History and curious facts about Black Velvet Whisky
Black Velvet Whisky is a Canadian brand that originates in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, a city in south western Quebec. Even though the brand has a long history, it has only been called Black Velvet since the late 1940s.
Master Distiller Jack Napier gave it the name: in his opinion, the whisky’s taste was as smooth as black velvet. Since 1999 the distillery has been part of the American company Constellation Brands, based in NYC. Curious fact: Black Velvet, the second best-selling whisky producer in Canada, built much of its fame during World War II, when it was the only liquor given to Canadian submarine officers.
Different expressions, aromas and flavors
The brand built its line-up around four core expressions.
The most famous one is simply called Black Velvet Whisky. The amber-colored spirit smells sweet and soft, like butterscotch, and the taste follows through just as subtle and smooth. It surprises you with warm vanilla, caramel and tropical coconut — especially for the price, it’s an excellent choice.
Black Velvet Reserve ages for a minimum of eight years. Warm aromas such as chocolate, nuts, wood and subtle spice dominate the bouquet, while the flavor itself is dry and pleasing, with notes of wood, malt and roasted nuts.
Black Velvet Toasted Caramel comes in a bottle with a brown label; the whisky itself is golden, with warm amber reflections. The nose is intense, reminiscent of warm, buttery caramel, and the taste combines woody notes with caramel and English toffee. The aftertaste lingers, smooth and creamy.
Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush is the ideal choice for a cold winter day. Its aromas are spicy, recalling cinnamon sticks, and like the other expressions it pairs warm spicy flavors with pleasing woody notes. The aftertaste is long, spicy and warm.
How to prepare a sweet and creamy cocktail with Black Velvet whisky
Black Velvet Whisky offers versatile expressions well suited for cocktails and long drinks. The range works well in classic cocktails like a Whisky Sour or Old Fashioned, and it’s equally at home in Grog-style cocktails and contemporary drinks.
Next time you have an expression of Black Velvet in your whisky subscription, we recommend trying our favorite recipe: the Red Hot Cake Batter.
Red Hot Cake Batter – ingredients
1 part Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush
1 part Black Velvet Toasted Caramel
½ part Butterscotch schnapps
2 parts half-and-half or milk
Maraschino cherry or small chunk of cake
Directions
Combine the ingredients over ice and strain into a martini glass. If you prefer your cocktail well chilled, serve it on the rocks instead. Garnish the Red Hot Cake Batter with a cherry and a small chunk of cake.
Suggestion: if you are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, substitute the milk with almond milk — its nutty taste pairs very well with the sweet, nutty flavors of the whisky.
Did you try any expression of Black Velvet Whisky?
Are you curious about our whisky subscription box? Or do you want to share a recipe with us?
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