With the threat of tariffs still on the horizon, loyal bourbon lovers in this country are shunning American whiskies for homegrown alternatives. While there aren’t direct copies of popular US brands, the range of flavours in Canadian whisky compares favourably with the overarching style of various bourbons. Canada’s whisky market is as vibrant as ever, meaning there’s plenty of top-notch domestic products to discover. Whether your taste is for mellow and sweeter, spicy and fruity or bold and peppery styles, there’s a Canadian whisky to savour. Here are five selections to seek out.
Bearface Triple Oak Canadian Whisky (Canada), $39.95
Supplied
Based on corn, this single grain whisky is aged in bourbon barrels before being transferred to French oak barrels used to age red wine and virgin Hungarian oak casks. The final blend displays significant oak spice as part of its sweeter character. 42.5 per cent abv. Available at the above price in Ontario, $39.99 in British Columbia and Manitoba ($36.99 until February 28), various prices in Alberta, $42.99 in Saskatchewan, $43.25 in Quebec, $43 in New Brunswick, $44.79 in Nova Scotia, $41.99 in Prince Edward Island, $43.06 in Newfoundland.
Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Whisky (Canada), $73.95
Supplied
One of the flagship expressions from Forty Creek in Grimsby, Ontario, Confederation Oak is a blended whisky with intriguing and complex flavours. A strong oak presence that carries through the peppery finish is nicely balanced by intense praline, honey and raisin notes. 40 per cent abv. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, fortycreekwhisky.com, $71.99 in British Columbia and Manitoba, various prices in Alberta, $78.99 in Saskatchewan, $74.30 in New Brunswick, $74.98 in Nova Scotia, $72.98 in Newfoundland.
J.P. Wiser’s 10 Year Old Canadian Whisky (Canada), $35.95
Supplied
Made from a blend of corn and rye aged in virgin oak, bourbon barrels and used Canadian whisky casks, Wiser’s 10 Year Old offers a nicely balanced character. A mix of honey and wood spice aromas opens up to buttered corn and caramel flavours brightened by zesty citrus and clove notes. 40 per cent abv. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, jpwisers.com, $30.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $33.99 in Manitoba ($31.49 until February 28), $36.80 in New Brunswick, $36.99 in Nova Scotia, $35.99 in Prince Edward Island, $38.32 in Newfoundland.
Signal Hill Canadian Whisky (Canada), $39.95
Supplied
With its base of corn and barley, Signal Hill’s classic label is aged in virgin oak, bourbon barrels and older Canadian whisky casks to produce a rich and honeyed spirit. The balanced sweet and oaky character features pleasant plum and dried fruit flavours with spice, vanilla and honey notes. A style for sipping that works nicely in a Manhattan. 40 per cent abv. Available at the above price in Ontario ($36.95 until March 2), $40.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $39.99 in Manitoba, $41.80 in New Brunswick, $41.99 in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, $42.62 in Newfoundland.
Spring Mill John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky (Canada), $54.95
Supplied
This compelling sweet and complex expression was the first whisky produced by this ambitious family distillery in Guelph, Ontario. The flavours offer a satisfying mix of peach and apricot with vanilla and spice notes that linger. The style lends itself to sipping or mixing. 40 per cent abv. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, johnsleemanandsons.com, $54.99 in New Brunswick.