Pike Creek 10 Year Rum Barrel Finish

Review #053 Type: Canadian rye whisky Proof: 42% Comments: aged 10 years, white oak ex-bourbon maturation, finished in rum barrels Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Vanilla and spicy rye notes are most notable on first pass. Letting it sit for a minute and continued nosing makes me think of bananas foster. The fried fruit, the brown sugar, the cinnamon, and the vanilla ice cream are all here. Very sweet, the more I nose it the more I’m finding and enjoying it. Palate: 29/40 Nice mouthfeel but a little watery flavor wise. It’s sweet and very mellow, almost a complete lack of any alcohol burn. The first thing that comes to mind is rum raisin vanilla ice cream. Searching some more I can discern a mild cola flavor, honey, and some rye bread also. Finish: 27/40 Short finish. Rye spice and oak are most noticeable but they don’t exactly pop. I get hints of molasses and black pepper also, but it’s mild throughout. With Water: Water makes this a much more interesting dram. A couple drops further enhance the vanilla on the nose. On the palate, the rye spice pops and rounds it out very nicely, and the finish takes on a little bit of a lemon citrus edge. Total: 71/100 Final thoughts: This one is such an easy sipper. It’s not a bottle I frequently reach for but usually goes over well with friends who are just getting started with whisky. I stacked some promos together to buy this bottle at an incredibly discounted price, and am very glad I had the opportunity to try it. It’s an awesome value buy and good example of how sweet rum and spicy rye can work well together, but I don’t think I’ll be replacing it once it’s gone. Price: $22 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Overall Rating: 90/100 Nose (22/25) The nose is warm and inviting, with a distinct sweetness that immediately reveals the rum cask influence. Aromas of dark brown sugar, molasses, and caramelized bananas dominate, supported by notes of vanilla and toasted oak. There is a hint of dried fruits, such as raisins and apricots, which adds depth, while subtle spices like cinnamon and clove emerge as it opens up. The nose is rich and appealing, setting the stage for an enjoyable tasting experience. Palate (23/25) On the palate, Pike Creek 10 Year is medium-bodied with a smooth, silky texture. The rum barrel finish shines through with flavors of toffee, ripe tropical fruits, and spiced honey, which meld harmoniously with the underlying whisky's characteristics. The dried fruit notes from the nose carry over, complemented by a touch of baking spices and a slight nuttiness that adds complexity. The sweetness is well-balanced, avoiding any cloying sensation and allowing the wood influence to integrate seamlessly. Finish (22/25) The finish is moderately long, with lingering warmth and a gentle spiciness. Notes of sweet oak, dark chocolate, and a faint rum sweetness persist, leaving a pleasant, slightly drying sensation. As it fades, a final touch of toasted coconut and vanilla reappears, encouraging another sip. The finish is satisfying, with enough depth to remind you of the whisky's maturity and rum influence. Balance (23/25) Pike Creek 10 Year Rum Barrel Finish is a well-balanced whisky that successfully marries the rich, sweet character of the rum casks with the robust Canadian whisky base. The integration of flavors is seamless, with the rum influence enhancing rather than overpowering the whisky. The result is a smooth, approachable dram that offers complexity without being overly challenging, making it suitable for a range of whisky enthusiasts. Conclusion Pike Creek 10 Year Rum Barrel Finish is a standout example of how rum cask finishing can elevate a whisky's profile, adding layers of flavor while maintaining harmony. Its rich sweetness, complemented by spice and oak, provides a versatile drinking experience that's equally enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. This whisky's approachable nature, combined with its well-executed finish, makes it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the world of cask-finished whiskies or simply enjoy a quality Canadian dram.

Vanilla, caramel and rye spice nose. The rum influence is right there from the get go. A little watery on the palate, but very little burn. Not as sweet as you might expect based on the aroma. The rye and cereal really come through here, with subtle vanilla and tropical fruit. Finish is medium/short but the rum notes really come through again here. All in all a very solid and unique offering from my home province here in Canada. This would be a great dram to throw in to a blind tasting. It's aged rum!...no wait it's rye!....well actually maybe rum! Actually what the hell is this other than tasty??

PIKE CREEK 10 YEAR OLD RUM FINISH 🇨🇦 22/11/2023 Ankara Burun: Tatlı, esmer şeker, vanilya ve baharat. Damak: Dengeli, kuru meyve, şekerleme, vanilya. Bitiş: Orta bitişli. Sıcak, hafif yakıcı ve yağlı. Genel : Tattığım ilk Kanada hatta çavdar viskisi. Burun ve damak farklı olmasına rağmen gayet dengeli bir bitişe sahip. Rum etkisi her aşamada hissediliyor. Firmanın eski fıçılarına (eski liman fıçıları) nazaran daha kısa bitişli bir versiyonu olduğu bilgisi mevcut. 76/100

Pike Creek 10 year (rum barrel finished), bottled in Canada, 42% abv made by Pernod Ricard. Aroma: rye, light rum, odd sweetness. Taste: sweet, vanilla, some oak, not really getting any rum but more of that odd canuck sweetness. It has a little of the generic/cheaper Canadian notes. Which I was not expecting for a more legitimate/pricier bottle. Very smooth nice sipper. Wooden top. Coloring possibly added. Cost: 29.99+tax (overpriced) Grade: C+/B-

A creamy, Canadian-style Blended Rye Whisky by Corby Distillers in Corbyville, Ontario aged for 10 years in oak & then finish in Rum Barrels for the last several months. It has an aromatic birth with notes of nougat, leather, banana & apricot; while a rich & spicy life adds notes of Rye spice, nutmeg & a hint of coconut; that leads to a creamy death of medium length with notes of brown sugar, raisins & black pepper. June 2020 / September 2022