October 24, 2011 at 11:10 pm

      Hi Colin,

      Unfortunately Canadian liquor stores are not allowed to ship whisky by mail or courier.

      Reply
  15. Corey*tbay:
    October 31, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    Whiskey for sure is my favorite, and the other month I saw White Owl in the LCBO and thought i’d give it a try finding how awesome it is considering its not like your usual whiskey. Since then I havn’t drank anything else the flavour is amazing and is now my favorite whiskey by far, I drink nothing else. “Cheers to you Canada”

    Reply
  16. Julie:
    December 9, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    The new spiced one, soooo good. Defiantly will be getting some of that. I don’t even like whiskey, and both the regular white owl and the new spiced one are very good.

    Reply
    • Davin:
      December 9, 2011 at 10:22 pm

      Hi Julie, Yes, it is quite unique. They added spice to whisky like a good chef adds spice to food. It enhances the flavour without taking it over. Very nice stiff.

      Reply
  17. Canadian Whisky » The Twelve Whiskies of Christmas:
    December 12, 2011 at 1:40 am

    [...] White Owl Real rye whisky with the colour filtered out, White Owl is made for cocktail drinkers who want to raise their game. Funny thing though, once whisky drinkers started sipping it, White Owl became the most successful new whisky ever introduced by Highwood Distillers. It is still selling like hotcakes so don’t wait till the last minute to get yours. White Owl opens new possibilities for cocktails and mixed drinks.  $39.75 at LCBO. [...]

    Reply
  18. Jack:
    December 21, 2011 at 2:38 am

    Picked up a bottle to try (always supportive of the Canadian whisky industry) and I had high hopes. Have to say Im disappointed. I found it too sweet to really enjoy straight up. Hope they do well with it, but its not for me.

    Reply
  19. Justin:
    January 27, 2012 at 9:38 am

    Picked this up last week and I must say, not a fan at all. Although going into buying it, I had a feeling it would not be my thing, so this came as no surprise. From nose to finish, this whisky just doesn’t have the kick I desire. It tastes lifeless, without body, processed, whatever you want to call it, but it was definitely not for me. Was worth one try to at least say that I’m not denouncing it without trying. But as someone else here said, why spend $40 on this when you could get Century Reserve 1525 for $10 less, or, if you want to spend a little more, Wiser’s Legacy at $45. Heck, any of the Canadian whiskies priced around $25-$30 are better than this. I did not know of the fact that some American micro-distillers were selling un-aged spirits though. Glad to know we uphold our standards in Canada.

    Reply
    • Alex:
      May 8, 2012 at 7:44 pm

      The U.S. upholds standards too, just different ones. Bourbon, the dominant U.S. whiskey, has many regulations–you won’t be seeing any white bourbon. “Whiskey” is the catch-all category for everything else that doesn’t meet the more stringent bourbon, rye, corn, or tennessee whiskey requirements. It could be argued that the U.S. has stricter regulations than Canada for some products, such as the requirement in the U.S. that anything called rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye.

      Reply
      • Davin:
        May 8, 2012 at 7:48 pm

        Not stricter, just different.

        Reply
  20. Paul:
    March 1, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    Hi Davin,
    interesting review. i’ve not seen this product on the shelf here on the rock but will have a look around.planning a trip out west later in the year i’ll deffinately give it a go then.
    all the best
    Paul

    Reply
  21. Diane:
    March 20, 2012 at 12:49 am

    HI, I am was at the liquor store in Innisfail and am always interested in new whiskey products. I have tried your White Owl. My favourite has always been Crown Royal. Since trying White Owl I am not touch anything but. Thanks so much for introducing this to me. It will become my long time favourite.
    Diane

    Reply
  22. Scott:
    March 24, 2012 at 2:14 pm

    I have been soley a whiskey drinker for for almost 30 years. The best I ever had was called Captain’s Table. White Owl, in my humble opinion, is by far the best. I don’t “mix” my drinks because to me that’s just an excuse to cover the flavour and the harshness of other whiskies for the sole intention of getting drunk. White Owl doesn’t need anything to make it “taste” better. i’m sold on this one.

    Reply
  23. Niall:
    May 5, 2012 at 6:34 am

    Okay, this is something special. I am having a difficult time determining exactly what it is…but it is very nice. Strange, more like a very high quality vodka than Canadian Whiskey. Very cool. On ice it is a stand out! It is a first rate conversation piece to be sure…but it has the goods to stand up to it’s looks. I’m going to end with what I started…my gosh but this is something special!

