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The 1st licensed distillery opened
in Canada in 1769. |
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Many new immigrants to Canada were of Scottish and Irish
decent. Not surprisingly, they began distilling the excess
grains that were harvested. The resulting whiskies commanded
a good price, were easy to transport and didn’t
spoil with age. As for the taste – well that was
a very different story. |
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This new Canadian style of whisky became a vital staple
in the economy and the diet of the new Canadians. Some
historians have argued it helped them to survive an unforgiving
climate and a harsh terrain. |
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Two significant events have shaped the face of today’s
Canadian Whisky industry- duties (taxes) and the introduction
of continuous column stills. |
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Excise duties were imposed as early as the 1840’s
and had a profound impact on the distilling industry.
Of the 200 distilleries operating in the 1800’s,
only 9 remain today. |
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Excise duty hit the smaller distillers hard. In contrast,
for efficiency, the larger distillers introduced continuous
column stills that could produce sufficient quantities
and profits to absorb the heavy taxes. The making of Canadian
Whisky in smaller pot stills by commercial distillers
became the exception rather then the rule, as is the case
today. |
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Notes from John Hall,
Whisky Maker:
“It
is with great pride that we at Forty Creek have returned
to our roots of producing our fine hand crafted whisky
in small copper pot stills. When it comes to making memorable
whisky, bigger is not necessarily better.” |
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Contrary to popular belief, Prohibition was not confined
to the United States. During World War 1, many Canadian
provinces went dry. However, Prohibition on a National
level lasted less than 1 year. Proving to be both unpopular
and unenforceable, Prohibition in Canada lasted only from
March to November 1918. |
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Unfortunately for American Whisky Makers, especially
Bourbon distillers, in 1919 it became illegal to make,
sell or consume alcohol in the United States. |
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Some Canadian distilleries made their fortunes by providing
Canadian Whisky that was smuggled into a thirsty United
States. |
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By 1930 when Prohibition was repealed, Americans had
developed a taste for our lighter Canadian Whisky that
continues today. |
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