Seagram's VO Blended Canadian Whiskey

Seagram's VO Blended Canadian Whiskey is a Canadian blended whiskey with 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) and 80 proof. This whiskey traces its origins to the former Waterloo Distillery, founded by Joseph E Seagram. According to family tradition, the initials VO stand for Very Own, referring to a special blend originally prepared for the Seagram family. Another interpretation suggests the initials stand for ""Very Old,"" reflecting the distillery's belief that the blend contained older Canadian whiskeys.

The blend gained recognition when Joseph's son Thomas requested a special whiskey from distillery blender William Hortop in 1913 to celebrate his upcoming marriage to Dorothy Pearson. After tasting the blend, Joseph Seagram decided it should be released to the public, and it later became one of the brand's most recognized whiskeys.

Seagram's VO Blended Canadian Whiskey offers a light and approachable profile that balances subtle spice with gentle sweetness. With light rye spice and soft oak notes, accompanied by faint fruit character and hints of vanilla and custard, the whiskey opens in the glass with a smooth texture, vanilla layered with delicate rye spice and mild fruit flavors reminiscent of white grape. Background tones suggest soft bourbon-like sweetness, while a touch of acidity and mild bitterness add structure to the overall flavor.

The finish carries moderate weight, with a clean, gradually brightening character, where hints of white grape, fresh banana, and light fruit notes appear before fading into gentle rye spice, soft nuttiness, and almond-like nuances. Its balanced, easy-sipping character makes it suitable for enjoying neat, over ice, or mixed into classic whiskey cocktails.

Color: Golden amber.

Aroma: Light rye spice, soft oak, vanilla, custard, and subtle fruit notes.

Palate: Smooth vanilla with gentle rye spice, white grape fruitiness, and mild sweetness.

Finish: Clean and balanced with light fruit, dusty rye spice, and soft nutty almond notes.