Canadian Whisky's Surprisingly Local History

This isn't just a whisky from across the border. It's tied directly into Detroit's own Prohibition-era story.

The basic rules

Canadian whisky has to be made and aged in Canada for at least three years and bottled at 40% ABV or higher. Unlike American rye, Canadian law doesn't require any specific rye percentage at all, even for whisky labeled Canadian rye.

A lighter, blending-forward style

Canadian whisky has a long tradition of blending base whiskies with smaller amounts of more flavorful whiskies, producing a smoother, lighter style that's long been popular in cocktails and highballs.

The Detroit connection

During Prohibition, Detroit's short river crossing to Windsor made it a major entry point for Canadian whisky. A meaningful share of what filled Detroit's speakeasies came directly from legal Canadian production just across the water.

Why it stuck around

That brand recognition, built during the illegal years, carried straight into the legal market once Prohibition ended in 1933.

Ask us next time you're in about our Canadian whisky selection. It's a category with a real, local story behind it, not just an import from somewhere far away.