There’s something unique going on at Willibald Farm in Ayr, Ontario.
For one, the former livestock farm is now both a distillery AND a brewery, and it seems that neither their spirits, nor their beer, nor the selection of colorful ready-to-drink beverages is the one that is hogging the spotlight.
Since 2012, they have further evolved to include an onsite tasting room, bar, facility tours and even a restaurant.
As an Ontario craft distiller/brewer, they have penetrated Ontario’s notoriously hard-to-penetrate LCBO with a selection of gin, vodka and ready to drink offerings. Their onsite location draws a solid crowd with a little something for everyone.
And as for their whisky, they have released two (with numerous batches for each). First was Greenhorn. The second, Bloodline.
Bloodline is described as a Canadian Straight Whisky made of 60% corn, 35% rye and 5% malted barley. Matured a minimum of 4 years in new American oak and proofed down to 47.2% ABV.
SHELF APPEAL RATING (Note: does not count toward final score, out of 5):
APPEARANCE: Clear. Copper.
NOSE: Pine & juniper mingle with honey and citrus pith. Cherry lozenges and cedar. Bright, herbaceous with a powdery sweetness.
PALATE: Palate closely mirrors nose. Tingling, slightly prickly mouthfeel. A big gin-like botanical element is coated in honey, with orange syrup, cilantro and rose water showing up slightly after.
FINISH: Medium-long. Lingering rose, caramel, cayenne pepper and pipe tobacco.
ABV: 47.2%
AGE: 4 years
CASK(S): American oak
ENJOY: Neat, with water, with an ice spere, or in a cocktail.
RATING:
Conclusions
Unlike the average Canadian whisky release, Bloodline is not a blended whisky. Instead, Bloodline is essentially ‘Canadian bourbon’ that is derived from the exact mashbill as Four Roses.
Having become well known for their gin creations (the Gingerbread Gin is to die for), a botanical influence has unquestionably elbowed its way into Bloodline’s DNA, with both nose and palate being very botanical-forward with a powdery honey backdrop.
The bottle features a red wax-dipped top (à la Maker’s Mark).
When nosing or sipping Bloodline, your brain thinks “gin!” for about a millisecond, and is then quickly diverted to thinking “no wait – bourbon!”. As one of their popular gin releases is barrel aged, you can see that two of their distilling passions are clearly influencing each other.
The end result is a delight for the senses, as a result of this very unique fusion of flavor that tastes a bit like Christmas in a glass to me. Like a few of their other spirits, Bloodline begs to be tested out in a cocktail but is entirely worthy of being enjoyed neat.
…And For Those So Inclined: A Recommended Cigar Pairing
Pair the Willibald Farm Bloodline Canadian Straight Whisky with a Foundation Cigars Charter Oak Habano cigar.
Charter Oak Habano features a Ecuadorian Habano wrapper on top of Nicaraguan binder and long fillers. This creates a profile that profile that delivers earth, peanuts and black pepper, with a creaminess that fuses well with the powdery honey profile in the Bloodline.
The medium strength cigar does not overpower the whisky, and results in the creation of a powerful cinnamon note with each sip.
– Kurt Bradley
Reviewed October 16, 2022
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.
