{"title":"Wayne Gretzky","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"wayne-gretzky-no-99-red-cask-canadian-whiskey-750ml","title":"Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Red Cask Canadian Whiskey 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWayne Gretzky No. 99 Red Cask Canadian Whiskey 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 40% ABV Canadian whisky finished in red wine casks from Wayne Gretzky Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. This expression earned a Grand Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and an 87-point score from Whisky Advocate, establishing it as one of the more decorated wine-cask-finished Canadian whiskies on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada  |  Wine Cask Finished  |  Distillery: Wayne Gretzky Estates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWayne Gretzky Estates operates in Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of Canada's premier wine regions, under the direction of Master Distiller Joshua Beach. The whisky begins with a mashbill of rye, malted rye, and corn — each grain individually mashed, fermented, and distilled before blending. After initial aging, the spirit is finished in red wine casks sourced directly from the estate's own winery, a step that layers fruit-forward complexity onto the grain base. All ingredients are 100% Canadian, and the wine-cask finishing connects this whisky to the terroir of Niagara in a way few Canadian expressions attempt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark brown sugar and maple syrup arrive first, followed by caramel and a faint floral quality reminiscent of roses. Red grape, apple, and citrus notes emerge alongside hints of leather and honey as the glass opens up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is sweeter than expected for a 40% ABV whisky, with maple and vanilla-infused red wine notes coating the palate. The mid-palate introduces moderate oak and a touch of rye spice, while apple and grape flavors thread through, giving it a surprisingly rich, layered texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is light to medium in length, fading on sweet fruit and a whisper of warm spice. It leaves behind a clean, gently fruity impression without any harsh grain or bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Red Cask\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeat or with a single ice cube is the best way to experience the wine-cask influence — a touch of dilution opens up the fruit and maple character without thinning the body. Its inherent sweetness and smooth profile also make it a versatile cocktail base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The maple and red fruit notes create a naturally sweeter Old Fashioned that needs less added sugar.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhisky Sour:\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine-cask fruitiness pairs well with fresh citrus, adding depth beyond what a standard Canadian blend provides.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManhattan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Cask's grape and vanilla backbone complements sweet vermouth without competing with it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHockey fans and sports memorabilia collectors looking for a themed bottle with genuine quality behind it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWine drinkers exploring whisky for the first time, drawn in by the familiar fruit-forward profile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a Canadian whisky enthusiast who appreciates wine-cask experimentation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMixing approachable, fruit-leaning cocktails at a home bar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Red Cask taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Wayne Gretzky Red Cask delivers a sweet, fruit-forward profile built on maple syrup, vanilla, and red grape notes from its wine-cask finish, supported by a mild rye spice and moderate oak. It drinks smoothly with a light, clean finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Red Cask compare to Crown Royal?\u003c\/strong\u003e Crown Royal's flagship blend leans toward vanilla, dried fruit, and toasted oak from its traditional barrel aging, while Red Cask picks up a distinctive red fruit and maple sweetness from its estate wine-cask finish. Red Cask is generally lighter-bodied and more fruit-forward, whereas Crown Royal delivers a more classic, grain-driven Canadian whisky character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Red Cask good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its 40% ABV, smooth texture, and sweet fruit-and-maple flavor profile make it one of the more approachable Canadian whiskies available. The low heat and absence of harsh grain notes welcome newcomers to the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Red Cask made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Cask is produced using 100% Canadian ingredients and finished at Wayne Gretzky Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. The grains are distilled at a Canadian distillery and then transferred to the estate for blending and red wine cask finishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Red Cask?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged cheddar or Gouda complements the maple sweetness; grilled stone fruit like peaches mirrors the wine-cask fruitiness; charcuterie boards with dried cranberries and walnuts bridge the sweet-savory gap; smoked salmon highlights the light rye spice; and dark chocolate with berry filling echoes the red fruit notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Red Cask come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering is a 750ML bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Red Cask worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Cask positions as an entry-level to mid-range Canadian whisky, and the wine-cask finishing step adds a layer of complexity uncommon at this price tier. Its Grand Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 87-point Whisky Advocate score suggest it punches above its weight in terms of critical recognition relative to cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Red Cask?