CCR= Canadian Club Reserve
C12= Canadian Club Classic 12
Distiller: Hiram Walker (and possibly elsewhere), Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Beam)
Age
CCR: 9 y/o
C12: 12 y/o
ABV: 40% (both)
Michigan State Minimum
CCR: $18
C12: $23
Appearance: Burnt orange (both).
Nose
CCR: Burnt almonds, cedar, roasted corn, habanero
C12: Leather, caramel corn.
Palate
CCR: Full bodied, caramel, cayenne, a touch of oak.
C12: Thinner and milder. Light brown sugar, vanilla and some oak.
Finish
CCR: Maple syrup, alcohol,
C12: Fades quickly. A little more oak and a light, warm sweetness.
Parting words: Before I say anything else, I want to say that I don’t like the newly revamped Canadian Club label designs. The different expressions look too much alike on the shelf.
That out of the way, CC Reserve recently got knocked back a year from 10 y/o to 9 y/o. The 10 was one of my favorite Canadian whiskies and I was pretty annoyed when the change was made. It doesn’t seem to have changed the flavor of what’s inside. It’s still spicy and bold and a pleasure to drink. The price is impossible to beat for a Canadian with this much character. It’s recommended, and a few proof points more would probably push it into highly recommended territory.
The Classic 12 is good too, especially for the money, but it’s held back by its low proof. It works as a first pour of the night sipper whisky, but that’s about it. Classic 12 is mildly recommended.
Sipology 