Canadian Club 6 yr. (1972) - 43.3%
This is a nostalgic brand for me - nothing to do with Mad Men. Bartending in the early-2000s, Canadian Club is what the old timers drank in Michigan. It was one of the most called for brands that I poured working in hotel bars and private clubs over that period. Shows how strong the brand loyalty was back then to survive lowering proofs, vanish age statements, likely greater ratios of high distillation proof whiskey aged in significantly used barrels. This bottling from 1972 was from the era that likely got many of them hooked.
Notes: Super light vanilla and oak on the nose. This wasn't designed to leave much to dig into. On sipping, oak and vanilla up front. The slight proof bump does provide structure mid-palate into the finish, but it would be described as delicate. Palate is more vanilla and oak. There's some fruit trying to sneak through as well - oranges, maybe a faint candied cherry? Finish is short, top note heavy with the wood - fairly clean.
Score: 4 (Not Vocally Complaining) There isn't much difficulty putting this down (which was by design). To memory, it drinks less spirit-y and more composed than more contemporary versions I poured in the early-2000s.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour