Canada’s whisky landscape is a rich tapestry of exceptional brands, each weaving their unique interpretation of the classic Canadian whisky. These distilleries distinguish themselves through innovative production techniques, diverse grain combinations, and meticulous aging processes. They offer an enticing journey into the heart of flavor, heritage, and craftsmanship. Let’s embark on a journey to discover some of the most influential Canadian whisky brands that have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Legacy of Crown Royal
Crown Royal, a name synonymous with Canadian whisky, is easily identifiable by its signature velvet bag and crown-shaped bottle. This iconic brand was born in 1939, a creation of Samuel Bronfman, the proprietor of Seagram’s, to commemorate the royal visit of British King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Canada.
Crown Royal is celebrated for its harmonious blend of 50 distinct whiskies, resulting in a full-bodied flavor profile brimming with notes of oak and vanilla. The finish is smooth and enduring, a testament to its meticulous blend of corn, rye, and other grains, batch distilled and aged to perfection in white oak barrels.
Beyond its traditional offering, Crown Royal has expanded its portfolio to include a variety of flavored whiskies. The Regal Apple, Vanilla, and Peach whiskies each add a fruity nuance to the classic whisky profile. While the Crown Royal Deluxe remains the brand’s flagship offering, other expressions such as the robust and spicy Crown Royal Black, and the exquisite Crown Royal XR – a limited edition offering of the finest quality, have also garnered significant acclaim.
The brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation has solidified Crown Royal’s position as a global whisky powerhouse. Its diverse range of expressions provides a unique tasting experience for both whisky novices and seasoned aficionados alike.
The Canadian Club Story
A journey into the world of Canadian whisky would be incomplete without a stop at the Canadian Club. This whisky titan’s roots extend back to 1858, when Hiram Walker established his distillery in Windsor, Ontario. Originally christened as Walker’s Club Whisky, it swiftly gained a following, thanks to Walker’s pioneering aging method that required a minimum of two years. The brand’s fame skyrocketed, even finding its way into the U.S. during the Prohibition era, albeit through illicit channels.
Canadian Club whisky is recognized for its smooth, mellow profile, achieved through a blend of grains, primarily corn and rye. The whisky is aged in white oak barrels for no less than six years, surpassing the Canadian legal requirement by three years. The outcome is a timeless masterpiece, with a rich flavor profile that includes notes of sweet grain, rye spice, and subtle hints of almond and vanilla, culminating in a well-rounded finish.
The brand’s offerings extend beyond the standard whisky, with aged expressions like the 12-year-old Classic and the 20-year-old reserve. These whiskies offer a deeper dive into the aging process. The brand has also earned accolades for its innovative 100% rye grain whisky, a bold expression of rye spiciness. Canadian Club’s dedication to preserving traditional practices while embracing innovation solidifies its position as a staple in Canadian whisky.
Unique Blends of Forty Creek
Forty Creek Distillery, though a relative newcomer, has made a remarkable impression on the Canadian whisky landscape. Founded in 1992 by winemaker John Hall, Forty Creek has rapidly become a beloved player in the whisky industry.
The distillery’s unique blending process sets it apart. In contrast to the conventional method of distilling and aging grains together, Forty Creek distills and ages each grain – corn, rye, and barley – separately. The single-grain whiskies are then expertly blended after aging, resulting in a richly complex flavor profile.
The flagship Forty Creek Barrel Select whisky is lauded for its intricate layers of flavor and smooth finish. It offers a medley of apricot, caramel, and vanilla notes, rounded off with a hint of toasted oak.
Forty Creek’s range extends to include the Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve, aged in Canadian oak barrels, and the robustly spiced Forty Creek Rye. Each variant offers a unique tasting experience, showcasing the versatility and ingenuity of Canadian whisky.
Forty Creek’s commitment to innovation, coupled with respect for traditional whisky craftsmanship, has made it a standout in the Canadian whisky scene. Its distinctive process and unique blends enrich the diverse tapestry of Canadian whisky.
JP Wiser’s: Range and Character
JP Wiser’s, a titan in the world of Canadian whisky, has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s. Founded by John Philip Wiser, this distillery has become a symbol of Canada’s spirited heritage, significantly influencing the nation’s whisky landscape.
The whiskies from JP Wiser’s are celebrated for their robust, full-bodied flavor, a result of a meticulous blend of corn, rye, and barley grains. The ageing process in seasoned oak barrels bestows the whisky with a depth of color, body, and taste, making each sip of JP Wiser’s a remarkable journey.
