Made in concert with the pristine waters of Newfoundland, Canada, Signal Hill Whisky is a blend of 2 types of grain whiskies: corn and barley. The corn is distilled through a two-column still to contribute a smooth, lighter element to the blend. The pot distilled barley whisky is said to bring out a subtle “bready, nutty and or malt flavor” and possibly add complexity.
The two distillates are aged separately in 3 different casks. With distilling and aging processes initially completed in Ontario, the cask-strength whisky is ultimately blended down to 40.0% abv with Newfoundland water in St. John’s, where it is bottled and kept non-chill filtered.
APPEARANCE: Copper-brown.
NOSE: Aromas of brown sugar, dried apricot, a medicinal cherry flavor and a rich Bordeaux-style wine are prominent. Vanilla. A molasses-style black bread emerges in as I pull my nose away.
PALATE: Silky smooth with medium sweetness. Cherry, fruit cake and tannins that are redolent of a cognac. Caramel, Demerara brown sugar and lemon zest also develop.
FINISH: Medium-long, warming finish that is ever-so-slightly drying. Cinnamon, oak and then a residual baking spice which ultimately subsides last.
ABV: 40.0%
AGE: NAS
CASK(S): First-Fill Bourbon Casks (no.4 Char), American White Oak (that previously held Canadian whisky) and New American White Oak
ENJOY: Neat, with ice, or in a cocktail
RATING:
Medium-long, warming finish that is ever-so-slightly drying. Cinnamon, oak and then a residual baking spice which ultimately subsides last. “
Conclusions
Symbolically, Signal Hill Canadian Whisky is a nod to the historical landmark in St. John’s, Newfoundland Canada where 1700s British and French forces battled to control the area, as well as where later Gugliemo Marconi received the world’s first transatlantic signal in the year 1901.
All in all, Signal Hill is a very smooth spirit that will speak to those who appreciate the characteristically smooth and sweet aspect of Canadian whisky, either to sip, or for a modern take on a classic cocktail.
For a wonderful pairing experience, try complimenting Signal Hill Canadian Whisky with the full bodied Archetype ‘Strange Passage’, a cigar that exhibits earthy fruit and chocolate notes in addition to plenty of spice.
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 enjoys exemplary Canadian whisky with a fine cigar.
