The Executive Magazine samples Red Bank Whisky, a Canadian brand introduced to the UK by Hollywood luminary Kiefer Sutherland.

Renowned actor and musician Kiefer Sutherland, best known for his role as Jack Bauer in 24, has co-founded Red Bank Whisky alongside Gary Briggs, Rob Steele, and Shawn Hiscott. Hand-crafted with pure Canadian ingredients on the rocky shores of Nova Scotia, Red Bank Whisky is a genuine representation of its coastal terroir.

Tasting Notes

Red Bank Whisky showcases a meticulously crafted flavour profile, expertly balancing boldness and smoothness with complexity. It is an exceptional small-batch creation intended to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water, capturing the essence of Nova Scotia’s coastal character.

Methodology

The creation of Red Bank Whisky is overseen by award-winning Master Blender Michel Marcil. This premium blend combines rye, corn, and wheat whiskies, aged to perfection in charred oak barrels, resulting in a rich, well-rounded finish. Distilled on the rugged shores of Nova Scotia, it is bottled at 40% ABV, ensuring a smooth, complex experience whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

Sutherland emphasises the national pride that underscores the creation of Red Bank: “The thing that I found so fascinating about Red Bank and this journey developing the whisky is the incredible pride Canadians take in themselves and their country. I am proud to have Red Bank represent all that is authentically Canadian, and I am absolutely thrilled to bring it to the UK.”

Tasting Experience

Master blender Michel Marcil brings decades of experience to the final blend of Red Bank, creating a whisky with a balanced, smooth profile suitable for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in a classic Old Fashioned. Red Bank offers notes of oak spice, orchard fruit, allspice, and caramel on the nose. The palate features buttery flapjack, a touch of pepper, and a medium intensity with a long finish highlighted by toffee and peppercorns.

Visually, Red Bank Whisky presents a bright gold hue. Its aroma is highly floral, initially revealing caramel and sweet orange peel, accented by hints of peach and pear, and finishing with a peppery spice. The flavour journey begins with wildflower honey and fresh peaches, transitions to a mid-palate of peppery vanilla and sweet raisin, and concludes with a subtly dry finish featuring peppery brown spice and toasted oak.

Recognition and Market Introduction

Red Bank Whisky recently garnered significant acclaim by securing a gold medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This recognition highlights the exceptional craftsmanship and quality of the whisky, setting a high benchmark for new entrants in the competitive spirits market. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is renowned for its rigorous judging process and is considered one of the most respected spirits competitions globally. Winning gold at this esteemed event is a testament to Red Bank Whisky’s superior quality and appeal.

In addition to this accolade, Red Bank Whisky has been met with enthusiasm by both critics and consumers alike. The whisky’s distinct character and refined flavour profile have resonated with whisky aficionados and casual drinkers, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection. Industry experts have praised its balance of flavours and smooth finish, affirming its position as a premium offering in the Canadian whisky category.

Launch Event Insights

The launch event highlighted Red Bank’s versatility in cocktails, shining in various recipes, notably in a Paper Plane. Sutherland, however, prefers to sip it neat. Reflecting on his personal tastes, Sutherland mentioned, “The first person (dead or alive) that came to mind with whom I’d share a dram of Red Bank is Benjamin Franklin… He was such an intelligent guy… I would have to say him or my dad.”

For those sampling Red Bank Whisky for the first time, its approachable nature and balanced flavours make it an excellent choice. The rye spice adds complexity without overshadowing the creamy, mellow notes of wheat. While some may find it “thin” and desire a higher ABV, the current 40% ABV offering remains competitively priced in today’s market.

Tasting Note Summary

• Nose: Silky layers of caramel and toasted grain lead to oak char and a hint of rye spice.
• Palate: Buttery caramel, flapjack, toasty cereal, with distant caraway and pepper.
• Finish: Rich oak with lingering toffee popcorn and peppercorns.

Red Bank Whisky exemplifies a harmonious blend of flavours, making it a standout addition to the whisky market. Its introduction to the UK offers a refined and authentic Canadian whisky experience, capturing the spirit of Nova Scotia’s coastal terroir.