Innovation was apparent across the world whisky board in 2019, with new flavours, cask maturation methods and creative bottle designs coming from a wide assortment of brands. Meanwhile, Irish whiskey continues its impressive expansion, welcoming new distillers to the fold on a regular basis. So highly regarded is Japan’s whisky-making ability that demand continues to outstrip supplies, much to both consumers and producers’ dismay. What was the biggest-selling world whisky brand in 2019? As we count down the top million-case sellers, it’s clear innovation and well-executed marketing moves are paying off.

Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.Irish, American, Canadian and Japanese producers are proving their spirits are every bit as credible as more established whisky-producing regions. Judging is by an independent panel of whisky experts, which selects the winners after tasting each whisky blind. To qualify for the awards, the whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada. The Canadian Whisky Awards, held annually in conjunction with the Victoria Whisky Festival, recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and according to Kergommeaux “encourage distillers to maintain the highest quality standards.” Stewed fruit, vanilla, citrus tones, and nutty grain. Soft and creamy yet laden with peppery spices and crisp oakiness. The Judging Panel described the whisky as another home run for Forty Creek, featuring: Over the ensuing five years the alcoholic strength increased to 48.5%. It was only distilled once and then casked at 44.5% ABV. According to Fourth Creek’s Master Distiller, Bill Ashburn, the whisky was slowly redistilled in four batches.

It started out as whisky that had become to woody because of prolonged aging in barrels. Technically this is a 5 YO whisky, even though it was distilled from whiskies that were far older. Innovation of the Year went to the truly original Forty Creek Master’s Cut, made by blending whiskies, some from as far back as 1996, then re-distilling them and re-maturing them for five more years. Crown Royal blender, Joanna Zanin Scandella received accolades for Lifetime Achievement. Gimli also took the award for the 2022 Distillery of the Year, while Okanagan Spirits in Vernon, British Columbia was awarded Artisanal Distillery of the Year. Sweet flowers, toffee, rye spices, hints of anise, slowly develops hot dusty spices, firm body with lingering sweet fruits and baking spices. While the Canadian Club 100% Rye, 40% ABV was described as: The Judging Panel described the Black Velvet as:Ĭaramel, fruity, crisp and clean, glowing spices, hints of rye, leather, orange peel, and some bitter pith on the finish. Nice, lengthened finish as well.īlack Velvet Original, 40% ABV took home accolades as Whisky Value of the Year in the export market, while Canadian Club 100% Rye was named Best Whisky Value among multiple market expressions. Very nice caramel and oak with fruity accents. Mild dusty rye, creamy, and mouth-filling. Grain, caramel and clean oak, with dark fruits, hints of chocolate malt, and cinnamon sticks.

Crown royal noble collection 2019