Its production is overseen by master blender Dr. Don Livermore. Despite how difficult it can be to find a bottle of this whisky the effort is well worth it. There is no need to break the bank, as it is a good value whisky and a fantastic digestif to end a memorable dinner.”. Buy on Drizly Buy on ReserveBar. Part of the Buffalo Trace company, ever batch of this whisky is actually bottled in Kentucky. That rule applies across every category of whisk(e)y. Best of all? It’s a nice upgrade that won't break the bank.”. Another Canadian whisky rated in the high 90’s, Lot No. The 12 Best Canadian Whiskies to Drink in 2020. But the category is an incredibly diverse. Indeed, from small beginnings more than two centuries ago Canada has become the second largest whisky-making nation in the world, next only to Scotland. Every year Evan Willams releases a new 9-10 year old vintage for their Single Barrel, and every year it’s liquid glory in a bottle. But no one is impressed when you have bottles of Irish whiskey displayed in your pad. Each batch is distilled separately in small portions and aged in American White Oak barrels. While this blend is only under $20 in some regions, it’s close enough and so good that we had to include it. This whisky is well balanced at a great price.” Perfect for sipping, this spirit is aged for 18 years. One of the best expressions is this 10-year-old blended whisky finished in rum barrels. This expression from Gooderham & Worts is produced by the Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery in Ontario. I live in New York and usually buy Northern Lights Canadian Whiskey, however I am a snowbird and cannot find it here in Florida. “But when I think of Canadian whisky, I think of Crown Royal. What makes this whisky stand out is that it’s a single barrel release, meaning each bottle comes from one particular barrel instead of a blend of many casks. (I can say this, I’m Canadian.) Despite how difficult it can be to find a bottle of this whisky the effort is well worth it. This also means that every bottle will taste slightly different, but overall, look for notes of vanilla, honey and spice. This one also works well as a lone wolf over ice or in a mixed drink. Hood before bottling. Phillips Distilling offers a whole collection of flavored whiskeys, ranging from cinnamon to pineapple, and our favorite: pecan. 3. R&R was birthed during the Prohibition era, as Harry Hatch, who owned the Gooderham and Worts distillery and one of Canada’s most successful whiskey entrepreneurs, distilled the first batch in Toronto. The 10 Best Whiskies Under $50 That Don't Start With Jack, Jim, Johnnie, or Jameson Many men have a tendency to stick with what’s often stocked and served most commonly at local watering holes and social events, but there’s just so much whiskey out there that’s not only affordable but delicious too. Best Overall: Crown Royal Deluxe Blended Canadian Whisky. Alberta Rye Whisky Dark Batch. Rye whiskey, Canadian whiskey, ... we asked some of our favorite bartenders to tell us the best bang-for-your-buck Scotch whiskies. Alberta Rye Whisky Dark Batch. This 100% Canadian rye whisky is sourced and bottled by Cooper Spirits Company in the U.S. Date Tasted: 9/14/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab - 92 points out of 100. 40 is the complete opposite. It combines flavors from all the producing areas of Scotland, meaning, a mixture of 30 of the best malt whiskeys with a minimum maturity of 12 … Here are the best Canadian whiskies to drink now. Good Cheap Canadian Whiskey: Legacy Canadian Blended Whisky This blended whisky regularly scores more than 80 out of 100 on consumer websites such as Distiller.com, where it got 83 points. Whisky beginners don’t fear – here’s how to pick the best whiskies to start. Personally, when I first tried this whiskey about a year ago, it … To go along with R&R’s rich history, the Reserve blend is reminiscent of higher-end whiskey brands, boasting a honey toast and floral nose while being heavily influenced by spicy rye grain and oak barrels in its flavor. Written by. 40 is also the rarest whisky on our list. 40's highly-regarded bottle is a 100 percent rye whiskey. Even more, this spirit is bottled at 44.4% ABV, which is a bit higher than other Canadian whiskies, elevating it when combined with bitters and sugar. Black Velvet ages their Reserve Canadian whiskey a minimum of eight years, which has aided... Phillips Distilling Revel Stroke Pecan – $15. The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. It’s distilled in copper pot stills from a mash bill of 100% malted barley and aged for a minimum of three years in American oak barrels. "This whisky stands out for its complexity in flavors, which is driven by the usage of the [bourbon] barrels [used for aging],” says Frederic Najem, the director of food and beverage at Loews Philadelphia Hotel. When you think of Canadian whisky, single malt is not the first category that comes to mind. Despite Littlemill closing in 1994, owners Loch Lomond have been releasing some of the now-mature stocks every year. 40 has forty-three percent ABV (alcohol by volume) and leans heavily into the rye part of rye whiskey. Many of the most popular brands of cheap whiskey are made with malted barley. Jonah Flicker is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn whose work focuses on spirits, food and travel. The best cheap whiskey on the shelf generally hits in the $15 to $30 range and, more often than not, is full of great flavors. Are less expensive options also delicious? 