CANADIAN WHISKY

Read through our expert's answers to some of the most commonly asked questions...

HOSTED by Canadian whisky expert Don Tullio (Full Bio)

	EXPERT SECTIONS Bourbon Scotch Whisky Canadian Whisky Got a Question? Ask our experts...

Q: Are Canadian whisky and rye the same thing?

Yes. The terms Canadian Whisky and Rye Whisky are synonymous. The term Rye Whisky evolved as a result of Canadian Whisky typically having a high portion of rye grain in the mash bill, verses other grains, such as corn and barley.

Q: I found an old bottle (unopened) of Canadian Whisky – my guess is that it is at least 20 years old. Would it still be good? Does Canadian whisky age well?

Whisky keeps very well in bottles over many years, due to two factors: 1) high alcohol strength...typically 40% (wine is susceptible at 11%) and 2) the plastic closure (versus a cork). As well, if the bottle has NOT been exposed to direct sunlight and huge variations in temperature, the contents should be perfect...for a bottle that was produced 20 years ago. One final note: whisky ages only in wood, so once it's placed in the bottle, the aging process stops. It's the interaction of the spirit in the barrel, with the wood and air, that give whisky its colour and flavour.

Q: I like making Manhattans with Canadian whisky. Is this right, or should I use bourbon? Do you have a favorite Manhattan recipe?

The Original Manhattan was made with Canadian Whisky, specifically Canadian Club Whisky, at the Rainbow Bar in Manhattan, New York. It is absolutely correct to use Canadian Whisky in making Manhattans! Over many years in the spirits industry, I have traveled extensively. As my favourite drink is a Manhattan Cocktail, whenever I have asked for it, the bartender typically suggests a Canadian Whisky.

My favourite Manhattan recipe....

THE MILLIONAIRE'S MANHATTAN

• 1.5 oz Canadian Club CLASSIC 12 Year Old
• 1 oz Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry

In an elegant lowball glass, fill with large ice. Add CC CLASSIC 12 Year and then Harvey's. Stir several times and garnish with 2 marashino cherries. Enjoy!

Q: Is all Canadian whisky made in Canada?

Yes. To be called a Canadian Whisky, the distillates/blenders must be produced, blended and aged in Canada for a minimum of three years. All Canadian whisky is typically bottled in Canada, but the government does not stipulate this to be law. Therefore, there are some Canadians being bottled in the United States and other parts of the world.

Q: I enjoy sipping Canadian whiskies but I’ve been told that it should be used only with a mixer. What is the main difference between Canadian Whisky and Scotch whisky?

The manner in which an individual sips whisky is truly a personal choice. In a 1.5-ounce pour of Canadian Club, I prefer to add half an ounce of good-quality bottled water, at room temperature, to "OPEN" the whisky. Adding water to a spirit allows the various volatiles to release more freely, therefore the aroma and body and taste can be truly appreciated. The nose and palate can better detect the spices, vanilla, caramel, butterscotch and rich mellow oak tones.

Canadian vs. Scotch Whisky....main differences:

1) no smoke aroma/flavour in Canadian

2) blended Scotches typically have 30-50 blends in their whisky...Canadians have 2-5 blends

3) Scotch Whisky and Canadian Whisky are spelled the same way...Irish and Bourbon Whiskey are spelled with an "e" in whiskey 4) Scotch Whisky is the largest style of whisky in the world, making up almost 45% of global whisky consumption...Canadian Whisky consumption represents 17% of the whole whisky category.