Drink.  Learn.  Laugh.  Repeat.

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,913 strong:

Register Today!

Wayne Gretzky Estates Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky Wine Review

Wayne Gretzky Estates Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky

Wayne Gretzky Estates Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

Community Score:93/100

Community Reviews: 6

  Add My Review


Price: $99.00

Drink: 2020-2045

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 49.5%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: Other Wines/Drinks


Winery: Wayne Gretzky Estates

Agent: Andrew Peller Limited

Natalie's Score: 99/100

This is the third year for the release of this small batch Ontario whisky that's aged in bourbon barrels for three years then finished in wine barrels (formerly holding the winery's Cabernet Sauvignon) for 100 days. Rich aromas of caramel, licorice, cedar smoke and spices. Long finish. Yes, 99, The Great One, deserves a score of 99 for this well-crafted spirit ;)

This Wayne Gretzky Estates Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky was reviewed on December 23, 2020 by Natalie MacLean

  Add New Vintage

Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings

Melanie Lloyd - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

Made from local grains and distilled in 100% American oak barrels. This whisky is finished in Cab Sauv barrels from the Wayne Gretzky winery for more than 100 days. Complex on the nose with aromas of toffee, marzipan, almond husk, slight apple, fruit cake, and smoky wood notes. Robust and warming on the palate with lingering notes of rich buttery toffee, smoky wood, and brazil nut at the finish.

Tasted December 2020
David Skinner rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Deep amber colour. Aromas of toffee, butterscotch and spices. More hints of sweet caramel and hints of tangerine and tree nuts on the palate. A relaxing and lengthy finish.

The whisky's name is not just a play on Mr. Gretzky's sweater number but also reflects the 99 days spent i Cabernet Sauvignon casks.
Andrea Shapiro rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Aged for 99 days in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from their own estate, Wayne Gretzky Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky has appealing aromas of caramel apples, smoke and pecan pie. Flavours reveal heated burnt sugar, toffee, candied orange peel and char grilled buttered corn on cob.

Fun fact - Not only is this whisky named after the iconic number “99” - which is the number Wayne Gretzky wore during his Hockey career, but this whisky features a slightly higher ABV (49.5%) than some of the other whiskeys from this distillery. Thus, making it a true 99 proof.

This is a nice sipper to share with a loved one. Enjoy with a cheese plate and some roasted nuts. Cheers! - Tasted December 2020
Jane Staples - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

A very impressive, multi-award winning small-batch blended whisky made from 100% Ontario grains(Malted Rye, Rye and Corn). Rich, smooth and delicous with notes of toffee, sweet spice, orange zest, raisins, nuts, licorice and smoky oak. Gives a “good burn” like the finest of whiskies. Higher than average alcohol, at 49.5%. Perfect for your apres-ski coffee.
Each bottle supports The Wayne Gretzky Foundation.
Tasted Jan. 2020
www.bellovinoj.com
Craig Haynes - WSET3 FWS SWS IWS rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Created in Ontario’s Niagara-on-the-Lake, this Canadian whisky’s mash bill features 100% Ontario malted rye, rye and corn. In my glass, it revealed delicious, shy scents of toasted caramel, sweet brown sugar, butter scotch and hints of tropical fruit and vanilla. These enticing aromas ushered in compelling toasted spice, cracked white pepper, butterscotch flavours and - in a supporting role – some tropical fruit notes.

Matured in 100% American oak, finished for over 100 days in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from the distillery’s sibling winery and superb for cocktails. Mix a Boulevardier with this 49.5% abv whisky. Enjoy.

Reviewed on December 20, 2020

If you liked the Wayne Gretzky Estates Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky, you might also like these wines:

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

Wine of the Week

As featured on  

CTV Wine of the Week!

Veuve Clicquot Sparkling Wine
Rosé Champagne 2015,
Champagne A.C. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,913 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

  Best Books of the Year

Red, White & Drunk all over by Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

  Best Books of the Year

Unquenchable by Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

Insider tips on starting a wine cellar
From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources.   learn more  
Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award