If you have been paying any attention, the original Lot 40 Cask Strength 12yr was the darling of Canadian whisky releases last year. A well priced, cask strength 100% rye that was widely available. Also helps it was bloody delicious.

I would like to thank Corby/Wiser’s who provided the sample of Lot 40 cask strength 11 year, the bottle of the 12 year I purchased last year. I try my best to not allow the nature or source of the pour influence my review.

This year it is followed up by a slightly younger version with a slightly higher ABV. Let us see how they compare.

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Lot 40 Cask Strength 11yr (2018)

• 11 years
• Virgin oak casks
• 100% rye
• 58.4% ABV

Nose: Cinnamon, oak, caramel, pepper, clove, apple, earthy. Spicier than the 12 yr

Palate: Big punch of rye spices, clove, cinnamon, pepper, caramel, cinnamon heart candies. Oak, barrel char. Vanilla

Finish: Long. Vanilla, cinnamon, mint, oak, caramel. Drying on the tail end.

Score: 87.5

Spice heavy, more oak. Less herbal/orange. If you like traditional, big, bold ryes you will like this more.

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Lot 40 Cask Strength 12yr (2017)

• 12 years
• 100% rye
• 55% ABV
• Virgin oak casks

Nose: Herbal, vanilla, sweet, oak, dill, orange peel, clove and apple. Sweeter, lighter, more herbal.

Palate: Herbal, apple, clove, oak, black tea, orange peel, pepper.

Finish: Oak, black tea, cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, orange peel, herbal.

Much lighter in terms of spice and oak. Less vanilla/barrel char, more herbal in profile.

Score: 89

 

 

Overall, these are two amazing ryes from Wiser’s. Which you will prefer will come down to personal preference and what type of spice profile you look for in a rye.