Top 5 Canadian Whiskies (according to a scotch drinker)

I love Canadian whisky. Unfortunately I no longer live in Canada and have limited access to "the good stuff." However I do fly back home once in a while and when I do I'm always sure to check out some of the heavy-hitters that Canada's putting out these days. These are my top picks from the limited number of top-tier Canadians that I've tried. Enjoy!
Support the Channel: / gwhisky
IG: @gwhiskytw
Business/Contact info: [e-mail]
Scores:
0-75 - Crap
75-79 - For cocktails & people you don't like
80-82 - Not bad
83-85 - Getting good here
86-89 - Delicious
90-94 - Awesome
95-100 - Cowabunga Dudes
Music: freemusicarchive.org/music/se...

[@alecgrace6468]

Gibsons finest rare 12 year old - that's a must try budget canadian whisky and it's my go to sipper

[@Gwhisky]

Never tried it. I don't think it was even stocked at the SAQ shops the last time I went back home.

[@FordManiac76]

I drink Gibsons 12yr with coke. I think Gibsons 18yr is a better sipping whiskey

[@jasonwest9425]

This is one that got me interested in whiskey. It is a super value and interesting enough to drink neat. If you can imagine Werther’s original caramel slipping into a slight grapefruit note. It is better than it sounds.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

I came here to say this too. Gibson's finest for mixing and 18 for sipping. Absolutely the best you can get at it's price point.

[@jasonwest9425]

@@Lord.Kiltridge I need to try the 18!

[@secordman]

Forty Creek Copper Pot and yes, Lot 40, both fabulous and affordable.

[@domGanon]

I'm working on a bottle of the wiser's 23 now. Love it!

[@Gwhisky]

Absolute banger! I've got 2 stashed away out here! 🥃

[@drose4138]

Good list..I bought Canadian Club 40yrs for my 40th at $240 Canadian dollars. It was very good. Now the CC45yrs is $450 Canadian. I also tried Lot40 reg and cask strength (both very good), Alberta Premium Cask, Pike Creek 10yr and 21yr olorosso finish, the Wisers 35yrs (my favorite one of the group and no longer available)

[@DaveIngelson]

Great video. I'm also a Canadian living overseas (Europe) and am very disappointed with the availability and cost of Canadian options here. Hopefully Canadian distillers get with the times and start offering more 46%+, NCF, NCA options. A lot of the Canadian Rye is spectacular but isn't often bottled as it should be (Alberta Premium CS and Lot 40 showing the potential there).

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah there are a lot of issues when it comes to things like presentation and distribution of Canadian whisky that hurt its reputation. Shame, as there's some stunning whisky being made there! 🇨🇦

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

great list. Happy Canada Day!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Jon. Right back at ya! 🥃

[@brianpetch9534]

Light, mellow and accessible - sounds pretty good!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Another great video. No one is going to expect what you have in that glass. Fun surprise. Your sense of humor is bleeding through. I do enjoy these "list" videos.

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you enjoy them - another one's coming out tomorrow. Cheers Grotrian! Appreciate all the encouragement! 🥃

[@allanwhittle3041]

Top review Mr G Different and enlightening Keen to try more brands from different countries 👍

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Allan. Just shot an American whiskey review (my first), and I'll be doing my Kavalan bottles next month. Variety spice of life and all that. Cheers!

[@FordManiac76]

As a life long Canadian Whiskey drinker it’s my opinion that anything under 18yr old is best drank in mixed cocktails (coke, ginger ale, 7up). Once you get into 18yr and over 20 the quality is worth drinking neat or on the rocks!

[@Megawatt]

Great list! You have good taste. Some really good ones I’ve had recently are Forty Creek Master’s Cut, and Spring Mill Traditional Straight Whisky from John Sleeman and Sons. Tastes like a high-end bourbon!

[@Gwhisky]

Those are ones to look out for when I'm back in Montreal next summer. Cheers Megawatt! 🥃

[@craig947]

Nice picks, Geoff. I live more or less in your region - Australia/Asia-Pacific - so I have the same availability issues. We get Canadian Clubs, Crown Royals, Collingwood, Lot 40 regular (yay!), J.P. Wiser’s (stopping at the 18 YO), the entry-level Shelter Point single malt, and one or two better but rarer things in the hen's teeth category. Although we do have ample access to authentic CA maple syrup. O Canada!

