Canadian Whisky News

Read All About It in the New York Times

As sales of Canadian whisky in the vast American market continue to grow, America’s most respected and widely read newspaper is taking notice.

In an in-depth feature published in both the on-line and print editions, the New York Times, Clay Risen notes a 112 percent leap in the high-end premium category, telling America that Canadian whisky is in resurgence.

Chronicling the glory days after Prohibition and the slow decline of more recent years, the article notes that today, drinkers in the know are taking Canadian whisky seriously. Traditional distillers and new microdistilleries alike contribute to this resurgence.

Credit, in part, goes to Alberta-made ryes that both drive and feed the Rye Renaissance in the U.S. Moreover, these massive 100% ryes are finding their way into top bartenders high-end cocktails.

A Canadian whisky – Crown Royal – is the second-best-selling whisky in the United States, notes Risen. Only Jack Daniel’s manages to sell more.

To read the full story click here

You Could Be A Forty Creek Hero

Forty Creek Whisky is offering four whisky lovers from across Canada the chance for an all-expenses-paid visit to the distillery where they will help select this year’s Limited Release.

Canadian whisky fans need only visit Forty Creek’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FortyCreekWhisky) and comment on why Forty Creek is their whisky of choice. Four fans from various parts of Canada (excluding Quebec) will be chosen at random and invited to the Forty Creek distillery to sample a range of new blends, then vote on which will be the 2018 Limited Edition. The contest closes March 4, 2018.

“We want to give Canadians from coast-to- coast an opportunity to represent their respective regions and select, what will ultimately be the first special release chosen by Forty Creek’s own fans.” says John Andersen, Senior Brand Manager.

Here is your chance to make Canadian whisky history. The winning blend will be available for reservation prior to Forty Creek’s annual Whisky Weekend, held each September at the Grimsby, Ontario distillery.

Winners

Canadian Whisky Awards

Whisky of the Year – JP Wiser’s 35

Distillery of the Year –  Hiram Walker & Sons

The Verdict is in: 

These are the Best Whiskies for 2018 

Results of the 8th Annual Canadian Whisky Awards show great strength and broad diversity in the new crop of Canadian whiskies.

Whisky of the Year – Wiser’s 35

Distillery of the Year – Hiram Walker & Sons

Microdistillery of the year – Two Brewers

Award of Excellence Innovation – Lohin McKinnon Barley & Rye lightly peated

Award of Excellence Line Extension – Gibson’s Finest Bold

Award of Excellence – Best New Whisky – Forty Creek Heritage

Connoisseur Whisky of the Year – Domestic – Wiser’s 35

Connoisseur Whisky of the Year – Multi-market – Caribou Crossing

Sippin’ Whisky of the Year – Domestic – Collingwood Town Collection Double Barreled

Sippin’ Whisky of the Year – Export – Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel

Sippin’ Whisky of the Year – Multi-market – Masterson’s 10 yo

Value Whisky – Domestic – Highwood Rye

Value Whisky – Multi-market – Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye

Value Whisky – Export – Canadian Mist

Flavoured Domestic – Ceili’s Irish Cream / Wiser’s Vanilla

Flavoured Multi-market – Crown Royal Vanilla

Lifetime Achievement – Vicky Miller – Black Velvet Distillery

Lifetime Achievement – Rick Murphy – Alberta Distillers Limited

Lifetime Achievement – Jim Stanski – Hiram Walker Distillery

Gold Medals

Canadian Club 40 year old

Caribou Crossing Single Barrel

Ceili’s Irish Cream

Collingwood Town Collection Double Barreled

Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye

Crown Royal Vanilla

Crown Royal XO

Forty Creek Cream

Gooderham & Worts Four Grain

Last Mountain Cask Strength

Lot No 40

Lot No 40 Cask Strength 12 year old

Masterson’s 10 year old Rye

Two Brewers Peated single malt

Wiser’s 150th Commemerative

Wiser’s 35 year old

Wiser’s Dissertation

Wiser’s Last Barrels

Wiser’s Triple Barrel Rye

Wiser’s Union 52

Wiser’s Vanilla

And speaking of whisky books…

Early reports from bookstores and on-line sellers tell us sales are brisk for the newly updated Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expert.