Canadian whisky has long stood in the shadow of its celebrated cousins from Scotland and America. But savvy drinkers are discovering what our northern neighbours have been crafting all along – remarkable spirits with character and complexity that rival the world’s best.
With shifting market dynamics affecting American whiskey availability, there’s never been a better time to explore Canadian alternatives. From award-winning ryes to innovative cask finishes, here are six exceptional Canadian whiskies worthy of your attention right now.
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Best for Single Malt Fans: Shelter Point Smoke Point 3
Capturing both the Best Single Malt and Best Cask Strength titles at the 2022 Canadian Whisky Awards, Shelter Point’s Smoke Point 3 is turning heads across the whisky world.
This Vancouver Island gem delivers Islay-like intensity through its 5-year bourbon barrel maturation followed by over two years in casks from a famous Islay distillery. The result? A captivating maritime profile with campfire aromas, cigar smoke, chocolate, toffee and dried fruit notes.
At 53% ABV, this cask-strength expression benefits from a few drops of water, which opens up its smoky complexity without diminishing its coastal character. Priced around $85 USD, it offers serious value for single malt enthusiasts seeking peated expressions beyond Scotland.
Best for Bourbon Fans: Bearface Triple Oak 7 Year Old
Innovation meets tradition in Bearface’s Triple Oak, a single-grain whisky that undergoes a fascinating three-barrel maturation process. Initially aged for 7 years in ex-bourbon American oak, it then moves through French oak wine casks before finishing in air-dried Hungarian oak.
This unique journey creates a layered flavour experience that starts with honey, crème brûlée and vanilla notes from bourbon casks, transitions to dried fruit and cranberry from wine influence, and finishes with a distinctive black cardamom spice from the Hungarian oak.
At 42.5% ABV and around $45 USD, it offers bourbon lovers a familiar yet distinctive experience – delivering bourbon-like sweetness with added complexity and a spicier kick from Canada’s colder climate influence on wood aging.
Best for Rye Fans: Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye
Often cited as the quintessential Canadian rye, Lot No. 40 represents a return to tradition. This 100% rye grain whisky is distilled batch by batch in a traditional copper pot still, reviving a historic recipe that had been discontinued before popular demand brought it back.
What makes it special is its unapologetically bold profile. The nose offers robust clove and cinnamon, while the palate delivers a dry, peppery character with distinctive notes of fresh rye bread and even sour dill pickle from the toasted rye grain.
Priced at approximately $40 USD and bottled at 43% ABV, Lot No. 40 serves as the reference point for Canadian rye done right. It’s a must-try for rye enthusiasts seeking authentic character without compromise.
Best Cask-Strength Sipper: Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye
This limited release catapulted Canadian whisky onto the global stage when Jim Murray crowned it “World Whisky of the Year” in his 2021 Whisky Bible. Alberta Premium’s powerhouse expression is 100% Canadian prairie rye bottled at a formidable 65% ABV.
Despite its strength, it opens surprisingly with rich vanilla, floral notes and toasted nuts before unleashing vibrant spicy chocolate and intense rye spice across the palate. Murray praised its remarkable balance, wondering “how can something be so immense yet equally delicate?”
Priced around $70 USD when you can find it, this expression sells out quickly after each batch release. Its dramatic intensity makes it a benchmark for Canadian craft at high proof, perfect for seasoned whisky drinkers who appreciate barrel-proof expressions with genuine character.
Award-Winning Crowd-Pleaser: Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye
In 2015, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye made history as the first Canadian whisky ever named “World Whisky of the Year” in Jim Murray’s influential Whisky Bible. This watershed moment firmly established Canada on the global whisky map.
What makes it remarkable is how it balances character with accessibility. Despite containing approximately 90% rye in the mash, it maintains the signature Crown Royal smoothness that appeals to both newcomers and veterans alike.
The approachable profile offers baking spices, clover honey and apple on the nose, with a creamy palate of butterscotch, vanilla and gentle pepper. Its “lingering, smooth, and gently spicy” finish never overwhelms.
At around $30 USD, Northern Harvest Rye represents exceptional value – ideal for those seeking rye character without intense burn, perfect for both sipping neat and elevating cocktails beyond ordinary mixers.
Best Unique Canadian Blend: Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve
A true celebration of Canadian heritage, Forty Creek’s Confederation Oak Reserve gains its distinctive character from an innovative finishing process. After initial aging, this premium small-batch blend spends up to two years in barrels made from Canadian oak trees that grew during Canada’s 1867 Confederation.
The colder Canadian climate creates tighter-grained oak that imparts truly unique flavours. Expect rich, dessert-like notes of maple syrup, vanilla and fig initially, followed by layers of praline, honeyed nuts and orange blossom as it opens up.
Priced around $70 USD, this full-bodied expression offers a genuine taste of Canadian terroir. Its oak-forward profile delivers creamy vanilla, peppery spice and toasted walnut, concluding with a long, warming finish that lingers with sweet spice notes.
Exploring Canada’s Finest
Canadian whisky offers remarkable diversity and value that deserves wider recognition. From traditional ryes to innovative cask finishes, these expressions showcase the creativity and craftsmanship flourishing across the country’s distilleries.
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While these six bottles provide an excellent introduction, they merely scratch the surface of Canada’s whisky landscape. What makes these spirits particularly appealing today is their exceptional quality-to-price ratio compared to many Scottish or American counterparts.
Have you tried any standout Canadian whiskies recently? Let us know your favourites in the comments below.
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