Good Day & Sunshine 21-Year Canadian Whisky Review

 

What does Canada require for its whisky to be considered Canadian? Many people get this one wrong – and I used to be one of them. I used to believe the rules were fast and loose. But, once you read (and understand) them, the Great White North is somewhat strict.

 

Canadian whisky must begin with the mashing and distilling of cereal grains (corn, rye, wheat, etc.). Things always start with single-grain whisky. In other words, if you had a Canadian whisky made from corn, rye, and wheat, it means the corn was distilled and aged, the rye was distilled and aged, and the wheat was distilled and aged. Once everything matures, those whiskies are then blended.

 

A typical Canadian whisky comes from a distillate of around 95% ABV (190°). That’s Neutral Grain Spirit (NGS) territory. It must age at least three years in small cooperage – less than 700 liters), all of which must occur in Canada. However, there is no rule indicating the use of a specific wood. Used cooperage helps the NGS gain flavor.

 

Like whisky all over, bottling happens at no less than 40% ABV (80°).

 

Today, I’m sampling Good Day & Sunshine from Proof and Wood Ventures of Bardstown, Kentucky. If you think Good Day Canadian Whisky sounds familiar, it should. It was the 2022 Canadian release from Proof and Wood. This year’s release also carries a 21-year age statement. It is a blend of mostly corn whisky and a smaller portion of barley and rye whiskies that were aged in oak. The combination was finished in Jamaican Rum barrels (Good Day for the Canadian and Sunshine for the Jamaican). It is packaged at 52.5% ABV (105°) and has a suggested retail price of $99.99.

 

Before I begin this adventure, I must thank Proof and Wood for providing me a sample of Good Day & Sunshine in exchange for a no-strings-attached, honest review. Let’s #DrinkCurious.

 

Appearance: I sipped this whisky neat from my Glencairn glass. The liquid was bright gold; it left a thin rim and shed slow, crooked tears.

 

Nose: The Rum cask finish was no joke. An aroma of thick molasses rose from my glass. Corn, vanilla, and floral rye followed. I found brown sugar and vanilla when I drew the air through my lips.

 

Palate: The full-bodied mouthfeel launched flavors of butterscotch and cinnamon on the front of my palate. Vanilla, brown sugar, and corn formed the middle. Flavors of clove, toffee, and caramel were on the back.

 

Finish: The clove was determined to keep the show going once the caramel, brown sugar, and toffee faded; it hung around on my tongue for what appeared to be several minutes.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: The original Good Day stole my Bottle rating. It was the first time a purely Canadian whisky was worthy enough to earn it. Good Day & Sunshine took things a step further. The Rum and spice notes created an attention-getting experience. The duration of the finish only enhanced the affair. In a head-to-head competition, Good Day & Sunshine outperforms Good Day (I still have some to verify). It only makes sense that an even better whisky would be crowned accordingly for the same money. Grab a Bottle. Cheers!

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.