Feb 4, 2025
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In response to ongoing trade tensions — primarily from Trump’s recent trade tariffs imposed on Canadian goods — many Canadians are choosing to buy Canadian. For local distillers, this is a chance to convince Canadians what the rest of the world may already know: We make great spirits.
In fact, supporting homegrown distilleries has become a point of pride, with consumers opting for high-quality Canadian whisky, vodka and gin instead of US-made alternatives. Brands such as Alberta Premium, Forty Creek and Crystal Head Vodka are gaining even more traction as shoppers prioritize domestic products. With an abundance of award-winning options, Canadians are proving that their spirits industry is stronger than ever.
Made in Canada: Canadian-made liquors to buy
Canada offers a diverse selection of high-quality spirits across various categories, all produced domestically. Here are some notable Canadian-made liquors:
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Whisky:
- Alberta Premium: Produced by Alberta Distillers Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta, Alberta Premium is one of the few remaining 100% rye grain whiskies in North America. It has been recognized as "Canadian Whisky of the Year" multiple times.
- Lot No. 40: Crafted by Corby Spirit and Wine in Ontario, this 100% rye whisky is celebrated for its rich, spicy character and has garnered numerous awards.
- Forty Creek: Located in Grimsby, Ontario, Forty Creek produces a range of whiskies known for their smoothness and complexity, often incorporating unique barrel-aging techniques.
Vodka:
- Crystal Head vodka: Founded by actor Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander, this additive-free vodka is quadruple-distilled and filtered seven times. It's renowned for its purity and distinctive skull-shaped bottle.
- Polar Ice: Produced by Corby Distilleries in Ontario, Polar Ice is a quadruple-distilled vodka made from Canadian corn, offering a smooth and clean taste.
Gin:
- Long Table Distillery: Cased in Vancouver, British Columbia, Long Table produces a variety of spirits, including their London Dry Gin, crafted from 100% Canadian grain-based spirits.
- Monashee Spirits: Located in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Monashee Spirits' Ethos Gin was awarded Best in Class at the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition in 2019.
Unique Canadian spirits:
- Acerum: A distinctive spirit from Quebec, Acerum is an eau-de-vie made by fermenting and distilling maple syrup, offering a unique taste reflective of Canada's maple heritage.
- Schramm Organic potato vodka: Produced by Pemberton Distillery in British Columbia, this vodka is made from locally sourced organic potatoes, providing a rich and creamy profile.
These selections highlight the quality and diversity of Canadian spirits, providing excellent options for those seeking domestically produced liquors. Availability may vary by region and retailer; it's advisable to consult local liquor stores or provincial liquor boards for specific offerings.
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Romana King is the Senior Editor at Money.ca. She writes for various publications, and her book -- House Poor No More: 9 Steps That Grow the Value of Your Home and Net Worth -- continues to be an Amazon bestseller. Since its publication in November 2021, this book has won five awards, including the New York CPA Society's Excellence in Financial Journalism (EFJ) Book Award in 2022.
