1797 | Spirits, Canadian, $20 to $50

"Opening nose hints of pine tar, dark caramel and maple syrup with subtle notes of brown sugar and honey. Palate entry has a silk texture; at midpalate there’s a minor explosion of dried fruit and chocolate cherry flavor. Concludes quiet and mild. Best Buy." 85-89 pts.

"Aroma includes honey, sherry, dried fruit, spearmint and nougat, black tea, cocoa butter and tropical fruit. Palate offers bittersweet chocolate, brown sugar, honey-coated peanuts, melon, Sherry and nougat. A modern-day classic. Best Buy." 96-100 pts.

"Brilliant deep amber/copper color. Smooth toffee and dried fruit aromas. A smooth supple entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with dry caramel, dark raisin, and pepper flavors. Finishes with a mineral, caramel, and white pepper flavors. A pure and tasty Canadian whiskey that delivers rich flavors with a fine balance."

"The bouquet offers potent spirity notes atop more subtle marshmallow and toffee scents. The palate entry is robust, nutty, semisweet and honeyed; by the midpalate stage the taste profile is nougaty, mildly cocoa-like, Sherried and marzipan-like. Concludes with flavors of dried red fruits, Sherry and dark caramel. A guilty pleasure of a sweetfest." 90-95 pts.

"Pale copper color. Muted dried fruit, toffee, and alcohol aromas. A buoyant entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with spicy rye, nuts, toffee, and pepper flavors. Finishes with a dryish wood and pepper flavor."

"After resting for 12 years in the barrel, Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky has reached its point of ideal balance. It has been determined that 12 years of aging is required to bring together the right mix of flavor, aroma and finish characteristic only to Gibson’s Finest. Precise blending of the well-aged deep and mellow corn base whisky with the bold, spicy rye and malt whiskies brings together an ideal symphony of taste experiences. From the selection of grains and fermentation conditions, to craftsmanship and diversity in distillation, through to expertise in aging and blending, every step in the crafting of Gibson’s Finest supports the superior taste of the finished whisky."

"Amber color with an olive cast. Aromas of buttered roasted nuts and caramel taffy aromas follow though on a soft, creamy entry to a off-dry medium body with dried cherry and spice notes in the lingering charcoal and leather accented finish. A solid sipper."