Seagram's 7 vs Seagram's VO: Whiskey Comparison

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:54 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Unearth distinctions between Seagram’s 7 and Seagram’s VO in this direct analysis, and determine which whiskey better suits your taste!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Seagram’s 7 vs Seagram’s VO: Comparison

Seagram’s 7: Features a simple aroma of ethanol with hints of caramel and fruit, leading to a straightforward palate of vanilla, caramel, and sugary sweetness. Its finish is short, with a caramel aftertaste. Best suited for mixing, Seagram’s 7 is an affordable choice for cocktails, enhancing its flavors when combined with mixers like ginger ale or cola.

Seagram’s VO: Presents a light aroma of apricot, lemon, and rye, with a palate that highlights rye spice, vanilla, and a hint of sour apple. The finish is medium in length and slightly bitter. While lacking complexity for neat sipping, it serves as a straightforward and budget-friendly mixer for cocktails.

Verdict: Seagram’s 7 and Seagram’s VO both offer basic, easy-to-mix profiles ideal for casual cocktails. Seagram’s 7 leans towards a sweeter, simpler taste, while Seagram’s VO introduces a mild rye spiciness, making both suitable for those seeking affordable and versatile spirits for mixed drinks, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Budget Canadian Whiskeys

Seagram’s 7: A Basic Spirit for Mixing

Nose: Ethanol, caramel, fruit
Palate: Vanilla, caramel, sugar
Finish: Short, caramel
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Jack Daniel’s

Light Nose with Hints of Sweetness

Seagram’s 7 presents a mild nose, predominantly featuring ethanol with subtle hints of caramel and fruit emerging when aired out. While not complex, it offers a clean and straightforward aroma for some.

Simple Flavor Profile with Artificial Notes

The palate experiences a thin and untextured character. The taste is relatively simple, offering notes of vanilla and caramel with a sugary sweetness. A hint of fruit is detectable but comes across as unnatural.

Short Finish with a Lingering Sweetness

The finish is short-lived, leaving a mild warmth and a lingering aftertaste reminiscent of caramel.

A Straightforward Option for Mixing

While not recommended for sipping neat due to its simple flavor profile, Seagram’s 7 offers an affordable and readily available option for those seeking a base spirit in cocktails. Mixing it with ginger ale, 7-Up, or Coke can enhance its drinkability.

Additional Info:

No age statement is provided for this spirit.
It is a blend containing 25% straight whiskey and 75% neutral grain spirit.
The brand is currently owned by Diageo and produced in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA.

Seagram’s VO: A Simple Option for Mixing

Nose: Nail polish, apricot, lemon, rye
Palate: Rye spice, vanilla, sour apple, cinnamon
Finish: Medium length, bitter
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Crown Royal

Light Aroma with Hints of Fruit and Spice

Seagram’s VO presents a subtle nose with faint hints of apricot, lemon, and rye spice. While some might find this underwhelming, it offers a clean and straightforward aroma.

Thin Texture and Simple Flavors

The palate experiences a light and watery texture, lacking a fuller body common in aged spirits. The taste is also relatively mild, mainly featuring alcohol notes and subtle artificial whiskey flavors. The rye spice takes center stage, accompanied by hints of vanilla, sour apple, and cinnamon.

Short Finish with a Lingering Bitterness

The finish is medium-length with a prominent bitter aftertaste that lingers on the palate.

A Basic Choice for Mixing

Overall, Seagram’s VO delivers a simple and easy-to-drink experience. While not particularly complex or enjoyable neat, it offers a budget-friendly option for those looking for a base spirit in cocktails.

Additional Info:

Aged for at least 3 years, though the exact aging time remains undisclosed.
Made with an undisclosed mash bill at the Sazerac’s Old Montreal Distillery in Canada.
Launched to celebrate the wedding of Joseph Seagram’s son, Thomas. The “VO” stands for “Very Own”.