Canada Whiskey Market Overview, 2028

The history of the Canadian whiskey market dates back to the early 19th century, when European immigrants, primarily of Scottish and Irish descent, brought their distilling traditions and techniques to Canada. These early settlers found fertile land and abundant water resources, making it an ideal environment for whiskey production. Initially, whiskey production in Canada was primarily a cottage industry, with individual farmers distilling their own spirits for personal consumption. In addition, as the demand for whiskey grew, commercial distilleries emerged to meet the needs of a wider market. One key factor that distinguishes Canadian whiskey from its counterparts is its emphasis on blending. In the mid-19th century, blending whiskey became a popular practice in Canada. Distillers began blending different grain spirits, including rye, corn, wheat, and barley, to create unique flavor profiles. This blending process, combined with the use of column stills, contributed to the smoothness and lightness that characterize Canadian whiskey. Another historical milestone in the Canadian whiskey market was the introduction of the "rye whiskey" style. Although the term "rye" traditionally refers to whiskey made primarily from rye grain, Canadian distillers adopted the term to describe their blended whiskeys, even if the actual rye content was relatively low. This labeling convention has continued to this day, distinguishing Canadian whiskey from other types of whiskey on the market.

According to the research report "Canada Whiskey Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, The Canada Whiskey Market was valued at above USD 2.18 Billion in 2022. Canadian whiskey is predominantly known for its blended expressions. Unlike other whiskey-producing countries where single malts or bourbons take the spotlight, Canadian whiskey often blends multiple grain spirits, resulting in a smooth and approachable character. Canadian whiskey often includes the term "rye" in its labeling, even if the whiskey itself contains a low percentage of rye grain. In addition, Canadian whiskey often utilizes column stills, which allow for continuous distillation at high volumes. This method contributes to the lighter and smoother profile associated with Canadian whiskey. Canadian whiskey must be aged in wooden barrels for a minimum of three years by law. This aging process imparts complexity and character to the spirit, ensuring a high standard of quality. Furthermore, the Canadian whiskey market has seen the emergence of craft distilleries. These smaller-scale operations focus on producing unique, artisanal expressions, showcasing creativity and experimentation within the industry. In certain regions of Canada, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, some distilleries use iceberg water in their whiskey production. Iceberg water is known for its exceptional purity and low mineral content, contributing to the overall quality and smoothness of the final product. A few Canadian distilleries have explored the use of maple wood barrels for aging their whiskey. This imparts a subtle sweetness and distinct maple flavor to the spirit, adding a uniquely Canadian twist to the whiskey. Crown Royal is one of the most well-known Canadian whiskey brands. It offers a range of expressions, including its flagship Crown Royal Deluxe, Crown Royal Reserve, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye (which was named World Whiskey of the Year in Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible 2016), and various limited editions. Canadian Club is another iconic Canadian whiskey brand. Established in 1858, it has a rich history and offers a diverse portfolio, including Canadian Club Classic, Canadian Club Reserve, Canadian Club Sherry Cask, and Canadian Club (41-Year-Old). Moreover, Gibson's Finest is a renowned Canadian whiskey brand known for its craftsmanship and smooth flavor. It includes expressions such as Gibson's Finest (12-Year-Old), Gibson's Finest Rare (18-Year-Old), and the rare and limited Gibson's Finest Venerable (18-Year-Old).

The type of grain commonly used to make whiskey in Canada is rye. Canadian whiskey often includes a significant proportion of rye grain in its production. However, it's important to note that the term "rye" in Canadian whiskey labeling does not necessarily indicate that the whiskey is made exclusively from rye grain. Canadian whiskey regulations allow for flexibility in the grain composition, and other grains like corn, barley, and wheat can also be used. Therefore, while rye is a prevalent grain in Canadian whiskey, the exact composition may vary among different brands and expressions. In Canada, the leading type of whiskey is Canadian whiskey. Canadian whiskey holds a significant share of the country's whiskey market and is widely recognized both domestically and internationally. Canadian whiskey is known for its smoothness, approachability, and unique production methods, such as blending multiple grain spirits and aging in wooden barrels for a minimum of three years. Brands like Crown Royal, Canadian Club, and Gibson's Finest are among the most popular and well-established Canadian whiskey brands that have contributed to the success and prominence of Canadian whiskey in the market. Canadian consumers have shown a preference for Canadian whiskey, with it being the most consumed type of whiskey in the country. There has been a trend towards premium and higher-end whiskey offerings in Canada. Whiskey enthusiasts are seeking out limited editions, single malts, aged expressions, and other high-quality whiskies, demonstrating a willingness to explore and invest in premium offerings. Similar to other parts of the world, Canada has witnessed a rise in craft distilleries producing small-batch and artisanal whiskeys. These craft distilleries often emphasize local sourcing, unique flavor profiles, and hands-on production methods. The increasing popularity of craft whiskey reflects consumers' desire for unique and distinctive experiences.

In the latter half of the 20th century, the Canadian whiskey market faced various challenges, including changing consumer preferences and competition from other whiskey-producing regions. Moreover, Canadian distillers adapted to these shifts by introducing new expressions, focusing on quality, and investing in innovative aging techniques. The Canadian whiskey market has experienced a resurgence, gaining recognition and acclaim worldwide. The industry has witnessed the emergence of craft distilleries, showcasing small-batch and single malt offerings, as well as the revival of traditional production methods. Additionally, Canadian whiskey has garnered attention for its versatility in cocktails, contributing to its growing popularity among bartenders and mixologists. Canadian whiskey market continues to thrive, offering a diverse range of expressions that cater to different tastes and preferences. It combines a rich heritage with a spirit of innovation, ensuring that Canadian whiskey remains a compelling choice for whiskey enthusiasts both in Canada and around the globe.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: Canada
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028



Aspects covered in this report:
• Canada Whiskey Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Grain Type:
• Malt/ Barley Whisky
• Wheat Whisky
• Rye Whisky
• Corn Whisky
• Blended Whisky
• Others

By Type:
• Scotch Whiskey
• American Whiskey
• Irish Whiskey
• Canadian Whiskey
• Japaneese Whiskey
• Others

By Quality:
• Premium
• High-End Premium
• Super Premium

By Beverage Type:
• Alcoholic
• Non-Alcoholic

By Flavor:
• Non-Flavored
• Flavored

By Distribution Channel:
• Off Trade
• On Trade

By Off Trade Distribution Channel:
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Liquor Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

By On Trade Distribution Channel:
• Hotels, Restaurants & Bars
• Others

By Age of Whisky:
• Below 12 Years
• 12 to 18 Years
• Above 18 Years

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us. we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to whiskey industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.