40 Whisky Buy on Drizly Buy on Wine.com Buy on Caskers From one of the lesser-known Canadian whiskey brands, Lot No. We’re all aware of Canadian Club. Old Ezra 101 $19. Blended with 50 different whiskies aged in oak barrels, this spirit is extremely popular for a reason—it’s smooth, sweet, and can be used in many different cocktails. It offers a little bit of everything: smooth viscosity and mellow aftertaste while also touting a complex character. Just remember that the price may eclipse $20 depending on where you are. Nonetheless, it retains that good old Canadian Club smoothness that’s best suited for life alone, or on ice. 40's highly-regarded bottle is a 100 percent rye whiskey. A customer asked for our best cheap whisky. There’s a nice balance of sweetness and spice on the palate, with a buttery mouthfeel and some notes of fruit and vanilla. "Caribou Crossing, a Sazerac brand product, is pricier than your average Canadian whisky but worth every drop,” says Carlos Lopez, the bar manager of Stiltsville Fish Bar in Miami Beach. There was a tasting stock that had a stash of whiskies next to the cash register for customers to try (and for the staff to sip on the sly). The American release of a Canadian whisky owned by Beam-Suntory. Good Cheap Canadian Whiskey: Legacy Canadian Blended Whisky This blended whisky regularly scores more than 80 out of 100 on consumer websites such as Distiller.com , … $54.99 Forty Creek. The sales of Canadian whiskey have trumped many of its competitors within and outside the country. With powerful and complex notes of roasted nuts, pear, slight spice, and pepper among others, the medium-bodied spirit sports a smooth, mellow grain taste on its smokey finish. What companies will you find on this best cheap whiskey … Discover more » Shieldaig Highland “Peaty” Single Malt ($16): Let’s say you want to lean away from the middle of the road and into peaty whisky territory. Lot No. But the best of them usually have a healthy dose of rye, and a flavor that is distinct to Canadian whiskey. Old Grand-Dad (OGD, for short) is a quintessential back ... Best Bourbon: Old Forester 86 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Best of all? Canadian Club’s 100% Rye won best whisk(e)y in the world in 2015 and is the cream of the crop when we’re talking the best cheaper Canadian whiskeys. 1. The whisky is made in a 12,000 liter copper pot-still and is 100% rye--90% Canadian rye and 10% malted rye. Taking a Fresh Look at Canadian Whisky . If you’re going to engage with an infused whiskey, it might as well be one that hosts a rich nuttiness that’ll complement a whiskey’s smokiness. Best Canadian Whisky Canadian Club Reserve Because of Prohibition, it was only in the last few decades that bourbons overtook Canadian whiskies as the top seller in the United States. The Manual is simple — we show men how to live a life that is more engaged. Beyond that, distillers are free to experiment with different barrel types and recipes, and they can even add 9.09% of another spirit to the whisky (as long as it’s aged for two years in wood). This is an excellent expression from the Grimsby, Ontario distillery. There’s a literal world of whisky out there, but while we know that’s cause for celebration it can also be a daunting prospect – particularly if you’re new to the category. Best Japanese Whiskey: Japan is giving Scotland a run for its money with its elegant, Scotch-style whiskeys. Are expensive bottles of whiskey delicious? Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our As the most luxurious selection among the best Canadian whiskey under $20, Forty Creek’s Barrel Select. Not only is this blend bold enough for life on the rocks, it is also light enough to make any cocktail flourish. In time most Canadian distillers turned to corn, wheat, and other grains, but Canadians continue to refer to their whisky as "Rye" even though the mash bill for most Canadian Whisky is now predominantly a mix of corn, wheat, and barley, with only a modest proportion of rye … The 10 Best Whiskies Under $50 That Don't Start With Jack, Jim, Johnnie, or Jameson Many men have a tendency to stick with what’s often stocked and served most commonly at local watering holes and social events, but there’s just so much whiskey out there that’s not only affordable but delicious too. Each bottle may offer a different experience; but a pleasant, rich earthiness nonetheless. 