Following the success of his recent Pike Creek Oloroso Cask Finish 21 year old (2020 Canadian Whisky Of The Year at Canadian Whisky Awards), Hiram Walker’s Dr. Don Livermore has furthered his experimentation into sherry finishing with the Pike Creek Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish 22 Year Old.

Released in November of 2021 in limited quantities, it’s forged from a blend of a corn (base) whisky, and a rye (flavouring) whisky.

APPEARANCE: Clear. Mahogany. Medium viscosity legs.

NOSE: The first whiff smacks of Manuka honey. Aromas of dark field berries mixed with vanilla custard follow, with oak, tarragon and the tannic essence of a red wine or brandy. 

PALATE: Smooth. Medium sweet. A creamy and syrupy mouthfeel presents sweet notes of creme brûlée, dark berries, English sponge toffee, vanilla and oak. 

FINISH: A medium to long finish that tingles the lips and warms the chest long after you thought it would hang around. Sponge toffee and burnt brown sugar leave a thick sweetness coating the back of the mouth. 

ABV: 45.0% 

AGE: 22 Yr

CASK(S): Pedro Ximénez casks and additional oak

ENJOY: Neat, or in a cocktail

RATING:

Conclusions

This is a pleasant whisky. Very pleasant – but certainly not life changing.

It reminds me of Crown Royal’s XR. Given its age statement, it’s priced very competitively ($90 CDN). It’s true to the Pike Creek character, and has enough complexity (and a slightly higher ABV) to set it far enough apart from the much younger 10 Year Rum Barrel Finish and the 15 Year Wine Barrel Finish.

It’s not overly complex, but its array of flavor notes are indeed very well situated and very complimentary to one another. Lovers of Canadian whisky will definitely appreciate this release and should try it.

The prolonged lip tingle on the chest warming finish is not to be missed.

Pair this whisky with a cigar that has a robust profile, like the Ramon Allones Specially Selected. A medium to full flavoured Cuban cigar, this offers dark espresso coffee, a rich chocolatey, burnt leather flavour with subtle notes of pepper, and distinct floral aromas.

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– 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 lives in Toronto, Ontario.