18-year-old Canadians

[Megawatt]

I've been thinking for a while about getting a bottle of Gibson's Rare or Wiser's Very Old 18Yr. whiskies, but I'm wondering how much of an improvement I would be getting for the extra money. Both bottles go for $40 in Ontario, and for that kind of money I'm usually inclined to spend a few more bucks and get a decent single-malt or a small-batch bourbon. But every time I pass them in the LCBO, I am tempted.

So my question is, has anyone here done a direct comparison between the standard bottlings by these brands versus the 18yr. bottlings? Do you feel it is worth the upgrade?

[Gillman]

Yes, especially the Wiser's 18.

Gary

[mozilla]

Small batch, is not a selling point for me. I go by taste...not the number of barrels in a batch. There is no regulation to the number of barrels in "Small Batch" either.

[Megawatt]

Small batch, is not a selling point for me. I go by taste...not the number of barrels in a batch. There is no regulation to the number of barrels in "Small Batch" either.

Not a selling point, but a means of classification, at least. I only use the term because that is how most of the premium brands around here (Knob Creek, Woodford) classify themselves. Not a lot of bourbon options on Ontario...

But I see what you are saying. This industry abounds with marketing-speak.

[pepcycle]

Darn, I thought this was a dating or XXX thread.

[Megawatt]

Darn, I thought this was a dating or XXX thread.

Yeah, it gets even dirtier when you start talking about 10- and 12-year-old Canadians. But if I start referring to it as "rye", I'm sure everyone will be quick to jump on me for doing so, since it is not straight rye. Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy catchphrase to describe Canadian whisky, other than the rye misnomer.

[Frodo]

I've been thinking for a while about getting a bottle of Gibson's Rare or Wiser's Very Old 18Yr. whiskies, but I'm wondering how much of an improvement I would be getting for the extra money. Both bottles go for $40 in Ontario, and for that kind of money I'm usually inclined to spend a few more bucks and get a decent single-malt or a small-batch bourbon. But every time I pass them in the LCBO, I am tempted.

So my question is, has anyone here done a direct comparison between the standard bottlings by these brands versus the 18yr. bottlings? Do you feel it is worth the upgrade?

It's been a while since I've had the entry level expressions from Gibson's or Wizer but I found these totally forgettable. The 18yr olds from both lines are vastly superior IMHO. The difference between being able to drink something straight and looking for a mixer for me.

Don't forget about the 15yr Crown Royal at $38. Had some a while ago and found it pretty good. My choice would be the Gibsons 18yr but my hand does stray to Redbreast 12 or Knob Creek at that price. Bulliet can also be bought lately (limited shipment only) at about $35. Pretty good price for premium bourbon IMHO...

[Megawatt]

It's been a while since I've had the entry level expressions from Gibson's or Wizer but I found these totally forgettable. The 18yr olds from both lines are vastly superior IMHO. The difference between being able to drink something straight and looking for a mixer for me.

Don't forget about the 15yr Crown Royal at $38. Had some a while ago and found it pretty good. My choice would be the Gibsons 18yr but my hand does stray to Redbreast 12 or Knob Creek at that price. Bulliet can also be bought lately (limited shipment only) at about $35. Pretty good price for premium bourbon IMHO...

15yr Crown? I have never seen a bottle of Crown with an age statement on it. I'm guessing you're referring to the Limited Edition, the one in the super-fancy bottle. I've been wondering how that stuff is...

Would you happen to know if Bulleit will go up in price eventually? So many things I want to try, but only so much money I can spend before my wife puts her foot down...maybe I'll get lucky and get the 18yr Gibson's for Christmas...

[Frodo]

15yr Crown? I have never seen a bottle of Crown with an age statement on it. I'm guessing you're referring to the Limited Edition, the one in the super-fancy bottle. I've been wondering how that stuff is...

Would you happen to know if Bulleit will go up in price eventually? So many things I want to try, but only so much money I can spend before my wife puts her foot down...maybe I'll get lucky and get the 18yr Gibson's for Christmas...

Hi there...

1) I am refering to the Crown Royal Limited Edition as a 15yr old (it was promoted as such by LCBO literature). Although it is called "Limited Edition" I'm wondering how limited the production run was since we are still seeing it 7-8yrs after it was introduced to the LCBO.

2) Bulliet is a vintages product - meaning it is not a general list item at the LCBO. That means the LCBO made one purchase, and when it sells out, it is gone. Vintages products NEVER go up in price like general list items. If they don't sell 75% of the products in 3 months, they lop off about 20% of the cost. If in another month it still doesn't move, they'll lop off some more. The only reason to rush your purchase is 1) curiosity, or 2) fear it will sell out before you get one.

[Megawatt]

Hi there...

1) I am refering to the Crown Royal Limited Edition as a 15yr old (it was promoted as such by LCBO literature). Although it is called "Limited Edition" I'm wondering how limited the production run was since we are still seeing it 7-8yrs after it was introduced to the LCBO.

2) Bulliet is a vintages product - meaning it is not a general list item at the LCBO. That means the LCBO made one purchase, and when it sells out, it is gone. Vintages products NEVER go up in price like general list items. If they don't sell 75% of the products in 3 months, they lop off about 20% of the cost. If in another month it still doesn't move, they'll lop off some more. The only reason to rush your purchase is 1) curiosity, or 2) fear it will sell out before you get one.

Great info, thanks.

[HighTower]

Darn, I thought this was a dating or XXX thread.

Ed, I'm with you.

I thought this may have been a thread where you can choose a Canadian backpacker to stay at your house while wanting to see your country!

Now that I realize it isn't, The only older Canadian Whiskey I have had is Canadian Club 20yo, and I love it!

Seriously though, I have a spare room.......

Scott

[Megawatt]

Picked up a bottle of Gibson's Finest Rare 18-year-old last night. Very nice, not as flavourful as Wiser's Very Old but it has some good spice to it. Baked apple and cinnamon on the nose, brown sugar and toasted oak on the palette, with a long finish of bitter rye and oak. It was on sale at $10 off, putting it back to the price it sold for a year ago.

On a related subject, my prediction came true; Wiser's Very Old went up $5. My next prediction is that in the next six months, it goes up another $5.