Why Can't Canadians Make Good Whisky?
- Thread starter Toro
- Start date
Crown Royal, Canadian Club, Seagram's, etc.
You have a fair point. So what's a good Canadian whisky? I'm happy to change my mind.
I'm not talking about rare, 25 years. Most of the scotches I've mentioned are mid-range whiskies, except maybe for the 18s. What is a Canadian equivalent of a Macallan 12, Oban 14 or Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban? These are fairly common whiskies you can buy at a typical liquor store where I live.
Crown Royal is one of the better ones, but I regret to inform you that if your taste runs to things like Oban and the Macallan you'll never find a rye or a bourbon to match them for smoothness and bouquet and aftertaste and all the other things fine single malts are famous for. For my taste the best rye whiskies are Forty Creek and Alberta Premium, they're made with a fair bit of rye grain in the mash according to a knowledgeable clerk at the liquor store I frequent, and it does make a difference. But really, I prefer a good single malt, as you apparently do too. My rule: if it isn't good enough to drink neat, it isn't good enough to drink at all.
I totally agree drinking it neat. I drink my liquor straight. I'll add water to the cask strengths though.
On the bourbon, Buffalo Trace is pretty good. Pappy van Winkle - if you can get your hands on it - is a fabulous bourbon. I'm still discovering the bourbons.
A great cognac is Kelt. It's not always easy to find but it's better than its comps, like Courvoisier or Remy Martin IMO.
A Canadian whisky is one of the sponsors for the Minnesota Vikings' radio show - but darn, I forget which one it is ---- was in a big hurry to leave my apartment this morning to attend a soccer game and failed to take note of which company it was.
See? Gopherland people like their Canadian whisky.
But if I ever take up drinking again, this will be my choice:
Simply the best!
See? Gopherland people like their Canadian whisky.
But if I ever take up drinking again, this will be my choice:
Simply the best!
A good brand is Calgary Co-op private label. Made under contract by major distillers, no advertising costs to cover.
Why can't Canadians make good whiskey? Same reason Americans can't.....they aren't in Scotland making a single malt!
You aren't really missing anything. Gibsons is to whiskey what Hyundai is to cars.
In my house we keep Glenfiddich or Glenlevit around for everyday and most guests. I have a private stash of Sheridan's lowland (30 yo) and Johnnie Walker Blue label which is for special occasions and select guests. I also have a bottle of Johnnie Walker Gold which is blue label re-casked for another 20 years. They only release about 100 bottles a year and it is only available from the factory.
I avoid bourbon like the plague. It is far to sweet for my tastes and seems more like syrup than a beverage. I will admit I have never tried some of the finer bourbons but I imagine they all have that sweetness I dislike.
Since when am I a Democrat?
Never tried Gibson's and am not sure it's available here in Gopherland. I don't drink anymore so I'll take your word that it is a goody.
You aren't really missing anything. Gibsons is to whiskey what Hyundai is to cars.
In my house we keep Glenfiddich or Glenlevit around for everyday and most guests. I have a private stash of Sheridan's lowland (30 yo) and Johnnie Walker Blue label which is for special occasions and select guests. I also have a bottle of Johnnie Walker Gold which is blue label re-casked for another 20 years. They only release about 100 bottles a year and it is only available from the factory.
Crown Royal is probably the best blended rye. They do a 'special reserve' which is a nice. I will drink Crown if I am out and using mix. It goes well with coke & lime or with ginger-ale. The Forty-Creek is actually a single malt rye made in old port barrels which gives it a fruity aroma and a taste that is quite different from every other rye in the range. I would drink it over Crown but no restaurants or bars seem to stock it. Unfortunately if you are into the premium single malts you just aren't going to find anything in a rye bottle that compares.
I avoid bourbon like the plague. It is far to sweet for my tastes and seems more like syrup than a beverage. I will admit I have never tried some of the finer bourbons but I imagine they all have that sweetness I dislike.
Good ol' fashion Mogen David, brewed with Labrusca grapes and lots of sugar.. Sold like crazy during prohibition .
I remember making apple-jack in a camp when I was logging. Fruit, sugar, yeast and water brewed in a 5 gallon pail for a week. It wasn't a fine single malt but it did the job we required of it quite well on Saturday nights. ;-)
Reminds me of a cold winter Friday night in Revelstoke many years ago after a hard week surveying. We bought an assortment of liquor and various fruit juices and cleaned up a garbage bucket and mixed the various potions. I distinctly remember one guy's ears turning red.
