This is a 1L bottle I picked up at auction some time ago - although I don't know when it was bottled, I'm going to hazard a guess that it's from the 1990s.
The colour is a light caramel. Some rye spice on the nose, with otherwise nondescript notes of toffee, vanilla and indistinct herbs. Pretty mild oak. Pencil shavings. Although a few drops of water gives it some maltiness and wood smoke, there's nothing special here except standard Canadian whisky.
Thin on the palate with butterscotch, vanilla extract and a hint of pepper. A bit of apple & cinnamon. A bit creamier and spicier with water. Not much else going on here.
The finish is medium length with cloves, toasted oak and caramel. All in all, this is pretty standard stuff; although I haven't tried the modern version, I'm willing to bet this is slightly better. Older bottlings of standard Crown Royal and Canadian Club can be quite stunning, but unfortunately this one doesn't greatly impress.
@JasonHambrey, you mention N of 7 barrel #16 and ask if it would be worthy of an honourable mention against BTAC releases and other top shelf notables? At the very least an honourable mention! Thank you for doing an excellent job bringing us to the (virtual) tasting table where we chose this special barrel from an offering of ten barrels... can’t wait to once again try the barrel of rye that we also selected. @Victor, barrel #16 is more than worthy of a mention. I’m looking forward to your reaction.
@paddockjudge you tempt me to tears.
Thank you for your warm testimonial.
Yes I think that we have a good bit of face to face tasting yet ahead of us. And you and I and many of our friends have large supplies of excellent spirits to enjoy.