Canada’s Lot No. 40 Dark Oak Whisky has taken the top spot in the 2021 World Whiskies Awards.
Distilled in a pot still and aged in new oak barrels, Lot No. 40 Dark Oak was named by a panel of global judges to be the World’s Best Rye. A style of whisky commonly associated with Canada, rye whisky is produced around the globe. The Lot No. 40 Dark Oak beat out rye whiskies from the United States, Australia, Germany, England, Denmark and Ireland for the prestigious designation.
The World Whiskies Awards select the very best whiskies from around the world among the internationally recognized styles. Judging was conducted in early February by 50 industry experts from around the world. Recognition by the World Whiskies Awards rewards and promotes the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe.
The judges said of Lot No. 40 Dark Oak: “Grassy leafy aromas kick off the nose, with earthy sweetness and toasted bread. Flavours of clove, fudge, caramel and hot spice take over the palate. A little sweet and fruity with powdered candy and barley sugar. A spicy and sweet finish.”
Corby Spirit and Wine also took home the award of Best Canadian Blended Limited Release for J.P. Wiser’s 22 Year Old Cask Strength Port Cask Finish, and won three silver and two bronze medals at the Awards:
Silver — Pike Creek 10 Year Old Whisky; J.P. Wiser’s Apple Whisky; and J.P. Wiser’s 15 Year Old Canadian Whisky
Bronze — Lot No. 40 Rye Whisky; J.P. Wiser’s Triple Barrel Rye Whisky
The top-winning Lot No. 40 Dark Oak was originally aged in char no. 2 level barrels to impart the whisky with notes of vanilla and caramel to complement the rye spice. After the initial aging, it was finished in a char no. 4 barrel to enhance the flavours of charred oak, toasted sugar and deeper colour. The bold and intense rye whisky is finished by bottled at 48 per cent ABV.
Lot No. 40 Dark Oak delivers a full and complex drinking experience when consumed neat or on the rocks, but it is also gives added punch to classic whisky cocktails.