Gibson's Finest Bold 8 Year

A lesson for Canadian whiskymakers that joining the "new breed" of Canadian whiskies means more than upping the ABV a bit, adding a half-hearted age statement (complete with poorly affixed sticker, no less), and a bold-sounding name. Like . . . "Bold," for example (. . . sigh.). I was cautiously optimistic, owing to a nice bit of pickle juice on the nose when I first cracked the bottle, but it quickly dissapates, and afterward--things are pretty much paint by numbers. A bit of dill on the nose, some vanilla and butterscotch, a flinty minerality, lemon-cake, maple syrup and . . . that's it. Tastes likewise: a bit of dill pickle juice, some vanilla, butterscotch, a bit of wood tannin. Owing to the higher ABV, it does have a bit more depth and body than your average Canadian whisky, and there is just a bit of an interesting spicy punchiness. But on the whole . . . maybe back to the drawing board, Gibson's folks?

Not much to complain about coming in at under $30 Canadian for a 750ml 8yr at 46 % abv. It's more complex than anything else at this price point except Alberta Premium Dark Horse, and Wisers tripple barrel but it does have a higher abv than both....There is a significant rye influence, and the added 3-4 years in the barrel does up the intensity of the vanilla and overall sweetness as well. My biggest gripe with Gibson's bold 8 is the marketing and the obvious added colouring. it's not just a bit of color its a damn lot!! And these are not even virgin oak casks...Has the same colour as a 30yo first fill at least... It's also being marketed as the perfect mixer for rye and cola. So there's that...But it sure doesn't taste like crap. It's good. 3/5

Strong ethanol hit on the nose, followed by rye spice, dill and caraway. Not exactly drawing me in. The palate is a bit confused as well. Not particularly pleasant off the get go, a little bit sour and bitter. As you start to taste the spices it improves a bit. Strong wood tannins, tastes added and not naturally occuring. The finish is fine but fairly short. It at least mellows out the tannic bitterness. Water brings out the sweetness a little bit more but I probably will only be drinking this again in cocktails. Wouldn't buy again. Stick with Wiser's 10 year at this price point. Shot to the heart, and Gibson's is to blame. You give Canadian Whisky a bad name.

Surprisingly rich nose with some good spice to try to balance the sweetness. I like the Rye here and appreciate the 46%. However, the colouring is far too much and sweetness has an artificial quality to it. A great mixer, not so good as a sipper.

I'm normally a bourbon drinker, but a Canadian friends keeps bringing me a different bottle of Gibson's every time he comes home from a visit. This is a bold, strong flavored whiskey. Spicy and strong brown sugar tones. Highly recommended!

A slight improvement on a classic bottom shelf blend. The higher proof and reasonable age statement are appreciated, but the finished product is still lacking. Would make for a good mixer.