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds like you have more access to Canadian stuff than I do! Crown Royal or nothin' in Taiwan. Cheers Craig!

[@Adrian802]

5 years ago, I gave a bottle of JP Wiser Dissertation to my friend as a present. She brought it back to Macau for a dinner event and they all loved it. She called me a day or 2 later to ask whether I can get another bottle. I already saved one for her in advance. Im glad I did because now it's discontinued.

[@Gwhisky]

I've heard a lot of good things about that one. Never tried it, unfortunately.

[@Megawatt]

Dissertation is definitely in my top 5.

[@j.k.8537]

Maple syrup! Love it. Been dabbling in the smaller distillery’s here in BC lately…..Macaloneys Caledonian in Victoria has a great lineup too Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Ones to look our for next time I'm in 🇨🇦. Thanks! 🥃

[@jameswrightesq]

Great vid Geoff! I definitely would recommend adding Shelter Point (their 10 year old and 12 year old are my pick), Macaloney's, and Two Brewers to the list. Def distilleries to look out for! The future is very bright for Canadian single malt whisky!

[@Gwhisky]

I've been looking for Shelter Points every time I go home. No luck so far in MTL though.

[@jameswrightesq]

@@Gwhisky Yeah, the two age statement bottlings (10 and 12 yr old) where super limited and didn't get far off the island. I have both, as well as most of their younger bottlings. If you ever find yourself in Victoria, BC I'd be happy to host a tasting 😊

[@whiskymaltcontentreviews]

First on your list my fav Rye whisky... gret video... cheers...

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks! Cheers! 🙂

[@richardagnew4959]

Geoff, you're right when you say that Shelter Point and Two Brewers are doing some great things. I hope you get to pick up some of those bottles! Watch online, then buy them and ship them to family. Pick them up when you're next back with us all in Canada. Might search out one of those aged Wisers bottles here in ON.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I'd love to get my hands on some Shelter Point and Two Brewers stuff! I'll be doing just that! Those Wiser's won't disappoint! 🥃

[@mrchilli5618]

Finding Wisers 23 is fun since it is "retired" and out of stock according to Wisers. May find something at a premium at a private liquor store.

[@steveno7058]

I don't have many Canadian stuff but my favorites are Lot 40 ($30), Crown Royal Barrel Select 50% ABV ($40), Crown Royal Noble Bourbon Mash 13 year ($45) and Alberta Premium CS ($60).

[@Gwhisky]

Some CRs in there I've never tried. Great suggestions! 🥃

[@clintondeabreu8565]

Great review once again! Glad you finished the show with a reveal of maple syrup… 🤣…. I’m based in Australia 🇦🇺, so was thinking to myself, how the hell does Taiwan 🇹🇼 get these great Canadian whiskies & in AU we don’t even get to smell the stuff?! 🤣😂🤣😂

[@Gwhisky]

It's all thanks to my international smuggling operations! 😂😂😂

[@terrymcgregor3433]

I had a bottle of the crown royal blender's select. Not the best I've had but it was a very good whisky

[@jeffmill999]

Nice list. Foodquig did a 12 drams of Shelter Point a few weeks ago...It is an amazing distillery I think very close to where he lives. I have wanted the Lot 40.. The Whisky Neighbor is a great guy and does a lot of Canadians. My lone experience goes back to about 1986 when I wanted the Crown Royal bags and I drank Crown on the rocks with a Molson back for a few lost months.. Nothing in Cambodia of note. This is great info. Yeah, that maple syrup is one of those priceless items. The US has their Vermont version..damn good. Here in Siem Reap you see women boiling palm sugar in giant pots over open fires along the road. Thankfully, I can get scotch. That cask strength looks killer. Cheers

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I think most people think of Crown Royal when they think if Canadian stuff. Really is a shame they keep all the good stuff in country. At least maple syrup is easy to find! Heh. Cheers Jeff!

