Our neighbours to the south, or more accurately the kleptocratic oligarchy ruling them, have opted to start a trade war. I’ll spare you the doom and gloom, and get right to the point — if you’re gonna have a drink, it might as well be Canadian.
Now, this isn’t exactly as straightforward as you might think. Crown Royal, a staple of “Canadian Whisky” is produced in Canada, but owned by the British company DIAGEO. Alberta Premium, named for a Canadian province, is in fact owned by the Japanese company Suntory. Likewise for Canadian Club — and with a name like that owned by a non-Canadian company, you understand the confusion.
While any one of the above brands is a better choice than an American drink, for this post I’m going to focus on beverages that are both made in and owned by Canadian companies, that will hopefully satisfy your craving for any sort of drink.
Craving a classic lager? Try Moosehead.
If you’re a fan of Labbat, Sleeman, Molson or any other of the classic macro-domestic lagers, I have bad news — none of those are actually Canadian companies. They are produced in Canada, but are not owned by Canadians. You know who is? Moosehead.
I could recommend you any number of snooty craft beers, but I’m not gonna. If you want to check out your local brewery, more power to you. But for a beer that tastes like beer did in 1985, you’re going to be hard-pressed to do better than Moosehead. It’s an independent Canadian brewery, with a unionized workforce, and a lineup of beers that included their Alpine Light, if that’s your thing.
Raring for a Red Wine? Try a Canadian Cab Franc!
There is no shortage of fantastic red wines in Canada, most coming from Ontario and BC. In Ontario if you see the VQA label, that’s a guarantee that the wine originated in-province (although not every single Ontario winery is part of VQA). I could recommend a dozen wineries (Trail Estates, Broken Stone, Hinterland…yes I love Prince Edward County) but instead I’m going to recommend a grape — Cabernet Franc.
Elsewhere in the world, the humble Cab Franc is mostly used as a blending varietal. But here in Canada, it shines on its own, and I’ve enjoyed a dozen different single-varietal Cab Francs that have all been world class. My favourite is probably from PEC’s own The Grange, but let this be your call to action to explore all the different Canadian Cab Francs you come across.
Want a White Wine? Try The Grange County Chardonnay
The Prince Edward County love-in continues! There’s a million nice white wines in Ontario, but The Grange County Chardonnay has my heart (and as a bonus is available from the LCBO). It’s got a rich mouthfeel, and a sturdy backbone, but doesn’t tend to the flabby (like so many American Chards) instead bringing lovely floral notes and minerality.
If you’re looking for something a little more cheap and cheerful, I’ll give a nod to Cave Spring’s Pinot Gris, which is not a thinker of a wine, but is one I find myself often reaching for to go with a meal.
Seeking a Sparkling Wine? Try 13th Street Premier Cuvée
It’s impossible to replace Champagne. But of every bubbly I’ve ever sipped, 13th Street Premier Cuvée gets the closest. It is rich, lush, bubbly, and oozing class, tasting upmarket as all get out. It beats the breaks off any American sparkling wine I’ve ever tried.
Its high-end taste comes with a high (for Canadian wine) price, so I’d put this one in the “special occasion” category. But every day waking up in the great white north is cause for celebration, eh?
Desiring a Dram of Whisky? Try Bearface Canadian Whisky
Enough about Canadian whiskies that aren’t Canadian — how about one that is? Bearface is just such a whisky, and has a lineup of Canadian whiskies/ryes to try, so you can try ’em all. Based out of BC, you can find a bottle all across Canada, which makes it a great and available choice.
For my part, I’ve only had their Triple Oaked which I thought was funky as hell, in a really good way. So brace yourself for something a bit different, but I reckon it will charm even the stodgiest bourbon sipper.
Cheers to Canada
I’m not a nationalist, and I’m rarely accused of being a patriot, but desperate times make for excellent opportunities to enjoy the products of our nation, and the artisans who supply us with such lovely libations.
Buy Canadian Booze: A List of Canadian Alcohol You Should Check Out