Review: The Perfect Fifth Canongate American Whiskey 15 Years Old
The Perfect Fifth is an independent bottler based in Miami, Florida, established in 2019 by Karl Schoen. The company primarily focuses on well-aged single malt Scotch whisky but also bottles select American whiskeys. In the summer of 2025, The Perfect Fifth released the second edition of their Canongate 15-Year-Old Single Barrel American Whiskey. This release is part of the brand’s “Bottled and Born” series, which highlights the historic and ongoing connection between Kentucky and Scotland, particularly through the use of ex-bourbon barrels for maturing Scotch whisky.
The Canongate expression was distilled at Heaven Hill in 2009. It initially spent three years maturing in Bardstown, Kentucky, before being transferred to the Lowlands of Scotland for an additional 12 years of aging, bringing the total maturation period to 15 years. Compared to other Scottish regions, the Lowlands experience milder, more stable temperatures averaging between 41 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by higher humidity due to coastal proximity and lower altitude. These conditions tend to slow the maturation process and reduce the annual angel’s share to about 1–2%, compared to 2–3% in warmer or drier areas like Speyside.
Interestingly, the bottle is labeled as “American whiskey” rather than bourbon. The Perfect Fifth notes that limited information is available about the barrels and the specific whiskey used. Naturally, questions arise regarding the factors that influenced this labeling choice. After 15 years of maturation, Canongate was bottled at a cask strength of 131.06 proof. Typically, whiskey aging in Scotland experiences a gradual decrease in alcohol content over time. If Canongate met the legal standards of identity for bourbon, it would have entered the barrel at no more than 125 proof. Given the extended aging in the Lowlands, it is somewhat unexpected for the cask strength to register above 131 proof if the barrel entry proof was 125.
This has led to speculation that the barrel entry proof may have exceeded 125, disqualifying it from bourbon classification but still fitting the American whiskey category. The Perfect Fifth states that the barrel entry proof is unknown but considers it reasonable that it was above 125 proof. It is possible for whiskey entering barrels at 125 proof, spending three years in Kentucky with rising alcohol levels followed by 12 years in Scotland with declining levels, to exit at around 131 proof. However, without detailed knowledge of warehouse conditions—such as temperature control or humidity—it remains difficult to fully assess the maturation dynamics.
Other independent bottlers might offer alternative insights into why Canongate is designated as American whiskey rather than bourbon. For example, the 2009 Archives Heaven Hill 10-Year-Old American Whiskey, also distilled at Heaven Hill in 2009 from the flagship mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, and initially aged in Bardstown before relocation to Scotland, used first-fill bourbon barrels instead of new charred oak barrels. Comparing this to Canongate’s known details suggests Canongate may also be matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon barrels along with Heaven Hill’s flagship bourbon mashbill. If so, despite using Heaven Hill’s flagship bourbon mashbill, maturation in used barrels would exclude it from bourbon classification and place it under the American whiskey category. If the whiskey was aged in first-fill bourbon barrels rather than the new charred oak barrels required for bourbon, the dynamics of alcohol content—both the increase in Kentucky and the subsequent decrease during aging—would likely differ. Under this scenario, assuming a barrel entry proof of 125, maturation in first-fill cooperage could help explain the relatively high exit proof of 131.06.
Another possibility involves another independent bottling, Whiskey Broker 12-Year Corn Whiskey, also distilled in 2009 and aged in both Kentucky and Scotland, distilled from a corn whiskey mashbill and matured in ex-bourbon barrels. It raises the question of whether Canongate might be a similar product with extended Scottish aging. Perhaps Mellow Corn with extended aging in Scotland?
Several uncertainties remain about the nature of this whiskey. The 14-year-old Canongate Single Barrel American Whiskey was reviewed by Drinkhacker in September 2024. Each single barrel bottling is unique, and with an additional year of maturation in this release, how does it compares to earlier editions?
The Perfect Fifth Canongate American Whiskey 15 Years Old Review
After more than 15 years in the barrel, the nose opens with clear fruit notes of banana taffy and dried apricots. This initial fruitiness soon shifts toward aromas of honey roasted peanut butter and nutmeg. While the nose is enjoyable, it doesn’t reach the intensity typically expected from a Heaven Hill whiskey aged for 15 years, especially if matured in new charred oak. Instead, the lighter aroma points to influences from the Lowlands of Scotland and likely the utilization of previously used barrels.
On the palate, a sweet, bready note similar to blueberry muffins appears immediately. This leads into flavors of white chocolate and mild cinnamon. Late on the palate, freeze-dried strawberry notes appear, adding a fruit character. The mouthfeel is medium in weight, but does not have the thickness often found in American whiskeys aged for this length of time. The finish delivers flavors of pickled ginger and light butterscotch, which fade into dried rose petals and browned pie crust.
Canongate Single Barrel American Whiskey 15 Years Old is a very good whiskey that any enthusiast would appreciate having in their collection. However, based on the nosing and tasting, it does not quite justify the $185 price tag. The 15-year-old age statement draws attention, but the absence of a bourbon label suggests maturation in used barrels, which significantly affects oak influence over 15 years—especially in the Lowlands.
While the whiskey is enjoyable, a price closer to $130 would better match the profile. Still, Canongate is about more than just the taste. The concept of a Heaven Hill-distilled whiskey aged in Scotland is fascinating and makes for a great conversation piece among whiskey fans. For those who value the story as much as the spirit, $185 may be a reasonable cost.
Comparing this 15-year expression to the earlier 14-year single barrel, both share honey and peanut butter aromas. The 14-year offered more floral notes both on the nose and palate, while the 15-year brings more fruit flavors forward. Between the two, I prefer the 15-year release.
131.06 proof.
B+/ $185 (700ml)
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