The Worldwide Spirits Problem (ISC) is likely one of the most revered competitions within the drinks world. Every year, it evaluates hundreds of entries from throughout the globe, awarding those who exemplify excellence in manufacturing and taste. Canadian whisky has lengthy flown below the radar internationally, however current ISC winners present that the class is present process a quiet renaissance.
Beneath, we discover the most effective Canadian whiskies awarded by the ISC, diving into how they’re made, what they style like, and who’s behind them.
What Is Canadian Whisky?
In Canada, the phrases “Canadian whisky” and “rye whisky” have been used interchangeably for over a century, no matter whether or not rye grain is definitely used. Legally, Canadian whisky doesn’t should be created from rye to be labeled as such. Most Canadian whiskies are literally blends that include whiskies distilled from corn, rye, and malted barley.
That mentioned, some producers, comparable to Alberta Distillers and Spirit of York, do create whiskies created from 100% rye grain. Others, like Collingwood, use a multi-grain mash invoice dominated by corn.
Canada’s versatile rules have additionally allowed for innovation, together with ending in uncommon woods like maple. The result’s a class that ranges from mellow and approachable to daring and complicated.
Collingwood Blended Canadian Whisky Toasted Maplewood Completed
Class: Canadian Whisky
Sub Class: Canadian Whisky
Award: Bronze
Produced in Collingwood, Ontario, on the Canadian Mist facility, this whisky model is thought for its maplewood ending, one thing that this specific expression showcases.
Collingwood Blended Canadian Whisky Toasted Maplewood Completed makes use of a mash invoice of corn, rye, and malted barley, which is triple distilled. As soon as the mature whiskies have been aged in oak and blended, the whisky is then left in a vat containing maple staves for ending.
Aromas of graham cracker, vanilla, and rose lead right into a palate of marzipan, cereal grain, and gentle baking spices. The end is lengthy, floral, and evenly malty.
In 2020, former house owners Brown-Forman offered each the Collingwood model and the Canadian Mist Distillery to Sazerac.
Alberta Premium Golden Rye 9 12 months Outdated
Class: Canadian Whisky
Sub Class: Rye
Award: Silver
This one little bit of a thriller whisky, this Alberta Premium Golden Rye 9 12 months Outdated is just not listed on the model’s web site. Nevertheless, it has been awarded accolades at each the Worldwide Spirits Problem and the Worldwide Wine & Spirits Competitors.
In accordance with the IWSC web site, the whisky is bottled at 45% ABV. I believe it’s secure to imagine that it is usually a 100% rye whisky, as it’s these whiskies that Alberta Distillers has turn out to be recognized for.
The IWSC judges, who awarded this whisky 92 factors and a silver medal, described the tasting notes as follows: “Aromas of creamy vanilla fudge, and bitter cherry intertwine with inexperienced herbs. Sumptuously textured and satisfying, it combines apricot jam with a pleasant end of honeycomb and peppery spice.”
Produced by Alberta Distillers in Calgary, an organization famend for its dedication to 100% rye whisky. Owned by Beam Suntory, the distillery has earned accolades together with “Distillery of the Decade” on the Canadian Whisky Awards in 2020.
Alberta Premium Rye (Normal Version)
Class: Canadian Whisky
Sub Class: Rye
Award: Silver
Additionally created from 100% rye grain, the usual Alberta Premium Rye is distilled utilizing column and pot stills. It’s aged in a mixture of ex-bourbon, once-used bourbon, and charred American white oak barrels and bottled at 40% ABV.
Count on floral rye spice and orchard fruit on the nostril, adopted by vanilla, caramel, and a contact of white pepper on the palate. The end is clean and clear, with a light-weight rye-driven dryness.
A mainstay in Canada for many years, Alberta Premium is usually cited as probably the most well known 100% rye whisky globally, and even claims to be one of many first distilleries on the planet to provide a 100% rye whisky. The usual version is approachable but distinctly grain-forward.
