Today I am picking my whisky based on the music. I have chosen Bob Marley's 1970 release African Herbsman. This is a really beautiful album that has a fluidity to it. The groove in each song seems to have a forward momentum that keeps you moving but never gets too heavy. It's just nice and mellow, perhaps even a bit thoughtful.
What whisky could we possibly savour with this delightful album? How about Alberta Premiums Dark Horse. Not necessarily because of Bob Marley but rather because of Jamaica. In particular I am thinking about The Jamaican bobsleigh team. I can't think of a time that I have cheered more for a dark horse as when the Jamaican Bobsleigh team made their debut at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Alberta.
The Dark Horse is a stronger expression of the Alberta Premium rye that is aged in charred oak barrels. These charred oak barrels are I am assuming where this whisky gets its gorgeous colour. I can't think of another Canadian whisky that has this depth of colour.
Nose: sweet vanilla, toasted raisins and some fruity notes swirl around with shades of wood and a distinct tartness.
Palate: A mellow smooth sweet splash at the beginning is like sugared molasses. Their are notes of pepper and the slightest smokiness. The mouth feel is almost creamy save for the prickly spice notes. All together it is like creamy smoked molasses with ground pepper. Delicious.
Finish: The finish is not long but very smooth. Notes of pepper and smoke linger a short time and when they fade sweet and spicy notes are left for a brief moment.
Overall I really enjoyed this whisky. It is definitely a Canadian whisky but adds different characteristics that I would not normally associate with the style. As for the pairing, I just can't imagine anything that Bob doesn't go well with.
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