Blame Covid.
I am dedicating this thread to the wonderful world of cheap whiskeys.
The hell with the expensive ones. I ain't gonna pay big money to ruin my liver.
Besides, there is a unique pleasure in finding the best bang for your buck.
So here goes. I will update this thread as I explore new ones. You'll see that it's a mostly Canadian list, because that's what I gravitate to. Suggestions are welcome. I'll start with my favorites (with longer reviews) and finish with my least favorite.
CAUTION: If you are unable to drink moderately like me, kindly leave this thread.
- Crown Royal Black
Rubens' favorite. Too bad it's no longer available where I live! (Montreal, Canada).
Like most cheap whiskeys, the first aroma you get upon pouring it is a strong burn of alcohol. But let it rest 5 minutes for the burn to dissipate, and discover the elixir beneath. Aromas of dark coffee, dark fruit and cola emerge. Lovely. The body is on the thin side, I don't care. On to the palate: tastes as good as it smells. Strong, but hitting all the right notes. The finish is long and has character, like it's telling you "I'll call you back, but you'll probably run back to me first". Damn I miss this one.
- Jim Beam Devil's Cut
My 2nd favorite. The one I mostly drink now that I can't get the CRB. Too bad for the horrible ads with Mila Kunis. Don't watch them. The drink itself is quite good. A bourbon aroma with strong notes of oak, pepper and cinnamon. Moderate body, certainly better than the CRB on that aspect. The taste is sweeter than the aroma, but in a nice way and not cloying. The finish is woody and a bit spicier than I would like it to be, but that'll do.
- Jack Daniel's Old no.7
We all know this one. I'd say it's underrated. For many of us it was the first whiskey we tried and liked. And then we "grew out of it" (read: turned into whiskey snobs) and dumped it for something more "advanced". Then we realize after trying many others that this one was actually good. It has its unique taste. Each person will have a different interpretation. To me it's honey and bananas, and very smooth; no alcohol burn at all, which is quite rare for a cheap spirit. Overall above decent, although I rarely buy it.
- Canadian Club 100% Rye
This one is as Canadian as the the Jack Daniel's Old no.7 is American. More complex and balanced than its name would suggest. With a smooth, rich body that may be its best quality. The finish is pure and leaves without much of a trace. A very good bargain overall. This is the base I would choose for an old fashioned.
- Canadian Club Classic 12 Year Old
Overly polite despite its potential. Almost apologetic. In short, the Canadian stereotype. Its best quality is its smoothness. Decent body also. And a comforting finish. You can appreciate its hidden complexities while you drink it, but you won't remember much of it. The one thing that is easy to remember is that it tastes a bit like burnt sugar, which is far from its best quality.
- Crown Royal Limited Edition
I'll steal the brillant words from another reviewer and say that its aroma and taste are reminiscent of orange cream popsicles. But in a good way, if you can imagine that. It is also very smooth. Its best quality, however, is its thick texture. The body, oh my, the body. This one got legs like Nelly Furtado. Damn.
- Lot 40 Rye
Complex for sure, although not in the best way. Several flavors combining in an additive rather than symbiotic fashion. Fruity, caramel, spicy, oily. Like drinking a pre-mixed cocktail. Not bad, but I feel like I've had enough after one drink, and it's certainly not from the alcohol content. Maybe it's a positive thing, after all.
- Alberta Premium Dark Horse
More like premium burn. Lots of potential for a characterful and complex rye, all overpowered by the harsh alcohol burn of its youth. Oh well.
- Crown Royal Northen Harvest Rye
Too sweet, too pungent, cloying, sickening, tries too hard to impress everyone. Pass.
- Forty Creek Barrel Select
Tastes like port wine. If I want a port wine I'll buy a damn port wine. Pass.
- Té Bheag Nan Eilean
A fair cheap scotch. I'm not a fan. No peat, no smoke, tastes almost like apple cider without the tartness. Pass.
- Ballantine's "Finest"
Oh dear God. Watery, floral, and even more apple-ciderish than the Té Bheag. Double pass.
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