The entire experience, from nose to finish, is clean, bright, and unmuddled. It’s quite sweet, but the sweetness is balanced by a soft, grainy bitterness throughout that prevents the spirit from straying into syrupiness.
Coming through at $33 Crown Royal Northern Harvest is a bit more than I’d like to pay ($20-$25 ideally), but if you’re looking for a Canadian rye to try this isn’t a terrible value either as it’s far cheaper than Masterson’s, Whistlepig or even Lot 40.
This is a truly strange whisky, unlike any other rye I’ve encountered in recent memory. The intense fruit character isn’t unpleasant, but it’s not what I’m looking for a quality rye. This whisky will likely resonate with many fans — but may well turn off just as many drinkers.
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House Review
Nose:
I expected spice. I did not get spice. Its sweet and fruity, like banana laffy taffy, with a hint of pear as well. A brief confectioners sugar note. From what I'm smelling, this is sizing up to be a basket of sweets.
Taste:
Very thin on the mouth feel but pleasant. There's a surprising lack of sweetness although the banana and pear are still present. There's a tiny bit of rye spice but nothing like the punch to the mouth that a High West rye embodies.
Finish:
A bit on the short side and a little note of astringency but not too rough. The bananas are still there and they follow through all of the way to the end with a little wood and pepper, but its very faint.
Overall:
This isn't a terrible product. Do I think its best in the world? Not really. Is it worst in the world? Certainly not.
Score:
80
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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