Canadian Club Chairman’s Select 100% Rye Canadian Whisky
40% ABV
$25 to $27
Website
What the Distillery Says:
This premium Canadian whisky is crafted 100% from single grain rye. Aged to perfection, it’s the purest expression of rye whisky, with more complexity, character and spiciness than other Canadian whiskies. It has the smooth taste you expect from Canadian Club® – making it the perfect choice for special occasions. Like Tuesdays.
Description: Complex, full and spicy
COLOR: Antique gold
AROMA: Balanced with toasted grains, gentle wood notes and a tantalizing hint of sweet vanilla
TASTE: Complex balance of rye spiciness, caramel and oak notes, warm and creamy
FINISH: Long clean finish with hints of clove, oak and vanilla
What Gary Says:
Nose: Sweet rye, malted caramel crème candy, tapioca pudding
Palate: Soft sweetness up front, with a subtle peppery note in the mid-palate; dried fruit throughout
Finish: Moderate, honeyed with a soft landing
Comments: This label was available in Canada, and unfortunately not distributed in the United States. Fans of American straight rye may find this softer by comparison; while I recognize the rye character, it isn’t as sharp or peppery as its southern cousins. For the money, an interesting whiskey – and one I’d recommend to fans of rye if only to expand their horizons.
Rating: Stands Out
What Richard Says:
Nose: A softer, more floral rye with mint notes rounded out by honeysuckle and orange blossom honey. Let it open more and I get notes of clove and allspice.
Palate: This drinks much lighter than a “typical” (read American) rye. You get hints of herbal minty sweetness and a peppery back end but nothing like one of the ryes produced by bourbon distilleries. If it didn’t say 100% rye on the label I would swear it is a Canadian blend.
Finish: More pepper lingering on the edges of the tongue and then fading to a softer vanilla note.
Comments: If you haven’t heard me say it before I’ll whisper a secret to you: the Canadians keep the best of their whisky for themselves. This is just another example of a quality affordable rye that they don’t export. It’s not rye in the American sense in terms of profile but it is very easy to drink and thoroughly enjoyable all the same.
Rating: Stands Out