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Wayne Gretzky Estates Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky Wine Review

Wayne Gretzky Estates Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky

Wayne Gretzky Estates Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

Community Score:93/100

Community Reviews: 6

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Price: $99.00

Drink: 2020-2045

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 49.5%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: Other Wines/Drinks


Winery: Wayne Gretzky Estates

Agent: Andrew Peller Limited

Natalie's Score: 99/100

This is the third year for the release of this small batch Ontario whisky that's aged in bourbon barrels for three years then finished in wine barrels (formerly holding the winery's Cabernet Sauvignon) for 100 days. Rich aromas of caramel, licorice, cedar smoke and spices. Long finish. Yes, 99, The Great One, deserves a score of 99 for this well-crafted spirit ;)

This Wayne Gretzky Estates Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky was reviewed on December 23, 2020 by Natalie MacLean

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Reviews and Ratings

Melanie Lloyd - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

Made from local grains and distilled in 100% American oak barrels. This whisky is finished in Cab Sauv barrels from the Wayne Gretzky winery for more than 100 days. Complex on the nose with aromas of toffee, marzipan, almond husk, slight apple, fruit cake, and smoky wood notes. Robust and warming on the palate with lingering notes of rich buttery toffee, smoky wood, and brazil nut at the finish.

Tasted December 2020
David Skinner rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Deep amber colour. Aromas of toffee, butterscotch and spices. More hints of sweet caramel and hints of tangerine and tree nuts on the palate. A relaxing and lengthy finish.

The whisky's name is not just a play on Mr. Gretzky's sweater number but also reflects the 99 days spent i Cabernet Sauvignon casks.
Andrea Shapiro rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Aged for 99 days in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from their own estate, Wayne Gretzky Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky has appealing aromas of caramel apples, smoke and pecan pie. Flavours reveal heated burnt sugar, toffee, candied orange peel and char grilled buttered corn on cob.

Fun fact - Not only is this whisky named after the iconic number “99” - which is the number Wayne Gretzky wore during his Hockey career, but this whisky features a slightly higher ABV (49.5%) than some of the other whiskeys from this distillery. Thus, making it a true 99 proof.

This is a nice sipper to share with a loved one. Enjoy with a cheese plate and some roasted nuts. Cheers! - Tasted December 2020
Jane Staples - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

A very impressive, multi-award winning small-batch blended whisky made from 100% Ontario grains(Malted Rye, Rye and Corn). Rich, smooth and delicous with notes of toffee, sweet spice, orange zest, raisins, nuts, licorice and smoky oak. Gives a “good burn” like the finest of whiskies. Higher than average alcohol, at 49.5%. Perfect for your apres-ski coffee.
Each bottle supports The Wayne Gretzky Foundation.
Tasted Jan. 2020
www.bellovinoj.com
Craig Haynes - WSET3 FWS SWS IWS rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Created in Ontario’s Niagara-on-the-Lake, this Canadian whisky’s mash bill features 100% Ontario malted rye, rye and corn. In my glass, it revealed delicious, shy scents of toasted caramel, sweet brown sugar, butter scotch and hints of tropical fruit and vanilla. These enticing aromas ushered in compelling toasted spice, cracked white pepper, butterscotch flavours and - in a supporting role – some tropical fruit notes.

Matured in 100% American oak, finished for over 100 days in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from the distillery’s sibling winery and superb for cocktails. Mix a Boulevardier with this 49.5% abv whisky. Enjoy.

Reviewed on December 20, 2020

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