Canadian whisky has been flying under the radar in all the time that I have been writing about spirits. That was until last week when Beam Suntory held their epic Great Whisky Rumble which included Canadian Club and a day later, Pernod Ricard launched JP Wiser’s into the Australian market.
Speaking with Dan Tullio of Canadian Club and Don Livermore, Master Blender of JP Wiser’s highlighted key components of Canadian whisky along with one common thread: both gentlemen were keen to point out its less restrictive rules compared to the laws and regulations of bourbon.
Here are 5 Things You Need to Know About Canadian Whisky:
1. Canadian Whisky is Made in Canada
To be called Canadian Whisky, the spirit needs to be fermented, aged and distilled in Canada.
2. Minimum age
The minimum age for the spirit is 3 years.
3. Made of Grain
Unlike bourbon which must have a minimum of 51% corn, Canadian Whisky can use a variety of cereal grains. There are no specific types or percentages to be followed. 9.09% of the liquor distillate (or 1/11th) can be any other spirit as long as it has been aged for 2 years. This is attributed to Samuel Brockman of Seagram company who approached the US government in the 1930s with a deal asking for a reduction in excise duty if the whisky is shipped with 10 part Canadian and 1 part American whiskey.
In the early years, Canadian distillers added rye as a spice element to their corn and wheat based whiskies so it is often referred to as “rye” though it is not made with 100 percent of the grain.
4. Canadian Whisky is ABV Specific
Canadian Whisky has to bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. It has no other ABV requirements for the strength at which it can be distilled or put into barrels.
5. Aged in wooden barrels less than 700 L capacity.
The spirit has to be aged in wooden barrels with a capacity of less than 700 litres. Unlike bourbon, it need not be aged in new oak. No distinction is made between the quality of the barrels, in other words whether is has to be new or used, charred or uncharred.
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