26
Escarpment Magaz ine
fal l
2011
David Dobbin, the vice president and general
manager of the Collingwood distillery kindly took
me on a tour of the facilities. David’s enthusiasm
for the new whisky is obvious. I came away with a
feeling that all the employees share a pride in their
work as well as the end product.
The facilities established in 1968 are extremely
high tech, with an ultra-modern lab and control
rooms where multiple computer screens keep
track of every variable in the production process.
The warehouse is enormous and quite impressive.
In order to be sold as Canadian whisky, govern-
ment regulation specifies that a product must be
aged for a minimum of three years, so a lot of
whisky is aging in those barrels at any given time.
The barrel storage warehouse is impressive—I was
blown away by the sheer size – barrels stacked to
the factory ceiling and extending on for what
looked like a football field. The next sensory im-
pact was through my nose. I was struck by a pleas-
ant aroma that David Dobbin referred to as the
“angel’s share”. David explained that in all bar-
relling, there is a small amount of liquid lost to
seepage through the wood which results in this de-
licious fragrance. Perhaps there is an opportunity
for a new men’s cologne – eau de whisky barrel?
Collingwood whisky should appeal to anyone
who appreciates a refined yet complex flavour
profile. I recommend that you pick up a bottle, but
you may have a difficult time finding it. Colling-
wood whisky has been selling out quickly wher-
ever it has been listed. They are having a difficult
time keeping it on the shelves. As David Dobbin
says, “That’s a good problem to have”.
|E|
FEATURE
|
there’s a new taste in town
Stimulate your palate with a variety of
savory and sweet fare inspired by
Collingwood Canadian Whisky!
Our talented, local Collingwood chefs,
baristas, chocolatiers, bartenders and
foodies are busy creating recipes,
drinks and other pairings using
COLLINGWOOD Canadian Whisky
as the featured ingredient!
Mark your calendar this November
and pick up a ‘passport’ at participating
locations - you could win
a great prize package!