Tasting notes·Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd.
Lot No. 40 Rye Whisky
While the whisky world looks spellbound to Scotland and Kentucky, something special is brewing in the far north of Canada. Lot No. 40 Rye Whisky from Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd. is not just another rye – it is a statement.
The panel
Mean 71.0 · spread 2
Value for money 4/5
- Distillery
- Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd.
- Type
- Rye
- Country
- Canada
- Strength
- 43% ABV
- Character
- floral
Tasting
Nose
First, there is a surprisingly fruity note of fresh apple juice, which blends with the characteristic rye spice. It is like walking through an autumn garden while a baker's oven sizzles next door. The oak makes its presence felt confidently – a lot of oak, in fact, which gives the whole thing structure and depth. Then comes the sweet seduction: caramel creeps in, creamy and inviting. But Lot No. 40 has a few more tricks up its sleeve: cooling menthol provides freshness and awakens the senses, while bread-like notes are reminiscent of freshly baked rye bread. The caraway at the end is not intrusive, but rather like a knowing wink – yes, rye is definitely at work here. This nose is a promise that you definitely want to redeem on the palate.
Palate
The first thing you notice is a pleasant dryness that prepares your mouth for what is to come. Then honey unfolds on the tongue, sweet but not sticky, accompanied by a subtle melon note that provides a refreshing fruitiness. The menthol and herbal notes from the nose return, this time with a slightly cooling effect that adds an invigorating dimension to the whole. It is this balance between sweet and spicy, between soft and structured, that makes Lot No. 40 so drinkable.
Finish
The finish is medium-long and warming – exactly what you would expect from a good rye. The spiciness that has been present throughout the tasting comes to the fore once again here, leaving a pleasant tingling sensation. Caramel and brown sugar give the finish a sweet note that prevents it from becoming too dry.
Verdicts
Marcel
The Lot No. 40 Rye is a charming entry-level experience into the world of Canadian rye, offering mild spice and sweet caramel notes that are simply enjoyable. For anyone looking for an uncomplicated yet characterful whisky that doesn’t irritate with aggressive sharpness, it’s just right – though it does sometimes lack real depth and complexity.
Sascha
With a balanced structure and a clear rye character, the Lot No. 40 delivers a solid harmony between sweetness and spice, complemented by a pleasant oak maturation. Despite its good craftsmanship, it feels somewhat limited in terms of complexity and aging, making it more of an accessible everyday whisky than a complex premium rye.
What it is worth
No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.