Stalk & Barrel’s Three Barrel Whisky marries rye, single malt and corn whiskies that have all been aged separately in ex-bourbon casks. Made in small batches of no less than 1000 litres at a time, the single malt component within the blend is purported to add a real complexity to the overall presentation.
APPEARANCE: Golden brown. Medium viscosity in texture coating the glass
NOSE: Aromas of red licorice, pear and fountain cream soda present first, with some sawdust, manuka honey and rose aftewards. As I let it breathe, I begin to perceive some banana (Runts) candy with the cream soda becoming more pronounced as it breathes. An absolutely delightful, exceptionally creamy whisky on the nose.
PALATE: Smooth. Medium sweetness. Cinnamon hearts candy and vanilla pudding present quickly, with a melangé of red licorice, clove, tarragon, a hint of leather and burnt brown sugar rounding out the palate.
FINISH: Medium, warming and lingering. Pepper and cinnamon leave a warming, lingering tingle.
ABV: 43.0%
AGE: NAS
CASK(S): Ex-bourbon oak
Distiller: Clearwater Distillery, Concord, Ontario, Canada
ENJOY: Neat, with ice or in a cocktail
RATING:
An absolutely delightful, exceptionally creamy whisky on the nose.“
Conclusions
Despite it’s relatively poor shelf appeal (like much of the Stalk & Barrel line), this is a great, mid-level Canadian whisky for the price ($34.99 CAD). With the Three Barrel Whisky, I found myself repeatedly plunging my nose back into my Canadian Glencairn glass to enjoy the wonderful aromas its exhibits.
On the nose, this is a very pleasurable experience indeed, and the palate doesn’t necessarily disappoint either, which presents a rather nice complexity that follows through with taste counterparts of many of the previously perceived aromas.
Would pair well with curried dishes or Banana Foster for dessert.
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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 is a lover of great Canadian whisky.
