Pendleton Midnight is a Canadian whisky that stands out as part of the Pendleton brand, which is produced by The Pendleton Distillery (owned by Bacardi through its Seagram's portfolio). Pendleton whisky is known for its smoothness and high-quality production, with a rich history tied to the Canadian frontier and the cowboy spirit. Pendleton Midnight, specifically, is a premium expression in the Pendleton line, with a focus on a richer, more refined flavor profile. It is often touted as a higher-proof whisky compared to standard Pendleton releases, making it a compelling option for both whisky aficionados and casual drinkers alike. Pendleton Midnight is a blend of Canadian whiskies, with the brand focusing on using only the finest ingredients and traditional distillation techniques. The whisky is named "Midnight" due to its darker color, which is the result of aging in charred oak barrels. This aging process imparts more robust flavors, including a fuller body and deeper character, compared to younger expressions. Pendleton Midnight is often seen as a great representation of Canadian rye whisky, particularly because it features a strong rye spice element balanced by sweetness from corn and a rich oak character.
NOSE: On the nose, Pendleton Midnight presents a complex and enticing profile with a balance of sweet and spicy elements. Rye spice is immediately noticeable, with a subtle black pepper and a touch of cinnamon, characteristic of rye-based Canadian whiskies. The influence of charred oak is evident, providing a slightly woody aroma, with hints of smoke and toasted oak, which gives the whisky depth. There’s a strong sweetness from the caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch notes, likely imparted from the oak barrels. These sweet elements create a nice contrast to the spiciness. A faint fruitiness is present, with hints of apple, pear, and perhaps a light touch of dried fruit like raisins or figs. Nutty undertones, such as almond or hazelnut, can also be detected, contributing to the whisky’s complexity.
TASTE: On the palate, Pendleton Midnight is smooth, with a full-bodied profile and a nice balance of sweetness, spice, and oak. The first impression is one of rich sweetness, with notes of caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla, creating a creamy, almost dessert-like mouthfeel. The rye spice emerges next, with black pepper, cinnamon, and a touch of cloves, giving the whisky warmth and a touch of complexity. The influence of charred oak is clear, with a woody, slightly smoky character, along with subtle notes of toasted wood and char, adding a robust backbone to the whisky. A mild fruitiness appears on the palate, with flavors of apple and pear providing a refreshing lift to the richness of the whisky. A nutty character, perhaps hazelnut or almond, complements the other flavors, providing a nice, balanced finish to the flavor profile.
FINISH: The finish of Pendleton Midnight is medium to long, leaving behind a combination of sweet, spicy, and woody notes. The caramel and butterscotch sweetness linger, with a light oakiness that gradually fades. The rye spice continues to provide a slight warmth, with a mild peppery heat that lingers on the back of the throat. A subtle nutty and woody note persists, giving the finish a smooth, yet slightly dry and warming aftertaste. The finish is clean and balanced, without being overly dry or cloying.
Almond
Apple
Butterscotch
Caramel
Cinnamon
Clove
Dried
Hazelnut
Oak
Pear
Pepper
Smoke
Toast
Vanilla