Canadian Club Chronicles 41 Year Old

 In 1854, Hiram Walker, an American businessman in the flour and grain business, began producing whisky in Detroit. Grain merchants and millers were often involved in the whisky trade, since it allowed them to monetize waste grain and the odds and ends of milling by converting them into alcohol. Michigan had a strong temperance movement at the time and had repeatedly considered a state-wide prohibition on alcohol consumption. Walker, fearful of a ban, decided to shift his distilling operations across the Detroit River to Windsor, Ontario in 1858. The term "Club" whisky was used to denote a higher grade of spirit on both sides of the border. To avoid confusion, Walker's products from Canada were designated "Canadian Club".

The Canadian Club 41 Year Old, at the time of bottling, was the oldest aged expression ever released by this brand. Barreled back in 1977. It has been blended with subtle amounts of cognac, rye and sherry for what’s described as “depth and complexity.”Bottled at 90 proof and presented in a special decanter-style vessel.

Nose: Brown sugar sweetness, malted barley, hard lemon candy, brief charred notes. Not overpowering, but caramel sweet, obvious sherry-like notes, and nicely balanced.

Palate: Funky, lemony zest, tart, and buttery. The rye spice is terrific with a touch of sweetness. It’s a little oily and buttery - typical for a whisky of this age. The buttery notes are wonderful.

Finish: Warm and lingering with a lasting spiciness.