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: $$
Lot 40 Dark Oak Canadian Rye is a 100% rye whisky from Hiram Walker in Ontario that reveals rich flavors of caramel and oak notes due to its double maturation. This rye is aged in American oak casks (char #2) then finishes its aging in heavily-charred oak casks (char #4).
Like the standard Lot 40 (check the review here), Dark Oak Rye is distilled in column stills and pot stills, but unlike the standard Lot 40, Dark Oak is bottled at 48% ABV (as opposed to 43% ABV) to provide a richer flavor profile.
Tasting notes for Lot 40 Dark Oak Canadian Rye
Nose: Aromas of caramel and oak spices are most dominant.
Palate: Bold flavors of caramel and spicy oak dominate other fruit flavors.
Finish: Long, sweet and spicy. The extra char (Level 4) makes the finish much longer and bolder than that of the standard Lot 40. Adding water brings forward dry and bitter notes in the finish.
Awards: World’s Best Rye from the World Whisky Awards 2021.
Conclusion: This bold rye whiskey is another gem from Hiram Walker that is a bit under the radar in the U.S. A “must purchase” if you visit Ontario and enjoy spicy and oak forward whiskies.
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Score: 3,75/5 ⭐
Legend
$50 or less $
$51-$100 $$
$101-$150 $$$
$151 or more $$$$