40 is also the rarest whisky on our list. Not all of them, but many are. But the best of them usually have a healthy dose of rye, and a flavor that is distinct to Canadian whiskey. The whisky is made in a 12,000 liter copper pot-still and is 100% rye--90% Canadian rye and 10% malted rye. Buy on Drizly Buy on Wine.com. Formerly called “Extra Special Old Highland Whiskey”, the name was changed in 1909 to Johnnie Walker Black Label.It is an affordable whisky and one of the best cheap blended whisky you will find very tasty.. This is not the most intense rye whisky experience you'll find, but it’s certainly a good deal. Pendleton's Canadian whisky is sourced and bottled by an American company: Hood River Distillers in Oregon. "There are definitely some good new Canadian whiskies on the market," says Nestor Marchand, the director of food and beverage at Plunge Beach Resort in Florida. While American rye whiskey, by law, must be made from grains that are at least 51 percent rye, Canadian rye whiskeys — through a loophole in Canadian law — can be made from no rye at all. 40, crafted at Hiram Walker Distillery, is one of the best. It seems as if flavored whiskeys have been popping up everywhere lately. 1 tasting whiskey in North America by discerning Whisky Judges in multiple years over the last decade, and has taken home some of the highest accolades possible for a whiskey. Made of 90% rye grain and 10% malted rye that make it lighter than the average Canadian whisky. The best cheap whiskey on the shelf generally hits in the $15 to $30 range and, more often than not, is full of great flavors. The whisky is made in a 12,000 liter copper pot-still and is 100% rye--90% Canadian rye and 10% malted rye. Fans of single malt scotch will enjoy the notes of tropical fruit, vanilla and spice on the palate. Age: 10 years Proof: 100 Price: $74. As the most luxurious selection among the best Canadian whiskey under $20, Forty Creek’s Barrel Select has been ranked the No. Jonah Flicker is an experienced writer who has been covering spirits and traveling the world visiting distilleries for many years. While American rye whiskey, by law, must be made from grains that are at least 51 percent rye, Canadian rye whiskeys — through a loophole in Canadian law — can be made from no rye at all. Best Canadian Whisky Canadian Club Reserve Because of Prohibition, it was only in the last few decades that bourbons overtook Canadian whiskies as … Canadian Club is a popular name heard as a choice for Canadian whisky in bars. 40 Canadian Rye Whisky is distilled at the Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor, Ontario. by Davin de Kergommeaux . This rye whisk(e)y managed to find the perfect median of complex and balanced, offering a smooth texture that crawls up the glass. Most of the best Canadian whiskey companies use corn in their spirits, but rye whisky is also popular. The Canadian whiskeys listed above have at least six reviews and this best Canadian whisky list is refreshed every 24 hours so new review data is included in the formula. JP Wiser’s 18 Year Old ($50-65) JP Wiser is the perfect example of a classic Canadian distillery that has risen to meet the challenges of the modern whisky market. Sip this on its own, or use it for a premium cocktail experience. And if Prohibition nearly killed American whiskey, it helped Canadian distillers to thrive. Originally distilled at Joshua Booth's farm near Millhaven, Ontario at the end of the American Revolutionary War, Lot No. Canada boasts some of the best whiskies out there. This whisky is … Published 11/11/20. Read Next: The Best Whiskey Glasses, According to Experts. This powerful whiskey—aged for a minimum of 7 years in Kentucky, the bourbon capital of the world—is filled with notes of caramel, marshmallows, cinnamon, and oak. Kirkland's Canadian Whisky costs less than $20 for the 1.75 L bottle; compare that to the $40-$45 you'll spend for the same amount of the name-brand stuff! Plus, it was featured in Breaking Bad because it was creator Vince Gilligan’s favorite whiskey. The palate is slightly sweet and mild with a bit of spice, making this an excellent Canadian whisky to use in a Manhattan. It’s a blended whisky that is distilled and aged in Canada, then brought to the U.S. and cut with spring water from Mt. The Canadian whiskeys listed above have at least six reviews and this best Canadian whisky list is refreshed every 24 hours so new review data is included in the formula. No matter if you want Scotch, rye, or something else, you’ll be able to find