Toronto’s first distillery to open since Prohibition is ready to release its first aged whiskey

The first distillery to open in Toronto since Prohibition is finally ready to launch its first aged whiskey.

Toronto Distillery Co. founders Charles Benoit and Jesse Razaqpur have been selling an organic gin and an unaged whiskey known as “new make” since 2013, while waiting for their first aged whiskey to mature. The 100 per cent organic First Barrels Straight Canadian Whisky is now ready to go, beginning Saturday at the Junction distillery.

Aged in Canadian and American oak barrels, First Barrels is made from rye, wheat, and corn that were harvested from the Humber River headlands of York County in 2012. The result is remarkably smooth and complex given its relative youth: the oldest whiskey used in the bottled spirit’s blend was aged just 26 months. The nose features rich caramel and butterscotch aromas that will appeal to fans of good bourbon, as well as subtle, bright fruit and restrained oak notes. While the oak is more pronounced and almost sharp on the palate, the young whiskey features a grassy cereal flavour with an underlying caramel sweetness reminiscent of American bourbon. The finish features vanilla and honey and a touch of alcohol heat that is perhaps the only thing to betray the spirit’s youth.

For a first outing, this whiskey is more than impressive. The limited run of 1,452 bottles will be on sale directly from the distillery for $49.95.

90 Cawthra Ave., Unit 100, 416-558-5523, torontodistillery.ca