Keeping abreast of the best Canadian Whiskies and the worst Canadian whisky will go a long way in maintaining your home bar. It is a fact that 70 percent of Canadian Whiskies are exported to the United States. But then it is also a historical fact that 90 percent of the best Canadian Whiskies are retained within the country.
Although Scotch and Bourbon dominate the world whisky market, it is true that Canadian whiskey is the dark horse and is quite capable of making a comeback in the industry on a global platform.
Nevertheless, all Canadian whiskies including the best and the worst Canadian whiskey, like Scotch and Irish whisky have to legally undergo a minimum of three years of aging in their native country within wooden barrels. And no larger than a batch of 700 liters in a new or old, charred or uncharred barrel is required to acclaim the Canadian whiskey label. Moreover, this spirit also has to be mashed and distilled within Canada itself to be called Canadian Whiskey.
Some of the popular whiskies made in Canada include, but are not limited to, Alberta Distillers and Black Velvet in Alberta; Canadian Mist and Forty Creek in Ontario; Hiram Walker; Gimli in Manitoba; Highwood; and Valleyfield in Quebec. These are the big eight best Canadian whiskies produced, sold, and liked across all seven continents.
The 13 Best Canadian Whiskies to Sip in 2023
The land of Maple Leaf boasts some the best Canadian whiskies that have an incredible style of their own. This country is well-known for making some good whiskey. The defining characteristics of Canadian whiskies are that they must be aged for three years in Canada from a mash bill recipe of grains and contain at least 40 percent ABV. However, distillers are free to experiment with different types of recipes and barrels. They are also free to add 9.09% of another spirit to the whisky, as long as it is aged for two years in wood at least.
Canada is best known for two types of whiskies. The 100% grain and rye blends. The best Canadian whiskies involve a different manufacturing process than American whiskey. These grains are individually fermented, distilled, matured, and subsequently blended. The best Canadian whiskies also have less strict distilling laws. Distillers can therefore get more creative with grains, blends, ages, barreling, and cask finishes.
Here are some of the best Canadian whiskies to savor keeping their most distinguishing features in mind.
- Canadian Club 100% Rye: Coming from the Alberta region, the Canadian Club is a well-known brand in the United States. It is an extremely popular and affordable blended whiskey available in the market. Moreover, the Canadian Club is a great example of Canadian rye. It is a 100 percent rye whisky that is aged in a few different types of barrels. Nevertheless, it does not portray the most intense rye whisky experience you can find. But then this whiskey that is crafted by Alberta Distillers with 40 percent ABV alongside caramel, oak, and spice-tasting notes is certainly a good deal.
- Caribou Crossing: Coming from the Quebec region in Canada, this Sazerac brand product, is one of the best Canadian whiskies available. Although it is pricier than other average Canadian whiskies, Caribou Crossing is worth every drop. This Canadian Whiskey produced from corn and rye grains contains 42 percent ABV. However, what makes this whisky stand out is that it is a single-barrel release. Each bottle of this whiskey comes from one particular barrel instead of a blend of many casks. Therefore, every bottle will taste slightly different than the other. But overall, you can look for notes of vanilla, honey, and spice.
- Crown Royal Deluxe Blended Canadian Whiskey: It is one of the best Canadian whiskies coming from the Manitoba region. The Crown Royal Deluxe Blend is produced from blended grains and features 40 percent ABV alongside tasting notes of oak and sweet vanilla. It is definitely a nice upgrade that won’t break the bank. The Crown Royal is blended with 50 different whiskies aged in oak barrels. It is extremely popular because the spirit is smooth, and sweet, and can be used in many different cocktails. So whenever you think of Canadian whiskey, think of Crown Royal.
- Forty Creek Confederation Oak: This whiskey comes from the Ontario region in Canada. It is a rye, barley, and corn grain whiskey containing 40 percent ABV alongside tasting notes of praline, honey, and dark fruits on the palate. The Forty Creek is an excellent expression from the Grimsby, Ontario distillery. The Confederation Oak was created to commemorate Canada’s 1867 Confederation. This blended best Canadian whiskey is finished for up to two years in new oak barrels. The distillery claims to have a tighter grain because of the colder climate.
- Gibson’s 12-Year Finest Canadian Whiskey: Alongside tasting notes of caramel, marzipan, warm oak, and confectionery on the palate, it is one of the best Canadian whiskies coming from the Quebec region in Canada. Featuring 40 percent ABV, Gibson’s 12-Year-Old is produced from grain, rye, and barley. John Gibson founded this whiskey in Pennsylvania in the 1830s and the brand thrived until prohibition forced the distillery to shut down. It was subsequently scooped up by a Canadian company. Corn and grains grown in the Quebec region take center stage along with a range of age expressions in this version. Gibson’s 12-year-old is the flagship for the brand, leaning on notes of Gibson’s 18-year-old. This spirit is made by blending various finished expressions normally ranging from higher-proof corn whiskey and lower-proof rye. Although the oft-elusive Gibson’s 18-year-old is a real treat, the 12-Year-Old is an elevated alternative to standard light, budget Canadian blends.
