Knowing and Understanding Canadian Whisky

Like the United States, Canada is a nation of immigrants. And as was the case in the U.S., Scottish and Irish settlers brought their passion for spirits with them to the cold frontiers of Canada. This connection to Scotland explains why Canadians spell whisky in the Scottish fashion, without an "e" (When speaking of spirits form the U.S. or Ireland, the spelling "whiskey" is used.)

Not surprisingly, much of the early history of Canadian whisky has connections to the United States. During and after the American Revolution, a large number of British Loyalists who wanted no part of the new republic fled to Canada. These refugees added to the number of Canadians operating home stills on their farms. And, although it is established that the first rum distillery began operation in 1769 in Quebec, it is unknown who began the first sustained whisky-producing operation or when that occurred. It is certain, however, that be the 1840's, there were some 200 distilleries operating in Canada.

The American Civil War, while disastrous to this country, provided tremendous opportunities for Canadian distillers, who did not have to face the economic disruptions caused by the war and who remained free of government restrictions and an awakening temperance movement in the United States.

When the U.S. entered its Prohibition era in 1918, it sparked a healthy increase of Canadian whisky consumption in the States. Officially, this was not the case, of course, but some historians estimate that as much as two-thirds of the whisky in the U.S. during this time originated in Canada. After the Repeal of Prohibition, high-quality Canadian whisky resumed its place - legally - as a favorite of American consumers.

Making Canadian Whisky

By law, Canadian whisky must be blended from cereal grains. It is distilled from a fermented mash of wheat, corn, rye and barley. Canadians are often mistakenly identified as rye whiskies. In reality, seven times more corn is used than other grains by Canadian distillers. It is important to note, however, that each distiller's recipe calls for different amounts of the individual grains with the exact proportions being closely guarded secrets.

All Canadian whisky must be aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years, although most spend from six to eight years in the barrel. After aging, the whisky is dumped into huge blending vats. This is the stage at which the art of the blender is put to the test. One of the many tricks of the blender's trade is the use of whiskies of various ages in order to produce a consistent blend from year to year (the bottle label can only carry the age statement of the youngest spirit used). That's why a bottle of Canadian whisky produced today is likely to have the same taste profile as a bottle of the same brand purchased 10, 20 or more years ago. After blending, the whisky is returned to barrels to allow the newly combined whiskies to marry. Only then is it bottled and sold.

As a rule, Canadian whiskies are light-bodied, slightly pale and have a reputation for being mellow.

Bottled Here, Bottled There

According to U.S. law, Canadian whisky must be a product of Canada. It is also further classified as either bulk or bottled in Canada. Bulk whisky, which is also called U.S. bottled, is shipped to this country in barrels. It is then bottled at U.S. plants by the marketers of the various brands. With few exceptions, these U.S. bottled brands have traditionally been 80 proof products and are targeted to compete with blended American whiskeys and straight bourbons. More than half the Canadian whisky consumed in the U.S. is bottled in this country.

Canadian whisky bottled in the country of origin is marketed at a higher price point than the bulk brands and carries more of the cachet associated with fine imported whiskies. These brands tend to be aged longer and are blends of the best available spirits. Although once bottled at 86.8 proof, almost all bottled in Canada brands are now 80 proof.

Edited from:
Knowing and Understanding Distilled Spirits
ŠAdams Business Media
1180 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036