[@jeffmill999]

@@Gwhisky when I lived in Argentina most of their best wine was all exported. The locals had a long history of drinking cheap blends often red wine on ice and they were not going to pay even $10us for a bottle of wine..unless it was a giant gallon+... I knew a guy with a great shop in a cool part of Buenos Aires. He taught me about the great micro climes along the slopes of the Andes producing incredible reds..blends..at prices that were far below France or Napa Valley... I could bring 4 back and I found a distributor in New Jersey who would ship me cases of kick ass wine that was not well known. Alas, my wine is in the US and I have switched to whisky. So much great whisky. Glad I have gotten into it. Cheers buddy

[@xiamengbaby]

You read my mind. I have it on my list to pick up a Wiser's 23 year old. It's still available at out major liquor store chain in the Chicago area for $80. I also have on my list to try a Pike Creek 21 year old age in three different woods bottled at 90 proof. Also $80. Have you had any Pike Creeks? The Alberta Premium Cask Strength has also been available in the states for about $70. Some of those extra old CCs are also available but are outside my budget as well.

[@Gwhisky]

Wow that Wiser's 23 at USD $80 is a crazy deal! Buy buy buy! 🥃 I've had the basic Pike Creek, but none of the fancier Northern Borders releases. They're on the wishlist, though.

[@marcmoretti2502]

Gooderham and Worts Four Grain is incredible for the price

[@Radioactive_Slime]

Yes. The one Canadian whisky I always have on hand. Goes toe-to-toe with any bourbon in its price range and will give many Scotches a good fight.🥃 cheers.

[@Mikethehamham]

3 sheets to the moon from moon distillery out of Victoria BC. It's a cask strength single malt aged 6 years (young I know) in French oak previously used to age black berry port sour ale. This stuff is the fruitiest whiskey I've ever tasted. With loads of blackberry flavor, blueberry pop tart, raspberry jam and raspberry Danish. Unreal

[@VladMatejka]

I would add pike creek and pendleton. Also regular old Alberta Premium. Dirt cheap in canada - has some good pepperiness up front with caramel building over time. Forty creek copper pot also for value...kind of a one hit wonder, but very sweet and comes in strong for taste.

[@Gwhisky]

Ones to try the next time I go home. Cheers! 🥃

[@larsrogers3081]

Good list. The CC 41, 42, 43 & 44 are all amazing. The 44 is the best imho! The Wisers 23 yo Port Cask is decent! Lots of other great options including some local craft releases like #grainhenge

[@Gwhisky]

Never even heard of Grainhenge, I'll have to look that one up. I've heard the Wiser's 22 Port is decent, but a step down from the 23. I suppose I should test that theory. Appreciate the suggestions, Lars! 🙏

[@mrchilli5618]

There are numerous craft distilleries all through Canada, many in BC besides Shelter Point so well worth a trip to BC starting in Campbell River heading down Island then through the Vancouver Region onto the Okanagan.

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds like a wonderful trip! I tend to stick to Montreal/Toronto when I head back home, but I'd love to explore the whisky scene out west someday.

[@mrchilli5618]

@@Gwhisky of course Shelter Point is located in Campbell River.

[@yoursinsincerely39]

It took me a while to realize that maple syrup is actually maple syrup and not a new Canadian whisky. Currently getting my caffeine fix and wanting to open a bottle of whisk (e) y. The only Canadian whiskies I have enjoyed are both in your list. Wisers 23 and The Alberta Premium. Good Stuff. I too have high hopes for Canadian Whisky which is slowly crawling out of its reputation as a mixer spirit. Memories of college with people buying Crown Royale to impress others, mostly because of the bottle and the velvet bag, are still fresh. But Canadian whisky has come a long way. Probably the most recent type of whiskey that I have gotten into. Difficult to find the good stuff here in PA but worth getting oneself a bottle or two during visits. Canadian whisky has finally gotten just"ice" and can be enjoyed neat! Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Oof these puns... 😂 Yeah I'm quite hopeful to see that that were get it well aged high abv Blends coming out of Canada. The “Northern Borders Collection” is always worth keeping an eye one. Lot 40s, Wiser's, Pike Creek, and Gooderham & Wort's all have some interesting releases. I'm also excited to get my hands on the single malts that are making a lot of waves these days - most notably the Shelter Point and Two Brewers stuff I mentioned in the video. I'm not sure if they've got any distribution in the States, but I hear they're well worth checking out. Cheers!

[@yoursinsincerely39]

@@Gwhisky the distribution of good canadian whiskies is horrible in PA, but then nothing much is available here anyways. I have to drive to NJ or NY to get most of my bottles or get it online. Thanks for the suggestions, they are duly noted.

[@chrisinston427]

You just told us that you are Canadian. You can’t be,you understand sarcasm. Maybe you have been too long out of Canada.😂😜🇨🇦 Great review by the way.

