This is *THAT* Whisky
by: Tal Pinch
We've always had a soft spot in our liver for Canadian Club's family of whiskies, particularly their Classic and Reserve, two full yet flavorful spirits that have kept us company during those cold cabin nights by the fireplace. The legend surrounding the iconic brand certainly doesn't hurt. Particularly the rumor that Al Capone loved the distillery so much that he was happy to illegally cross the border to get his hands on some of their whisky.
That history comes into play this year as CC celebrates its 150th anniversary with a special limited-edition 80-proof collector's edition bottle.
Originally known for its Club Whiskey, CC first started cutting into American whisky's market share in 1858, hurting the bottom line of popular bourbon whisky distillers like Jim Bean and Woodford Reserve. To commemorate the company's 150th anniversary, Canadian Club has unleashed a 750-ml bottles of their velvety 30-year-old whisky that has long been one of our favorite sips. The smooth, spicy oak taste in a special $200 bottle immediately becomes the oldest Canadian Whisky onthe market. The stuff brings a light body to your liquor cabinet providing a soft preliminary drink that sets a nice, mellow tone. Yum.
There are plenty of other limited-edition whiskies out there, most notably from other iconic labels like Jameson and Crown Royal. But none of them appear to have been aged nearly as long as the 150th anniversary CC. Considering it's a limited-edition bottle, we'd like to save it for a special occasion, but ultimately see it becoming the soft opening to a longer and potentially louder evening. Happy anniversary Canadian Club, you stay Canadian.
