Canadian Mist

Canadian Mist Distillery

Region
  • Ontario, Canada
Awards
  • 2023 World Whiskies Awards: Silver for Canadian Mist, 2022 Canadian Whisky Awards, 2021 Canadian Whisky Awards
Website
  • https://www.canadianmist.com/
Phone Number
  • +1 705-445-4690
Address
  • 202 MacDonald Rd, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4J2, Canada

Industrial site with silos and warehouses surrounded by trees

History of Canadian Mist Distillery

 

Canadian Mist, with its inception in 1967, has a rich history that reflects its commitment to producing quality whisky. The brand was born on the shores of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada, an area known for having some of the freshest water in North America.

This pristine water, combined with top-quality grains and mellowed white oak barrels, contributed to the creation of a whisky that is not categorized as “craft” but is certainly crafted with care and expertise to be enjoyed by all.

Production Process at Canadian Mist Distillery 

The distillery selects the finest grains, including barley malt from Alberta and Ontario rye, ensuring a foundation of quality from the very beginning of the production process.

Interestingly, all the corn used by Canadian Mist is sourced within a 100-mile radius from the distillery, further emphasizing their commitment to local, quality ingredients.

The grains undergo a meticulous process where they are ground, mixed with water, and then mashed to extract the starches, initiating the fermentation process.

During fermentation, enzymes within the ground grain convert starches into sugar. This sugar-laden mash is then introduced to yeast, beginning the magical process of fermentation where sugar is transformed into alcohol, creating a “beer.”

However, the goal here is whisky production. The alcohol is distilled from this “beer,” and through exposure to steam, it is vaporized and condensed, resulting in “high wine,” a flavorful precursor to the final product.

The whisky then undergoes extractive distillation, mingling with water and live steam through columns that separate out specific congeners (trace flavor compounds), which are crucial in giving Canadian Mist its delightful aroma and flavor.

After this process, the whisky is reduced in proof using demineralized water from Georgian Bay, further refining its profile before it is placed into white oak barrels for maturation.

Canadian Mist whisky is stored in barrels that were previously used for heavier whiskies, allowing the whisky to mature perfectly within these mellowed containers.

The brand believes that age is just a number and does not necessarily determine the quality of whisky, as some whiskies mature faster than others. The climate-controlled barrelhouses ensure consistent maturation, resulting in a smooth and delightful taste that Canadian Mist is known for.

The final step involves blending and bottling. The matured whisky is removed from the barrels at its peak, and the blending process begins.

The flavoring whiskies, selected for their mildness, are blended with the base whisky to create a harmonious balance of flavor and aroma, resulting in the Canadian Mist that is known and loved by many today.

Awards Won by Canadian Mist Distillery

The Canadian Mist distillery has received several awards over the years, including:

  • 2023 World Whiskies Awards: Silver for Canadian Mist
  • 2022 Canadian Whisky Awards:
    • Value Whisky of the Year in the Export Market: Canadian Mist
    • Flavored Whisky of the Year in the Export Market: Peach Mist
  • 2021 Canadian Whisky Awards: Silver for Canadian Mist
  • 2015 Canadian Whisky Awards:
    • Canadian Whisky of the Year: Collingwood 21 Year Old Rye
    • Connoisseur Whisky of the Year (Multiple-Market): Collingwood 21 Year Old Rye

Collingwood 21-Year-Old Rye is a limited-edition whisky that is distilled at the Canadian Mist distillery. It is aged for a minimum of 21 years in oak barrels and has a smooth, mellow flavor.

Canadian Mist is a blended whisky that is made with a variety of grains, including corn, rye, and barley. It is aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels and has a light, smooth flavor.

Peach Mist is a flavored whisky that is made with Canadian Mist and peach flavors. It has a sweet, fruity flavor and is often enjoyed on the rocks or in cocktails.

The Canadian Whisky Awards are an annual competition that recognizes the best Canadian whiskies. The awards are judged by a panel of experts who blind taste the whiskies.

The World Whiskies Awards are an annual competition that recognizes the best whiskies from around the world. The awards are judged by a panel of experts who blind taste the whiskies.

The Canadian Mist distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in Canada. It was founded in 1858 and is located in Collingwood, Ontario. The distillery produces a variety of whiskies, including Canadian Mist, Collingwood, and Peach Mist.

Canadian Mist Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Canadian Mist Distillery does not offer tours. The distillery is still operational, and for safety and security reasons, they are not able to allow visitors inside.

What To Do Nearby Canadian Mist Distillery

Venture to the Georgian Trail for a scenic bike ride, spanning roughly 40 kilometers between Collingwood and Thornbury. It is at a distance of 3.6 km and should take you around 7 minutes by car.

Beer enthusiasts may find solace at the Side Launch Brewing Company, famed for its quality brews. It is at a distance of 5.5 km and should take you around 10 minutes by car.

For a tranquil retreat, Sunset Point Park offers serene vistas of Georgian Bay. It is at a distance of 1.8 km and should take you around 4 minutes by car.

History buffs can explore the Collingwood Museum, though a brief visit may suffice as one can traverse the exhibits within about 20 minutes​​. It is at a distance of 2.8 km and should take you around 5 minutes by car.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near the Canadian Mist Distillery?


Georgian Family Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +1 705-446-0770. Their address is 401 Hume St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1W7, Canada.

Fig & Feta: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +17054469966. Their address is 65 Hurontario St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2L7, Canada. 

The Iron Skillet Collingwood: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +17054445804. Their address is 49 Huron St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1C5, Canada. 

What hotels are near the Canadian Mist Distillery?

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Collingwood, an IHG Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +17052932200. Their address is 500 Hume St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4H8, Canada. 

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Collingwood: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +17054441880. Their address is 15 Cambridge St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 0A2, Canada. 

Comfort Inn & Suites Collingwood: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +17054442144. Their address is 4 Balsam St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 3J4, Canada.