Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/455266
100 / the tasting panel / january/february 2015 BROWN SPIRITS ot No. 40 and Pike Creek, two brands launched by Allied Domecq in 1998, entered the Pernod Ricard portfolio upon the company's purchase of Corby in 2005. Then, in 2012, Pernod Ricard USA (PRUSA) reintroduced these distinctive and thoroughly satisfying Canadian whiskies to what should not be anything less than a grateful whisk(e)y-loving market. And because the brands' extended absence effectively renders them new to the American market, a measure of education is in order When asked whether Lot No. 40 and Pike Creek represent taste profiles previously unrep- resented in the PRSUSA portfolio and whether their selection was a function of geography, exceptional quality or both, Master Blender Don Livermore explains, "Consumers today realize there are premium whiskies from more coun- tries than ever. Canadian whiskies are innova- tive and flexible in how they are developed. We can change the grain type, distillation type, barrel type to achieve a wide variety of tastes. We are able to offer a broad range of whiskies to every type of whisky consumer." Pike Creek, by contrast, employs a blend of grains and is aged in oak and finished in port barrels. "The port finish makes this whisky exceptionally smooth. This is the first comment FOR CANADA'S LOT NO. 40 AND PIKE CREEK, THE TIMING COULDN'T BE BETTER by Philip M. Dobard / photos by Doug Young ot No. 40 and Pike Creek, two brands launched by Allied Domecq in 1998, entered the Pernod Ricard portfolio upon the company's purchase of Corby in 2005. Then, in 2012, Pernod Ricard USA (PRUSA) reintroduced these distinctive and thoroughly satisfying Canadian whiskies to what should not be anything less than a grateful whisk(e)y-loving market. And because Whiskies of the