Black Velvet (whisky)
|
Black Velvet Canadian Whisky | |
| Type | Canadian whisky |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Constellation Brands |
| Country of origin | Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada |
| Alcohol by volume | 40.00% |
| Proof (US) | 80 |
| Related products | Constellation Brands |
Black Velvet Whisky is a Canadian whisky brand owned by Constellation Brands. It has a strong taste and is known for its black labeling.
Black Velvet was produced at Schenley Industries in Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada. Schenley's Black Velvet DeLuxe was the only liquor available to submarine officers at Midway in World War II, where it was held in low regard and known as "Schenley's Black Death."[1]
Original owner Heublein was sold to Grand Metropolitan in 1987. Grand Metropolitan and Guinness merged in 1997 to form Diageo.
The distillery was sold by Diageo to Canandaigua Brands in 1999.
Originally called "Black Label", the name was changed to "Black Velvet" at the suggestion, in the late 1940s, by the Master Distiller Jack Napier because he thought it had a velvety taste and smoothness.
Black Velvet produces three expressions which are primarily sold on the export market to the United States: Black Velvet and Black Velvet Reserve, which is an older-aged product (aged eight years), and Black Velvet Toasted Caramel (introduced in 2012). This brand is ranked number two in Canadian Whisky market share behind number one, Crown Royal.[2]
The first Black Velvet Lady, Patricia Victoria Miller, was introduced to the world in 1969 as an advertisement tool for Black Velvet. Since that time, such famous names as Christie Brinkley, Cybill Shepherd, Kim Alexis, Cheryl Tiegs, Micah Wylde, and Kelly Emberg have all been Black Velvet Ladies. In addition, actors Telly Savalas, Larry Hagman and George Burns as well as country singer Tanya Tucker have also appeared in the ads. The current Black Velvet Lady is Tami Donaldson, born and raised in Hollywood, Florida.