The JP Wiser’s Deluxe, their standard offering, is lauded for its smooth, rich character. It presents a symphony of toasted grain, sweet corn meal, and vanilla notes, culminating in a round and creamy finish.
Yet, JP Wiser’s is not confined to its basic offering. The brand’s portfolio is a spectrum of variants, each with a distinct allure. From the robust, spice-laden profile of JP Wiser’s 15 Years Old to the refined complexity of the 18 Years Old, and the luxurious JP Wiser’s 35 Years Old with its intricate layers of dried fruits, caramel, and oak.
JP Wiser’s commitment to quality and diverse taste profiles has solidified its standing as a key player in the Canadian whisky industry. Each variant stands as a testament to the versatility and complex character of Canadian whisky.
Lot No. 40: A Celebration of Rye
Lot No. 40, a relative newcomer in the realm of Canadian whiskies, has carved out a unique position with its distinct rye robustness. Despite its youth, the brand has received international recognition for its exceptional quality and standout character.
Crafted exclusively from rye grain, Lot No. 40 is a pure ‘rye’ whisky. This results in a bold, spicy flavor profile that sets it apart from other Canadian whiskies, which often rely on corn or grain blends. The use of copper pot distillation enhances the spicy rye character and results in a richly layered whisky.
The standard Lot No. 40 expression is celebrated for its full-bodied rye flavor, featuring notes of baking spices, apple, and oak, all culminating in a potent rye grain finish. Its depth and complexity have made it a favorite among rye whisky enthusiasts, solidifying its role as a key player in the Canadian whisky scene.
Beyond the base expression, Lot No. 40 also offers a series of special releases, such as Lot No. 40 Dark Oak and Lot No. 40 Cask Strength. These further highlight the versatility and dynamic nature of rye whisky.
Lot No. 40’s emphasis on rye makes it a true celebration of this robust grain. It provides a thrilling alternative to the traditionally smoother and mellower profiles of Canadian whisky, demonstrating the dynamic range that Canadian whisky can offer.
Shelter Point Distillery: Coastal Craftsmanship
Located on Vancouver Island, Shelter Point Distillery is a testament to the art of craft whisky. With a farm-to-flask approach, they produce single malt whiskies that capture the essence of the coastal terroir. Their whiskies are made from barley grown on their own farm and are distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The result is a smooth and aromatic whisky with notes of fruit, vanilla, and a hint of the sea. Their Artisanal Single Malt Whisky is a standout, offering a delicate balance of sweetness and complexity.
Gooderham & Worts: A Nod to History
Gooderham & Worts pays homage to Toronto’s distilling history. The brand, which dates back to the 1830s, was once the largest distillery in Canada. Today, their whiskies are a blend of various grains, offering a rich and multi-layered flavor profile. The Gooderham & Worts Four Grain is particularly notable, blending corn, rye, wheat, and barley to create a harmonious and flavorful whisky with notes of dried fruit, baking spices, and a hint of caramel.
Stalk & Barrel: Modern Pioneers
Stalk & Barrel represents the new wave of Canadian craft distilleries. Founded in Ontario, they focus on producing small-batch, handcrafted whiskies. Their dedication to quality is evident in their meticulous selection of grains, fermentation, and distillation processes. The Stalk & Barrel Single Malt is a testament to their craftsmanship, offering a smooth and flavorful profile with hints of honey, fruit, and spice.
Glenora Distillery: Canadian Highland Spirit
Nestled in the scenic Cape Breton Highlands of Nova Scotia, Glenora Distillery is North America’s first single malt whisky distillery. Their Glen Breton Rare is a nod to Scottish traditions, aged in oak barrels and offering a delicate balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and a hint of peat. The distillery’s picturesque location and traditional methods make it a unique player in the Canadian whisky landscape.
Honorable Mentions
While the aforementioned brands have made significant strides in the Canadian whisky landscape, there are several other distilleries that deserve a nod for their contributions. Brands like Pendleton Whisky, known for its smooth and approachable profile, and Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt, which brings forth the unique flavors of the northern terroir, are worth exploring. Additionally, Central City Brewers & Distillers and Black Fox Farm & Distillery have been pushing the boundaries of innovation, offering unique expressions that challenge traditional whisky norms.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s whisky scene is a vibrant blend of tradition, innovation, and sheer passion. From the iconic brands that have shaped the industry to the craft distilleries forging new paths, there’s a story in every bottle. At Flask and Barrel, we celebrate this rich tapestry, inviting you to raise a glass and savor the diverse flavors of Canadian whisky. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your whisky journey, there’s always a new flavor to discover, a new tale to tell. Here’s to the spirit of Canada, one sip at a time.
