Proof

[Gillman]

Something new just out in Toronto, a 42% ABV whisky (not indicated as Canadian) called Proof Whisky. Sold in a 500 ml oversized test tube-like bottle. Cool, minimalist look. Cost about $20.00. A small square label affixed to look triangular states it is "two grains", being rye and wheat. A web site is mentioned, on which a brand of vodka and rum similarly packaged also are shown. Proof Brands is based in Toronto, but I can't tell from these sources who is behind this. It is very good, with a light appley smell, soft body, light natural sweetness, and good hints of oak and char. More assertive than the regular run of Canadian whisky but not like straight bourbon or rye. Basically Canadian in profile, as most of the Canadian craft or craft-style releases have been, but it doesn't taste as neutral to me as most Canadian whisky.

Gary

[Megawatt]

Interesting. Seems to have come out of nowhere. It says on the website that the grains are from the prairies and given the recipe (wheat and rye) my guess would be Highwood. Taste anything like Centennial or Century Reserve? I can't say I care much for the marketing angle but if the product is good, and affordable, who cares?

[Gillman]

I was thinking Highwood/Centennial too, possibly. But it's good stuff, well worth the money.

Still, for those looking for something truly different in Canadian whisky, I say, buy Wiser's Legacy. Its heavy pot still component sets it apart but without any unpleasant oily notes - just big peppermint notes.

Gary

P.S. The Highwood site states they have a new, clear rye whisky on the market. It may be their white dog. Looking at the site, I'm thinking Highwood may well be the source of the Proof Whisky. I like the latter a lot, it is subtle but good.

[Megawatt]

I was thinking Highwood/Centennial too, possibly. But it's good stuff, well worth the money.

Still, for those looking for something truly different in Canadian whisky, I say, buy Wiser's Legacy. Its heavy pot still component sets it apart but without any unpleasant oily notes - just big peppermint notes.

Gary

P.S. The Highwood site states they have a new, clear rye whisky on the market. It may be their white dog. Looking at the site, I'm thinking Highwood may well be the source of the Proof Whisky. I like the latter a lot, it is subtle but good.

Yeah, White Owl. Not white dog as I understand it, but aged whisky with the colour removed. And to think of every other distillery adding colour to their whisky, these guys are taking it out. The idea is to replace vodka in mixed drinks, I believe. I've read a couple of good reviews so far. Highwood whisky is very clean and mellow even by Canadian standards, so I can only imagine what White Owl is like.

But I really like Centennial and especially Century Reserve. Their 21 year old is phenomenal.

[Megawatt]

Incidentally it is the wheat component in Proof which led me to suspect Highwood, who seem to favour wheat for their base spirit. I reckon it is what gives their whisky its unique clean character.

[Gillman]

Interesting about aged whiskey which is de-colored. That has been discussed (the concept in general) on SB. Rum producers do it fairly frequently. I guess the idea is to get some roundness and oxidation to mellow out the spirit but offer it without color to compete with vodka.

The Proof Whisky IMO has more character than Centennial, rounder and more fruity, but this doesn't mean they may not share a common origin.

Gary

[Megawatt]

I think the name was ill-chosen. It is too common a term to stand out, as evidenced by a google search.

[Megawatt]

I picked up a bottle of this on the weekend. Strange stuff indeed. I get these pine and juniper notes, strongly reminiscent of gin. Also on the nose: lemon candy, lemon scented all-purpose cleaner, raisins, fruit drink crystals (orange Tang?). All in all, a very peculiar aroma, unlike any I've encountered.

On the palate I find it hot and harsh; strikes me as a young 'un. The flavour is quite assertive, though it dies fast. To what do we attribute the lemony flavours? To a high wheat content? I must wonder if this is what Centennial would taste like if it were six or seven years younger. An interesting whisky, though I'm not sure if I would buy it again. Value-wise it competes with the likes of Crown Royal and Century Reserve 15.

[barturtle]

Interesting about aged whiskey which is de-colored. That has been discussed (the concept in general) on SB.

Hmmm...bring a bottle down and we can try it against Frost 8/80...

I'm guessing with the 500ml bottle size they don't intend to sell it in the US.

[Gillman]

I agree with many of your taste notes. I get orange or lemon fruit in it too.

I like it, and albeit craft (or craft-style), it's reasonably priced.

Gary