Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:45 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.
Discover the differences between Black Velvet vs Canadian Mist in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Whisky is better for You!
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
Black Velvet vs Canadian Mist: Comparison
Black Velvet: A whisky with a sweet profile of vanilla, corn, and a notable ethanol presence, leading to a palate of oak, cotton candy, and a finish reminiscent of nail polish. 80 proof.
Canadian Mist: Features maple syrup and apple juice on the nose, transitioning to a palate of corn, rye spice, and maple syrup, with a short, somewhat bitter finish. 80 proof.
The Verdict: “Both Black Velvet and Canadian Mist offer unique takes on the Canadian whisky category, catering to those who prefer sweeter profiles. Black Velvet might appeal to drinkers who enjoy very sweet whiskies with a light body, while Canadian Mist stands out for its mixability in cocktails, thanks to its smoothness and maple syrup notes.”, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Canadian Whiskey Cheap Gems
Black Velvet: Smooth Sip or Sugar Overload?
- Nose: Vanilla, corn, ethanol
- Palate: Oak, ethanol, cotton candy, oak spice
- Finish: Nail polish
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Canadian Club
Black Velvet offers a gentle vanilla aroma, though hints of corn and alcohol linger for some.
On the palate, it’s light and thin, lacking the texture some whiskey fans prefer. The initial taste leans towards oak and alcohol, then takes a sweet turn with notes of cotton candy. While some might enjoy the sweetness, others may find it overpowering.
As you sip more, bitterness creeps in, dominated by oak spice. The finish is short and leaves an unpleasant nail polish aftertaste for many.
So, is it good?
Black Velvet’s sweetness can be divisive. If you enjoy candy-like whiskies, it might be worth a try. However, those seeking a complex sipper or a budget-friendly bourbon alternative like Evan Williams might be left wanting more.
Black Velvet in a Nutshell:
- Age: 3 years
- Taste: Sweet cotton candy with oak and spice. Thin body, short finish.
- Best for: Those who enjoy very sweet whiskies
Remember: Taste is subjective! If you have a sweet tooth, Black Velvet might be your jam. But if you prefer drier, more complex sips, this one might not hit the spot.
Canadian Mist: Sweet Sipper or Mixer Master?
- Nose: Maple syrup, apple juice, ethanol
- Palate: Corn, rye spice, maple syrup, vanilla
- Finish: Short, bitter, warm
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Crown Royal
Canadian Mist boasts a unique sweetness, blending notes of maple syrup and apple juice. However, some find its nose leans slightly cologne-like, hinting at its youthful age.
On the palate, it’s light and smooth, but can feel thin due to its light body. The initial spice from corn and rye gives way to maple and vanilla, though a touch of paint thinner might peek through for some tasters.
The finish is quick, leaving a hint of bitterness and warmth, with a touch of an aftertaste reminiscent of nail polish remover for some.
So, is it good?
Canadian Mist shines in cocktails, where its sweetness and light profile play well with mixers. While not the top shelf choice for sipping neat, its affordability and mixability make it a popular option for casual drinks.
Canadian Mist in a Nutshell:
- Age: Around 3 years
- Taste: Sweet, with maple, apple, and spice notes. Thin body, quick finish.
- Best for: Cocktails
Remember: Taste is subjective! If you’re drawn to sweeter Canadian whiskies, Canadian Mist might be worth a try. But if you’re looking for a complex sipper, you might want to explore other options.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price | Bottle Size |
| Black Velvet | $14 | 1L |
| Canadian Mist | $15 | 1L |