THE RICH LEGACY OF CANADIAN WHISKY

Canadian whisky, affectionately known as “rye,” has a rich history steeped in tradition and innovation. Unlike American whiskey which is heavily regulated, Canadian whisky enjoys more freedom when it comes to blending a variety of grains, allowing for a distinctive, smooth character. This goes back to the early 19th century when distillers began adding rye grain to corn-based whisky for extra flavour. Whilst Canadian whisky is still known as rye, very little rye grain is actually now used. 

Canada’s whisky regulations are straightforward, the regulations state that the spirit must be mashed, distilled, and aged in Canada for a minimum of three years, contain at least 40% alcohol by volume, and may include caramel and flavouring.

Canada’s whisky journey began in 1801 with John Molson (who later went on to found Molson, now known as Molson Coors) who started distilling in Montreal. Business took off for him when he started exporting whisky to England during the Napoleonic Wars. The industry saw significant growth with pioneers like Gooderham and Worts, Henry Corby, and Joseph Seagram, each bringing unique innovations and expanding whisky production across Canada.

The American Civil War presented a golden opportunity, as Canadian whiskies filled the gap as American supplies got disrupted. It was around this time that ageing practices took off, setting the stage for the premium aged whiskies we see today. The introduction of Canada’s National Policy in the 1880s, which imposed high tariffs on foreign alcohol, further bolstered the industry, leading to the world’s first whisky ageing law.

Prohibition in the United States saw a wave of illicit exports, with distilleries in Windsor and other border towns thriving by supplying bootleggers.The alcohol made its way to America via the Detroit River, affectionately known at the river of booze. Iconic brands like Canadian Club and Crown Royal emerged, cementing Canada’s reputation for quality whisky.

Today a number of new distilleries have popped up in Canada, most notable Red Bank which was co-founded by Kiefer Sutherland and Bearface whisky which recently secured a listing in Tesco.