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Eau Claire Ploughman Single Malt Canadian Whisky Review

Can a Canadian single malt finished in PX sherry casks stand up to the world's best? We taste Eau Claire's new flagship to find out.

OVERALL RATING

8
$199.95
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

From The Whiskey Wash press release: Canadian producer Eau Claire Distillery has launched Ploughman’s Single Malt Whisky, a new flagship expression finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks. The release is positioned to elevate the super-premium Canadian single malt category and has already secured a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

This expression is a new, permanent reference point for the Alberta-based distillery’s whisky program, reflecting more than a decade of single malt production experience.

“Ploughman’s represents the culmination of years of learning and refinement,” said David Farran, founder and president of Eau Claire Distillery. “It’s a whisky that reflects our belief in Alberta as a serious place to make single malt, not by forcing attention, but by letting the process speak for itself.”

The whisky is made with 100% Alberta malted barley.

Initial maturation occurs in a mix of ex-bourbon and European oak casks. Master distiller Daniel Gowrie then selects barrels for finishing in PX casks from Jerez-based bodega Ximénez-Spínola.


Now this is admittedly my first foray into Canadian Single Malt whiskey. I admit it is a category I didn’t know (but assumed would) exist. The risk with a new product and new category is what are the rules, parameters, what makes binds this product to quality associated with single malt. Right now, I wasn’t fully able to parse that out, and that is in no way to say the information doesn’t exist or is being withheld. Just simply not readily available based on my search.

What I will say is the display and bottle are quite eye-catching. The base of the bottle has a mountain embossed making for a rather striking appearance. Take that for what you will.
Appearance:
Copper in color, clear, with semi-slow legs which clint to the surface. Tasted neat in a glencairn.
Nose:
Floral with touches of juniper are present to start. I found grasses and young oak. There is a light charring but is overall surprisingly sweet with a curious note of bubblegum.
Palate:
The taste truly reminds me of a bright white wine (at least initially). It’s crisp and rather clean. There is a light fruity note with just a hint of chocolate. Soft tobacco leaves give way to table sugar and just a moment of bitter salt.
Finish:
Water mouthfeel which might indicate the overall age. The finish goes quickly on the tongue leaving behind just a hint of sugar and tobacco.
Comments:
Imminently sippable if I’m being honest!

Overall it’s a nice dram and very pleasant. You really want a bit more depth and information about what is exactly in the bottle besides “Alberta grain” which to some extent I certainly respect. However, when you have “Single Malt” people sort of stand up and pay attention, when it’s not followed by any further information it can make people curious.

My job is not to cast curiosity however, my job is to drink the whiskey and tell you what I think. I think I like this. Plenty of room to grow. Would love to see more body and a greater depth to the profile. Right now it’s sweet and light which to many is A-OK. It is easy to drink and perfect for a first glass of the evening. Bust this out to start an evening with something different, and show that whiskey isn’t always full of oak and spice.

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.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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