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defining feature here is the finishing process — red wine casks from Wayne Gretzky's own Niagara winery impart a fruit character that most Canadian blends in this price range simply cannot replicate. An 87-point score from Whisky Advocate and a Grand Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition back up the quality beyond the celebrity branding. The individually distilled rye, malted rye, and corn mashbill provides a solid grain foundation before the wine influence takes over. For drinkers who want a Canadian whisky that breaks from tradition without losing its identity, Red Cask represents one of the more interesting experiments in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wayne Gretzky","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837684576425,"sku":"30102","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Wayne-Gretzky-No-99-Red-Cask-Canadian-Whiskey__16119.jpg?v=1730490643"},{"product_id":"wayne-gretzky-no-99-ice-cask-750ml","title":"Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Ice Cask 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWayne Gretzky No. 99 Ice Cask 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 41.5% ABV Canadian whisky finished in Vidal icewine casks, produced at the Wayne Gretzky Distillery in Ontario, Canada. This expression has earned Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, validating the distillery's unique approach of marrying whisky with its own estate-produced icewine barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 41.5%  |  Origin: Ontario, Canada  |  3 Years + 4 Month Icewine Cask Finish  |  Distillery: Wayne Gretzky Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Wayne Gretzky Distillery operates in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, where it produces both wines and spirits — a dual operation that gives the Ice Cask its defining character. The whisky begins with a mashbill of rye, malted rye, and corn, with each grain individually distilled before being matured for three years in ex-bourbon barrels. The liquid is then finished for approximately four months in casks that previously held Vidal icewine from the Gretzky winery, a step that imparts a distinctive residual sweetness and fruit complexity rarely found in Canadian whisky.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Opens with prominent toffee and caramelized sugar, followed by clove, raisin, and a backbone of rye spiciness. A touch of oak emerges as the whisky opens up in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth and round, with immediate baked apple sweetness and mixed berry notes from the icewine cask influence. Mid-palate, the rye grain asserts itself with cinnamon-tinged spice and nutmeg, while subtle vanilla and butterscotch undertones add depth. Hot white pepper and mild barrel notes build toward the peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and lingering with a smooth, coating texture. Toffee, caramelized apple, gentle smoke, and allspice persist well after each sip, leaving a balanced interplay of sweetness and spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Ice Cask\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat or with a single ice cube is the best starting point — the icewine cask influence reveals its full range of fruit and spice at a slightly cooled temperature. For cocktails, the Ice Cask's sweet-spice profile opens up several strong options: an \u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the toffee and baked apple notes replace the need for heavy sweetening; a \u003cstrong\u003eWhisky Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the berry and fruit character from the icewine finish pairs naturally with citrus; and a \u003cstrong\u003eToronto Cocktail\u003c\/strong\u003e (whisky, Fernet-Branca, simple syrup, bitters), where the inherent sweetness of the Ice Cask balances the bitter herbal component beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHockey fans and sports memorabilia collectors seeking a spirit with genuine Canadian provenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCanadian whisky drinkers looking to explore cask-finished expressions beyond standard offerings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting someone who appreciates wine-influenced spirits or unique finishing techniques\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside desserts, where the icewine sweetness complements rich flavors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Ice Cask taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ice Cask delivers baked apple, toffee, and mixed berry sweetness from the icewine cask finishing, balanced by rye spice, nutmeg, and a subtle smoky undertone on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Ice Cask compare to Wayne Gretzky Red Cask?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both share the same base whisky of rye, malted rye, and corn, but while Red Cask is finished in red wine barrels for a drier, tannic character, Ice Cask uses Vidal icewine casks that contribute noticeably more sweetness, fruit, and dessert-like richness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ice Cask good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the 41.5% ABV is approachable, and the icewine cask finish provides enough natural sweetness and complexity to make this a rewarding neat pour without requiring dilution.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Ice Cask made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ice Cask is distilled and finished at the Wayne Gretzky Distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, where the distillery operates alongside the Wayne Gretzky winery that supplies the icewine barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Ice Cask?\u003c\/strong\u003e Try it with apple tart or crumble, where the baked apple notes in the whisky mirror the dessert; aged cheddar, which contrasts the sweetness with sharp, savory depth; charcuterie with dried fruits; butter-glazed pork chops, where the toffee and spice complement caramelized meat; or dark chocolate truffles, which amplify the caramelized sugar and allspice on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Ice Cask come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ice Cask worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ice Cask positions as a mid-range Canadian whisky with a genuine point of differentiation — the icewine cask finishing is not a common technique, and the Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition supports the quality at this price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Ice Cask?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining feature of this whisky is something very few distilleries in the world can replicate: finishing in icewine casks produced on the same estate. Icewine is a labor-intensive, weather-dependent product unique to cold-climate wine regions, and using those spent barrels imparts a residual sweetness and concentrated fruit character that standard wine cask finishes cannot match. The Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition confirms that the technique translates into a genuinely well-made spirit, not merely a novelty. For anyone exploring Canadian whisky beyond the conventional blended category, Ice Cask represents a distinctly Ontario expression that ties grain and grape together in a way that reflects its terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wayne Gretzky","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837731565737,"sku":"30894","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Wayne-Gretzky-No-99-Ice-Cask__73390.jpg?v=1730492359"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/wayne-gretzky.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}