More Canadian Whisky Should Be in Your Home Bar!
The American counterparts of Whiskey often overshadow Canadian Whisky, but they shouldn't! The entire category is one of the most exciting, dynamic, and varied in North America. From the more familiar brands that have been mainstays for decades to a new generation shifting perceptions of what great Canadian Whisky has to offer, the world of Whisky north of the American border is well worth exploring.
What is Canadian Whisky?
Canadian Whisky, by definition, is a Whisky that is made in Canada. You'll notice that it's not spelled Whiskey, as it is in the United States, but Whisky, as it's spelled in Scotland. But no matter how you spell it, Canadian Whisky is delicious.
How is Canadian Whisky made?
Canadian Whisky starts like any other Whiskey: a whisky mash (in this case, generally with a relatively high percentage of rye) is soaked in hot water, which is then fermented, and that "distiller's beer," as it's generally known, is then distilled until it reaches the desired percentage of alcohol. From there, it's transferred to barrels to rest and age for a specified period — three years minimum by Canadian law. Once it's achieved the desired character, barrels are blended to create the final product (it may also be watered back to the selected proof).
What is different about Canadian Whisky?
Canadian Whisky generally has a relatively high amount of rye and other grains, which imparts a distinct spice note. This spiciness varies by the brand and expression. Still, it typically serves as a delicious counterpoint to the more honeyed notes that also impact the aromas and flavors of great Canadian Whisky.
What are popular Canadian Whisky brands?
Answering "what is a good Canadian Whisky?" or "what is a popular brand of Canadian Whisky?" is subjective to the unique individual. However, there are many popular Canadian Whiskey brands with our customers that we carry.
Among the most notable Canadian Whiskey brands are:
What kind of cocktails can you make with Canadian Whisky?
Canadian whisky can be used in any cocktail that Bourbon or Rye is appropriate for, though the Rye in a Canadian Whisky will tend to make the cocktail a bit spicier than Bourbon. A Rye Manhattan is a classic, as is a Rye Old Fashioned. Mixing these up with Canadian Whisky instead adds an unexpected flair to the drinks.
What is the most popular Whisky in Canada?
Popularity is challenging to determine objectively, but in terms of numbers, and the sheer volume of Canadian Whisky sold, Crown Royal, according to The Spirits Business, is the of the most successful Canadian Whisky on an international scale.
What is the difference between Canadian Whisky and American Whiskey?
Aside from their countries of origin, there can be many differences between Canadian Whisky and its American counterparts, each of which has its own set of rules, whether you're considering Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, or other regional Whiskey specialties.
In general, however, Canadian Whisky tends to be a bit spicier and occasionally lighter than its American counterparts. However, that can vary greatly by brand and bottling. Best to try them all and decide for yourself which you prefer!
Want to know more about the differences in Whiskey? Visit our guide for a quick breakdown of the difference between Whiskey and Whisky!
Is Rye the same as Canadian Whiskey?
Though the two terms are often used interchangeably, Rye and Canadian Whisky are not the same things. Rye can be produced in Canada, the United States, and anywhere else in the world. Hence, while most Canadian Whisky has a relatively strong Rye presence, just because a Whisky is a Rye does not automatically make it a Canadian Whisky.
Browse our full selection of Canadian Whisky online or check out our selection of highly-rated Canadian Whisky for a great new Canadian Whisky to try this week!
Want to learn more about Canadian Whisky?
Visit our Guide to Canadian Whisky to learn more about Canadian Whisky.
