Gibson's Finest 100th Grey Cup LE

Thanks to @paddockjudge for the reviewed sample, which is marked L12202, HW09155. This Gibson's Finest 100th Anniversary Grey Cup is a special one-time bottling commemorating the 100th anniversary of the trophy given to the annual winner of the Canadian Football League championship. A small amount of maple syrup was added to flavour the whisky. The bottle has been open for a time unknown to me. This review is in sequential format

Nose: moderate gentle maple, melded together with perfume of roses and a bit of fruit, probably from some wine maturation. Lots of caramel and vanilla; very used wood smelling which is typical of most Canadian whiskies. Very pleasant. Score 22- all whiskies; 23 Canadian Category

Taste: bright very sweet maple is the first thing I taste here, followed by strong wine flavours...much stronger fruity wine flavours than in the nose. There is lots of caramel on the palate. The tartness of the wine flavours adds a measure of balance to the very sweet maple. Quite enjoyable. Score-22 all whiskies; 23 Canadian

Finish: sweet maple detumescence with a hint of piquant wine. Not as pleasant as the palate, but quite satisfactory. A little bitterness shows from the wood at the end. Score- 20 all; 21 Canadian

Balance: I liked Gibson's Finest 100th Anniversary Grey Cup Whisky more than I thought I would when I heard that maple syrup was added to the whisky. That scared me, a lot. This is really quite enjoyable if you are ready to accept a good dose of sweet. There is a real balance present here which makes it work. Score 22-all; 23 Canadian

Total scores: 86-all whiskies; 90 Canadian Category