Distilled in both a column and pot still, the Lot 40 Dark Oak 100% Rye is barrelled in new oak casks. Having first spent maturation time in a No. 2 Char barrel, it then receives its finishing treatment within a more heavily charred No. 4 barrel to finish as a final expression that is bolder than its original Lot 40 counterpart.
APPEARANCE: Clear. Dark amber.
NOSE: Plenty of wood initially, which is then rounded out by the aroma of all spice, caramel, red wine, white pepper and sticky toffee pudding. After breathing for awhile, sandalwood, almond nougat and additional caramel become prominent. This reminds me of a traditionally masculine eau de toilette at times.
PALATE: Spicy, rich and smooth with a tingling mouthfeel. Medium sweetness. Oak and anise with the zest of toasted caraway rye. Fresh ginger and a hint of canned peaches.
FINISH: Long and tingling. Quite complex with oak and clove. Drying finish with a final lingering note of tobacco smoke. Some mineral water relieves the dryness of the finish and refreshes the palate.
ABV: 48.0%
AGE: NAS
CASK(S): New Oak No. 2 Char, New Oak No. 4 Char
ENJOY: Neat, with water, with ice or in a cocktail
RATING:
Conclusions
Yet another homerun for Canadian rye.
Originally released in British Columbia and online only in Ontario, the Lot 40 Dark Oak sold out in a hurry before being made more available in February of 2021. It’s a bolder, fuller-bodied expression than the original Lot 40 and is a wonderfully complex, spicy and bold 100% rye.
Pair this whisky with a cigar that has a spicier flavor profile, like the Kristoff San Andrés.
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 great Canadian whisky with a fine cigar.
He can be reached at info@thegentlemansflavor.com