[@Gwhisky]

The sarcastic Canadian is a rare breed-one highly prized by poachers for their silky chestnut-tinted pelts. 🥃

[@andrewmainprice2179]

I bought a bottle recently and it was a great sipper for the price.

[@Gwhisky]

Great! List video, though. Which one are you talking about?

[@andrewmainprice2179]

@@Gwhisky lot 40 rye

[@jerroldeilander2454]

Agreed! Wisers 35 and 23! Layers of flavour in each. I also agree that the 23 is a bit better than the 35. Like you, also bought a back up bottle - but if the 23 yo. Cheers.

[@Gwhisky]

Actually I have 1 backup of the 35 and two of the 23! 😉

[@jerroldeilander2454]

@@Gwhisky dude!! nice!! you're my favourite person today

[@jerroldeilander2454]

but, i should admit, i do have the 22 yo - port cask finish. it was on sale, and bought on a whim, thinking if this is a as good as the others, can't be so bad, right? I haven't cracked it open yet, so i don't know...

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I'd have grabbed it myself if I came across it. I'm quite curious myself. Odd choice adding a port finish imo, and apparently it's not quite AS good, but still decent - so I hear. Worth checking out for sure! 🥃

[@livewithaffection6905]

Forty creek Taproom and The Forager are both great and $40 cdn or less. Also, copper bold is good and has an excellent smell.

[@Gwhisky]

I'll have to look out for those on my next trip home! 🥃

[@andrewbutler7681]

Have you tried any of the Gooderham & Worts whiskies? I've managed to get their Little Trinity and Eleven Souls (as well as the more generic Four Grain).

[@Gwhisky]

Hi Adam. I had the Eleven Souls before. Good quality, but I had trouble wrapping my head around it. Sometimes fantastic, sometimes disappointing, and often somewhere in between. At its best it was really good though!

[@nitroxhockey7786]

Some Canadian whiskies are not much better than maple syrup ...on pancakes. Lot 40 is a good representation of Can whisky from big distillers. Alta Prem is great as is Wisers 23. From one Canuck in Asia to another Happy Chinese New Year! BTW hope you can try out the Lithuanian rum coming your way very soon.

[@Gwhisky]

Happy CNY to you too! Rum isn't usually my thing but yeah... might grab a bottle. Cheers! 🥃

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, been hearing good things about shelter point and lot 40 but good Canadian Whisky is near on impossible to find where I am apart from the Canadian clubs and the equivalent which I haven’t and won’t waste my money on. Nonetheless I enjoyed watching this video, slàinte Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah there are very few markets outside of Canada where any of these are available, sadly. Cheers David!

[@christinecamley]

Hey Geoff I didn't realize that you are from Canada! Which province?! I was able to get a Canadian Club 40 yo expression 5 years ago and I have to say it is really special. It got some excellent reviews. I also really enjoy Lot 40! There's a new one aged in port casks and I have heard very mixed reviews about it. Whisky Neighbour did a review recently of this expression from lot 40 and a really good, comprehensive review - Jon does awesome reviews - and it's worth watching for sure. I admit I'm also a single malt snob (definitely!!) but I do also love the Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye Whisky. It's terrific and very well priced. I enjoy it a lot. The Wiser's 35 is delicious! Beautiful! I haven't had the Wiser's 23 cask strength but I would love to track it down. If you ever get a chance to try the Canadian Club 40 yo I think you would be pleased. Terrific list! Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Ho Christine. I've heard those CC40 year olds are fantastic! The price is high, but when you think how much a 40 year old scotch would cost, I suppose it makes sense. And I agree, Jon does fantastic reviews. I'll check out his look at the new Lot 40. Funny, I never see any of these when I go back to Canada. Oh, and I'm from Montreal originally. 🥃

[@christinecamley]

@@Gwhisky Hi Geoff. The price is very high. You are right on. The 41-45 year olds aren't as fantastic as the 40 yo but it is a lot of money to shell out. They are also about half the price. Damn it's expensive. I have found enormous enjoyment and I have learned a lot through getting to now this whisky. I prefer amazing single malts so it's quite different but overall? I think the price is justified. Listen to this - Hibiki Harmony is $165 before tax in BC. I bought this expression today and $183 felt insane as I was leaving the liquor store. That was too much. Impulse buy! Lol! Somehow it made the CC 40 yo seem more reasonable! Hey like you I often can't find what some people with whisky channels are reviewing. Frustrating. I haven't seen the port cask aged Lot 40 yet although I have an eye out for it. Check out Jon's review for sure! It's interesting! I have family in Montreal and I love visiting. My closest cousin lives there and we visit each other a lot so I get to enjoy such an amazing city often and it's always a treat! Thanks for the awesome reply! Oh! Have you ever had Hibiki Harmony? Now the Hibiki 21 is amazing but I am struggling with the Harmony! It's new! Sometimes it takes awhile to settle in to a new whisky. Yes I prefer my single malts! Cheers!

