Royal Canadian Small Batch

First of all, the colour of the bottling is really red - it's almost disturbing. It to me seems beyond caramel colouring and into wine or port cask finishes, which don't seem to underlie the flavour in this one.

This is quite a different bottling than many of the American-imported,bottled, and produced Canadian whiskies as it fits more in a Canadian style than an American style (which most fit, as does Mastersons and Whistlepig).

Nose: Light and pleasant, with vanilla, light oak influences, pleasant fruity notes of sweet plum, fresh and canned peaches, yellow apple, distinct notes of cherry juice, light bourbon aromas, red grape skins, and some very light ruby port notes as well...along with some grassiness akin to that found in irish pot still whiskey. It's light, but subtle, and well put together. 87%

Taste: It follows the nose, with light sweetness and fruitiness. There's light apple, prunes - but not as intense as prunes - more like boiled or stewed prunes, with vanilla, very light oaky bourbon notes, light cherry, raisins, and more hints of ruby port. It is nicely balanced, light, and subtle, much like the nose. 85%

Finish: It follows the nose, with light sweetness and fruitiness. There's light apple, prunes - but not as intense as prunes - more like boiled or stewed prunes, with vanilla, very light oaky bourbon notes, light cherry, raisins, and more hints of ruby port. It is nicely balanced, light, and subtle, much like the nose. 77%

Intrigue: This is well put together, and I do like the subtle nuances and nice subdued bourbon notes. I do quite enjoy it, though the finish could use some work. 85%

Weighting the nose 25%, taste 35%, Finish 15%, and Intrigue 25% the overall grade is 85.

*I have also posted a separate format (with similar content) of this review at whiskywon.wordpress.com/2014/08/…