Caribou Crossing
Overall Score: 6.25/10
Overall Value: 3/5
Distillery: Old Montreal Distillery
Classification: Canadian Whiskey
Company: Sazerac Company
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 80
Age: NAS
Color: Honey
MSRP: $50 (2025)
Mashbill: Undisclosed
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Caribou Crossing is a single barrel Canadian whiskey that makes a bold first impression with its premium presentation and Blanton’s-like bottle design. But how does it hold up in the glass?
The nose is light and approachable, offering a gentle mix of grain, oak, and subtle fruit. There’s a hint of apple or citrus—maybe even some grapefruit—along with soft sweet oak notes. It’s not a bold nose by any means, but it’s pleasant and inoffensive, making it accessible to new whiskey drinkers.
On the palate, Caribou Crossing stays true to its 80 proof. The whiskey is sweet and simple, with mild bourbon-like characteristics. You’ll find a clean oak presence, a touch of cedar, and flashes of fruit—like orange juice or even apple skin. The profile is bright and easy-drinking, though it lacks the depth or richness that fans of higher-proof bourbon or Canadian whiskey might expect. It does have a slightly drying effect after multiple sips, which detracts a bit from the overall balance.
The finish is short and soft, fading quickly with a mild oaky note and a hint of alcohol sting. It doesn’t leave a lasting impression, but it doesn’t offend either. It’s the kind of whiskey you could sip casually without needing to think too hard about it.
This is an incredibly approachable pour—light, sweet, and easygoing. It’s a great entry point for someone just getting into whiskey, especially if they’re curious about single barrel Canadian whiskey. However, seasoned bourbon drinkers may find it underwhelming for the MSRP. At its standard price, there are more dynamic options available, and even if you catch it on sale, it may not offer enough complexity to be a standout.
Still, its smoothness and presentation make it a conversation piece on the shelf and a reliable sipper when you want something low-proof and unfussy.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Advertisement
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
The nose is very light and provides a nice sweet oak profile with a bit of fruitiness.
THE TASTE:
The palate continues the same trend. A very light bright oak profile with a good balance between sweet and dry.
Multiple sips revealed a hint of cedar as well.
The last parts of the palate leave a bit of fruity orange juice or grapefruit.
THE FINISH:
There isn't much of a finish with it being an 80 proofer.
It leaves the mouth stinging and a bit dry with a rubbing alcohol note.
BUY OR PASS?
It's very approachable, but the flavor is not my jam. It's not particularly sweet and it has a pretty significant drying effect. The presentation is fantastic though!
The Hunter Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
Light and grainy with a subtle fruit note—maybe apple.
Nothing too bold or complex, just easygoing.
THE TASTE:
Simple and sweet, but very basic—though at 80 proof, that’s expected.
It’s super approachable and doesn’t lean too far into the classic "Canadian whisky" profile.
The flavor isn’t anything special, but it’s an easy sipper you could drink all night without a second thought.
THE FINISH:
Not much to talk about here.
A very mild bourbon-like finish, but nothing that stands out.
BUY OR PASS?
This pour actually reminded me a lot of Blanton’s (at 80-proof), which is funny given the bottle shape and branding.
It’s a great option for someone new to drinking whiskey neat, but at $50, I’d expect a little more depth. It’s good, just not exciting.