[@olivierbeltrami]

I’m also a fellow Canadian living abroad (France). 🇨🇦

[@Gwhisky]

Nice! 🇨🇦

[@peterwhite507]

Next time you are in the country see if you can get your hands on Great Plains Canadian Whisky, 17 year Potter corn whisky aged another 12 months in Jerez Brandy casks at cask strength. You will have to get in in Alberta but it curb stomps Canadian Rockies 21 year. Also maybe have someone in your family grab you the limited release CR Winter Wheat and the Lot 40 cask strength finished in Laphroaig casks. Cheers

[@Gwhisky]

Those all sound fantastic. I've heard that Lot 40 peated cask is good stuff. Unfortunately I'm always between Montreal and Toronto so that Alberta-only Great Plains might not be feasible. Winter Wheat CR... interesting. Cheers Peter thanks for the suggestions! 🥃

[@larsandersson9336]

JP Wiser 23 is the best Whisky I tried 2022 and posibly the best ever. Here in Sweden it is 59.9% and cost is around US$70

[@Gwhisky]

I had no idea that there was more than one release of the stuff. Interesting! 🥃

[@darkoanton5]

You're from Canada. How's it going, eh? I'm from Canada too. Great choices, by the way.

[@darkoanton5]

Wiser's 18. Crown Royal XO. Bear Face 7yo. Tawse Pinot Noir Finish. Plus, most from Forty Creek Distillery.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I am indeed from Canada. Cheers and thanks for watching! 🥃

[@andreipuscarenco532]

why do I drink maple syrup...coz I am canadien ehhh! u should have said that! lol thanks for the review! Will try ur top 3! never had them before. Did u tryed pike creek 15 yo cabernet sauvignon finish ? I love it for the price. Thanks again for the review!

[@Gwhisky]

I haven't seen that Pike Creek on sale anywhere. I was in Montreal last month and there was next to nothing available on the shelf. I'd definitely have tried it out if I'd seen it! 🥃

[@andreipuscarenco532]

@@Gwhisky well its because SAQ in quebec was on strike so thats why nothing was on the shelfs...thank god I leave near Ontario border :)

[@Gerry-K]

Alberta Premium cask is my go too.

[@ConcaCon]

I'm sad I've only ever had the standard Canadian Club (which was dull), due to living in Germany, where access to Canadian whiskey is... Limited. I always hear of Lot 40 as a good one, especially if cask strength.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah. Sadly good Canadian whisky is mostly only available in-country. And honestly, it's still not on the level of many other countries in terms of the amount of quality offerings available. Unless you have access to “the good stuff,” usually the category still largely disappoints imo.

[@Adrian802]

I've went to Japan recently and I don't even recall seeing Canadian Club now. It's kinda like Gresham's Law. Export the crap, and keep the goodies for domestic consumption.

[@kenwilson42]

Pike Creek the older age stuff. Plus Macaloney's wining awards

[@ronaldbaglien3457]

I really enjoy Lot 40. And I consider Alberta Premium Cask Strength the most dangerous whiskey out there - 63% and extremely drinkable!

[@Gwhisky]

Agree.. dangerous stuff! 🥃

[@norrisdemeray3325]

If you have C.C. 45 year old drink it sparinly, It's $499.95 for a 750ml/26oz bottle.WOW. I live in Ontario . Need to win the Lottery to try this one.

[@Gwhisky]

Eeesh yeah that's a lot of money. I'm sure it's incredible, though. 🥃

[@switchion]

Glen Breton (from Nova Scotia)

[@Gwhisky]

I've heard good things!

[@jasonthornton6657]

Missing forty creek and vat 357 from Quebec

[@Gwhisky]

Never tried a Forty Creek or the Vat 357. I'll look around for both next time I'm in Canada.

