Located in Surrey, British Columbia, Central City Brewing apply a unique approach to making whisky.

Initially, Central City gained acclaim for brewing craft beer over 25 years ago. In 2013, decorated Beer Brewmaster Gary Lohin and Scottish-born Head Distiller Stuart McKinnon combined efforts to form Lohin McKinnon. Together Lohin & McKinnon create a series of unique Canadian Single Malts that effectively transform Lohin’s beer fermentation into distillate.

This Single Malt release is made from 100% British Columbia barley and pure British Columbia water. The freshness of the BC water truly shines through on this young, yet surprisingly complex Single Malt that closely resembles a nice bright Irish whiskey.

APPEARANCE: Clear. Golden straw. 

NOSE: Prominent fruit and floral aromas of banana, mandarin essential oil, Bartlett pear and white grape sit on top of the essence of fresh spring water. Vanilla, baseball card bubble gum and raisin round out a very fresh, bright nose. 

PALATE: Smooth. Medium sweet. Effervescent mouth feel produces cinnamon, Bartlett pear, raisin and orange peel. The faint earthiness of fresh cut grass and fresh spring water. 

FINISH: Medium. Cocoa powder, coffee and hops accompany a smooth mouthfeel that is more warming than one would expect for such a young whisky. 

ABV: 43.0% 

AGE: 3 Yr

CASK(S): Ex-bourbon oak

ENJOY: Neat, with ice or in a cocktail

RATING:

The freshness of the BC water truly shines through on this young yet surprisingly complex Single Malt that closely resembles a nice bright Irish whiskey.”

Conclusions

Make no mistake, The Lohin McKinnon Single Malt is a young one.

However, truth be told, big age statements are not a requirement to make an enjoyable whisky, as evidenced here.

This is a very bright and fresh Single Malt, which can be a refreshing pause from yet another big, bold and robust whisky. Despite it’s apparent youth, the Lohin McKinnon Single Malt shows a surprising amount of character on both nose and palate. If I were to go in blind, I’d possibly mistake this for an Irish whiskey, as it embodies that bright, fresh character that is emblematic of many releases from the Emerald Isle.

Pair the bright and fresh Lohin McKinnon Single Malt with a smooth and creamy Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut cigar.

See more Canadian Whisky Reviews

– Kurt Bradley