Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

A Beginner’s Guide to Canadian Whisky

canadian whisky
Image used with permission by copyright holder
When it comes to Canadian whisky, not many people can claim to know more than Davin de Kergommeaux (if they do claim it, they’re probably wrong). He did, after all, literally write the book on the stuff. Canadian Whisky was such a success when it was first published that was brought back for a second round (and blurbed by the Great One himself in the process); the new edition was published in October 2017.

That’s why, when we had the chance to sit down with de Kergommeaux — a certified Malt Maniac and trained sommelier who has been drinking, talking, and writing about whisky for around two decades — we jumped at it faster than you can say “two minutes for cross-checking.”

Recommended Videos

During our conversation, we found out what you need to know about Canadian whisky if you know nothing about it (and where to start when you’re looking to buy some!).

How did you get into whisk(e)y?

At my annual physical many years ago my doctor told me that small amounts of alcohol were good for my cardio-vascular system. I loved whisky — Scotch first then all the rest — and by 1998 I was writing about it on the Maltmaniacs original website. People loved the site and we got lots of positive feedback, so I just kept going.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Is there an overall flavor/taste that you would say can be said of Canadian whisky? If so, can you explain it?

There are three flavor touch points for Canadian whisky: butterscotch first, spice in the middle, and a pleasing citrus bitterness on the finish. In a couple of words: elegant, refined, complex.

What are three lower-end whiskies a Canadian whisky beginner should check out? 

Same question, but three higher-end whiskies?

Is there a Canadian whisky equivalent of the hubbub around Pappy?

Yes. Canadian Club 40 Year Old was $215-$250 when released last month. There was Wal-Mart-sale-style competition as people fought over it in the stores. It sold out instantly and already is going for $800 on the gray market.

Which smaller Canadian distillery (or two) do you think is/are primed to be the next big thing?

Still Waters in Toronto makes a great 100-percent rye and decent single malt whisky. They were the first of Canada’s new generation microdistilleries and have been very intelligent and strategic about how they make and market their whisky. I think it is just a matter of time before a larger distiller buys them out.

Anything else a newbie to Canadian whisky might want to/should know before buying their first bottle?

Yes. Don’t buy the cheapest or you will likely be disappointed. Spend just $5 more and you will be amply rewarded.

Want to know more about Canadian whisky? Check out this list of some of our favorites under $20, then go pick up Canadian Whisky and enjoy both together.

Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
Canadian Club Releases a 42-Year-Old Whisky
Canadian Club 42 Year Old

The second release in Canadian Club’s CC Chronicles series is a 42-year-old Canadian whisky, also named Issue No. 2: The Dock Man. This slightly awkward name is meant as a tribute to the dock workers who helped the whisky keep flowing during the lean years of Prohibition. No. 2 is one year older than the last CC Chronicles release, 2018’s 41-year-old Water of Windsor. “For more than 150 years, we've consistently delivered quality expressions to whisky drinkers, and the release of Canadian Club 42 Year Old continues this tradition,” said global whisky ambassador Tish Harcus in a prepared statement. “Following the success of our first CC Chronicles release last year, we're excited to unveil another premium, distinctive whisky that endures the test of time."

When it comes to aging, Canadian whisky is more like Scotch than bourbon, in that it can spend decades inside a barrel and still taste pretty good. The cooler climate up north means that long maturation periods don’t completely destroy the flavor of the whisky with astringent tannin and oak notes, as it often does in Kentucky. With this whisky you’ll find rich brown sugar and molasses on the nose, and dried cherry, vanilla, and maple syrup on the palate. At 90 proof, there’s a little bit of welcome heat here as well. Ultimately, this does not drink like an over-aged four-decade-old whisky, and that’s a good thing. Representatives for the brand won't give details regarding the mash bill, but they confirmed that the whisky was aged in American oak barrels (the exact type were not revealed) for the entirety of its maturation.

Read more
Angel’s Envy is releasing a new cask strength bourbon finished in tawny port barrels
Angel's Envy's new csak strength bourbon was finished in unique barrels
Angel's Envy

Louisville, Kentucky-based Angel's Envy is a big name in the bourbon world. Well-known for its finished whiskeys, it's set to release a new, soon-to-be, highly-sought after expression finished in a unique barrel this month.

As a bonus, it's the brand's thirteenth annual Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which was finished in Port wine barrels. But instead of the classic finish fans are used to, this new expression is a Tawny Port wine-finished whiskey blended with the brand's traditional Ruby Port wine-finished whiskey.
Angel's Envy Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels

Read more
What cocktails to make with cream liqueur
Three cocktails to make use of different styles of cream liqueur
Alejandro el Magnifico

Cream liqueur is a wide ranging category. There's Bailey's, of course, the iconic Irish cream liqueur, and then there are rum cream liqueurs too. But you can also find cream liqueurs based on bourbon, brandy, Amaretto, and more. Really any liqueur or spirit with cream added can be a cream liqueur, so while all the drinks you'll find in this category have a similar creamy texture, they will all have slightly different flavor profiles.

That makes mixing with cream liqueurs a fun challenge, as each one will be slightly different. And while you can certainly go for a classic option, and pour cream liqueur into your coffee or just drink it over ice or with ice cream as a dessert, there are more complex cocktails you can make with it as well.
Velvet Godfather

Read more