[@jackthepickledhound]

I don't know much about our northern neighbors. I did however see something quite silly recently. For $80 there was a single cask store pick of some non-memorable whiskey at 40%.

[@Gwhisky]

Imagine watering a single cask down to 40%. Madness.

[@ironmantran]

NOW, you are talkin' ! ! ! sadly, Crown ROyale as Macallan, and WIsers as Ardbeg, us Canucks are always hallucinating with prices near 100$CAD/bottle . . . (( kiddin'... we just keep a fw good ones for us-selves . . . and oh yeah, you missed the bacon-flavoured whisky and the poutine-infused rye ! ! ))

[@Gwhisky]

Hah! With the amount of flavored whiskies we're seeing these days, that pouting rye is just a matter of time! 🤮

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

I am very upset that Crown Royal is the only Canadian whisky I can find abroad. Gibson's and Weiser's are so much better. I agree though. Weiser's 23 is great.

[@Nikolay_Nikolov]

The only Canadian whisky I've seen in Bulgaria is Crown Royal and Signal HIll. Skipped them both.

[@Gwhisky]

Rightly so!

[@Dmitriy_Izhevsk]

👍🏻

[@dribsanddrams]

As soon as you said ‘internationally available’ I knew that first one was going to be Lot 40. That was my favourite Canadian until I started discovering the new-school Canucks. I also have that Alberta Premium, and it’s a legit banger. Aside from that, I haven’t had any of those whiskies. I think I mentioned that I order most of my juice from BSW in Alberta. If you’re ever coming to my part of Canada, and you want something that won’t be available here, I can grab it from Alberta and pass it to you when you’re here.

[@Gwhisky]

A very kind offer! Yeah I've never been to Alberta, nor am I likely to pass through there as all of my family is either in Toronto or Montreal. But to be honest I've no idea where to start when it comes to Canadian stuff. I know you've looked at Shelter Points before... very curious about them! 🥃

[@DJMJRyder]

"lohin mckinnon single malt" is the only good Canadian whisky I've tried, very Light and floral

[@Gwhisky]

Haven't tried that one. I'll have to check it out the next time I go home!

[@DJMJRyder]

@@Gwhisky it's like a mix between a floral Speyside and a light irish

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds great!

[@larsg.hundertmark6692]

I live in Denmark EU and for 40 years - since my visit to US west coast - I have searched stores for the Alberta Premium Rye 25 yrs. but in vain. I have written to Canada just to be told by the shops in Alberta that bottles are not to be sent cross the borders. Can you assist, pls. and I will find money for purchase and delivery.

[@Gwhisky]

Sadly I don't live in Canada. Much of the good Canadian whiskies are hard to track down. There's a 27 year old Wiser's Cask Strength that's selling for €80(ish) in Sweden though. Perhaps they could ship from there? Wiser's CS is some of the best Canadian whisky I've had.

[@dairyyang5457]

Hah, sounds like good drams stay at home policy in Canada. 🍁🥃🍁

[@Gwhisky]

Hah exactly. Good quarantine friends! 😂

[@JOZoSo.]

Live here in Canada, still can't say that they compete with scotch or single malts. Use them almost exclusively for cocktails. Think I'm just not a fan of rye overall.

[@Gwhisky]

I'm certainly a single malt/scotch fan first and foremost, but I also appreciate variety. If you're not a rye fan, it might be worth trying out a Canadian single malt. There are a few distilleries making some noise out west these days. 🥃

[@allanwhittle3041]

Look Forward to the Kavalan reviews ! Just tried to Find a “Wisers 23 “ available i could ship to the Uk but no joy , only the “18 “ …G ..do you know if the 18 will be worth a punt , its not expensive but sounds as though it might be a bit heavy /syrupy for me ? As we know , ya pays your money takes your chances , one mans meat and all that , so if i buy it and its a dud ..thats always my fault , just feel i should look beyond Scotch/Irish ….of which i have over 100 bottles …time to try pastures new !! Best ..Allan PS How have you managed to cram in such a lot of Tasting/Boozing for such a young pup !!!!…musty have started when you were about 10

[@Gwhisky]

Hey Allan. I had the 18 in passing years ago, but never owned a proper bottle. If memory serves, it was decent but pretty forgettable. I'd stick to the top of the top when it comes to Canadians. Mid level stuff can still be a bit disappointing. Canadian whisky still has a lot of catching up to do.. Hah I'm not actually that young. 38. Got started in my mid twenties and fell into it pretty hard from the get-go. Plenty of people put there with loads more experience than myself! 🥃

