Savour the bold notes and rich varieties of Canadian whisky with this fully revised, updated, and indispensable guide.

This fully updated and revised edition of the award-winning Canadian Whisky invites you on a journey across Canada and back through time to discover the story of this unique spirit. Independent whisky expert Davin de Kergommeaux weaves a compelling narrative, beginning with the substance of Canadian whisky—grains, water, and wood—and details the process of how it’s made and how to taste it. He traces the fascinating history of the country’s major distilleries and key visionaries, and introduces the present-day players—big and small—who are shaping the industry through both tradition and innovation.
Newly designed, and now including a map of Canada’s whisky distilleries, over 100 up-to-date tasting notes, and a handy tasting checklist, Canadian Whisky reflects the latest research on flavour development and the science of taste. At once authoritative and captivating, this is a must-have resource for beginners, enthusiasts, and aficionados alike.

Davin de Kergommeaux's profile page

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. He is the world’s leading authority on Canadian whisky, and has been called “Canada’s unofficial whisky ambassador” as well as being named one of the most influential Canadians in Food and Drink by The Globe and Mail in 2016. He is a former contributing editor to Whisky Magazine, and has contributed to or co-authored eight other books about whisky, spirits, and cocktails. He now writes full-time, and is regularly featured in many websites and publications, including Whisky Advocate. De Kergommeaux is the founder and chairperson of the prestigious Canadian Whisky Awards and publishes comprehensive tasting notes on his website, www.canadianwhisky.org.

“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 whisky lover’s library.” —Jason Horn, 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.” —Dave Wondrich, Esquire

“[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.” —Dave Broom, author of The World Atlas of Whisky and Whisky: The Manual

“While much has been written about other world whiskies, Canada’s national spirit has always been left in the shadows—until now. De Kergommeaux 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, retired 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

“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

“The Canadian whisky industry has done itself no favours in recent years, content to be perceived as capable of only making bland ryes. Davin de Kergommeaux's book isn't just important, it's a game changer, bringing to life an extraordinary and evolving whisky industry. A proud, insightful beauty of a book.” —Dominic Roskrow, author of The World’s Best Whiskies and 1001 Whiskies to Try Before You Die
“De Kergommeaux's excellent book opens the door to this magnificent land, its whiskies, and history. Superbly researched and written, it is a must have for the whisky lover. If you have not discovered Canadian whisky, yet, let Davin be your guide.” —Rob Allanson, editor, Whisky Magazine

“I’ve been looking for a complete guidebook about Canadian whisky for ages and Davin de Kergommeaux’s new opus is far more than I’d hoped for. In truth, it’s a book that’s blessed with superpowers: it will make any Canadian, even the most well-known brands, taste (even) better once you have read it, or even just thumbed through it for the first time! Essential reading...” —Serge Valentin, Publisher of Whiskyfun.com and contributor, Whisky & Fine Spirits France

“Canadian Whisky is truly unique, and Davin de Kergommeaux has captured a story that truly reflects whisky's place in Canadian history and culture. He's scored the hat trick all authors should strive for: detailed, informative, and entertaining. Canadian whiskies will always have a place on my shelf, right next to this book.” —Mark Gillespie, Executive Producer/Host, WhiskyCast: Cask-Strength Conversation

“Davin de Kergommeaux establishes himself as the foremost writer on Canadian whisky... a book full of facts[, it] will open your mind to the possibilities of this long-underappreciated and slowly awakening branch of the whisky family. Well worth a read.” —Lew Bryson, former managing editor, Whisky Advocate Magazine
“Makes you want to run out and hunt down one of the bottles... leaping tall buildings in a single bound [and] putting Canadian whisky back on the map for good.” —Blair Phillips, contributing editor, Whisky Magazine
“This book is certain to become a staple in every whisky collector’s library.” —Christine Sismondo, author of America Walks into A Bar and Mondo Cocktail