A while back, a friend from Canada brought me a bottle of Bearface Elementally aged Triple Oak Canadian whisky — and I’ll be honest, the first thing that caught my eye was the packaging. The bottle is rugged yet refined, featuring a bold bear claw scratch etched right into the glass. It perfectly captures what Bearface is all about: wild, untamed, and unmistakably Canadian.

The Story Behind Bearface Triple Oak

Bearface whisky takes its inspiration straight from the Canadian wilderness. The team sources corn-based whisky — fairly neutral in flavour — aged in American oak from other Canadian distilleries. After that, things get interesting. The spirit is then finished in French oak and Hungarian oak casks, in a process the brand calls “Elementally Aged.”

This finishing happens outdoors, in shipping containers exposed to the Canadian elements — dramatic temperature swings, humidity, and wilderness air — all working together to create something distinctively rugged and layered.

The mash bill is dominated by corn, providing the whisky with a smooth, sweet foundation. Bearface Spirits is owned by Mark Anthony Wine and Spirits, with Andres Faustinelli as master blender. Their extended team includes coopers, mixologists, and even “oak scientists” — a detail that tells you how seriously they take their wood program.

The Three Oaks

Each type of oak brings something unique to Bearface Triple Oak Canadian whisky:

• American Oak: Adds honey, butter, and creamy vanilla.
• French Oak (ex-red wine casks): Lends subtle fruit notes — think cranberry and pear.
• Hungarian Oak: Toasted three ways to develop warm spice, gentle smoke, and rye-like depth.

It’s a fascinating approach that clearly aims to push Canadian whisky into bolder, more complex territory.
Bearface’s flagship bottle is the Triple Oak, but there’s also the One Eleven Series and the Wilderness Series.

The brand picked up a Gold Medal at the 2019 Canadian Whisky Awards, earning solid respect among enthusiasts. I have seen comments around a 7 year old Triple Oak release, however, my bottle does not come with an age statement.

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Bearface Triple Oak Elementally Aged Canadian Whisky

ABV: 42.5%

REGION: Canada

COLOUR: Pale Gold Amber

NOSE:  Sweet and rich right off the bat. There is brown sugar, burnt marshmallows, and butterscotch dominate. It’s one of the sweetest noses I’ve encountered in a while. Underneath the sugary top notes are hints of red fruits, dried peaches, floral tones, and a touch of toasted oak and rye spice.

PALATE:  After that syrupy nose, the palate pivots toward oak and wood spice. The sweetness takes a back seat but lingers subtly, reminiscent of maple, butterscotch, and orange peel. Toasted oak and vanilla mix with a faint canned peach note in the background. It’s oily and medium-bodied. A splash of water softens the heat, allowing the sweetness to shine through again.

FINISH: Medium length with toasted oak, pepper, and burnt coffee leading the way. There’s still a hint of syrupy sweetness, but the wood remains the star of the show.

RATING: VERY GOOD

Bearface Triple Oak is an intriguing whisky that showcases creativity and craftsmanship. The nose delivers big, dessert-like sweetness, while the palate leans heavily into oak and spice. It reminds me of a blend between VAT 69’s corn syrup sweetness and Uncle Nearest’s wood-forward profile.

I was hoping for a bit more boldness to match its rugged concept, but it’s undeniably a fascinating experiment in wood finishing. The contrast between the sweet nose and oaky palate keeps it interesting. If you’re a fan of rich, wood-driven whiskies, this Canadian release deserves a spot on your shelf.

Final Verdict

A creative, well-made whisky with strong character, even if the oak sometimes steals the show. I have spotted some on Amazon and it retails in the affordable category. I have also seen the Bearface Wilderness Series: Mitlenatch Island release that is proofed with distilled water from maple smoked salt. Also in the affordable category.

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