Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:51 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 Canadian Club 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
Canadian Club vs Seagram’s VO: Comparison
Canadian Club: Sweet and smooth with an inviting aroma of licorice, caramel, and apple. Offers a light, easy-drinking experience with caramel sweetness and a short, clean finish. Perfect for rocks or cocktails.
Seagram’s VO: A straightforward whisky with a light aroma of apricot and lemon, smooth texture, and a taste that balances rye spice with vanilla sweetness. Best enjoyed in cocktails.
Verdict: Canadian Club and Seagram’s VO both serve as accessible and enjoyable options for those exploring Canadian whisky. Canadian Club shines with its sweet, easy-drinking nature, while Seagram’s VO provides a simple choice for cocktail enthusiasts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Cheap Canadian Whisky Selections
Canadian Club: A Sweet and Easy-Drinking Whisky
- Nose: Licorice, caramel, apple, fennel
- Palate: Caramel, baking spice, brown sugar
- Finish: Short, rye spice, caramel
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Forty Creek
Looking for a smooth and affordable Canadian whisky? Look no further than Canadian Club.
What to expect:
- Inviting aroma: Hints of licorice, caramel, apple, and fennel create a pleasant first impression.
- Light and smooth: The texture is lighter, making it easy to drink.
- Sweet and spicy: The taste is primarily sweet with caramel notes, balanced by a moderate rye spice and a touch of baking spice.
- Clean finish: The finish is short and smooth, leaving behind lingering caramel and rye flavors with a subtle sour touch.
While not complex, Canadian Club is a crowd-pleaser. It’s sweet, easy on the palate, and offers good value for the price.
Enjoy it your way: Canadian Club is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
Fun fact: Canadian Club gained popularity after being featured in the TV series Mad Men.
Additional info:
- No age statement, but aged for at least 3 years.
- Blend of 3 whiskies: corn, rye, and a rye/malted rye/malted barley mix.
- Produced in Ontario, Canada.
- Owned by Beam Suntory, a leading spirits company.
Seagram’s VO: A Straightforward Canadian Whisky
- 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: Seagram’s 7
Looking for a simple and affordable Canadian whisky for mixing cocktails? Seagram’s VO might be a good option to consider.
What to expect:
- Light aroma: The initial scent is subtle, with hints of fruit and spice.
- Smooth texture: Despite being on the lighter side, VO goes down easily.
- Limited flavor profile: The taste leans towards rye spice and sweetness, with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
While not the most complex whisky for sipping, Seagram’s VO offers a straightforward and budget-friendly choice for mixing.
Additional info:
- Aged for at least 3 years (exact age undisclosed).
- Produced at Sazerac’s Old Montreal Distillery.
- VO stands for “Very Own,” a tribute to the founder’s son.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price | Bottle Size |
| Canadian Club | $20 | 1L |
| Seagram’s VO | $26 | 1L |