This Week

• Spotlight On - Canadian Whisky

• Trivia Question

• Cocktail Corner - The Canadian Whisky Sour

• Trivia Answer

Spotlight On - Canadian Whisky

Because of their wide distribution and mass market appeal, most Americans are more familiar with the more budget-friendly offerings from Canadian distilleries, but there's much more to the story. Beyond the familiar labels found in every corner liquor store lies a world of complexity and craftsmanship waiting to be discovered. From small-batch expressions bursting with character to refined aged blends, Canadian whisky offers a spectrum of flavors and experiences that cater to every palate.

Canadian whisky was already making its mark back in the 18th century. Back then, our neighbors to the north were pioneering the art of distillation using the abundant resources available to them. Fast forward through the years and you'll find that Canadian distilleries have evolved, but their commitment to quality remains unchanged.

From The Newfoundland Distillery Company all the way up to Klondike River Distilling in the Yukon, the Canadian landscape is dotted with craft distilleries. Iconic stalwarts like Crown Royal and Canadian Club along with artisanal gems like Forty Creek and Alberta Premium all boast their own unique charm and flavor profiles. It's a whisky lover's playground just waiting to be explored.

Most Americans had their first encounter with Canadian whisky during the Prohibition era. Getting whisky across the border became big business for daring smugglers who kept the hooch flowing for speakeasies and underground clubs. It was either that or moonshine (we will do a bit on that later) and while moonshine may have been cheap and readily available, its often-questionable quality and dubious origins paled in comparison to the smooth sophistication of its northern counterpart.

As the demand for illicit alcohol surged, Canadian distilleries found themselves in the enviable position of supplying the devil’s drink to a very thirsty market. With each bottle smuggled across the border, Canadian distilleries saw their fortunes rise, quite literally bottling up success.

To meet the unprecedented demand, Canadian distilleries had to ramp up production like never before. It was a golden age for Canadian whisky, as barrel upon barrel made their way southward, fueling the clandestine revelry and keeping the party going.

For their part, law enforcement faced an uphill battle in their efforts to stem the amber tide flowing across the border. They really had their hands full. From bootleggers to smugglers, the Prohibition era brought out the ingenuity of those determined to flout the law. One ingenious method involved hollowing out logs to conceal bottles within, cleverly disguising the contraband as innocent timber shipments. They would also conceal bottles within false compartments in suitcases, sewing them into the linings of clothing, or even hiding them inside hollowed-out loaves of bread. Despite their best efforts, law enforcement struggled to contain the rampant trade in Canadian whisky, with millions of gallons slipping through their fingers.

Just how much Canadian whisky made its way across the border during Prohibition? Well, let's just say it was enough to keep the party going well into the night. From the bustling streets of New York City to the quiet towns of the Midwest, Canadian whisky flowed freely, leaving a trail of revelry in its wake.

With the repeal of the 18th Amendment in 1933, the era of speakeasies and bootleggers drew to a close, ushering in a new era of legality for the once-forbidden spirits. For Canadian distilleries, the end of Prohibition marked the beginning of a new chapter—one of continued success on both sides of the border. Americans had become accustomed to Canadian brands and developed a taste for their distinct flavors. And so the legacy of Canadian whisky persisted, serving as a testament to its enduring charm and timeless appeal.

So what is it that makes Canadian whisky unique? Well, for starters, it's all about the blend. Unlike its counterparts, Canadian whisky often combines a variety of grains, resulting in a harmonious symphony of flavor. Additionally, its signature smoothness is achieved through a unique process called 'continuous distillation,' where the whisky is distilled multiple times for that unmistakably velvety texture.

Naturally, Canadian whisky reigns supreme in the Great White North, with its popularity showing no signs of slowing down. But it's not just a local affair—Canadian whisky has a global appeal. Canadian whisky exports reached a staggering $1.2 billion in 2023 and continue to grow. 

Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into your favorite soda or cocktail, Canadian whisky continues to satisfy. With its rich history, diverse distilleries, and unique flavor profile, it's no surprise that it has become so popular around the world. And still, for many of us, the full spectrum of Canadian whisky remains a rich and relatively unknown territory, ripe for discovery and exploration.

Cocktail Corner
The Canadian Whisky Sour

This cocktail is a timeless favorite that perfectly showcases the refreshing smoothness of Canadian whisky. The foamy egg white is my favorite part of this one. You can skip it, but you really shouldn’t.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Canadian whisky

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• Ice

• 1 egg white

• Lemon wheel or cherry for garnish (optional)

Let’s make it, eh?

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the whisky, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.

2. Fill the shaker with ice.

3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.

4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.

5. Optionally, garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry.

6. Drink up!

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