It was previously sold as “Black Label” for several months, but the then master distiller, Jack Napier, suggested the current name due to the whisky’s unusually delicate, velvety smooth palate. Hill Distillers, who bought it from Constellation Brands (called Palliser Distillery until 2009), was also part of the contract. The distillery, based in Lethbridge, Alberta, uses blending at birth, meaning the distillates are blended immediately after distillation and aged as a finished blend. With annual sales of 2 million cases, Black Velvet is the second most popular Canadian whisky (behind Crown Royal).
Nose: Lightly alcoholic, honey flakes, hard candy, vanilla, milk fudge, orange peel, maple syrup, whole grain slices, and toasted oak.
Taste: Caramel, vanilla, honey, maple syrup, berry jam, a touch of white pepper and ginger, and a light oak bitterness.
Finish: Not too long, with notes of caramel, white pepper, a mix of dried herbs, and oak.