a good bottle in your price range. Kentucky Gentleman. Some good cheap whiskey is made in Canada, while other inexpensive whiskey is distilled in Tennessee. Next time you’ve got a Jackson to drop on a bottle of Canadian liquid gold, consider these options. Price. But unfortunately, the stuff ain’t cheap. The Best Whiskey Glasses, According to Experts. “It's a blend of mature grain whiskies with a hint of rye spice,” says Pablo Guerrero, the food and beverage manager of Azabu Miami Beach. J.P. Wiser’s Triple Barrel Rye Type: Canadian Whiskey Price: $19.99 The alluring bottle draws you in, its price point keeps your attention, and the taste keeps you hooked. As described on the bottle, Dark Horse rye is definitely made for whiskey connoisseurs who prefer a bolder, richer tasting Canadian Whiskey. While it lacks the mystique and potentially robust flavor that Crown Royal boasts, it certainly makes up for it in price point. What companies will you find on this best cheap whiskey brands list? 1 tasting whiskey in North America by discerning Whisky Judges in multiple years over the last decade, and has taken home some of the highest accolades possible for a whiskey. SHOP NOW. Just as many people have said that Lot No. Discover more » When it comes to value, North America is still in the lead for thrift, and that's why you'll mostly see bourbons and ryes on this list of best whiskeys you can get for under $50. Crafted from whole grain rye grown in Alberta’s unforgiving countryside, this bottle offers a rich caramel and oak taste followed by a spicier finish than your typical Canadian whisk(e)y. A typical bottle of “CC”, as the locals call it, can come in around $20. Indeed, from small beginnings more than two centuries ago Canada has become the second largest whisky-making nation in the world, next only to Scotland. But this expression from Lot No. * 1. Below I present you the top 9 Best Value Ryes, which can be picked up at your local government liquor store for under $30 a bottle (except maybe one). But there are some smaller craft producers making single malt whisky, like Vancouver Island’s Shelter Point. A deeply spicy background is tempered by notes of caramel, cocoa, and dried fruits after nearly 20 years of aging in American oak. You’re damn right they are. Crafted by Alberta Distillers, this spirit has caramel and oak notes. And if Prohibition nearly killed American whiskey, it helped Canadian distillers to thrive. Canadian whisky product ratings are refreshed daily by assessing the average score from reviews, combined with the average score from whisky cabinet ratings on Canadian whiskies. (I can say this, I’m Canadian.) JP Wiser’s 18 Year Old ($50-65) JP Wiser is the perfect example of a classic Canadian distillery that has risen to meet the challenges of the modern whisky market. All rights reserved. The catchall term entails everything from American bourbon and rye to Canadian whisky, single malt Scotch, Irish whiskey, Japanese too, and countless things in between. Another Canadian whisky rated in the high 90’s, Lot No. Phillips Distilling Revel Stroke Pecan – $15, Rich & Rare Reserve Canadian Whisky – $17, The Best Cheap Whiskey Brands for Under $20, 14 Best Whiskey Glasses to Elevate Your Drinking Experience This 2021, 11 Best Whiskies for Whiskey Sours, According to Bartenders, 5 of the Most Expensive Tequilas in the World, The 7 Best Remote Destinations in the United States to Escape to in 2021, 6 Ways to Transform Your Christmas Leftovers, How to Cook Pasta the Right Way Every Time, The 9 Best CBD-Infused Drinks to Try in 2021, The 8 Best Champagnes Under $100 to Bring in 2021, The Best Champagnes for New Year’s Eve and All of Your Celebrations, How to Cook Steak in the Oven Perfectly Every Time. Canadian Whisky Although it shares certain characteristics with Scotch whisky and bourbon, Canadian whisky has a style all its own, thanks to a unique means of production and the influence – sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious – of rye. However, by 2010, the sales of this exceptional brew from Canada slowed down long enough for Bourbon to overtake and outsell Canadian whiskey in the United States. As far as values go, half-off isn't something to which one should turn up their nose — it's a pretty solid bargain if you're a fan of Canadian whisky in your highballs. The best “cheap” bottles of whiskey manage to be versatile yet accessible. Taking a Fresh Look at Canadian Whisky . 