Photo courtesy of Flavours Magazine

Each year Canadian Whisky Awards recognizes the best of Canadain Whisky through a blindfolded taste test.
Canadian whisky maker, John K. Hall makes the best whisky in Canada. That’s the verdict of seven independent whisky experts who awarded Hall the coveted Canadian Whisky of the Year Award at the third annual Canadian Whisky Awards. Results of the annual blind tasting competition were announced at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C.

Forty Creek Port Wood Reserve, a three-time winner, was also named Connoisseur Whisky of the Year in multiple markets, along with winning a gold medal. In announcing the awards, Chairman of the Judges, Davin de Kergommeaux, dubbed it “the best whisky yet from Forty Creek Distillery.”

What a year to be a whisky lover,” said de Kergommeaux as he introduced the winners. “Canadian producers have really upped their game and we see the results here tonight.” Canadian whisky sales were up four percent in 2012 and we’ve had double-digit growth in sales of high-end Canadian Connoisseur whiskies,” de Kergommeaux continued, “The time has come to recognize the excellent quality of Canadian whisky.”
The awards also recognized the 2012, flavoured whisky phenomenon. All of the major whisky makers have moved to address the growing demand for flavoured whiskies with Gibson’s, Forty Creek, and Kruger Wine and Spirits being given particular mention.
Awards of Excellence were given to Kruger Wine and Spirits for Sortilège, Diageo for Crown Royal Maple, and Beam Inc. for Alberta Premium Dark Horse. To see a complete list of the winners visit at www.canadianwhisky.org