Liquor & SpiritsWhisky(ey)
As a distinctive product of Canada, Canadian Whiskey is characterizied
by a delicate flavor and light body. Unlike government standards used for
U.S. whiskey, Canadian distillers are given much latitude in producing their
products. There are no specifications for grain proportions, proofs, or
aging in special cooperage. Canadian whiskey is made from cereal grain only,
predominately corn along with rye, barley and wheat (higher in rye than
most U.S. whiskey); distilled in continuous stills (production methods are
similar to those used in making U.S. whiskey); aged at least 2 yrs before
they can enter the U. S. market, however, most are aged 6 yrs or more.
Individuality in Canadian whiskey, like blended Scotch whisky, comes from
blending whiskies made from different grains, strengths, and ages together
until just the right balance is achieved. The result is light, clean and
muted in flavor.
Canadian whiskey is classified as either "bulk" or bottled in
Canada. The bulk, which is bottled in the U.S., has become a sign)ficant
factor here because consumers can get an imported whiskey at the price of
a domestic blend.
Seagrams 7 Crown - bulk produced by Seagrams of Canada and bottled in America. Containing as many as 75 different whiskies and neutral spirits, 7 Crown is aged for only 2 yrs.
Seagrams V.O. - literally Very Old, it is a 6 yr old blend with a high proportion of rye whiskey Smooth, bittersweet and well rounded on the palate.
Crown Royal - a super-premium brand created by Sam Bronfman of Seagrams in 1939 to celebrate the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Canada. It is aged 9-10 yprs. Medium-bodied, rich, subtle and smooth.
Canadian Club - the original Canadian Whiskey created by Hiram Walker. Aged 6 yrs, it has a dry, rye fruitiness and a crisp, faintly smoky finish.