Black Velvet Deluxe

Review: Black Velvet Deluxe Canadian Whisky 85/100
a review by Chip Dykstra (Aka Arctic Wolf)
Posted January 19, 2010

Black Velvet Canadian Whisky is a blend of  aged Canadian whisky currently produced at the Black Velvet Distillery (also Known as the Palliser Distillery) in Lethbridge Alberta. The whisky has a long history in North America,  originally produced at the Schenley distillery in Valleyfield Quebec in 1945.  The original name was Black Label, but because of the unusual smoothness associated with the whisky, the name was soon changed to Black Velvet.

In the Bottle 4/5

Black Velvet comes in the standard Canadian whisky flagon style bottle. The presentation is typical of mid range Canadian Whiskies. It is neither outstanding, nor disappointing.

In the Glass 8.5/10

The whisky is mahogany coloured with red and amber tones.  It has a mild spicy/fruity aroma which rises from the glass as I pour it. In moderation, vanilla and honey scents compliment the nose.  If one lets the glass sit, then more subtle aromas of cinnamon, and oak arise as well.  Black Velvet  Deluxe does not show any appreciable quantity of oil on the sides of the glass.

In the Mouth 51/60

This is a polished, smooth whisky with the alcohol bite soothed and mellowed.  The spices are mild and enjoyable, and I find good  balance.  Citrus fruits sit at the front of the palate, with honey and vanilla. There is  a nice whisper of oak which winds it way through the other flavours, and of course we have a strong rye influence which provides the foundation upon which these flavours rest. The whisky feels crisp on the palate, with a pleasing dryness that hints of how well the whisky will work in a cocktail or highball drink.  The entire presentation is one of  mellowness and smoothness.

In the Throat 13/15

We have a typical Canadian whisky finish, smooth and clean.  A  touch of dryness compliments the finish which leaves the mouth somewhat puckered and the throat gently burning.

The Afterburn 8.5/10

Black Velvet is a solid example of a typical Canadian whisky. It is smooth  with a nice rye like flair that mixes well with a large variety of cocktails.

You may read some of my other Whisky Reviews (click the link) if you wish to have some comparative reviews.

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Suggested Cocktail:

I am going to keep this cocktail as ‘Canadian’ as possible.  I am drawing my inspiration from a cocktail found at Bar None Drinks.  The Yukon Velvet.

Yukon Velvet

1 oz. Black Velvet Canadian Whisky
1 oz. Yukon Jack
a splash of Cola

Build on ice in a rocks glass

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Now that was my inspiration, but the Yukon Velvet is not quite the way I would mix Yukon Jack  and Black Velvet Whisky.  I prefer Cola for  whiskies with more bourbon in the flavour  profile.  A Canadian whisky with a fruitier and more rye like profile tends to like Ginger ale.  So I built this highball cocktail with Canada Dry Ginger ale instead:

The Canadian Caribou
a cocktail by Arctic Wolf (Aka chip Dykstra)

1 1/2 oz Black Velvet Canadian Whisky
1/2    oz Yukon Jack
Splash(es) of Canada Dry Ginger Ale

Build on ice
Garnish with a lemon Slice.

This Cocktail is “forrest Approved“.  Find more cocktail suggestions at his great website.