Sons of Vancouver Realms of Rye Release 01 (59.4%)

Although they have been around for some time, the Sons of Vancouver Distillery burst upon the national scene in 2023, when they became the first craft distillery to win Canadian Whisky of the Year at the Canadian Whisky Awards, for their Palm Trees & a Tropical Breeze.

While it was sold out even at the time of I wrote up the win and the whisky for Canada’s 100 Best magazine much less when the piece was actually published, Palm Trees has since been rereleased once, and according to the Sons’ James Lester, is intended to eventually become a more regular staple in the distillery’s line-up. In the meantime, however, as well as such wonderfully named whiskies as Cigarettes on a Leather Jacket and Raiding Nonna’s Liquor Cabinet, the Sons have launched their Realms of Rye line with Release 01, subtitled “with notes of Citrus & Botanicals.”

Although the website warns of the possibility of sediment due to the unfiltered nature of the whisky, my bottle, numbered 225 of 303 filled, is a lovely and crystal clear copper colour. As might be expected of a spirit of this strength, the olfactory component is immense, to say the least, bursting with the advertised notes of citrus, which I perceive as preserved lemon mixed with candied orange peel, supported by vigorous floral notes of rose and carnation mixed with faintly peppery herbs. Diluted, the citrus becomes less apparent and the botanicals more so, which creates an aroma that is still highly attractive, but to me not quite as interesting.

Even at bottling strength, I find this to be a remarkable approachable whisky, with lovely candied orange and light toffee notes on entry, followed by a spicier mid-palate that edges towards peppery coriander with a touch of cumin. Mellowed with a bit of filtered water, the floral notes of the aroma bloom on the palate, with the citrus receding slightly and the spice stepping back even more, leaving in its place the sensation of flowery, gently orangy caramel. Either way, the finish offers somewhat tannic notes of vanilla and oak, grassy herbals (more so when not diluted), and black pepper.  

I wrote in my July Monthly Missive — sign up at the bottom the the page here — that this is one of the best 100% rye whiskies I have ever tasted, and I meant it. I love the bright and unapologetic flavours of the cask strength spirit, even more than I do its tamed-with-water equivalent, and although I suspect it is likely to work magnificently in any number of cocktails, I cannot seem to bring myself to mix it with anything but itself, a drop or two of water, or a small ice cube. If this is indeed, as the label suggests, “the beginning of an explorative journey into the diverse flavour spectrum of Canadian rye,” then sign me up for the rest of the trip!

94 ($200, but currently sold out)