Consumers taking an elbows up approach to drinking are seeking out new spirits or rediscovering old favourites from the wealth of Canadian alcohol available.
This week’s recommendations of a blended whisky from Eau Claire and London Dry Gin from Seventh Heaven might serve as an introduction to these successful operations, while the historic Gibson’s Finest brand, which halted production due to prohibition only to be revived in 1972, is one whisky lovers continue to savour for its complexity and value for money.
Gibson’s Finest Rare 12 Year Old Whisky (Canada), $37.95
This blended whisky gains complexity by mixing different spirits aged in a variety of barrels to arrive at the desired flavour. A mix of vanilla and toffee with pear, peach and sultana raisin notes make a flavourful first impression, but more peppery and spicy flavours emerge and dial down the sweetness. Aged 12 years, this offers a lot of character for the price. It’s a style that’s best served neat. 40 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario, $35.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $37.49 in Manitoba ($34.49 until March 31), $39.75 in Quebec, $38.69 in Nova Scotia, $38.99 in Prince Edward Island, $38.46 in Newfoundland.
Rupert’s Exceptional Canadian Whisky (Canada), $40.20
Alberta’s Eau Claire continues to impress with its well-crafted single malt and other small batch whisky releases each year. The Rupert’s label was developed to be a year-round product that makes the most of its easy-going balanced and smooth character. A mix of fruit, toffee and spicy notes contributes complexity and appeal to a whisky that works well in a mixed drink or served neat. Named best in class in the Canadian Whisky category at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 40 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $39.99 in Manitoba, $35.95 direct from eauclairedistillery.com.
Seventh Heaven Canadian London Dry Gin (Canada), $37.70
Based in Quebec, Seventh Heaven produces four different gins and an expanding range of ready-to-drink cocktails. The distillery’s silver label, London Dry Gin, packs a herbal punch, with bold juniper and rosemary notes contributing fragrance to a spirit that’s rounded out by citrus and elderberry fruit notes. It’s an enjoyable style that works nicely in any classic gin-forward cocktail, such as a martini, gimlet or rickey. 43 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario, $37.99 in Manitoba ($35.49 until March 31), $40.50 in Quebec, $39.80 in New Brunswick, $38.99 in Prince Edward Island.
