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The Best Whisky in Canada
Don't know which whisky brand to buy? Use our guide to buy from the best whisky brands available in Canada.
About Whiskies
Whisky is a broad category, as whiskies are made differently all over the world. Although, almost all whiskies have two things in common:
- All whiskies are made with cereal grains, consisting of rye, barley, wheat, and corn.
- Most whiskies are aged for a minimum of three years.
Whiskies aged six years or longer are smooth enough to sip, whereas younger 3-4 year old whiskies are more commonly mixed to combat the harsher ethanol burns.
Lot 40
- Owned by the Pernod Ricard Drink Industry
- 750ml at $44.99 CAD
- Country of Origin: Canada
What makes Lot 40 special?
Lot 40 is the standard that all Canadian rye whiskies should be held to. It was an old recipe that disappeared from 1990, but thankfully in 2012, the whisky went back into production. It’s a 100% rye whisky, produced in a single batch pot-still, that has the perfect bite when used as the base in Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Whisky Sours.
The Hiram Walker Distillery
Located in Windsor, the Hiram Walker is has been running for more than 160 years, producing some of the finest whiskies that Canada has to offer. They’ve more recently been awarded Distillery of the Year, four times in a row. Now owned by Corby, Pernod Ricard’s affiliate company in Canada, the distillery has a wider reach in sharing beautifully made Canadian products on the global market.
Notes:
- 100% rye pot distilled and aged in new oak barrels
- Notes of dark fruits, baking spices, and english toffee
- 43% ABV. (86 proof)
Buffalo Trace
- Owned by Sazerac Co.
- 750ml at $44.99 CAD
- Country of Origin: United States
What makes Buffalo Trace special?
Buffalo Trace consists of 6-8 year old whiskies produced at what many people consider to be the top bourbon distillery in Kentucky, which is the world, so far as bourbon is concerned. It’s sold for an incredibly fair price, and is the benchmark for what a bourbon should taste like. Finding a better bourbon could easily cost you an additional $40-60.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Kentucky-Straight Bourbon has a strict rule set as nothing can be added to the whisky in terms of colour or flavour. All bourbons must contain a minimum of 51% corn, and the rest of the grain-make-up is up to the distillery. Otherwise, the only key difference between bourbons is the amount of time spent in oak. Obviously, the older the better, but 6-8 years for $44 seems pretty reasonable to us.
Notes:
- Golden amber colour
- Floral, caramel, vanilla and citrus aromas
- Caramel and spice flavours
- 45% ABV. (90 proof)
Woodford Reserve
- Owned by Brown Forman Spirits
- 750ml at $51.99 CAD
- Country of Origin: United States
What makes Woodford Reserve special?
Woodford reserve is an 6-7 year old blend consisting of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley, making it a complex bourbon that’s smooth enough to sip, and complex enough to stand up in spirit forward cocktails. It’s a bit more expensive than Buffalo Trace despite being similarly aged.
The Woodford Reserve Distillery
The distillery has been masterfully producing whiskies since 1812. They have a wide range of products consisting of both bourbon and rye, and even some rare double oaked whiskies that undergo two separate ageing processes.
Notes:
- The official bourbon of the kentucky derby
- Aromas of sweet vanilla, apricot, caramel and spice
- 45.2% ABV. (90.4 proof)
- Bourbon is often consumed neat or on the rocks, as being distilled from corn, it’s a naturally sweet whisky
Evan Williams
- Owned by Heaven Hill
- 750ml at $29.99
- Country of Origin: United States
- Light oak mixed with cinnamon and spice notes
- Tastes of honey, caramel, vanilla, dried apricot, rye, and corn
- 43% ABV. (86 proof)
Notes:
- Aged 4 years, 2 years past the minimum for Bourbon
- Exceptional for the price
Basil Hayden
Country of origin: United States
- Light Bodied oak flavour.
- This rye heavy bourbon carries a buttery flavour and has a smooth, tannic finish.
- Owned by Suntory Global.
- 45% ABV. (90 proof)
Notes:
- 62% Corn. 28% Rye.
- Aged 8 years.
$59.99
750ml
Oban 14
Country of origin: United States
- Subtle aromas of orange zest, honey, cinnamon and cereal.
- Flavours repeat with a sweet vanilla element and a hint of smoke on the finish.
- Owned by the United Distillers Group.
- 40% ABV. (80 proof)
$149.99
750ml
The Yamazaki 12 Year
Country of origin: Japan
- Founded as the first whisky distillery in Japan in 1923 by Masataka Taketsuru and Shinjiro Torii.
- Made with a similar production style to single malt scotches.
- Owned by the Yamazaki Distillery.
Notes:
- The Yamazaki 55-Year sells for $934,196.
- The oldest and most prestigious distillery in Japan.
$240.99
750ml
Suntory TOKI
Country of Origin: Japan
- Aged in Japanese oak.
- Notes of basil, green apple, honey.
- Owned by Suntory Global.
$61.99
750ml
Hibiki Harmony
Country of origin: Japan
- This layered whisky pours bright amber and has notes of citrus, honey, lychee, rosemary and oak.
- Full bodied and fruity with a long finish.
$161.99
750ml
Weller 12
- Owned by Sazerac
- 750ml at $85.99 CAD
What makes Weller 12 special?
Many many things make Weller 12 an exceptional whisky. Starting with the fact that it’s aged 12 years. Second, it’s the first wheated bourbon. It’s a rare whisky to find in Canada, and doesn’t show up in liquor stores often. In Vancouver, the 515 Bar keeps it stocked if you want to discover what makes it so special for yourself.
Wheated Bourbon
All bourbons must contain 51% corn, but the other 49% is up to the distiller. Most bourbons carry closer to 70% corn, finishing the other 30% with a combination of rye and barley. Wheated bourbons finish the mash bill with wheat, which imparts soft, subtle flavours unique to this style.
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