Home / Whiskey / Proof Whisky

Proof Whisky

Canada Blend Score: 7.1/10

Proof Whisky is a Blend whiskey crafted in Canada. With an impressive rating of 7.1/10, it features distinctive notes of Apple, Barley, Butterscotch. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts seeking blend expressions from Canada.

About This Whiskey

Proof Whisky is a term that often refers to a brand of whisky as well as a measurement of alcohol content. In the context of whisky, proof usually refers to the strength or alcohol content of the spirit, but there are also specific brands using "Proof" as part of their name.

Tasting Notes

NOSE: The nose refers to the aroma you experience when you bring the glass close to your face. The nose gives you a preview of the whisky's character before you even take a sip. It can provide clues about the whisky’s base ingredients, aging process, and the casks used. For high-proof whiskies (cask strength, higher alcohol content), the nose is often more intense due to the higher alcohol level. This could lead to a more alcohol-forward aroma, which some may find strong, while others appreciate its complexity. Alcohol Burn: Higher proof whiskies can give off a noticeable ethanol or alcohol aroma. It might feel like a sharp burn at first, which can be reduced by letting the whisky breathe for a few minutes. Vanilla and Caramel: These are common scents from oak aging, often found in bourbons and blended whiskies. Caramelized sugar, toffee, or butterscotch can be present, particularly in whiskies aged in new oak barrels. Spices: You might get cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and even nutmeg. Rye whiskies often have a signature spicy aroma that can be bold and peppery. Fruits: Many whiskies reveal fruity notes such as apple, pear, raisins, or even dark berries (cherry, blackcurrant). These are often derived from the aging process, where the whisky extracts flavors from the wood. Oak: Older whiskies or those aged in used barrels might show notes of oak, which can come across as woody, earthy, or even smoky.

TASTE: The taste refers to the flavors you experience when the whisky touches your tongue and the aftertaste it leaves in your mouth. A higher-proof whisky will have a full-bodied and intense flavor profile, and depending on how you drink it (neat, with water, or on ice), the palate can shift. Common Tastes on the Palate: Sweetness: You'll often experience a sweetness derived from the corn (in bourbon) or the barley (in malt whisky), which can present as vanilla, toffee, or honey. The sweetness can also come from the aging process in charred oak barrels, which caramelizes sugars in the wood. Spices: High-proof whiskies frequently bring out spicy flavors from the rye or from the oak itself. You might experience black pepper, cinnamon, or a touch of cloves. Fruits: Flavors of dried fruits such as raisin, fig, or sultana are often present, especially in aged whiskies. Fresh fruit like apple, pear, or stone fruit (like cherry or plum) can also come through, contributing to a fresh, juicy aspect. Wood and Oak: The influence of the oak barrel can give a whisky woody, smoky, or even charred notes. Whiskies aged in sherry casks may have more pronounced nutty or fruity flavors. Creaminess: Some whiskies, especially those with higher barley content, might offer a creamy or buttery mouthfeel, imparting flavors of butterscotch or cream soda. Smoke and Peat: For peated whiskies, expect smoky or medicinal flavors from the peat used in the drying process. These can range from light smokiness to heavy, campfire-like flavors.

FINISH: The finish refers to the lingering flavors and sensations you experience after you swallow the whisky. A whisky’s finish can range from short to long, with lingering sweetness, spice, or oak. The quality and complexity of the finish often give a strong indication of the whisky’s overall character. Common Characteristics of Finish: Warmth: Higher proof whiskies often deliver a warming sensation that spreads through the throat and chest. This can be a pleasant and comforting feeling, but it might also be intense for some, especially in cask strength expressions. Sweetness: The finish may leave behind lingering flavors of caramel, vanilla, or honey, especially in whiskies that have been aged in charred oak. Spicy Kick: Spices such as pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and even ginger might persist after the swallow, creating a tingling sensation on the palate. Oak and Woodiness: Many whiskies, especially older ones, leave a dry, slightly woody finish, with oak flavors that are more noticeable the longer you savor the whisky. Tannins from the oak might add a drying or bittersweet quality. Smoke: In peated whiskies, the smokiness or earthy peat flavors can last on the finish, leaving a persistent campfire-like note that lingers long after swallowing. Clean or Lingering: A clean finish means the whisky doesn’t linger too long on the palate, and the flavors dissipate quickly. A lingering finish, on the other hand, means that the whisky’s flavors (often the spices, oak, or fruit) stay with you, creating a lasting impression.

Flavor Profile

Apple Barley Butterscotch Campfire Caramel Cinnamon Clove Corn Dried Ginger Honey Nutmeg Oak Pear Peat Pepper Smoke Sultana Toffee Vanilla

Similar Whiskeys

Macallan 10yo Full Proof 57% 1980 (OB, Giovinetti & Figli)

Ledaig 42yo Dusgadh

Laphroaig 27yo 57.4% 1980-2007 (OB, 5 Oloroso Casks, 972 Bts)

Glenfarclas 40yo

Amrut Spectrum (Batch 1)

Glengoyne 25yo

Highland Park 25yo

Highland Park 40yo

Tamdhu 30yo (MacPhail Collection 2009)

Balvenie TUN 1401 (all batches)

Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 33)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 37)

Highland Park 30yo

Laphroaig 25yo

Nikka Single Cask Coffey Malt 12yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 40)

Yamazaki 18yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 49)

Redbreast 21yo

Yamazaki Sherry Cask (all vintages)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 56)

Bruichladdich 21yo Cuvée 407 PX

Compass Box Last Vatted Malt

Amrut Greedy Angels (8yo and 10yo)

BenRiach 18yo Albariza Pedro Ximenez Peated

Amrut Spectrum (all batches)

Bowmore Springtide

Highland Park 16yo Odin

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 1)

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 53)

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 2)

Macallan Cask Strength

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 39)

Highland Park 18yo

Karuizawa 1990 Sherry Butt

Kavalan Solist PX Cask

Sheep Dip Old Hebridean 1990 Blended Malt

Timorous Beastie 21yo Sherry Edition

Amrut Spectrum 004 (Batch 2)

GlenDronach vintage 20yo Single Cask (all vintages)

Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 44)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 52)

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 35)

BenRiach 17yo Solstice Peated Port (both editions)

Benromach 10yo Cask Strength (100 proof)

Highland Park 17yo The Dark

User Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Proof Whisky

What type of whiskey is Proof Whisky?

Proof Whisky is a Blend whiskey from Canada. This type is known for its distinctive characteristics and unique production process.

How should I taste Proof Whisky?

For the best tasting experience, pour Proof Whisky into a tulip-shaped glass and let it rest for a few minutes. Start by nosing the whiskey to appreciate its aromatic complexity. Take small sips and let the whiskey coat your palate. You may want to add a few drops of water to open up the flavors. We recommend enjoying it neat to fully appreciate its character.

What foods pair well with Proof Whisky?

Proof Whisky pairs excellently with smoked salmon, oysters, and strong cheeses. The smoky character matches beautifully with seafood and robust flavors.

What are the main flavor notes in Proof Whisky?

The flavor profile of Proof Whisky features Apple, Barley, Butterscotch, Campfire, Caramel. These flavors create a complex and layered tasting experience that appeals to a wide range of whiskey lovers.