Highwood Canadian Rockies Aged 21 Years

Canadian Rockies 21 Year Old comes from Highwood Distillery in Alberta, and is corn whisky originally meant for export to Taiwan. This was bottled at 40% and was very successful; when it was decided to keep some domestically, the ABV went up to 46 (smart move!) Note that this is the older bottle design, not the current one you see on the shelves (not sure if the spirit has changed at all).

The colour is a pale gold. Lots of honey on the nose, with peppery arugula, baked apple, milk chocolate, pear skins and blanched almonds. Quite delicate. Honeydew melon. Caramel and vanilla line the background; more vanilla and some wood smoke with water. Gentle and fruity - this is what you get with 21 years in used barrels in cold weather!

More honey on the palate, with some nice pepper, apple-cinnamon, citrus and herbs. Tons of tropical fruits (papaya, overripe banana and a hint of mango) with pepper in the background. Very creamy mouthfeel. Authentic vanilla bean. Water provides focus to the citrus, specifying lemon/lime. Absolutely delicious - creamy, sweet, spicy and fruity.

The long finish is spicy with pepper and chili, followed by a generous lashing of oak. Wow this is a really long finish! Will remind you of other aged Highwood products such as the Ninety 20. Don't know what else to say - Canadian whisky at its most elegant and satisfying.