Hiram Walker was an American entrepreneur (born in New England), who immigrated north to Ontario, Canada and created the distinctive brand of Canadian Whisky which became known as Canadian Club. Although he began his distilling days in Michigan, he honed his craft north of the American border in what would become Walkerville, Ontario. The whisky which Hiram Walker created was unique using methods of production which were not just unusual, but actual contrary to common whisky practices of the day. And even today, his Canadian Club is made in that contrary fashion being the only major whisky brand in the world to be blended before being aged in oak barrels, (Blended at Birth).
Canadian Club Whisky is now the oldest (and probably the most influential) Canadian Whisky brand in the world. It is found in over 150 countries, with sales in Canada that are unmatched by any other premium whisky brand. Recently Canadian Club (owned by Beam Suntory) launched a new 100% rye grain whisky, Canadian Club Chairman’s Select – 100% Rye. It is of course produced exclusively from rye grain, distilled (and almost certainly aged) in Calgary by Alberta Distillers Ltd (who are also owned by Beam Suntory). The Chairman’s Select is aged in American Oak (bourbon barrels), cut to bottling strength (40 % abv), and then bottled in Walkerville Ontario, the home of Canadian Club.
Manhattan Cocktail
You may read my full review of this newest Canadian Club Whisky by clicking on the following link:
Review: Canadian Club Chairman’s Select – 100% Rye
And as you can see from the photo above, the Chairman’s Select 100 % Rye Whisky makes an excellent Manhattan Cocktail!
Cheers!
* Incidentally, Alberta Distillers also produce Canada’s other major 100 % Rye grain Whisky brand, Alberta Premium (see review here).
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