8) Crown Royal (80 proof), $21.99: Crown Royal offers an easy and affordable introduction to the world of Canadian whisky for the uninitiated. The Best Cheap Canadian Whiskey Under $20 Black Velvet Reserve – $14. Best Cheap Rye Whiskey: Old Overholt Straight Rye Many testers claimed that J.P. Wiser’s 35-Year Old Canadian Whiskey was the best sweet whiskey in 2018. If the Corby/Pernod Ricard portfolio's Wiser's 18 is the lighter classic-style Canadian whisky, then its Lot No. Canadian Whisky Although it shares certain characteristics with Scotch whisky and bourbon, Canadian whisky has a style all its own, thanks to a unique means of production and the influence – sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious – of rye. It’s surprisingly easy to find and might just be the best value in all of whiskey. 40 is the complete opposite. Canadian Club 100% Rye – $19.99 One of the few Canadian offerings on this list, Canadian Club is owned by the Beam Suntory company. W hisky lovers are often amazed when they learn that Canadian whisky is the best selling whisky style in North America. This JP Wiser’s whisky is a bartender favorite. Lot No. Some good cheap whiskey is made in Canada, while other inexpensive whiskey is distilled in Tennessee. Jonah Flicker. Made of 90% rye grain and 10% malted rye that make it lighter than the average Canadian whisky. Get our best cocktail recipes, tips, and more when you sign up for our newsletter. Although listed at $14, don’t be fooled by the price —  this is still a great go-to among the best whiskeys from our neighbor to the north. This iconic Canadian whisky is a powerhouse. Best Under $200: Pendleton Directors’ Reserve Whisky. But hey, if it gets people to enjoy one of man’s greatest past-times, all power to you as long as don’t go overboard. This particular release was limited to 1,500 bottles and comes in a wooden box with a miniature, so you can try the whisky before you open the bottle. The pepper and fruit notes will also complement any sweet vermouth you go with. We don’t boss you around; we’re simply here to bring authenticity and understanding to all that enriches our lives as men on a daily basis. Canadian. The catchall term entails everything from American bourbon and rye to Canadian whisky, single malt Scotch, Irish whiskey, Japanese too, and countless things in between. In fact, after being derided for years, Canadian whisky’s reputation is on the upswing these days. The 10 Best Cheap Whiskeys to Drink in 2021. Awards: 2017 Best Canadian Whiskey $21.99 Best Buy » Read Full Review. It’s surprisingly easy to find and might just be the best value in all of whiskey. by Davin de Kergommeaux . Crown Royal is an iconic brand in Canadian whisky, and ... Best Cheap: Canadian Mist Whisky. The Rankings: All 13 Bourbons, Ranked From Worst to Best. The best cheap whiskey brands come in many forms. It won’t be the cheapest in the store, but this list is full of cheap alternatives. A customer asked for our best cheap whisky. 40 Whisky Buy on Drizly Buy on Wine.com Buy on Caskers From one of the lesser-known Canadian whiskey brands, Lot No. As the name suggests, Canadian whiskey is whiskey that was produced in Canada. Look for notes of praline, honey and dark fruits on the palate. Double Barrel Reserve Canadian Whisky. “After being aged for 15 years, we have a rich and smooth mix of flavors like dried fruits, toffee, spices and a very little touch of green apples. Most importantly, no, not all Canadian whisky is the plastic-jugged and purple-sacked swill you drank in college—in other words, bland, low-proof and dirt cheap. Its production is overseen by master blender Dr. Don Livermore. Each bottle may offer a different experience; but a pleasant, rich earthiness nonetheless. After some trial and error, I discovered Canadian Premium Whiskey here at ABC, and like it more than Northern Light. Black Velvet ages their Reserve Canadian whiskey a minimum of eight years, which has aided the blend’s persistent popularity since the first batch was distilled in 1991. This whisky is a bit of a re-make of a re-make. The American release of a Canadian whisky owned by Beam-Suntory. ... I’m a passionate fan of Canadian whisky. Until you and Maker's can kiss and (hopefully) make up, here are other good bourbons to … $25. Whisky beginners don’t fear – here’s how to pick the best whiskies to start. Liquor.com uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Some good Canadian whiskey brands create smooth spirits, while others have bigger, bolder flavors. It seems as if flavored whiskeys have been popping up everywhere lately. Overall, this is a stellar example of rye whisky from the north. Alberta Premium Dark Horse ($26.99) — 45% ABV As described on the bottle, Dark Horse rye is definitely made for whiskey connoisseurs who prefer a bolder, richer tasting Canadian Whiskey. Formerly called “Extra Special Old Highland Whiskey”, the name was changed in 1909 to Johnnie Walker Black Label.It is an affordable whisky and one of the best cheap blended whisky you will find very tasty.. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Canadian whisky often has the reputation of being bottom-shelf swill, relegated cheap pours at bars.