Shamefully, this is our first Canadian Whisky Review to feature a release from the province of Québec. Honte a nous (translation: shame on us).
Truth be told, apart from some major brands that are distilled in Quebec, it can be challenging to get your hands on Quebec craft whiskies outside of the province.
The Cirka No. 2 is the second release in a series of small-batch releases from the distillery, which is located in the urban centre of Montreal. Since the outset, owner paul Cirka was focused on establishing a regionally-distinctive character in his spirits. The Cirka No. 2 is made from 100% local Quebéc corn and is a triple cask, four year single grain whisky. It has matured in new American white oak and finished with a combination of ex-rye and Sauternes casks with no added colour and is non-chill filtered.
SHELF APPEAL RATING (Note: does not count toward final score, out of 5):
APPEARANCE: Clear. Dark caramel.
NOSE: The earthy aroma of pine tree bark leaps out first and is soon married with the sweetness of corn syrup and a hint of Bartlett pear. This whisky practically embodies the essence of a snow-covered Canadian forest.
PALATE: A rich, spicy, and coating mouthfeel delivers medium sweetness. The earthy sweetness of tree sap and rich English sponge toffee excite the palate, and are accompanied by an interplay of black pepper, oak, and warm Christmas spices.
FINISH: Medium-long, warming and pleasant. Dark baking chocolate harmoniously clings to the back of the throat with black coffee, lingering Christmas spices, and oak.
ABV: 48%
GRAIN(S): 100% Corn
AGE: NAS
CASK(S): New American white oak, ex-rye and ex-Sauternes casks
ENJOY: Neat, with ice, or in an Old Fashioned-style cocktail.
RATING:
Conclusions
Cirka owner paul Cirka’s vision of translating the terroir of the local Quebec region in his spirits has come to fruition in the Cirka No. 2 Whisky release. There’s an earthy, almost farm-like quality that transmits on the nose and palate. This essence does not detract from the sensory pleasure of this release, it only adds to it.
This is a very unique whisky, that has a slight sweetness, but isn’t big on those trademark vanilla and caramel notes like so many other Canadian whisky releases. At the time of writing (spring 2025), I can confidently say that I am eager to revisit this in the colder winter months (not too eager though, I just got through winter), as it feels like a “winter whisky” with its dark, warming Christmas spice notes and the olfactory essence of a snow-covered Canadian forest.
…And For Those So Inclined: A Recommended Cigar Pairing
Pair the Cirka Whisky No. 2 with the 1942 Torpedo cigar by Casa Turrent.
The Casa Turrent 1942 Torpedo features a light brown-colored San Andrés Colorado wrapper with Mexican Crillo binder and Mexican Criollo-seed mixed with San Andrés Negro seed and some medium-strength Nicaraguan tobaccos. This combination delivers or an earthy and spicy smoke, followed by a refreshing citrus flavour and some caramel sweetness is common as well. This pairs exceptionally well with the earthy, honeyed profile of the whisky. Together, the 1942 Torpedo magnifies the spicy character of the whisky, ushering in prevalent Christmas spice notes as well as additional oak char, especially towards the bottom third of the cigar.
– Kurt Bradley
Reviewed March 31, 2025
Kurt Bradley is the founder of The Gentleman’s Flavor, to which he is also a contributing editor, host and curator.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Kurt has lived in Glasgow, Scotland where he developed a passion for understanding whisky. 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 is a regular contributor to Cigar Journal Magazine, and has provided commentary to Cigar Aficionado, the world’s leading cigar publication.
He enjoys a fine, hand made cigar with a well-crafted Old Fashioned cocktail.
