Canada National Liquors

CANADA

A national liquor is an alcoholic drink considered a standard and respected adult beverage in a given country. While many such drinks status may be informal, there is usually a general consensus in a given country that a specific drink has national status or is the "most popular liquor" in said nation.

Canadian whisky

Canadian Whisky, often referred to as "rye whisky", is typically smoother and lighter than other types of whisky. Canadian laws require that the alcoholic beverage must be mashed, distilled, and aged within Canada. Canadian whisky is aged at least three years in wooden barrels. Rye is the main ingredient used, usually blended with other multi-grain liquors containing a large percentage of corn spirits, and are typically lighter and smoother than other whisky styles. Today, Canadian whisky, which is often referred to (and labelled as) rye whisky for historical reasons, although it may or may not actually include any rye in its production process. The whiskies that Canada produces often have a light body and flavor. The best Canadian whisky has at least some of the spicy, bitter-sweet character of rye, lightened with the blending spirit.

Most mixes for Canadian whiskey now contain quite a bit of corn and wheat. Corn, in particular, has increasingly become the most common ingredient in grain mashes. Mashes containing high amounts of corn create a much lighter-flavored beverage. Blends like this are very popular because their taste is often preferred in cocktails. There are some very high quality Canadian whiskies on the market. Here are the top five available now:

Seagrams VO - Light, fruity and made for mixing, try this with soda for an easy cocktail. Sure, Seagrams VO may stylistically be "typically Canadian" but that's not a bad thing in this instance. Be careful though, this is such a light whisky it tends to disappear in the presence of strong liqueurs. Seagrams VO works best in simple cocktails. It is an easy sipper and a good introduction to the world of Canadian whisky. ($15.45)

Canadian Club Reserve - Also known as 10 year, this is a great Canadian whisky at an attractive price ($16.45). A wonderful mixture of dark fruits, vanilla, leather, fruitcake and walnuts, this mixes well but does even better on its own.

Crown Royal Reserve - At twice the price of Crown Royal ($54.45 vs. $27.45) this should be twice as good as Crown Royal and it is. This whisky is head and shoulders above Crown Royal and is the best representation of Canadian whisky in the Crown Royal family. Choose this whisky to celebrate a promotion or anniversary. One ice cube and two fingers of CR Special Reserve and you'll be in heaven.

Canadian Mist - Light, smooth and easy drinking, with hints of vanilla and spice, this mixes well in a classic highball cocktail.

Canadian Club 30 Year - Simply the finest Canadian whisky and arguably on of the finest whiskies ever produced. Warm, luscious and inviting, this whisky slowly unveils itself on your palate, revealing a mouthwatering bounty of dried apricots, caramels, grilled peaches and vanilla poundcake before offering a wonderful hazelnut finish that lasts over 20 minutes. Canadian Club 30 is one of the world's finest spirits. With only 3000 bottles released, it is a hard spirit to find but well worth the effort. ($200+)

Two other Canadian whiskies to look for are Canadian Club Sherry Cask, atypical for Canadian whisky but a great sipping whiskey and Crown Royal Black, rumored to be launching in early 2010.

Caesar Cocktail

Caesar Cocktail [Photo]

A Caesar or Bloody Caesar is a famous cocktail created and primarily consumed in Canada. It is a drink similar to a Bloody Mary but with a uniquely spicy flavour. Basic preparation typically contains vodka, Clamato (a proprietary blend of tomato juice and clam broth), hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and is served with ice in a large, celery salt-rimmed glass, typically garnished with a stalk of celery and wedge of lime. Though it was not one of the original ingredients, Tabasco sauce is a frequent addition, as is horseradish. Vodka is occasionally replaced with gin, tequila or rum, though the Clamato may not be substituted. A variant that replaces vodka with beer is commonly called a "Red Eye", and one without alcohol is a "Virgin Caesar".

Outside of Canada, the Caesar is virtually unknown. In the United States, it is typically only available at bars along the Canadian border. Elsewhere, bartenders will frequently offer a Bloody Mary in its place. The drink can be found in parts of Europe, but it is mostly found where there are higher populations of Canadians_.

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