    Reply
  24. Ken:
    May 16, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    Do you know if White Owl is gluten-free? Many whiskeys have all the gluten filtered out but then they put some of the mash or whatever it’s called back in to give it colour. I picked up a bottle of this today for a friend who loves whiskey but can’t consume gluten and am hoping that he will finally be able to enjoy life again.

    Reply
    • Davin:
      May 16, 2012 at 9:07 pm

      Sorry, I honestly do not know. I think this is a question for a dietitian or doctor.

      Reply
  25. Gord:
    July 20, 2012 at 6:55 pm

    Tried it, love it, great straight up or over ice to get the full flavour, currently drink it with 7-up and a wedge of lime (around this house we call it a snowy owl )

    Reply
  26. James:
    September 18, 2012 at 3:16 am

    Never heard of this whiskey until I took a trip up to Bon Echo. Upon in the local town I saw this bottle from afar and the look alone catch my attention. I’m a huge CC fan but since trying this… It’s the only whiskey I drink.

    Reply
  27. Dan:
    October 27, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    When did Highwood Distillers change its name from Century Distillers? Or are the names synonomous? Reason I ask is that I bought a bottle of Centennial 10 Year, which is produced by Highwood, that had a White Owl miniature as a Value-Added Promotion attached. Given that it was a PET mini, I shouldn’t let that totally taint my impression of the White Owl, but honestly, it was the worst whisky I have ever tasted. The issue is, the mini says Century Distillers, with http://www.centurydistillers.com as the website. This address now redirects to Highwood’s website. Is it possible that the minis they are now giving out for free at the LCBO have been kicking around for several years? If so, this is not the best way to promote a product that is, according to most reviewers, actually fairly decent.

    Reply
    • Davin:
      October 27, 2012 at 2:29 pm

      Century Distillers is a division of Highwood Distillers. This has been the case for many years. I doubt those minis have been around for long. They probably were bottled specifically for this promo. White Owl is aimed at the cocktail market and not everyone who drinks their whisky straight is going to like it.

      Reply
      • Dan:
        October 27, 2012 at 2:33 pm

        But it was just bad all around…the nose was like paint thinner, and the only other note I could coax out of it was flat cream-soda…the palate was like water (that bad, bottled mineral water taste) or flat-Sprite…and it had zero finish, just an unpleasant chemical-plastic taste…I know that reviews are somewhat subjective based on the sense memories of the reviewer, but I’ve agreed with you on everything else (the Danfield’s 21 is fantastic, and the Alberta Premium Dark Horse is great)…maybe its the plastic in the mini?

        Reply
  28. brad:
    November 16, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    after drinking whiskey and rye for years and years and years,I have found white owl the smoothest and most refreshing of all the products out there.its crisp and clear and leaves no lingering after taste. You people have nailed it perfectly. and upon tasting your spiced version, i must say, i was leary at first as the original didnt need messing with what-so-ever.i broke down and tasted it and instantly found it was perfect over ice and a slaash of water.the taste was a perfect, non fattening christmas beverage.egg nog ,without the egg or the nog(what ever that is?)low cal and real easy sipping.you have to do a christmas blitz just for calorie wise folks.perfect job.(if you need help, lol, I have a beard the same colour as that owl. thanks for a great new beverage..BRAD.Y ou have all my support. pardon the spelling, im in the middle of a White Owl.

    Reply
  29. MurrayC:
    November 18, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    I must admit that I am first and foremost a single malt scotch man. Having said that and living in Canada, I also appreciate Canadian Whisky. White Owl Whisky is an appealing enjoyable dare I say “dram” that is well-balanced with a fragrant fruity nose and a bang for your buck palalte and finish. A high class whisky with a more reasonable price point. Way to go, high fives….

    Reply
  30. nick:
    December 26, 2012 at 2:18 am

    I’ve gotta say i’m surprised by our so called “whisky drinkers” out here supporting this. I was ultimately offended that this was being marketed as a whisky at all. All the colour, aroma, and a little more flavour than the bulk of premium vodkas out there for less money. Why sell it as whisky when you’re not creating a whisky product, but are destroying any competition in the vodka category. I don’t get it. Makes a pro caesar though.

    Reply
  31. Linda:
    February 11, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    New drink of choice – tasted it on Friday night with
    friends. I am a whiskey drinker and White Owl certainly
    is a lot nicer than the whiskey brands I have tried over
    the years – I have become a fan.

