Canadian Mist Collingwood Double Barreled

If Corby, J.P. Wiser's, Forty Creek et. al. have led the charge of the Canadian whisky renaissance, Collingwood whisky has been slow to join the fray.

Finding clear answers as to the makeup of Collingwood Double Barreled has been a bit tricky for me. Early reports suggested that this one is made up entirely of Collingwood’s rye “flavouring” whisky. This Canadian whisky enthusiast rejoiced at a whisky that wasn’t overwhelmingly made up of double column distilled corn “base whisky” aged in well-used barrels.

According to actual Canadian whisky expert Mark Bylock, there’s no sherry or caramel colouring added to the Double Barreled, whereas the original Collingwood includes both.

But wait, according to one of Collingwood’s Consumer Engagement Associates, the Double Barreled offering is a blend of at least two whiskies; one has a “mashbill that is a combination of corn, rye and malted barley, and it is blended with rich, aromatic flavouring whisky from our single-distillery stock.” So, there you have it: it’s not all “flavouring” whisky, but from the comments it seems that the “base” whisky uses a mashbill, something not common in Canadian whisky.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Brown sugar, apricots, honey, some herbs (mint and rosemary perhaps?), peaches, pickled hot peppers, there’s a touch of ethanol/acetone but it’s subtle and doesn’t really distract from the overall experience.
• Palate: There’s a slightly waxy texture at first which I love, but it thins out somewhat quickly. Then there’s toasted oak, icing sugar, honey, red apples, rye grain, and a touch of cinnamon. *Finish: It's definitely on the short side.There's some apples, cinnamon, and pickled hot peppers returning, with drying oak tannins lingering. There’s also touch of orange zest at the “death.”

• Conclusions: This is an interesting whisky that strays just enough from the standard “light and sweet” profile that is typical of lower priced Canadian blends to stand out from the crowd. Make no mistake though; this is Canadian whisky. It’s not entirely matured in virgin oak so don’t expect a big, sweet oak bomb like your run-of-the-mill straight bourbons. This is Canadian rye whisky, not bourbon. It’s not trying to be bourbon. I also appreciate that Collingwood bottled this whisky at 45% ABV. It is a gesture that makes me feel seen and heard as an enthusiast. Higher ABV and a great value for money ($37 CAD) bump this one up a bit in my estimation.

• Would I accept a glass of this if it was offered to me? Without a doubt.

• Would I order this in a bar or pub? Yes.
• Would I purchase a full bottle? Yes. I’m certain this won’t be the last bottle of Collingwood Double Barreled I own.