Gibson's Finest 12 Year Old

Hiram Walker & Sons, founded in 1858, is Canada’s biggest distillery. They produce the best known Canadian whiskies such as Canadian Club, Wiser’s and Gibson’s Finest, all famous, but entry level whiskies. Gibson’s Finest has three expressions: the no-age statement Sterling, the 12 Year Old that I will try today and the Rare, an 18 Year Old.

The nose is soft and inviting, lightly perfumed. It shows a lot of vanilla, but mostly apricots and something hearty like puff paste. Hint of cloves and mild oak.

It is very light on the palate and extremely sweet. Again loads of vanilla, but the apricots are now overcome by honey and nuts. Almonds, I would say. Very soft, though. Light body.

The finish is short and clean, slightly warming.

Well, this is only one step up from Canadian Club, which I think of as bottom shelf. So shall we call this middle shelf? Entry level, no matter how you look at it. But not bad as an aperitif. Thanks to my Canadian buddy Jean-Francois for the sample.