Lot 40 Rye Canadian Whisky 750ML

Lot 40 Rye Canadian Whisky 750ML is a 100% rye grain Canadian whisky distilled in copper pot stills, bottled at 43% ABV in a 750ml format. Named Canadian Whisky of the Year at the 2015 Canadian Whisky Awards and scoring 94 points from Whisky Advocate, this expression stands as one of the most acclaimed rye-forward whiskies produced in Canada.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 proof)  |  Origin: Windsor, Ontario, Canada  |  100% Rye, No Age Statement  |  Distillery: Hiram Walker & Sons

Production & Heritage

The Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery in Windsor, Ontario, has been a cornerstone of Canadian whisky production for well over a century. Lot 40 diverges sharply from the Canadian norm by using a 100% unmalted rye mashbill — a rarity in a category where most expressions blend corn-based spirits with rye flavoring components. Distillation takes place one small batch at a time in a traditional copper pot still, a method far more common in Scottish single malt production than in Canadian whisky. The spirit then matures in new charred American oak barrels, another departure from standard Canadian practice, which typically relies on previously used casks. These deliberate production choices yield a whisky with pronounced grain character and robust structure.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sour rye bread greets the nose first, followed by ripe Bartlett pear and warmed honey. Subtle floral notes and rich vanilla emerge as the whisky opens up in the glass.

Taste: Heavy rye spice, white pepper, and roasted walnuts arrive immediately on the palate. The mid-palate broadens into English toffee, caramel, and dried fig, while earthy rye grain keeps the sweetness grounded. Flamed orange peel and dark fruit add complexity toward the peak.

Finish: A deep, mature oak presence lingers alongside faint dried apple, raisin, and a whisper of coffee. The finish is medium-long with a peppery, drying texture that reinforces the rye backbone throughout.

How to Drink Lot 40

Neat or with a few drops of water is the most rewarding way to experience the full spectrum of rye grain character, especially the interplay between spice and toffee sweetness. In cocktails, the 100% rye pot-still profile provides excellent backbone: a Manhattan benefits from its assertive spice standing up to sweet vermouth; a Sazerac pairs naturally with the earthy, peppery grain notes; and an Old Fashioned lets the caramel and dried fruit notes shine against a bitters-and-sugar foundation.

Best For

• Rye whisky enthusiasts seeking a 100% rye, pot-distilled expression
• Gifting a whisky lover who already knows the mainstream Canadian brands
• Building a home bar focused on cocktail-forward rye whiskies
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Canadian rye against American straight rye styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lot 40 taste like? Lot 40 delivers bold rye spice and white pepper up front, layered with English toffee, caramel, roasted walnut, and dark fruit. The finish carries mature oak, dried apple, and a touch of coffee.

How does Lot 40 compare to Crown Royal? Lot 40 is significantly more rye-forward and spice-driven than Crown Royal, which blends multiple grain types for a smoother, sweeter profile. The copper pot still distillation and 100% rye mashbill give Lot 40 a grain intensity and earthy complexity that Crown Royal does not pursue.

Is Lot 40 good for sipping neat? At 43% ABV, Lot 40 has enough body and grain character to reward careful neat sipping, and a few drops of water can further open up its toffee and fruit notes.

Where is Lot 40 made? Lot 40 is produced at the Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, one of the country's largest and most historically significant whisky-producing facilities.

What foods pair well with Lot 40? Smoked brisket or barbecue ribs complement the heavy rye spice; sharp aged cheddar echoes the earthy grain notes; dark chocolate amplifies the toffee and coffee finish; charcuterie with dried figs mirrors the whisky's dried fruit character; and pecan pie matches its caramel and roasted nut qualities.

What sizes does Lot 40 come in? The standard release is widely available in the 750ml bottle size.

Is Lot 40 worth the price? Lot 40 positions as a mid-premium Canadian whisky, and given its 100% rye pot-still production, a 94-point Whisky Advocate score, and a Canadian Whisky of the Year title, it delivers considerable depth and distinction for its price tier.

Why Lot 40?

In a Canadian whisky landscape dominated by blended, column-distilled expressions, Lot 40 occupies rare ground as a 100% unmalted rye whisky made entirely in a copper pot still and aged in new charred American oak. That combination produces a whisky with genuine grain identity — something many Canadian bottlings smooth away by design. A 94-point score from Whisky Advocate and the 2015 Canadian Whisky of the Year title confirm this is not niche curiosity but a critically validated expression. For anyone who wants to taste what Canadian rye can be when the grain leads the conversation, this is the benchmark bottle.