Barnburner Handcrafted Ontario Whisky sits among a series of recent Ontario whiskies that swing well above their weight belt in terms of value (just $35 CDN). Sourced 3-year rye and corn whiskies are double-aged in “virgin Kentucky bourbon barrels” at the Maverick Distillery in Oakville, Ontario.
The result is small batch, non-chill filtered whisky bottled at 41.6%.
With an attractive square bottle that bears resemblance to Bulleit Bourbon, Barnburner is an expression that will likely appeal to bourbon fans not merely in just appearance, but in the taste dept. too.
APPEARANCE: Clear. Amber.
NOSE: The vegetal essence of of Mezcal and a touch of brine present first. Additional aromas of vanilla, buttered popcorn, caramel and beef jerky are also recognized on the nose.
PALATE: Smooth and mouth warming. Not overly sweet like other Canadian expressions. Redolent of anise, oak and maple syrup with some char and sweet corn following up afterwards.
FINISH: Medium finish, quite mouth- and chest warming. Slightly acidic with oak, mesquite and some vegetal. A slight bit of tobacco smoke aftertaste appears on the exhale (no, I was not smoking a cigar while reviewing this).
ABV: 41.6%
AGE: 3 Yr
CASK(S): Ex-bourbon oak
DISTILLERY: Maverick Distillery, Oakville Ontario
ENJOY: Neat, with ice or in a cocktail
RATING:
Conclusions
If you’re into bourbon, you’ll want to give Barnburner a whirl. After having it neat in a Canadian Glencairn glass, I personally found this whisky more enjoyable over a large block of ice in a rocks glass. I’d surmise that Barnburner would serve well as a substitute for bourbon in a classic Bourbon Sour and would also play out well in a classic Old Fashioned.
Pair this whisky with a cigar that has a creamy, medium bodied profile, like the Flor De Las Antillas Maduro by My Father.
See more Canadian Whisky Reviews
– Kurt Bradley
Kurt Bradley is the founder of The Gentleman’s Flavor, to which he is also a contributing editor, host and curator.
Kurt is a certified Whisky Ambassador accredited by The Scotch Whisky Association and has achieved Level 2 Award in Wine & Spirits Education Trust with distinction.
He loves pairing a great Canadian whisky with a fine, hand rolled cigar.
