Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye Whisky 70cl, 43% ABV

Product Information

Nose: Sweeter than I expected from a whisky made of rye. Caramel and vanilla with some mint and slightly spicy. Everything I expected from a Canadian whisky. Before I set foot in Canada, I genuinely believed that I possessed, as a spirits writer, at least a competent working knowledge of what makes for “Canadian whisky.” I had read articles on the subject, and sampled quite a few Canadian blends and rye whiskies over the years. Certainly, I’d never given this particular corner of the whisky world the same kind of attention that I typically reserved for American whiskey and scotch, but I was confident that I knew what Canadian whisky was, and generally how it was made. Cool factor comes from authenticity – the confidence in knowing you’re doing the right thing with no concern for outside perception. There’s nothing cooler than making well informed, passionately authentic decisions, and the fakers and copycats are easily spotted. Our Service is an online platform which provides Members with information (e.g. bottle facts, market-indices, market values and prices) on (mostly) whisky and allows Members to add information to the platform. We do not sell, nor does the Service provide any option to buy, any alcoholic products.

In recent years, Lot 40 has been at the forefront of the resurgence of interest in rye whisky, particularly in Canada. The brand has played a significant role in rekindling the public's appreciation for this type of whisky, which had seen a decline in popularity in the late 20th century. By staying true to the traditional methods of Canadian rye whisky production, Lot 40 has helped to remind consumers of the rich, spicy flavours that are unique to rye-based spirits. Once you do, a whiskey like Lot No. 40 Dark Oak will make a lot more sense. Rye drinkers are after the explosive spice and unique green notes that are different from its corn-bred brethren. It’s what makes bottles like this so unique.

Unless mandatory applicable law provides otherwise, your use of and membership to the Service are exclusively governed by Dutch law. We shall first try to settle any dispute over a dram of whisky. Disputes that cannot be settled over multiple drams of whisky shall be solely submitted to the court of Amsterdam, The Netherlands unless mandatory applicable law provides otherwise. If we decide not to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms, such decision shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. On the nose: The first thing I get is a big hit of ground cloves, followed by fresh rye bread, orange peels, a touch of oak, and then vanilla and those soft caramel candies. There also some floral notes popping through after a rest in the glass, maybe lavender. I’m no botanist, so take that for what it’s worth. There is too much going on here… does it work? Yes, in a strange conflicting way it does, while still coming across like a dish prepared with all of the ingredients instead of just the right ones. All dressed potato chip vibes. Unstoppable rye and immovable peat, with the observer as the casualty. I’m confused. What I mean by that is that a lot of Canadian rye whiskies see maturation in a used barrel. This version of Lot No. 40 “Dark Oak” specifically says that it was aged in new charred (#2 Level) casks before being re-barreled into casks with a #4 char. I have a theory that the secondary #4 charred oak casks were actually used at least once and then re-charred.

