Three Fingers High is a twelve year old Canadian whisky built entirely from rye, which is less common than it sounds. Canadian whisky is often assumed to be rye by default, a hangover from the days when a small proportion of rye grain was enough to earn the name, but most is in fact corn dominant with rye playing a supporting role. This is a blend of 100 percent rye whiskies, each aged a full twelve years in oak before being married together, then finished in a selection of sherry casks. The distillation combines pot still and continuous methods in small batches, which is a hybrid approach that gives the spirit more texture than a purely column distilled whisky would carry. Twelve years is a genuine age statement rather than an average, and the sherry finishing adds a layer of dried fruit and sweetness over the rye's natural spice. What lands in the glass is a soft, rounded whisky rather than an aggressive one. Expect clear notes of spice on the nose, with cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of clove, then a soft but full mouthfeel carrying rye spice, gentle oak and hints of toffee, closing on a deep, lingering, warming finish. At 40 percent alcohol by volume it is an easy drinking proposition, approachable enough for someone who finds American ryes too assertive and structured enough to work in a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned. It is bottled in California for the US market after being distilled and aged in Canada.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Canada |
| Category |
Canadian Whisky |
| Expression |
12 Year, Sherry Finished, Proprietary Blend |
| Age |
12 years |
| Mashbill |
100% rye |
| Distillation |
Pot still and continuous distillation, small batches |
| Maturation |
12 years in oak, finished in sherry casks |
| Bottling |
Bottled in California for the US market |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm amber with a reddish cast from the sherry finishing.
Nose: Definite hints of spice, with cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of cloves over soft oak.
Palate: Soft but full in mouthfeel, with rye spice, gentle oak and hints of toffee, rich and layered rather than sharp.
Finish: Deep and lingering, warm and spicy, fading on oak and dried fruit sweetness.
FAQ
What proof is Three Fingers High 12 Year? It is bottled at 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol by volume.
Is it a rye whiskey? It is made from 100 percent rye, but it is designated Canadian Whisky on the label rather than rye whiskey. Canadian and American whisky categories are defined differently, and Canadian whisky made entirely from rye is still classified as Canadian whisky.
How long is it aged? Twelve years in oak, followed by finishing in sherry casks. This is a genuine age statement rather than an average across components.
What does sherry finished mean? After its twelve years in oak, the whisky spends a further period in casks that previously held sherry, which contributes dried fruit and a rounder sweetness. Nothing is added to the whisky.
Where is it made? Distilled and aged in Canada, then bottled in California for the US market.
Where can I buy Three Fingers High 12 Year online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
