Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey is composed by Drew Mayville, the Master Blender of Sazerac. Drew came up with the name of the release as an homage to Seagram’s last owner, Sam Bronfman.
It was intended to be an annual release, but in reality the batches were always two years apart. The inaugural edition (which we’re reviewing today) was released in late 2019. The fourth and latest batch appeared in 2025.
We know very little about the whiskey itself, which is labeled as a Blend of the finest American and Canadian whiskeys. He had access to all warehouses, which includes Buffalo Trace (some of the Antique Collection barrels?), Barton, but also the Old Montreal distillery.
Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey (66,9%, OB 2019, Batch #1, 1200 btl.)
Nose: very aromatic, with loads of brown sugar, deep vanilla, cedar wood and plenty of tobacco leaves. Maple syrup. Then also a brighter citrusy note, whiff of mint and jasmine, and a good dose of dark fruits in the background (blackberries and dark cherries). Ever so slightly burnt banana bread. A slightly dusty oaky note with varnish and light flinty notes. The high ABV doesn’t work against it, it folds open immediately.
Mouth: thick, and the heat is noticeable but not problematic at all. Intense flavours, including raisins, brown sugar, stewed cherries and plums. Then back to the baking spice (the rye component?), like nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and peppermint. Plenty of herbal notes as well, bordering floral hints at some point. Some leather as well, but it never gets dry.
Finish: long, with more polished oak, cherry codial and dark fruits, with a fresh hint of spearmint.
Excellent whiskey, one of the best American (or mostly American) whiskeys I’ve had, in fact. It’s bold, warm and complex, the high ABV is perfectly managed, and it avoids excessive dryness or spiciness. The official retail price has been around $ 250 but bottles are highly sought after and only found at inflated prices.