The origins of peat use in whisky is very authentic. Using a readily available heat source to dry malted barley, the flavour was mostly incidental . But do things become less authentic when you use peat to flavour malt the way a chef seasons a steak? What about retrofitting peat flavour into an aged spirit by filling it into barrels that previously held peated whisky? After sipping on this bottle of Dark Oak, I felt that the makers of Lot No. 40 were trying to meet non-rye whiskey drinkers in the middle by attempting a compromise. They knew that the standard floral and herbal assault of their 86 proof bottling was maybe too much for a beginner. In the mouth: Medium bodied, vanilla, caramel, rye spice, more apricots and peaches, Macintosh apples, and over-steeped chai tea. The finish is very much like an apple pie, with red apples, cinnamon and cloves. There are also some dark cherries hanging out near the very end. Oak tannins and barrel char notes balance out the finish. Conclusions: Lot 40 Canadian Rye Whisky comes from the same distillery and the same mashbill as the Lot 40 Canadian Whisky and to be honest I’m having trouble finding what the difference between the two are online. This one is likely younger, I’m getting a rougher delivery and it’s missing the elegance of it the 2012 release, outside of my senses I’m having a hell of a time finding concrete info on this guy. If the Internet is correct, the original Lot 40 (circa late 1990s) was the brainchild of then Master Distiller Mike Booth. It was an attempt by Hiram Walker to create three different premium whiskies known as the Canadian Whisky Guild. The success of these whiskies was limited, probably owing to the snobbishness of consumers when it comes to premium Canadian whiskies. Lot 40 was discontinued, much to the chagrin of Canadian whisky enthusiasts. In 2012, Corby spirits (which had acquired Hiram Walker) re-released Lot no.40. To ensure that they weren't just selling a venerated name and capitalizing on the (recent) past, Master distiller Dr Don Livermore consulted with the retired Mike Booth to ensure the recipe was authentic. Lot 40 is produced in a single, 12 000 litre copper pot still at the Hiram Walker facility in Windsor, Ontario. Lot no. 40 won Canadian Whisky of the Year in 2015 (Canadian Whisky Awards) as well as Connoisseur Whisky Of The Year Multiple Markets and a Gold Medal in 2017 (Canadian Whisky Awards). So I guess you could say it's kind of a big deal.Lot No. 40 is a Canadian rye whisky made entirely from unmalted rye grain. It is first distilled in a column still before a secondary distillation in a pot still. The standard expression is matured in new American oak, and there have been a few versions, including the famous 12yo and 11yo cask strength releases. This one was finished in port-seasoned French oak. Everything at the Hiram Walker distillery goes through a column still for the first distillation. In the case of Lot 40 they do a second distillation in the pot still, so although it’s all pot distilled, it’s not only pot distilled. Also I’m fairly certain the apparatus details on the label have nothing to do with the equipment used to make the current Lot 40. No worm tubs or wooden pipes here sadly. True to tradition, Lot 40 is crafted using 100% rye grain, celebrating the robust flavour that this grain is known for. The whisky is distilled in a single copper pot still, which helps to develop its rich, full-bodied flavour profile. This method, considered more labour-intensive and yielding less product than column distillation, is chosen for its ability to produce a spirit with more character and depth. Nose: from the bottle, it reminds me of American straight rye (or rye-heavy bourbon), but without the heavy oak char influence. In the glass I get an estery sweet-sour aroma, laced with spice. Some herbal aromas emerge in time. Also pine needles and sawdust. A heavy aroma for a Canadian whisky. There are traces of the typical caramel and vanilla, but these are overwhelmed by the intensity of the rye. Finish: The citrus flavors keep up all the way to the end with botanical notes offering a perfume-y finish to each sip. The oak turns drying and somewhat bitter. It is saved by residual sweetness from the fruit and caramel that I found along the way. Honestly, the finish is neither sweet nor dry, it’s just a little bit of everything. Big rye whiskey lovers will enjoy it, but a person dabbling in rye whiskey may not appreciate everything about it, especially if they’re only used to sweet bourbons. Score: 7/10

Without prejudice to the section Liability below, the Service may be temporarily unavailable during maintenance, updates, etc. We shall make reasonable efforts to inform you of any unavailability due to maintenance or updates. Here is a whisky that until now existed on in legends for me, since it was discontinued before I came to appreciate fine spirits. Now it has been reintroduced, owing no doubt to the resurgence of demand for fine Canadian whisky. The bottle delcares that it is a "single copper pot still" whisky, which is an unusual designation which seems to indicate a straight, unblended product. The label also states "made with malted rye", and "pure Canadian rye whisky in its simplest form." Interesting. Sadly not as expressive and flavorful as I had hoped for, what with it being pot distilled and worm tub-condensed. I guess the big boys really know how to take the fun (flavor) out of their products, even if they’re marketed as a small batch. I’m sure you know this already but the term “rye” in Canadian whisky is more of a colloquialism and doesn’t refer to any specific requirements. It comes from the term “rye-flavoured” whisky which is why we Canadians throw the term rye around quite loosely when describing the typical Canadian style of rye-flavoured blended whisky. Another note is that Canadian whiskies including all “ryes” can use any type of barrel and are not limited to used barrels, although the big distillers typically do refill the same barrels over and over again.

At the end of the day it’s all about the smell and taste experience and this one is undoubtedly good stuff. As enthusiasts we all like to know exactly what’s in our glass, but when it comes to Canadian whisky, don’t strain your brain - it often doesn’t help. Given the continued success of Lot 40 and its limited edition Cask Strength iterations, it was only logical for Pernod Ricard/Corby spirits to introduce a permanent line extension to the Lot 40 family. Lot 40 Dark Oak takes the popular Lot 40 rye and adds a second maturation in heavy #4 char casks. It’s also bottled at 48% ABV, which is nice. The whisky seems to be a total chameleon; just about every review seems to say something completely different. No partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship is created as a result of your use of the Service. Well, Canada Day may have come and gone, but I think now’s as good a time as ever to post what I can honestly call my favourite Canadian whisky to date. Here we have Corby’s Lot No. 40. Produced at Hiram Walker distillery, this one’s made from 100% rye. 10% of it is malted, the rest unmalted. Usually I prefer American rye, but I bought this based on both the advice of trusted friends as well as the overwhelmingly positive that this gets online. You are responsible for all activities through your account. You are responsible for the accuracy of the information you provide to us in relation to your account, and for updating it where necessary. You are not allowed to create multiple accounts. We may terminate or temporarily suspend your account to protect you, ourselves or our partners from (suspected) identity theft or other (suspected) fraudulent (e.g. false, misleading, deceptive) activity. You have the obligation to keep your login credentials confidential. You shall not authorize any others to use or access your account.