Whisky: Lot 40 Dark Oak Canadian Rye

Producer: Pernod Ricard

Distillery: Hiram Walker

Whisky Type: Canadian Rye

Age: Non-Age Statement (NAS)

Region: Ontario, Canada

ABV: 48%

Aged in Cask: American Oak (char #2 and #4)

Price Range: $$

Lot 40 Dark Oak Canadian Rye is a 100% rye whisky from Hiram Walker in Ontario that reveals rich flavors of caramel and oak notes due to its double maturation. This rye is aged in American oak casks (char #2) then finishes its aging in heavily-charred oak casks (char #4).

Like the standard Lot 40 (check the review here), Dark Oak Rye is distilled in column stills and pot stills, but unlike the standard Lot 40, Dark Oak is bottled at 48% ABV (as opposed to 43% ABV) to provide a richer flavor profile.

Tasting notes for Lot 40 Dark Oak Canadian Rye

Nose: Aromas of caramel and oak spices are most dominant.

Palate: Bold flavors of caramel and spicy oak dominate other fruit flavors.

Finish: Long, sweet and spicy. The extra char (Level 4) makes the finish much longer and bolder than that of the standard Lot 40. Adding water brings forward dry and bitter notes in the finish.

Awards: World’s Best Rye from the World Whisky Awards 2021.

Conclusion: This bold rye whiskey is another gem from Hiram Walker that is a bit under the radar in the U.S. A “must purchase” if you visit Ontario and enjoy spicy and oak forward whiskies.

Check out other whiskey reviews here. Let me know: check my post on Instagram and Facebook.

Score: 3,75/5 ⭐

Legend

$50 or less $

$51-$100 $$

$101-$150 $$$

$151 or more $$$$