For roughly 100 years, The Kellogg Cereal Company operated out of London, Ontario until ultimately closing their doors in 2014 to consolidate their efforts at the smaller Belleville, Ontario plant.
Today, the smell of cereal grain continues to emanate from the Old East Village site, only these days it comes from its two relatively new occupants, Powerhouse Brewing and Paradigm Spirits Co.
As as a new Ontario craft distiller, Paradigm Spirits have sourced aged whisky and effectively released three different expressions while the whisky made on site matures. Among these is a 19 year single grain (corn) whisky bottled at cask strength and presented in a truly elegant tall decanter-style bottle (limited to 2500 bottles). Non chill filtered with no added colour, it bears the name Canadian Heritage Series 19 Year Old Whisky and clocks in at a hefty 67.9% abv.
SHELF APPEAL RATING (Note: does not count toward final score, out of 5):
APPEARANCE: Clear. Dark amber in color, with wide, thick legs that slowly cascade to the bottom of the glass.
NOSE: The nose is rich and concentrated with notes of raspberries and vanilla cream, followed by hickory, dark maple syrup, kettle corn and damp sweetgrass.
PALATE: A thick, viscous texture provides a warm, coating mouthfeel. Medium sweetness. Cinnamon, hickory spice and caramel are evidenced first, with oak, maple coffee, creme brûlée and a dry bran cereal note.
As the alcohol can at times be a bit aggressive on the tongue, the addition of a pinch of water calms down the alcohol and ushers in a more creamy caramel note.
FINISH: Long, with a warmth that is felt in the chest. Dark coffee, oak, caramel and spicy chillies, with an accompanying dryness from the oak.
ABV: 67.9%
AGE: 19
CASK(S): No. 2 Char Virgin American Oak
ENJOY: Neat, with water, or with a large ice sphere.
RATING:
At 67.9%, there’s undoubtedly some heat to be found on the palate, which can be calmed with a pinch of water – unless you prefer retaining that extra bit of ‘edge”.
Conclusions
A rich, muscular whisky that will likely appeal to bourbon fans. This seems unsurprising given that owners Irma Joeveer and Michelle Debus purportedly spent ample time in Kentucky soaking up the southern charm and warmth of its bourbon culture to draw inspiration for their creation of Paradigm Spirits.
Given that its made of 100% corn, there’s a surprisingly spicy flavor profile, almost like there’s rye in there. At 67.9%, there’s undoubtedly some heat to be found on the palate, which can be tamed with a pinch of water – unless you prefer retaining that extra bit of ‘edge’.
…And For Those So Inclined: A Recommended Cigar Pairing
Pair the Paradigm Spirits Co. Canadian Heritage Collection 19 Year with the Cuban Partagas Serie D No. 4 cigar.
With a trademark touch of earth and blend of nuts and roasted coffee, the Serie D No. 4 provides a flavourful and complex smoke that builds on the strength and complexity of the Canadian Heritage Series 19 Year.
Reviewed April 2022
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. He is also the Brand Ambassador to the House Of Horvath Cigar Company in Toronto, Canada.
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.
