A smooth blended grain whisky, widely called rye whether or not much rye is in it, drunk neat or in highballs. Distilling grew out of the grain mills of Ontario and Quebec, and Hiram Walker founded Walkerville in 1858, where Canadian Club became a global brand.
Distilling without a licence is a criminal offence, and the whisky’s identity comes from barrel ageing over years in a bonded warehouse.
What goes into it
- corn, rye, wheat and barley, each distilled separately
- water
- oak barrels
How it is made
Unusually, Canadian distillers ferment and distil each grain separately, age the resulting whiskies apart in oak, and blend them only at the end — a base whisky distilled high and light, with a small proportion of intensely flavoured rye whisky added for character. Canadian law requires at least three years in wood.
How long it takes: three years minimum by law, commonly six to twelve
How it is eaten
Neat, on ice, or long in a highball with ginger ale.
History
Distilling grew out of Ontario and Quebec grain mills; Hiram Walker founded Walkerville in 1858 and his Canadian Club became a global brand.
Frequently asked questions
What is Canadian whisky?
Canadian whisky is a wine & spirit from Canada: smooth blended grain whisky, widely called rye, drunk neat or in highballs. Distilling grew out of Ontario and Quebec grain mills; Hiram Walker founded Walkerville in 1858 and his Canadian Club became a global brand.
How is Canadian whisky made?
Unusually, Canadian distillers ferment and distil each grain separately, age the resulting whiskies apart in oak, and blend them only at the end — a base whisky distilled high and light, with a small proportion of intensely flavoured rye whisky added for character. Canadian law requires at least three years in wood. It takes three years minimum by law, commonly six to twelve.
Can I make Canadian whisky at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. Distilling without a licence is a criminal offence, and the whisky’s identity comes from barrel ageing over years in a bonded warehouse.
What goes into Canadian whisky?
Corn, rye, wheat and barley, each distilled separately, water, oak barrels.
How is Canadian whisky eaten?
Neat, on ice, or long in a highball with ginger ale.
