Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Red Cask Canadian Whiskey 750ML

Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Red Cask Canadian Whiskey 750ML 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada  |  Wine Cask Finished  |  Distillery: Wayne Gretzky Estates

Production & Heritage

Wayne 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Red Cask

Neat 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.

• Old Fashioned: The maple and red fruit notes create a naturally sweeter Old Fashioned that needs less added sugar.
• Whisky Sour: The wine-cask fruitiness pairs well with fresh citrus, adding depth beyond what a standard Canadian blend provides.
• Manhattan: Red Cask's grape and vanilla backbone complements sweet vermouth without competing with it.

Best For

• Hockey fans and sports memorabilia collectors looking for a themed bottle with genuine quality behind it
• Wine drinkers exploring whisky for the first time, drawn in by the familiar fruit-forward profile
• Gifting to a Canadian whisky enthusiast who appreciates wine-cask experimentation
• Mixing approachable, fruit-leaning cocktails at a home bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Red Cask taste like? 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.

How does Red Cask compare to Crown Royal? 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.

Is Red Cask good for beginners? 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.

Where is Red Cask made? 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.

What foods pair well with Red Cask? 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.

What sizes does Red Cask come in? The standard offering is a 750ML bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Red Cask worth the price? 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.

Why Red Cask?

The 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.