If there’s one thing Canadians know how to do, it’s making a damn good drink. Whether it’s a smooth, oak-aged whisky, a crisp, locally brewed beer, or a bold glass of homegrown wine, we’ve been crafting liquid gold long before we had to start reminding our neighbours to the south that we exist. And now, with tariffs and economic policies squeezing our producers, there’s no better time to support our own.

So, let’s pour one out for Canada – not in mourning, but in celebration. Here’s a patriotic guide to the best Canadian whiskies and distilleries, along with some honourable mentions in wine and beer, because what’s a good whisky without a cold brew or a fine red to back it up?

Canada’s Best Whisky Distilleries

Crown Royal (Gimli, Manitoba)

A name as iconic as a double-double at Timmies, Crown Royal has been a staple in Canadian whisky culture since 1939. Born in the small town of Gimli, Manitoba, this whisky was originally a gift for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. With its rich vanilla notes, smooth mouthfeel, and a legacy as bold as a hockey fight, Crown Royal remains one of the best exports we’ve got. Try the Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye—so good it was named the 2016 World Whisky of the Year. Take that, Scotch snobs.

Lot No. 40 (Hiram Walker Distillery, Ontario)

If you’re looking for a whisky that truly embodies the heart of Canadian distilling, Lot No. 40 is the one. This 100% rye whisky is spicy, complex, and as unapologetically bold as a Canadian standing up to a black bear in their backyard. It’s a whisky that says, “We don’t need no bourbon,” with an oaky richness and dark fruit undertones that will have you reaching for another dram.

Forty Creek (Grimsby, Ontario)

Forty Creek is like that one uncle who doesn’t talk much but can out-fish, out-hunt, and out-drink anyone in the room. This award-winning distillery is all about quality over quantity, using a unique approach where individual grain spirits—rye, barley, and corn—are aged separately before blending. This method allows for deeper, more complex flavours. Their Confederation Oak Reserve is a must-try—a name fitting for anyone looking to drink in true Canadian spirit.

Alberta Premium (Calgary, Alberta)

When you hear the words “Canadian rye,” Alberta Premium should be the first name that comes to mind. A pure 100% rye whisky made with Rocky Mountain water and prairie grains, this is the drink of cowboys, oil riggers, and anyone who enjoys a drink with a bit of fire in its belly. Their Cask Strength Rye is a powerhouse—bold, peppery, and unapologetically Canadian. It has also been awarded multiple accolades, including Best Canadian Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards.

Shelter Point Distillery (Vancouver Island, British Columbia)

One of the newer players in the game, Shelter Point is proof that Canadian whisky can go toe-to-toe with the best single malts out there. Nestled on the rugged coast of Vancouver Island, this distillery produces small-batch whisky with a rich maritime influence. Their Artisanal Single Malt is a masterpiece—fruity, malty, and as smooth as a perfectly executed hockey pass.

Macaloney’s Island Distillery (Victoria, British Columbia)

The newest heavyweight in Canadian whisky, Macaloney’s Island Distillery, has been making waves after winning Canadian Whisky of the Year 2025 at the Canadian Whisky Awards. Their meticulous craftsmanship, aging process, and deep respect for Scottish and Canadian traditions have created award-winning single malts and pot-still whiskies that are among the best in the country.

More Canadian Whisky Distilleries to Try:

• Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers (Ontario)
• Two Brewers (Yukon)
• Kinsip House of Fine Spirits (Ontario)
• Last Mountain Distillery (Saskatchewan)
• Eau Claire Distillery (Alberta)
• Yukon Spirits (Yukon)
• Still Waters Distillery (Ontario)
• Strathcona Spirits (Alberta)
• North of 7 Distillery (Ontario)
• Tangle Ridge (Alberta)
• Highwood Distillers (Alberta)
• Gibson’s Finest (Ontario)
• Gooderham & Worts (Ontario)
• Hansen Distillery (Alberta)
• Signal Hill Whisky (Newfoundland & Labrador)
• Pike Creek (Ontario)
• Revelstoke Distillery (British Columbia)
• Urban Distilleries (British Columbia)
• Tortuga Coast Distillery (British Columbia)
• Okanagan Spirits (Kelowna, BC)
• Last Straw Distillery (Vaughan, ON)
• Junction 56 (Stratford, ON)
• Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery (Niagara, ON) – Not just because of Wayne, but thanks to master distiller Tim Wilson, who has crafted outstanding whiskies like the Signature Series 100% Rye and 100% Oat—truly exceptional spirits that deserve a spot on your shelf.

Honourable Mentions: Canadian Wine & Beer

Wine: Niagara-on-the-Lake & Okanagan Valley

• Peller Estates (Ontario)
• Mission Hill (BC)
• Inniskillin (Ontario)
• Jackson-Triggs (Ontario)
• Tantalus Vineyards (BC)
• Burrowing Owl (BC)
• Norman Hardie (Ontario)
• Benjamin Bridge (Nova Scotia)
• Quail’s Gate (BC)
• Black Hills Estate Winery (BC)

Beer: The Homegrown Heroes

• Unibroue (Quebec)
• Steam Whistle (Ontario)
• Phillips Brewing (BC)
• Big Rock Brewery (Alberta)
• Beau’s All Natural Brewing (Ontario)
• Moosehead Breweries (New Brunswick)
• Granville Island Brewing (BC)
• Collective Arts Brewing (Ontario)
• Driftwood Brewery (BC)
• Lake of the Woods Brewing Co. (Ontario)

Why Buy Canadian?

Every bottle of Canadian whisky, wine, or beer you buy keeps our distillers, brewers, and winemakers in business. It fuels our economy, supports our workers, and keeps our heritage alive.

So the next time you’re in the liquor store, skip the imports and grab a bottle of the good stuff made right here at home. Raise your glass to Canada, to our whisky, and to showing the world that we don’t just make great drinks—we make legendary ones.

Cheers, eh?