Now under the direction of Master Distiller and Blender Tim Wilson (since 2020), Wayne Gretzky Distillery in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario has undergone a positive overhaul in its whisky program, which now includes its own cooperage as well as new releases, like this Signature Rye Whisky which is made from 100% Brasetto Rye and has been aged for 5 years in its Grimsby, Ontario rickhouse.
SHELF APPEAL RATING (Note: does not count toward final score, out of 5):
APPEARANCE: Clear. Honey.
NOSE: Upfront baker’s chocolate, hot apple cider and peach cobbler are underscored by hickory, dark fruits and the subtle zest of baking spices.
PALATE: Caramel and tingling baking spices are first to warmly greet the palate, while warming hickory, star anise and coffee follow.
FINISH: Medium-long and warming with the mild astringency of a black tea, with also dark roast coffee, wet slate, and the fading essence of pine.
ABV: 50%
AGE: 5 years
CASK(S): American virgin oak and once-used bourbon barrels
ENJOY: Neat, with ice, or in a cocktail.
RATING:
Conclusions
Those who have refrained from trying a Wayne Gretzky whisky in awhile may be very pleasantly surprised here. At 50% abv and a spice-forward profile, this multi-dimensional 100% Rye delivers layers of flavor while retaining the hallmark smooth character of a Canadian whisky.
You don’t need 99 reasons to try the Wayne Gretzky Distillery Signature Rye; all you need is an open mind and a willingness to believe that the Gretzky Distillery is now charted in the right direction in the Whisky Dept. under the direction of Australian born, winemaker-turned-whisky distiller Tim Wilson.
…And For Those So Inclined: A Recommended Cigar Pairing
Pair the Wayne Gretzky Distillery Signature Rye with the La Opulencia Toro cigar by My Father.
The La Opulencia cigar features a dark, oily Mexican Rosado Oscuro wrapper which delivers a sweet and spicy taste profile that pairs exceptionally well with the choclate and spice rye-forward profile of the whisky.
On it’s own, the La Opulencia produces earth, chocolate and leather, but soon begins to evolve into unfolding new elements of charred oak, mocha, and chili pepper once the Signature Rye makes an appearance. The participation of the cigar triggers spicy new elements of cinnamon hearts as well as a heightened chocolate note in the Rye whisky.
– Kurt Bradley
Reviewed April 20, 2024.
At the time of writing, the Signature Rye was an-at-the-distillery-only release.
Kurt Bradley is the founder of The Gentleman’s Flavor, to which he is also a contributing editor, host and curator.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Kurt has lived in Glasgow, Scotland where he developed a passion for understanding whisky. 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 regular contributor to Cigar Journal Magazine, and has provided commentary to Cigar Aficionado, the world’s leading cigar publication.
He enjoys a fine, hand made cigar with a well-crafted Old Fashioned cocktail.
