Bridgeland Glenbow PortaRossa Finish Single Malt Whisky (52.9%)

Part of the distillery’s ‘Artisan Collection’ series of limited-time offerings — pictured here with the other such release, the sherry cask finished Innisfail single pot still whisky — this is made with the same malt that goes in their regular Glenbow Single Malt, specifically the high-kilning Rocky Mountain Malt from Red Shed Malting. It is then aged for four years in ex-Taber Corn Whisky casks – ie: barrels which previously held the distillery’s bourbon-style whisky – and one year in ex-Porta Rossa casks – referencing Bridgehead’s ruby fortified wine.

After aging and finishing, the whisky is proofed for bottling at a relatively high strength, the distillery’s co-owner Jacques Tremblay explaining that they felt strongly the flavour and aroma peaked around 52% to 53%, with any higher emerging to ‘hot’ with alcohol and lower affecting what Trembly describes as the “magnificent finish.”

Those are the facts behind the whisky. The TL;DR is that this is a simply delightful whisky. Deep gold in colour, it has a very rich aroma of honey, plum, Medjool date, fresh and cooked vanilla, and a touch of Mandarin orange. There is without question a fair bit of alcohol on the nose, but the aromatics of the malt and the barrels are such that they are more than able to assert themselves regardless.

The palate entry is thick, rich, almost syrupy, with date, fig, and cooked grape must notes, leading to a more orangey, plummy body with wildflower honey and cocoa notes. The heat of the alcohol shows in the second half and finish, although not necessarily to the whisky’s detriment. Orange peel, oak, and slight spice define the finish, with fruity oak lingering.

Aside from a touch of immaturity on the finish, this is balanced, rich, and mature well beyond its years on the nose and midpalate. At its bottling strength, there will be a temptation to add a drop ot two of water, but as Tremblay notes, some of the richness is lost in that process. Better to simply enjoy it on its own as is.

89 ($95 from the distillery store)