Black Velvet whiskies

History

The brand was created at the beginning of the 1950s by a blender at Gilbey’s who was looking for a particularly smooth whisky; the name “black velvet” was meant to convey that idea. Over the years it became one of the great successes of Canadian whisky in the United States, where it sells in huge quantities. The Lethbridge distillery, on the Alberta prairies, specialised in this brand, which passed through several international groups before Heaven Hill bought it.

House style

Black Velvet is light and smooth, with vanilla, caramel, sweet cereal and a touch of rye spice. Its method blends the base whisky with rye whisky while they are still young and lets them mature together in the barrel. It doesn’t aim for complexity but for a friendly, easy drink, especially as a long drink with ice and a mixer. It is one of those whiskies valued more for its smoothness and price than for its nuances, and it works very well in simple mixed drinks, with soda, cola or ginger ale and plenty of ice.

Where to start

Black Velvet is the catalogue’s only entry. If you’re after a cheap Canadian whisky for mixing, it does the job. If you like it and want something with more character, try Canadian Club 12 or Wiser’s Deluxe, and to discover real Canadian rye, Alberta Premium or Lot No. 40. All of them are affordable and easy to find in specialist shops in Spain.

• Black VelvetBlend · 40% ABV