Don Livermore’s team can produce a diverse range of whiskies.Supplied
As master blender of Hiram Walker & Sons Limited in Windsor, Don Livermore oversees a range of popular whisky brands, such as JP Wiser’s, Lot 40 and Pike Creek.
His team can produce a diverse array of whiskies because the distillery uses a combination of column stills and pot stills for distillation, and ages individual grain spirits independently in a variety of oak casks.
“We separate things until the very end and put it together as a recipe,” Livermore explains. “That allows us to make flavor profiles under different house styles.”
Over the course of his 29-year career to date, he’s seen consumer interest grow around the world while collecting awards from international competitions, including being recognized as the 2025 World Whiskies Awards’ Rest of World Master Blender of the Year. Similar market share and success has been won by other Canadian whisky distillers, who Livermore says are a collegial bunch despite being competitive from a sales and marketing perspective.
“I think we’ve cut our teeth in terms of making good quality, good value products,” Livermore says. “We’re in a good position with Canadian whisky.”
Here are three highly recommended current releases that show a diversity of styles for Canadian whisky.
Lot No. 40 Single Copper Pot Still Canadian Whisky (Canada), $42.45
HIRAM WALKER & SONS/Supplied
This expression of Lot 40 makes the most of its mellow and balanced character. The aroma offers an enticing mix of cinnamon and rye spice with vanilla, honey and gingerbread, while the flavour replays the ginger, honey and spice with some citrus, nutty and herbal notes. The style makes for a nice sipping whisky on the rocks or a base for classic cocktails, such as Old Fashioned, Manhattans or Boulevardier. This has 43 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, shop.jpwisers.com, $44.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $46.99 in Manitoba, $42.75 in Quebec, $46.30 in New Brunswick, $46.59 in Nova Scotia.
Pike Creek Double Barreled Canadian Whisky (Canada), $40.95
SPRING MILL DISTILLERY/Supplied
Pike Creek whisky is aged in a warehouse without climate control so the barrels are exposed to temperature fluctuations, which impact flavour development by influencing how the spirit moves in and out of the wood. Hot weather encourages the development of more intense oak derived notes, such as vanilla and toffee, while cooler temperatures contribute a lighter, mellow flavour profile. The result for this 10 year old Canadian whisky is a spirit that’s more complex on the nose than palate. Finishing in rum barrels contributes to the overriding sweet flavour (caramel, vanilla, burnt sugar) with understated spice (pepper, nutmeg) notes to balance the smooth character. This has 42 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario ($37.45 until June 22) or direct, shop.jpwisers.com, $39.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $39.99 in Manitoba, $40.49 in New Brunswick, $40.23 in Newfoundland.
Spring Mill John Sleeman & Sons Sherry Finished Single Malt Whisky (Canada), $74.95
This is the first single malt release from Spring Mill distillery in Guelph, which is operated by John Sleeman and sons Quinn and Cooper with former Sleeman Breweries head brewer turned distiller, Doan Bellman. A four-and-a-half-year-old Canadian whisky finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, it reveals a complex character with a mix of citrus, pear, chocolate, nutty, and toffee flavours. A sweet and creamy texture is balanced by peppery, woody and boozy (warmth from the alcohol) notes that linger. Serve neat or over ice. This has 45.5 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, johnsleemanandsons.com