Canada’s liquor scene is a treasure trove of innovation, tradition, and terroir. From small-batch distilleries in the Yukon wilderness to award-winning wineries in the Okanagan Valley, Canadian-made beverages are making waves globally. This expanded guide showcases over 30 standout brands available coast to coast, celebrating the craftsmanship and diversity of every province and territory. Whether you’re a whisky lover, beer aficionado, or wine enthusiast, discover the flavors that make Canadian liquor unforgettable.
Canadian Whisky: Bold, Smooth, and Uniquely Canadian
Crown Royal Manitoba: A global icon, Crown Royal’s Winnipeg distillery produces classics like Crown Royal Deluxe (blended whisky) and limited editions like Northern Harvest Rye (World Whisky of the Year 2016).
Pike Creek Ontario: Aged in rum barrels, their 10-Year-Old Canadian Whisky offers notes of vanilla and dried fruit.
Shelter Point BC: Vancouver Island’s distillery crafts single malts like Artisanal Single Malt (citrus, honey) and Smoke Point (peated barley).
Collingwood Ontario: Known for its maplewood-filtered Collingwood 21-Year-Old Rye and Double Barrel Rye.
Glenora Nova Scotia: Canada’s first single malt whisky, Glen Breton Rare, is distilled in Cape Breton with Highland-inspired flair.
Last Mountain Distillery Saskatchewan: Try their Single Malt Whisky (aged in ex-bourbon barrels).
J.P. Wiser’s Ontario: A historic brand with Wiser’s 18-Year-Old (honey, oak) and Triple Barrel Rye (spicy, smooth).
Beer: Craft Brews with National Reach
Big Rock Alberta: A pioneer since 1985, their Traditional Ale and Grasshopper Wheat Ale are Prairie staples. Seasonal releases include Citraddiction IPA and Rhubarb Sour.
Dieu du Ciel! Quebec: Renowned for Péché Mortel (imperial stout) and Aphrodisiaque (vanilla-coffee porter), available in most provinces.
Driftwood Brewery BC: Look for Fat Tug IPA (tropical, citrusy) and Naughty Hildegard ESB (caramel malt).
Half Pints Brewing Manitoba: Try Little Scrapper IPA or Stir Stick Stout, both shipped nationally.
Propeller Brewing Nova Scotia: Their IPA and Pilsner are Maritime classics.
Beau’s All Natural Ontario: Known for Lug Tread Lagered Ale and seasonal brews like Saison (citrus, peppercorn).
Yukon Brewing Yukon: Lead Dog Ale (amber ale) and Midnight Sun Espresso Stout (coffee-forward) capture the spirit of the North.
Vodka: Pure Canadian Craftsmanship
Polar Ice Alberta: Distilled from Alberta winter wheat, Polar Ice offers a crisp, clean profile. Try Polar Ice Glacier Cherry for a fruity twist.
Ironworks Nova Scotia: Small-batch vodka made with Annapolis Valley apples. Their Blueberry Vodka and Pear Eau-de-Vie are Nova Scotia in a glass.
North of 7 Distillery Ontario: Their Ottawa Vodka is distilled seven times for ultra-smoothness, with seasonal infusions like Rhubarb-Lavender.
Northern Keep Vodka Ontario: Their signature unflavored vodka is a favorite in craft cocktails, while seasonal releases like Maple-Infused Vodka (made with Ontario maple syrup) highlight local flavors.
Gin: Canada’s Botanical Brilliance
Last Mountain Distillery Saskatchewan: Infused with Basil, and lime. Granny’s Gin a traditional English style gin created with Colin’s grandmother Muriel in mind.
Audemus Spirits Quebec: Pink Pepper Gin blends juniper, pink peppercorns, and honey. Their Umami Gin adds shiitake mushrooms for a savory twist.
Victoria Gin BC: Handcrafted in Victoria, this gin uses BC botanicals like rose petals and coriander.
Scapegrace Ontario: A modern take with Scapegrace Classic (citrus-forward) and Black Gin (aged in oak, notes of vanilla).
Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers Ontario: Unfiltered Gin 22 (juniper, citrus) and Rose Gin (Niagara rose petals).
Port Rexton Distillery Newfoundland: Shoreline Gin (seaweed, juniper) and Iceberg Gin (crisp, glacial water base).
Wine: Canadian Vines, World-Class Wines
Tawse Ontario: Niagara’s organic/biodynamic winery offers Sketches Riesling and Cherry Road Pinot Noir.
Blomidon Estate Nova Scotia: Known for Crément (traditional method sparkling) and Rosé (bright, strawberry notes).
Road 13 BC: Okanagan’s Honest John’s Red (bold blend) and Sparkling Chenin Blanc are crowd-pleasers.
Lightfoot & Wolfville Nova Scotia: Try Ancienne Chardonnay (oaked, buttery) or Brut Rosé (crisp, berry-driven).
Quails’ Gate BC: Okanagan’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are national staples.
L’Acadie Vineyards Nova Scotia: Specializes in sparkling wines like Première Rosé (raspberry, citrus).
Unique Spirits and Seasonal and Limited Releases: Canada’s Creative Edge
Eau Claire Distillery Alberta: Parlour Gin (juniper, cucumber) and Three Point Vodka (prairie wheat).
Rig Hand Craft Distillery Alberta: Sweet Ginger Shine (ginger liqueur) and Dill Pickle Vodka (yes, it’s a thing!).
Yukon Brewing Yukon: Boreal Gin (wildfire-smoked botanicals) and Spiced Ale (cinnamon, clove).
Odd Society Spirits BC: Wallflower Gin (foraged BC botanicals) and Smoked Whisky (applewood-smoked barley).
Dixon’s Distilled Spirits Ontario: Flaming Caesar Vodka and Wicked Blueberry Gin.
Collective Arts Brewing Ontario: Limited Liquid Art Fest IPA (collaboration with artists) and Sour Peach Ale.
Okanagan Spirits BC: Apple Pie Liqueur (fall) and Cherry Eau de Vie (summer).
Sons of Vancouver BC: Amaretto Sour Whisky (winter) and Rhubarb & Rose Gin (spring).
Beau’s All Natural Ontario: Festivale (seasonal saison) and Strong Patrick (Irish-style red ale).
Peller Estates Ontario: Cabernet Franc Icewine (winter exclusive, rich and honeyed).
Raise a Glass to Canadian Craftsmanship
Choosing Canadian-made liquor is more than just a nod to quality, it’s a commitment to sustainability, economic growth, and cultural heritage for Canada. Across the country, producers are making strides in eco-friendly practices, like BC’s Mission Hill Winery with its solar power initiatives and PEI’s Matron Spirits, which proudly uses 100% local potatoes. Economically, brands like Alberta’s Eau Claire Distillery and Ontario’s Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers are vital in supporting local agriculture, from Prairie barley to Niagara fruit. Culturally, pioneers such as Nova Scotia’s Benjamin Bridge and Quebec’s Unibroue are enriching Canada’s heritage with innovations in sparkling wine and Belgian-style brewing. By choosing Canadian liquor, you’re not just enjoying a drink; you’re investing in communities and celebrating the diverse craftsmanship that defines our nation. Cheers to supporting local!
References
Canadian Vintners Association. (2023). Canadian Wine Industry Report. https://canadianvintners.com
Spirits Canada. (2023). Craft Distillery Growth in Canada. https://spiritscanada.com
Beer Canada. (2023). National Beer Sales Data. https://beercanada.org
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