Sometimes we just like pretty things… even if we know better. Now I know if you are reading this, more than likely this has happened to you too, maybe not with bourbon, but probably at least once with something you have purchased. You walk into your local store, and there on the shelf is a gorgeous bottle with a cool caribou metal cork topper you immediately forgot to take the time to look at your phone to see if this is a good bottle. Instead, enamored by the cork topper, square bottle, and the words “limited” on the bottle, your non-bourbon instincts kick in and your inner kid says “I must buy!” Sometimes that works out, but more often than not, you will be disappointed. Referred to as the Blanton’s of Canada, today’s review comes from the Sazerac Distillery Co. and is of Caribou Crossing Canadian Single Barrel Whiskey.

From the Sazerac Co. website: Caribou Crossing holds the distinction of being the world’s first single barrel Canadian whisky. Made from the finest sampling of our master collection of 200,000 barrels of whisky and designed to reinvent the Canadian whisky category. 

I have been told that these are not considered rare or limited, however, I have only seen two of these bottles in NoCo. I will say that neither of these bottles was overpriced unless you are comparing the quality of the whiskey to the price. Overall, this was just a subpar whiskey placed in a beautifully unique bottle with a “gimmick” cork to compete with the well-known Blanton’s house. I will say that this bottle does a great job at marketing, but with no finish and an almost watered-down palate, this will be a pass in the future for me. But as always, please try this bottle for yourself, perhaps at a bar first, as the wonderful thing about bourbon and whiskey is that everyone’s palate and enjoyment are different. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Vanilla, Caramel, Citrus, Baking Spice, and Slight Ethanol
• Palate: Very Light with Notes of Vanilla, Caramel, Bread Dough, and Baking Spice
• Finish: Really None, Maybe Short with Slight Spice and Caramel
• 2022 MSRP: $49
• 2022 National Average: $75
• Proof: 80
• My Rating: Donate It/Mix It (Cool cork, but not really the “Canadian Blanton’s”)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman