Corby Spirit and Wine Limited Pike Creek Canadian Whisky NV 750ml

Aged in American oak Bourbon barrels and finished in port barrels, the Canadian whisky has a nose of sweet dried fruits, with an underlying peppery spice and subtle toffee note, according to the company.

Pretty burnt orange/copper color; superb purity. Right from the first pour, I detect none-too-subtle aromas of port, black coffee and minerals/limestone; following another seven minutes of air contact, the aroma turns fruity, ripe, especially dried Mediterranean fruits such as dates or figs. Entry taste is intensely ripe and unabashed fruity and the semisweet aspect reminds me of pipe tobacco and clove; midpalate flashes flavors of black tea, cinnamon, orange peel and toffee, all the while maintaining its focus on the fortifies wine aspect, which is indelible. Aftertaste is ripe, piney, fruity and medium long. Damn near a flavored whisky, so evident is the port presence.

Pernod Ricard USA also introduced Pike Creek Canadian whisky to the United States in April. The 40 percent abv spirit is aged in American oak Bourbon barrels and finished in vintage Port barrels, resulting in flavors of sweet Port, dried fruits, vanilla and toffee, with a lingering rye finish. Produced in Ontario, Canada is available off premise in 10 states.

Nose is sweet: prunes, figs, apricots. Entry follows suit with dried fruits, notes of vanilla, tea, and caramel. Lingering dry finish.