Canadian Membership 100% Rye
Class: Canadian Whisky
Sub Class: Rye
Award: Silver
One other Canadian whisky icon, partially because of Don Draper from AMC’s Mad Males, Canadian Membership is a quintessential Canadian whisky and has seen unbelievable recognition within the USA.
In accordance with the model, Canadian Membership 100% rye is “a whisky made for many who love rye.”
The nostril options toasted grain and vanilla with gentle spice. The palate presents creamy caramel, oak, and clove. The end is lengthy and clear, with light heat and lingering vanilla.
Canadian Membership was based in 1858 and is likely one of the most historic whisky manufacturers on the planet. The 100% Rye expression represents a contemporary, rye-forward route for the legacy model.
Sortilège Canadian Rye Whisky (Maple Wooden Completed)
Class: Canadian Whisky
Sub Class: Rye
Award: Silver
Produced by Les Spiritueux Ungava in Quebec, Sortilège is finest recognized for its maple-infused spirits. This whisky (the primary full-strength whisky for the model) showcases their potential to bridge custom and innovation with out overwhelming sweetness.
Crafted with a high-rye mash invoice that features corn and barley, this whisky is aged for at the least three years in customized oak barrels earlier than being completed with toasted maplewood staves, to not be confused with the model’s maple syrup liqueurs.
On the nostril, you’ll discover vanilla, maple sugar, and dried fruit. The palate balances fruitcake spice, cocoa, and a light-weight bitterness. The end is barely smoky, with lingering spice and dry wooden.
Spirit of York Distillery Co. Rye Whisky
Class: Canadian Whisky
Sub Class: Rye
Award: Silver
Created from 100% Ontario-grown rye, this whisky is a daring expression of Canadian craft distilling. Spirit of York mills, mashes, ferments, and distills the whole lot on-site utilizing a conventional copper pot nonetheless, permitting for better management over taste growth and texture. The whisky is matured in new charred oak barrels and is bottled at 46% ABV.
The nostril is layered with baked apple, freshly floor rye spice, and heat toffee. On the palate, it unfolds with a creamy texture, providing notes of caramel, dried apricot, clove, and a refined grainy sweetness. The end is lengthy and warming, with lingering pepper, a contact of natural dryness, and a faint echo of oak tannin.
Primarily based in Toronto’s historic Distillery District, Spirit of York is a grain-to-glass microdistillery devoted to transparency, locality, and conventional strategies. Its dedication to utilizing Ontario-grown grain and its small-batch method replicate a broader resurgence of hands-on whisky-making in Canada.
Collingwood Double Barrel (City Assortment)
Class: Canadian Whisky
Sub Class: Canadian Whisky
Award: Gold
Additionally hailing from Collingwood, this restricted launch is made completely from rye-forward flavoring whisky. Initially aged in used oak, the whisky is then re-barreled into closely charred new oak for added construction and depth. A last end with toasted maplewood staves provides sweetness and smoothness. It’s bottled at 45% ABV.
The nostril is daring and layered, with blood orange zest, cedar, and dusty rye grain. The palate is dry and nutty, providing caramel, spice, and hints of bitter chocolate. The end is lengthy and peppery, with a contact of oak char and lingering citrus.
Collingwood Double Barrel launched as the primary expression within the model’s City Assortment: a collection centered on innovation and small-batch craftsmanship. Designed for whisky fanatics, it blends boldness with refinement and was named Finest Canadian Blended Whisky on the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
What Will Be Your Subsequent Canadian Whisky?
Canadian whisky is a broad church, encompassing the whole lot from corn-based blends to pure rye grain expressions, and from silky clean drams to strong, oak-driven bottles. The ISC’s top-rated whiskies replicate this range, and underline that Canadian producers should not simply retaining tempo with international developments, however setting a few of their very own.
So, do you agree with the judges on the ISC? Are there some whiskies lacking from this record that you’d give a Gold Medal to each time? Tell us within the feedback under.