- Gooderham & Worts 49 Wellington: This unmalted rye, rye malt, barley malt, wheat, corn, and red fife wheat whiskey comes from the Ontario region in Canada. The mix is left to mature in red oak casks outfitted with red oak insets. The 49 Wellington best Canadian Whisky contains 49 percent ABV alongside tasting notes of unique spice, honey, and white pepper balanced out by old oak, integrated tannins, and sweetness. Gooderham & Worts is one of the most historic distilleries in Maple country. What started as a milling company, later expanded into brewing and distilling. It was the largest producer of whiskey in the world by the late 1800s. The company now primarily turns out whisky blends of corn, barley, wheat, and rye.
- JP Wiser’s 15-Year-Old: Coming from the Ontario region in Canada, this best Canadian whiskey is a blend produced from mature grain corn along with a hint of rye spice. The 15-Year-Old features 40 percent ABV alongside tasting notes of green apple, toffee, spices, and dried fruits after being aged for 15 years. This JP Wiser’s whiskey is a favorite for bartenders. It is a good value whiskey and a fantastic digestif to culminate a memorable dinner at affordable costs.
- J.P. Wiser’s 18-Year-Old Blended Canadian Whiskey: This version of J.P. Wiser’s best Canadian whiskies also comes from the Ontario region in Canada. The 18-Year-Old is a grain blend whisky containing 40 percent ABV. It has tasting notes of earth, smoke, and rye on the nose. This Canadian whisky stands out for its complexity in flavors driven by the usage of the bourbon barrels that are used for aging. Moreover, this best Canadian whisky that is perfect for sipping is well-balanced at a great price.
- Lock Stock & Barrel 16 Year: This 100 percent rye whisky from Alberta in Canada is sourced and bottled by Cooper Spirits Company in Pennsylvania, U.S. Containing 53.5 percent ABV, this best Canadian Whiskey is well worth the price you shell out. The Lock Stock & Barrel 16-Year-Old displays a deeply spicy background that is tempered by tasting notes of caramel, cocoa, and dried fruits. It undergoes 20 years of aging in American oak. Enjoy sipping this on its own, or use it for a premium cocktail experience.
- Lot 40 Canadian Rye Whiskey: Coming from the Ontario region in Canada, it is one of the best Canadian whiskies crafted at Hiram Walker Distillery. This expression from Lot No. 40 is made from a mash bill of 100 percent Canadian rye that is distilled in copper pot stills. Alongside some notes of fruit and vanilla, this whiskey displays a nice balance of sweetness and spice on the palate, along with a buttery mouthfeel. It is a stellar example of rye whisky from the north.
- Pike Creek 10-Year-Old Rum Barrel Finished: Produced by Corby Distilleries, Pike Creek’s rye whisky from Ontario contains 42 percent ABV. It undergoes some interesting barrel finishes after initial maturation. The best expression of this 10-year-old blended Canadian rye whiskey comes from finishing in rum barrels. The secondary maturation eventually brings notes of banana and brown sugar to the mix of caramel, dried fruit, and spice flavors.
- Pops Canadian Whiskey: The Pops distillery was founded in 1943. It is located in the Quebec region in southern Canada. This best Canadian Whiskey leans heavily on Canadian-made 14-year-old ryes alongside corn as the star of their blends. However, it is subsequently brought down to Austin to blend with Texas waters and brought to 42 percent ABV. No colorings, flavorings, or sugars are added. In spite of the large amount of rye that goes in the making, the addition of younger corn whiskies makes this spirit light, and easy-sipping whiskey. It is also well suited to Manhattan. You can expect tasting notes of subtle spice, balanced out with cereal and sweet vanilla.
- WhistlePig Rye 10 Year: This Whiskey finishes aging and is bottled in the Vermont State of the United States. However, it arrives here from Canada and is probably one of the best Canadian whiskies that can gracefully add value to your home bar. The WhistlePig 10-Year Rye Whiskey is bottled at 100 proof, so it doesn’t disappear into the background when used in cocktails. This whisky is complex, and honey-packed, with burnt orange and slight smoke. It has a great, rich spice character in its flavor profile that attracts whiskey lovers alike.
The Worst Canadian Whiskey
Choosing the worst Canadian Whiskey is a difficult task. There is nothing like it in fact. Nonetheless, here is a short list of the 5 worst Canadian whiskey brands simply because they are available at low prices.
