about lot no. 40 dark oak
Lot 40 Dark Oak is already a modern Canadian rye icon, named Premium Whisky of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Whisky Awards and World’s Best Rye at the 2021 World Whiskies Awards. Aged twice in new charred American oak, it sparks conversation nearly as robust as the whisky itself, connecting drinkers through shared discovery — whether savoured neat, over ice, or explored in a cocktail.
behind the bottle
Lot No. 40 is one of the icons of modern Canadian rye, a 100% rye whisky made on copper pot stills at the Hiram Walker distillery in Windsor, Ontario. Dark Oak builds on that foundation with a double new oak maturation. It was named World’s Best Rye at the 2021 World Whiskies Awards and Best New Whisky at the 2021 Canadian Whisky Awards, then Premium Whisky of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Whisky Awards.
flavor camp taste profile
key flavor notes
production details
Canadian rye whisky
Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
48% ABV
No age statement
100% rye
Copper pot still, 2 distillations
Char #2 new American oak, finished in char #4 new American oak
Not disclosed
$55 to 60-ish cad
what shapes the flavor
Oak is the loudest instrument. The spirit starts in char #2 new American oak and is then finished in heavily charred (char #4) new American oak, a one-two of fresh wood that pulls out dark caramel, fudge, coffee and chocolate while building grippy tannin. The 100% rye mash, double distilled in pot stills, holds its own underneath with black pepper, cinnamon, clove and that distinctly rye dill and mint lift. Leather, tobacco and earthy notes come from the heavier char meeting the grain. Bottling at 48% ABV keeps the whole thing dense and long, with a mouthwatering, cola-like finish.
house style
Hiram Walker in Windsor is one of the largest distilleries in North America and the home of Wiser’s, Pike Creek, Gooderham & Worts and the Lot No. 40 family. The Lot No. 40 range is the distillery’s showcase for rye, using copper pot stills and 100% rye to show how spicy, rich and complex Canadian rye can be, with cask strength and finished editions pushing the style further.
