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The Kentucky Derby might have passed us by, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate with bourbon this summer. For the third year in a row, we’re raising a glass of the American spirit (the good stuff, naturally) to National Bourbon Day. On June 14, it’s time to toast to the barrel-aged American whiskey and remind ourselves what makes it so unique.
Bourbon might be exclusively produced in the U.S., but there are plenty of ways to enjoy it right here in the Great White North. To celebrate all things bourbon, Cheers Spirits from the USA has teamed up with Canadian bars and restaurants to educate consumers and host a series of whiskey events from June 15–25.
Chances are good that you’re a whiskey drinker yourself — in fact, whiskey represents over 10 per cent of all bar sales in Canada. However, if you’re new to the spirit, there’s never been a better time to learn about it. Whiskey is rapidly gaining popularity across Canada, with established brands like Jack Daniels finally diversifying from their classic Number 7 to offer the first limited edition series in the LCBO in over 25 years with Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey & Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash Whiskey. Here’s a little 101 on the dark spirit:
Bourbon
Recognized as a distinctive product of the United States, bourbon is a type of American whiskey distilled from a mash made primarily of corn. It must be distilled to no more than 80 per cent or less than 40 per cent alcohol by volume and bottled at a minimum of 40 per cent ABV. Bourbon must be aged for some time in new, charred oak barrels and cannot include colouring, flavouring or other spirits. Bourbon that has been aged for at least two years may be further designated as “straight.”
American Rye Whiskey
Despite a disappearance after the 1920s, American Rye Whiskey has been making a comeback in the last decade. Like bourbon, American Rye Whiskey must be aged for some time in new, charred oak barrels with no added colouring, flavouring or other spirits. Unlike bourbon, the mash must be made primarily of rye. American Rye Whiskey tends to have a spicier profile than other American whiskeys.
American Single Malt
Similar to Scottish and Irish single malt whiskeys, an American Single Malt typically means that the spirit has been distilled entirely at one distillery in the U.S. These have become popular over the past decade with whiskey connoisseurs, as the terroir uniquely shapes the flavour profiles. American Single Malt Whiskey tends to be aged for less time than a single malt Scotch or Irish whiskey because of the fluctuation in temperature in the U.S., which increases the interaction between whiskey and wood. Since American Single Malt is still a relatively new discovery, there is no standard definition or qualification, making it a unique and varied category.
Tennessee Whiskey
The main distinction of this type of whiskey is the filtration process. A Tenessee Whiskey is characterized by charcoal filtering called the “Lincoln County Process,” which passes the whiskey through a column of sugar maple charcoal. Like bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey is recognized as a “distinctive product” of the U.S. by 44 countries and must contain at least 51 per cent corn, be aged for some time in new, charred oak barrels and cannot include colouring, flavouring or other spirits. Unlike bourbon, it can only be made in Tennessee. The charcoal filtration creates a more distinctive mellow richness and dark colour.
Bourbon whiskey events in Toronto
Explore American Whiskey Sip School at Trinity Market
June 15–25
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Check out Trinity Market, a cute new bottle shop, wine bar, snack bar and market all rolled into one. Just west of Trinity Bellwoods Park, the bright space is adorned with plants, arching wood shelves stocked with bottles and curving gold-rimmed mirrors. During Bourbon Week, embark on a whiskey-tasting flight journey in the relaxed space or on the sidewalk patio.
Snack on bourbon pastries at PECish Baking Co. in P.E.C.
June 15–25
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After discovering the soothing powers of bread during the pandemic, husbands Matti and Stephen Matyasfalvi opened PECish Baking Co. in P.E.C. From everyday staples like fresh baked dinner rolls and loaves of bread to decadent cookies and pastries, their baked goods have been lighting up The County. If you're in Prince Edward County during Bourbon Week, stop by PECish for a limited time offering of delicious bourbon baked goods.
Sip on a special serve at Pure Spirits
June 15–25
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Grain to glass rye producer, Sagamore Spirit Distillery from Maryland has teamed up with Pure Spirits to create a special serve just for Bourbon Week. Visit the Distillery's signature seafood spot to try the barrel aged rye, while you slurp back oysters and dig into a menu of knock out dishes ranging from grilled octopus to braised lamb shank.
Flavour Camp: Bourbon Tasting in Vancouver
June 17
Having fun at summer camp isn't just for kids. In fact, Flavour Camp: Bourbon Tasting is just for adults. If you're in Vancouver on June 17, sign up for this 90 minute class that will have you tasting your way through eight of the most intriguing bourbons. Learn about the stories behind each one, the different styles, how they're made and what makes each one unique. Then, take your time sipping and savouring your way through each one while practicing writing your own tasting notes. You'll be a bourbon expert in no time.
Industry Night
June 21
Co-hosted with Restaurants Canada at their event venue, this exclusive trade night brings bartenders from all corners of the city to explore upcoming cocktail and whiskey arrivals set to make their way across the Canadian border. Keep an eye out at local establishments for these exciting additions to their menus. Although this event promises to be thrilling, please note that it is exclusively for industry professionals.
Visa Infinity x Woodford Reserve dinner series
If you have a Visa Infinite credit card, then you already know you have access to a series of super cool events and experiences. This month, keep an eye out for the exclusive dinners in partnership with Woodford Reserve — you don't want to miss this one.