- Cabot Trail Maple Whiskey: This worst Canadian whiskey at 31.7 percent ABV is low priced. Its flavor profile is inspired by Canadian tradition. The Cabot Trail Maple is a lightly malted liqueur blend of pure premium-grade maple syrup and aged Canadian whiskey. This Maple whiskey has a complex yet creamy caramelized taste that goes well with a baking spice of rye whiskey. It has a balanced mouthfeel along with a rounded finish and maple syrup undertones.
- Forty Creek Copper Pot: Another worst Canadian whiskey at 43 ABV is the Forty Creek Copper Pot due to its lower price tag. It is also called Copper Bold, as it is a bold and full-bodied whisky. The Copper Bold has a higher proof that complements its deep flavors. It has a thick, rich body with an oily texture but no burn. The CB features a fine balance of intense toffee caramel aromas and rye spice notes resulting from extra oak aging. Because of its delectable blends with a higher alcohol content when compared to several other Canadian whiskies, this worst Canadian whiskey is great to savor.
- McAdams Canadian Whiskey: Featuring 40 percent of ABV, this worst Canadian Whiskey is one of the cheapest Canadian whiskies in the market. It is 80-proof and aged in ex-bourbon barrels. The McAdams Canadian Whiskey has welcoming citrus, orange, and vanilla aromas on the nose. With a smooth texture along with caramel, oak notes, and vanilla hints, this worst Canadian Whiskey is a light-bodied whiskey.
- Pendleton Canadian Whiskey: This worst Canadian Whiskey contains 40 percent ABV, and holds a place in the American heart. The Pendleton Canadian whiskey has a touch of America and is bottled according to its name and history. This light Canadian whiskey with a caramel note upfront mellowing to vanilla notes can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or as a base for favorite cocktails.
- Revel Stoke Blended Canadian Whiskey: This blended Canadian whiskey version contains 40 percent ABV. It is well-known for its blend and interesting flavors. This worst Canadian whiskey has a strong profile but with a pleasant sweetness. The Revel Stoke Blended Canadian Whiskey displays a light, slightly watery, and sweet mouthfeel. You can bang on expecting a medium finish that fades with sweetish, spicy, and peppery undertones alongside caramel aromas, vanilla, and hints of allspice.
The Last Word
For thoughtful, sip-worthy Canadian whiskey blends, J.P. Wiser sets the gold standard. Try out the Canadian Club or the Lot 40’s Rye offerings if you’re looking for a truly Canadian expression of high-rye whisky.
FAQs
What is smoother? Canadian Whiskey or Bourbon?
Canadian Whiskey is a type of spirit that is exclusively produced in Canada. It is lighter and smoother than other styles of whiskey. Most Canadian whiskies are blended multi-grain liquors that contain a high percentage of corn.
Which is the best-selling Canadian Whiskey?
The Crown Royal Nobel Collection Winter Wheat is the best-selling Canadian Whiskey. It is also America’s best-selling and tasting Canadian spirit. The Nine independent whiskey experts on January 13, 2022, entitled Crown Royal Nobel Collection Winter Wheat, 45 percent ABV as the best Canadian Whiskey of the Year.
Can Canadian whiskey be drunk straight?
You can put the mixers away if you like with Canadian whiskies. It is safe to put the ginger ale or soda away and drink it on the rocks or neat if you want. The quality of spirits definitely holds up here and is up to the mark in Canada.
Which is the oldest and most famous Canadian Whiskey brand?
The oldest and the most famous whiskey brand is the Canadian Club 40-Year-Old. It is released by a Canadian distiller and is one of the most expensive, at a suggested price of $249.95.
Is Canadian whiskey sweet to taste?
As corn and wheat grains are primarily used in the production of Canadian Whiskey, the spirit imbues these distinct flavor profiles of the grains in the resulting blend. Classic Canadian Whiskies have mostly been known for being light and sweet liquors in the Whiskey world.
Which Canadian whiskey brand is the oldest?
The Canadian Club 43-Year-Old released by a Canadian distiller is considered to be the oldest whiskey brand in Canada.
What do Canadians drink at Christmas?
Both civilian and veteran Canadians raise a glass of Moose Milk on Christmas, and during New Year’s. The legion dating back to 1646 suggests that Moose Milk was served to the public for those of legal drinking age during the New Year’s ceremonial gathering.
Is the quality of Canadian whiskey good?
Yes, the country offers a perfect environment for growing whiskey grains. Canadian whiskies therefore frequently earn top billing at international whiskey competitions. Moreover, most of the best bottlings like Gibson’s 18-year-old and craft distillery single malts are not distributed outside the country. This makes a strong case for a Canadian Whiskey tour.
What is the best way to have Canadian whisky?
It depends on the style of Canadian Whiskey you are having. However, blends with a lower age statement are excellent in cocktails like a citrus-driven cocktail or a highball. Moreover, higher-proof or 100 percent rye whiskies shine in spirit-forward cocktails. They add a big spicy backbone to an event. Nevertheless, make it a point to try sipping older-age Canadian whiskies neat.
