Canadian Whisky
The Essential Portable Expert, Third Edition
THIRD EDITION NOW AVAILABLE
WINNER OF THE 2012 GOURMAND BOOK AWARD
WINNER OF THE 2013 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CULINARY PROFESSIONALS AWARD
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2013 TASTE CANADA AWARDS
by Davin de Kergommeaux
In this edition of Canadian Whisky, the nation’s authority himself, Davin de Kergommeaux celebrates the country’s often underplayed—yet integral—role in this storied spirit. A trusted independent whisky expert, he has travelled the country in search of all things whisky to share the very latest findings, photographs, and tasting notes. First, Davin breaks down the basics of how whisky is made and what sets Canada’s product apart from others. From there, his meticulous research unearths riveting narratives that reach back to the country’s first whisky days and span from east to west. In this revised third edition of the award-winning original, you’ll discover:
• WHISKY PRODUCERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, FROM LEGACY DISTILLERIES TO NEW MICRODISTILLERIES: Enjoy a deep dive into Canada’s whisky world, from long-lasting empires to innovative new players.
• HISTORY AND PROCESS, AS TOLD BY EXPERTS: Master blenders and distilling family royalty share fascinating anecdotes and insights.
• NEW TASTING NOTES: Consider over 100 unique tasting notes for whiskies from across the nation before trying them yourself.
• FULL-COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY: From legendary distilleries to historic portraits to rare photographs, these images paint the history of whisky.
With a refreshed design, maps of the country’s whisky distilleries, and up-to-date research and interviews, this new edition of Canadian Whisky is perfect for your own library or as a gift for the whisky lover in your life as the essential source on Canada’s wonderful world of whisky.
PRAISE FOR CANADIAN WHISKY: THE NEW PORTABLE EXPERT
“This book is a treasure trove of information and insight with zero pretentiousness, written by someone who is not only a fan and student of our national whisky, but also a champion. That’s a good thing, because we don’t tend to brag much in this country. After reading this book (and maybe having a short snort) we all might start tooting our horns a bit more.”— BRENT BUTT, comedian and writer
“Since its first edition, Canadian Whisky has offered a wealth of insight and information, presented by a gifted writer and historian. This latest, updated edition illustrates the dynamism and excitement behind Canadian whisky. You could never ask for a better guide.” — CLAY RISEN, journalist and author of American Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Original Spirit
“This is not just a story about whisky, it is a story about a country. It is a tale that needed to be told. This is an essential buy for all whisky lovers—and all Canadians.”
— DAVE BROOM, author of The World Atlas of Whisky
“It’s an exciting time for the Canadian whisky market. There is such a great tradition, as well as some amazing innovation surrounding Canadian whisky, and this book is the ideal companion.” — WAYNE GRETZKY
“This comprehensive guide tells the fascinating story of Canadian whisky, offers reliable reviews of dozens of bottles, and is an indispensable addition to any whisk(e)y lover’s library” — Playboy Magazine
“De Kergommeaux ably demonstrates [that] Canadian whisky is a far more interesting and well-crafted spirit than [it”s] given credit for being.” — Esquire
“After reading this book, I now understand there’s a lot more of this spirit to explore, and de Kergommeaux has me excited to do so.” — JASON WILSON, spirits columnist, the Washington Post and author of Boozehound
“[Canadian Whisky] makes you want to get a bottle and a glass, pour yourself a stiff one, sit back and dive in. I suggest you do exactly that.” — DAVID BROOM, author of The World Atlas of Whisky
“While much has been written about other world whiskies, Canada’s national spirit has always been left in the shadows—until now. Davin has brilliantly captured Canada’s true spirit. He takes the reader on an engaging and informative journey of discovery, revealing the art, science, history, and passion of the whisky men behind Canada’s iconic elixir.” — JOHN K. HALL, Whisky Maker, Forty Creek Whisky, Ontario
“This is the book Canadian whisky has long needed and richly deserves. Detailed, authoritative, and well-written, it debunks myths and sets records straight with grace and aplomb. There is no guessing, no speculation, and no producer hype, just facts, clearly and patiently explained. I’m delighted that we now have this tremendous resource” — CHARLES K. COWDERY, author of Bourbon, Straight
Read an excerpt
See all author's titles
See also
canadianwhisky.org
Finished books now available
RIGHTS SOLD
World English: McClelland & Stewart, October 2017
(Photo: Jen Steele)
ABOUT DAVIN DE KERGOMMEAUX
Davin de Kergommeaux is an independent expert who has been writing, talking, and teaching about whisky in all its forms and flavours for two decades. The world’s leading authority on Canadian whisky, de Kergommeaux has been called “Canada’s unofficial whisky ambassador’ and was named one of the most influential Canadians in Food and Drink by the Globe & Mail in 2016.
His writing and tasting notes appear regularly in Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine, and on such websites as scotchwhisky.com, maltmaniacs.org (which he helped found in 1999), whiskyintelligence.com and canadianwhisky.org. The author lives in Ottawa, ON.
Watch the trailer for Canadian Whisky, third edition
Davin on CBC Tonight with host Travis Dhanraj