Black Velvet

About the Black Velvet

Black Velvet is a blended Canadian whisky made in Lethbridge, a town on the Oldman River in Alberta, Canada. The Black Velvet distillery has produced this whisky since the early 1950s. And it remains one of the best-selling Canadian whiskies in the world. What sets it apart is a method called blending at birth. Most blended whisky is mixed just before bottling. Here, the base spirit is blended with a rye flavouring whisky right after distillation. That young blend then ages in used bourbon barrels for at least three years. This early marriage gives the whisky its signature character. You get a soft, rounded sweetness up front, with notes of orchard apple and a light citrus lift. A clean thread of rye runs underneath, adding gentle spice without sharp edges. Warm wood from the barrels rounds everything off. The whisky pours a clear amber and carries an inviting nose of burnt sugar and fresh fruit. On the palate it stays mellow and approachable, never heavy or hot. The finish is short and easy, with a faint dusting of pepper and oak. Bottled at 40% ABV, Black Velvet is built to be enjoyed neat. Pour it into a simple tumbler and let it sit for a moment. The light body makes it easy and approachable from the first sip. A faint floral note lifts the sweet, fruity core. It rewards an unhurried sip and suits both newcomers and seasoned drinkers. For value and consistency, few Canadian whiskies match what Black Velvet has offered for over seventy years.