Black Velvet (“black velvet”) – blended Canadian whiskey, made from two main components: grain and malt alcohol. Stored from 5 to 8 years in special oak barrels, which are pre-charred. Mixed alcohol is diluted with purified spring water, and after aging, it is driven through a carbon filter. The blending at birth technology is used, which allows you to create the most balanced taste.
Features. Currently, Black Velvet is successfully imported to at least 60 countries around the world. The type of packaging – cardboard tube – chosen in the last century, is successfully used to this day. The product has a fairly bright taste with the addition of notes of roasted malt, honey and pastries. Common flavors are pear, green apple and grape. The aftertaste is usually short, but colorful. Experts recommend drinking this drink in its pure form and as part of cocktails after meals, as it promotes digestion.
Historical reference. The starting point in the history of Black Velvet whiskey was 1933, when a small distillery opened near the largest city in Canada, Toronto (today Ontario). The founders of the company were the British brothers Alfred and Walter Gilbey. At that time, the volumes of products sold were insignificant, but the situation changed dramatically after 1945.
From the very first day, the technological process differed markedly from the approach of other whiskey producers, since the distillation was carried out in 3 stages. This was the secret to achieving special softness! Initially, the whiskey was produced under the name Black Label, but soon, at the initiative of master blender Jack Napier, it was renamed Black Velvet. Currently, the trademark is owned by Constellation Brands, and the United States has been and remains the leading sales region.
Not only the surprising softness of the drink, but also the advertising campaign, prepared and organized by the manager of the enterprise, Tom Fogden, went down in history. The essence of advertising was that the models in black velvet clothes originally described the unique softness of the drink. The advertising campaign organically combined two qualities: on the one hand – the fantastic softness of whiskey, on the other – female beauty. Among Canadian whiskey varieties, Black Velvet is considered the leader, which has been repeatedly emphasized in advertising.
Types of Whiskey Black Velvet
Black Velvet is a 40% ABV blended whiskey aged in oak barrels for 5 years. It has a rich yellow color, a fruity aroma with tones of oak chips and hay, a sweet taste with citrus and sherbet shades. The aftertaste is short but captivating. It is recommended to use in its pure form with the addition of water at room temperature or ice cubes.
Black Velvet Reserve 8 Years is a premium blended whiskey with a strength of 40% and a rich amber color, which is aged in white American oak wooden barrels for at least 8 years, after which it is filtered through carbon filters and bottled in certain sizes (most often it is 700 ml). The drink appeared on the market in Canada and other countries in 1991 and during this time received several serious awards at the International Review of Spirits Award, Monde Selection competition, etc. Whiskey will suit lovers of a rich aroma with hints of chocolate, caramel, roasted nuts and raisins. The taste in this case is soft and sweet with hints of spices and nut cake.
