Canadian Club Premium

Review by: TOModera

So, after having a light allergic reaction, it’s time to get back on the horse and have some whisky.

And what better whisky to have after your stomach’s been tied up in knots than one you’ve been dreading. Yup, it’s time to review Canadian Club Premium, because I’m a masochist.

Alright, alright, I know. Don’t go into a review with doubts. But how could I? I live in Canada. Hell, I lived in Windsor for school. I know how this tastes.

I remember the parties where this was ‘the whisky to drink’. I remember (some) of the Boilermakers. And most of all, I remember the instant headaches that came from drinking it.

Canadian Club Premium is at least 3 years, as that’s the minimum age needed to call something a Canadian whisky. It’s made by Hiram Walker, which is now owned by Beam Suntory.

Sounds appetizing, doesn’t it? Oh well, let’s see if young 20s me was wrong about this one like so many of the women I dated.

Distillery: Hiram Walker (Beam Suntory) Distillery.

Bottler: Distillery Bottling.

Region: Canada.

ABV: 40%.

Age: Unknown.

Cask type: Unknown.

Price: $26.35 (CAD) at the LCBO.

Color: Brass.

Nose: Creamed corn, nutmeg, turnip, whipped topping, peach drink

So it smells like fake stuff and dirty cafeteria food. That’s a good start. I’m so happy I paid a twoonie for this sample.

Damn I’m an idiot. This is already agreeing to my bias.

Taste: Corn, caramel, ginger, blue drink

And… it’s actually not that bad. I mean, it’s still fake as porn orgasms, but… I’m not disgusted? After some of the reviews lately, I was expecting to pour this out, yet it’s a smooth, if somewhat one note drink.

Hmmm… maybe 20s me was wrong. Again.

Finish: Nutmeg, butterscotch, rosemary, parsley, cumin

I’m not hating this finish. Again, it’s pretty simple, yet in any other whisky it’d get a pass.

Wow. I’m actually surprised. I finish the dram this time.

Conclusion: If they could fix the nose and let the taste have a little bit more to it, I’d be okay with this being Canada’s ‘flagship’ whisky around the world.

I’m not saying it’s great. Heck, I’m not even saying try it. I’m saying that there’s much worse whisky out there, from my country and more.

The nose is still awful though. Really bad.

Final Score: 51.

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

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