Windsor Canadian Whisky Notches Up the Proof With Sherry-Tinged ‘Reserve’ Expression

(Photo: Windsor Canadian Whisky)

Last week, Windsor Canadian Whisky dialed up the proof of its flagship expression with the unveiling of Windsor Reserve.

Bottled at 46.6% ABV, the whisky is produced using cereal grains grown near Windsor’s headquarters in Calgary, Alberta. Like other offerings from the brand, Windsor Reserve was blended with mineral-rich glacial stream water sourced from Western Canada before aging in the “dry, mile-high” Canadian Rocky Mountains.

The brand says the whisky’s aromas and flavors of rye, sweet fruit, vanilla and caramel work excellently inside craft cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned. Those hoping to purchase the release can now find it online at a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Windsor was founded in 1963 by American firm National Distillers. Originally sold under the label “Windsor Supreme,” the brand derives its name from the eponymous city of Windsor, Canada, recognized worldwide for its enormous output of whisky brands including Canadian Club, J.P. Wiser’s, Gibson’s and Royal Reserve. The city became a distillation hotspot at the height of Prohibition and has never slowed down since.

In 1987, Windsor was acquired by Fortune Brands, later rebranded as Beam Global. Ownership changed hands once again in 2020 when the distiller was bought out by Prestige Beverage Group, recognized for names like Snoop Dogg’s Indoggo Gin and Risata Wines. In addition to its flagship Canadian Whisky and Reserve expressions, the brand offers Black Cherry and Apple flavors.

Windsor Reserve Tasting Notes, Per the Brand

Color: Rich gold

Nose: Peppery rye, sweet fruit

Taste: Spicy, robust layers of vanilla and caramel

Finish: Bold, smooth and rich, hints of sherry casks