Black Velvet Canadian Whisky

Black Velvet is a blended Canadian whisky first released in 1951 as 'Black Label' and renamed by its original distiller, Jack Napier, for its velvet-smooth character. It is made from a mix of grains including rye, barley and corn. The brand's 'Blended at Birth' method sees barrel-aged high wines married with fresh base whisky and returned to bourbon barrels to finish maturing. Bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle, it is an easygoing, light-bodied whisky for mixing or sipping over ice.

Tasting Notes: Yellow amber; caramel, vanilla, coconut and rye spice.

Nose: Brown butter and roasted nuts.

Palate: A brisk, dryish entry of light caramel, nuts and reeds, with vanilla, coconut and rye spice.

Finish: A dusty, peppery fade.

Serve: On ice, with ginger ale or cola, or in a highball.