Canadian whisky is a grain spirit produced in Canada, primarily from corn with a smaller portion of rye. It has a minimum alcohol strength of 40% ABV and is typically aged in wooden barrels for at least three years.
How it is made
Canadian whisky is typically a blend of whiskies made from distilled grains, mainly corn and rye, but sometimes also wheat or barley. The base whisky is distilled to a high proof of 180-190, reducing harmful by-products and creating a lighter flavor. Flavoring whiskies, often rye-based, are distilled to a lower proof to preserve their grain characteristics. The final product is a blend where only a small percentage of rye whisky is needed to provide the distinctive flavor.
History
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, excess grain was increasingly distilled into whisky in Canada. Early Canadian wheat whisky was made in improvised stills from grain near spoilage and resembled moonshine more than proper whisky. Commercial production began in 1801 when John Molson bought a still in Montreal. Companies like Gooderham and Worts started producing whisky in 1837. The Canadian Civil War created opportunities for exporting Canadian whisky when American production fell. In 1890, Canada became the first country to enforce a minimum aging requirement of two years for whisky.
Types and styles
According to Canadian law, to be labeled as 'Canadian whisky' or 'rye whisky', the spirit must be distilled and aged in Canada for at least three years in small wooden barrels, have a minimum alcohol strength of 40% ABV, and may contain caramel coloring and flavoring. While called 'rye whisky', Canadian whisky often contains only a small percentage of rye whisky in the final blend. Distillers like Highwood Distillery specialize in wheat-based whisky, while Alberta Premium has developed its own yeast strain for rye distillation.
How it is served
Canadian whisky is quite popular in cocktails and highballs due to its relatively light flavor. It can be served neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails. On this site, you can find Canadian whisky used in the Red Snapper, Royal Bitch, and Royal Flush cocktails.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Канадский виски, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Well-known brands
- Pendleton Whisky (Canada)