    Reply
  32. Kevin:
    March 2, 2013 at 2:10 am

    I have to tell you that this is the best whiskey there Is I have bin a whiskey drinker for years and there is nothing that comes close to white owl I have let my friends try it now there hooked on it as well so if you don’t have lots don’t share it because you will be out.

    Thanks for the good time that we all have on white owl

    Reply
  33. Glen:
    March 18, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    Tried this on the weekend, and as a Scotch and Rye lover I’ll certainly add this to my list of whiskeys I like and definitely would recommend, probably as a sipping whiskey since I cant figure out what I would mix it with, but very nice and smooth on its own.

    Reply
  34. fijikbt:
    March 29, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    where can I buy White Owl in CA thx

    Reply
  35. Cody:
    February 27, 2014 at 6:49 am

    Probably one of the best things to grace my life in terms of alcohol, great taste, i laugh when I see people saying Ciroc and other liquors are high quality, if this got crazy exposure it would easily become a high class premium. I Love It and when i feel like treating myself and splashing some extra cash this is my go to no matter what

    Reply
  36. Mike:
    June 23, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    I had a guy at work come up to me about 2 yrs ago an told me to go a buy a bottle of White Owl to try, I’m not an advid Whiskey drinker nor do I drink booze stright on the rocks I’m a Bacardi White guy. I must say this with a splash of coke is DANGERIOUSLY delicious. Huge fan I tell everyone about this clear whiskey. From having (JD) and 40 creek, this tops them both buy far. Welllll worth the extra $10

    Reply
  37. Episode 018 – Episode 018 – Surface Launch Coverage | The Surface Smiths Podcast:
    October 7, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    [...] Enjoyed somewhere in the deepest, darkest Albert with old and new friends … White Owl Clear Whisky [...]

    Reply
  38. pmr:
    October 22, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    Can you tell us if the sugar content is less than other whiskeys?

    Reply
    • Davin:
      October 22, 2015 at 9:22 pm

      Not sure. There is not much sugar in whisky other than caramel from the barrels,

      Reply
  39. Ben:
    February 29, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    I’m gonna go against the grain here and say White Owl really isn’t all that good. Within the gamut of Canadian whiskies available, even within the Highwood range, White Owl must be among the least interesting flavour-wise.

    I find this spirit has insinuations of flavours more so than actual flavours. The citrus is there, maybe some overripe fruits (I’m thinking greengage plums), mild butterscotch. Finish is short and insipid.

    In terms of concept and product design, White Owl seems exciting enough. The liquid simply cannot stick the landing. I have passed this around to several bartender colleagues, all of whom share this view. It’s not an interesting sipper, nor does it hold up in cocktails. White Owl is easily overwhelmed but pretty much any other flavour.

    For $40 you can do miles better in Canada. And should.

    Reply
  40. Steve:
    March 13, 2017 at 12:23 am

    Well then…. now how can I get ahold of the further aged white owl? One must of camr across me before and it was amazing. I am proud to admit I only drink the original white owl… chilled and straight. Great work guys!!!

    Reply
  41. What to eat on Keto – Tom Metzger site:
    August 16, 2017 at 8:04 am

    [...] body is screaming for a loaf of bread, and you don’t mind a little alcohol, have a whiskey. White Owl has definitely eased my transition into keto on several [...]

    Reply
  42. Five Weird Whiskeys to Challenge Your Ideas About Whiskey - The Whiskey Wash:
    August 31, 2017 at 8:02 pm

    [...] looks like vodka. In the glass, it tastes something like whisky, although Devin De Kergommeax’s tasting notes don’t inspire a ton of [...]

    Reply
  43. 5 Weird Whiskeys to Challenge Your Ideas About Whiskey – Infoseum:
    September 8, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    [...] looks like vodka. In the glass, it tastes something like whisky, although Devin De Kergommeax’s tasting notes don’t inspire a ton of [...]

    Reply
  44. Bill Audette:
    October 9, 2017 at 9:55 pm

    I live in the States and I purchased this product while visiting relatives in Ontario. Just now have sampled for the first time.

    First sample was straight up on the rocks. Was very good. Very smooth. However, without the color, I thought I was drinking vodka.

    Second, I made a classic manhattan with sweet vermouth, which happens to be my favorite cocktail. Obviously, this puts the color back into the drink. Perhaps the smoothest manhattan one could ever consume. This is a very good product but takes some getting used to because of the color. I’m impressed.

    Reply

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