Canadian Club Classic 12 Year Old Premium
100cl / 40%
£99.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Canada
- Chilfiltered: Yes
- Coloring: Yes
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The benchmark of aged Canadian blended whisky, delivering smooth complexity defined by extended char-treated oak maturation.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd. / Canada, Ontario |
| Category | Premium Blended Canadian Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 12 Year Old / NAS / Ongoing Production |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% (80 Proof) / 70cl, 75cl, 100cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Aged 12 years in seasoned, char-treated oak bourbon barrels |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No (Inferred commercial practice) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | High Volume, Continuous Production |
| Intended channel | Global mainstream retail, intended for sipping neat or on the rocks |
| Packaging | Distinctive long-neck bottle, often embossed (current versions) |
| Notes on discrepancies | Often labelled "Small Batch Classic" in modern marketing, despite being a continuous high-volume product. |
Historical Context
Canadian Club, produced by Hiram Walker & Sons, has a heritage extending back to the 1850s. The Classic 12 Year Old was introduced to provide an aged, premium tier, fulfilling the market need for a step-up expression offering greater depth and complexity than the younger NAS blends.
The key distinction promoted by the brand is the length of maturation. The 12-year age statement is emphasized as aging the spirit four times longer than the minimum industry standard for Canadian whisky. This extended time in wood is the crucial factor responsible for developing the whisky's characteristic soft, round, and creamy profile. The Classic 12 is positioned as the standard of aged quality within the Canadian Club core range.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The spirit undergoes its full 12-year maturation in seasoned, char-treated oak bourbon barrels.1 The charring process maximizes the extraction of sweet wood compounds, yielding the prominent vanilla, caramel, and honey notes that define its profile. The blend incorporates a "more robust barley profile," contributing to its full-bodied nature compared to entry-level expressions.
The Canadian method involves blending the grain and flavouring whiskies before they are aged together for the full 12 years. This contrasts with Scotch and allows for a complete integration of components over the entire maturation cycle. Bottled at 40% ABV, it is intended for immediate consumption.
Documented variants
The product is continuously produced, with volumes varying across global markets (70cl, 75cl, 100cl). Modern versions may carry "Small Batch" terminology.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 70cl/75cl | Global Retail | Consistent labelling and profile | Low (High Volume, Foundational) |
| 40% | 100cl | Travel Retail/Legacy | Larger volume offering 21 | Low/Medium (Convenience factor) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
As a mass-market, continuously produced whisky, this product presents minimal risk for counterfeiting. Verification is focused on ensuring the 12 Year Old age statement is prominently displayed. Older bottles, such as a 1-litre version noted at auction, may feature slight packaging or neck capsule differences. Integrity relies on an unbroken seal and a standard fill level, both of which are expected for this modern product.
Regulatory/terminology notes
Canadian whisky standards are met, with the 12-year aging period significantly exceeding the minimum legal requirement. The production method permits blending prior to maturation, distinguishing it from most Scotch categories.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The extended aging results in a smooth, highly integrated, and pleasantly woody profile.
Nose: The aroma is described as soft, round, creamy, and fully balanced. Dominant notes include fruit, firmness, butterscotch, nougat, and light vanilla.
Palate: Full bodied and exceptionally smooth. The taste reveals delicate spiciness and creamy vanilla, carefully balanced with rich wood influence and luxurious honey.2 There are also hints of almond paste and subtle dried yellow fruit.
Finish: The conclusion is long and dry, characterized by a distinct and enduring presence of butterscotch and sweet oak.
With water: Not stated, and typically unnecessary due to the 40% ABV.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd. focuses on consistency and high standards for mass-market appeal. The Classic 12 Year Old exemplifies their ability to deliver a dependable, aged product profile globally.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras
Sourcing should focus on competitive retail pricing and standard 70cl or 75cl formats.
Red flags to avoid
No significant red flags exist, beyond excessively high retail pricing.
Condition thresholds
Standard retail condition with intact seal is required.
Margin/velocity expectations
High velocity in retail environments. Margins are minimal in the specialized secondary market.