[@allanwhittle3041]

@@Gwhisky doing a top job mate 🥃👍

[@stevenmarcyniuk8040]

What about FORTY CREEK - LIMITED 2021 EDITION MASTER'S CUT CASK STRENGTH 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Haven't tried that one, unfortunately. I am a suckered for cask strength, though. Sounds great! 🥃

[@terryr542]

I was wondering if someone would mention this one - I agree it is fantastic, easily the best (IMO) from Forty Creek. The other I would have mentionned that has not been listed is the Crown Royal Winter Wheat....nother corker.

[@Watchman999]

Not a lover of Canadian whisky even though I'm born and raised here. Shelter Point is a great up and comer. And Laird of Fintry (Okanagan Springs) is getting some rave reviews too. I want to see the rules change in Canada so that we can improve our whisky identity as a nation. Right now it is almost "anything goes" and that's not helping. My top 5 countries in order are Scotland, USA, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands. Canada doesn't factor into the next 5 either.

[@Gwhisky]

Harsh words! I think I like Canadian stuff more than you, but I definitely think some policy changes would not only improve its quality, but it's international reputation. I genuinely think there's some great whisky coming out of Canada, and I'm hopeful we'll see the scene grow and improve. 🥃

[@Watchman999]

@@Gwhisky I'm hopeful too.

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

I don’t think I’ve ever had a Canadian whiskey. lol. I tried Pendleton I’ve got your 6 (worst whiskey ever) but I don’t think it really Canadian.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I think unless you're in the country or somehow have access to the better offerings it's not a particularly interesting category...

[@dram_kruzhok]

CR Northern Harvest Rye and Wiser's Triple Cask Rye, and even the 40%abv Canadian Club 100% Rye are all decent ryes, but yes, Lot No. 40, even the basic one, is better and is a great rye! I've been silently rooting for Canadian whisky for years, I feel like it wouldn't take too much effort, just recognize the current modern must for info transparency and what Ralfy calls "provenance" (we want to know where distilled, from what, types of casks, etc.) and no fake ingredients, PLEASE. And then make those AVAILABLE in other markets. Whisky standards laws are rather lax, so a craft distillery could experiment, while also acknowledging our need for those "essential parameters". I suspect it's the excise and tax laws that keep it down. Oh, and the well deserved reputation that Canadian whisky is boring, forgettable and occasionally pure rotgut. This applies to the cheap blends, of course, but it is well deserved.

[@Gwhisky]

Agree. Luckily we're seeing a move towards better present Canadians. I'm also hopeful for many of the smaller distilleries popping up across Canada, many of which are apparently producing a lovely single malt. But yes, international availability and some lax production laws continue to hamper the growth/expansion of good Canadian stuff. Cheers! 🥃

[@dram_kruzhok]

@@Gwhisky FWIW I don't think "lax laws" are an obstacle to anything. It's the restrictive tax laws that hamper things. Scottish/UK whisky law is not as lax, yet producers like Bruichladdich, Deanston (and the lot of integrity ones) - they go above and beyond. It's not the law compelling them to offer higher strength, NCF and natural colored stuff that is well matured. Canada's lax law doesn't prevent distillers from doing integrity stuff. On the other hand they can creatively use the lax law for good experiments. Some of the "rectified whisky" was traditional in the US and Canada (i.e. additions of some wine, i.e. port) - it would be interesting to see something like that done well and transparently. Kinda like Basil Hayden's Rye whiskeys. Also they could experiment with barrel stave inserts, which are not allowed in Scotland. Etc.

[@MrJackassz]

All expensive canadian whiskeys! In canada you want a good whiskey to sip your paying alot of money which is unfortunate, compared to usa or Europe which they have more affordable options with better flavors.

[@gary5807]

My god I thought the J.P. Wiser's 19-Year-Old Canadian Whisky was the best I never knew they had 20s but the 15 year old is mab=ybe the best whisky in the world for the money. I don't like Bourbon, Irish and Japanese can be nice.

[@Gwhisky]

I'm not sure if the 23 is still available. It came out a few years back. Worth grabbing if you can still track it down, though. Best Canadian whisky I've ever tried. Cheers! 🥃