Canadian

Whiskey Review: Sazerac’s Mister Sam

We review the latest edition of Sazerac's Mister Sam. It's a blend of American whiskeys and Canadian whiskies that pays homage to former Segram's master blender and leader, Samuel Bronfman.

OVERALL RATING

10
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Mister Sam

Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
There is a deep amber color with a good amount of red tint–I’m stopping just short of describing it as “copper.”
Nose:
From my initial notes: “Wait, is vanilla spicy?”. Mister Sam has one of the more complex aromas that I’ve encountered. It’s somewhere between panettone and a freshly opened bag of good tobacco.
Palate:
This is relatively high proof but any heat is seriously front-loaded. It comes in hot but opens up into a truly expensive palate of dried stone fruits and candied nuts with just a pinch of cayenne. There is a sweetness that ties these flavors together and facilitates a seamless transition into a finish of toasty flan. Each of these phases unfolds against the steady background presence of very subtle oak, fading into a long tobacco-tannic aftertaste.
Finish:
Comments:
I’m truly impressed how many distinct flavors are discernible here without causing a “traffic jam” where they all pile up and become jumbled together. I can understand why master blender Drew Mayville referred to the creation of Mister Sam as a “highlight of [his] career” but at this price point, cost becomes a consideration and this bottle may not be accessible for everybody’s budget. To the frugal whiskey enthusiasts among us: it is absolutely worth shelling out for a glass of Mister Sam if your favorite whiskey bar happens to be pouring it.rn

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jacob Wirt

Jacob Wirt, whose past lives as a cook and cultural studies researcher, continues to shape his deep appreciation for fermented grain beverages. His understanding extends beyond the mere enjoyment of the drink; he recognizes the knowledge, labor, and rich history behind every glass. With a passion for homebrewing beer, Wirt finds a similar fascination in whiskey, exploring how techniques, ingredients, and nuanced variables create the distinctive character of each expression.

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