Saanich Distillery Takes the Crown: Canadian Whisky of the Year
In a prestigious ceremony at the Canadian Whisky Awards, held annually as part of the Victoria Whisky Festival, Macaloney’s Island Distillery in Saanich has earned the title of Canadian Whisky of the Year for their outstanding Peat Project Moscatel Barrique single malt. This remarkable whisky triumphed over approximately 200 competitors in a thorough blind tasting conducted by a panel of 14 judges, showcasing the incredible talents of the distillery.
Celebrating the craft of whisky distilling in Saanich.
Graeme Macaloney, the innovative mind behind the distillery, expressed pride in the achievement, underscoring the significance of this recognition for Canadian distillers. The Peat Project Moscatel Barrique is crafted using locally sourced barley and embodies a unique peat-smoking process that infuses the whisky with a distinctive character. It gains complexity and depth through maturation in repurposed European moscatel wine barrels, which accentuate its rich flavors.
Davin de Kergommeaux, chair of the judging panel and a seasoned expert in Canadian whisky, highlighted the exceptional qualities of this single malt. He remarked, > “This remarkably well-balanced whisky, fully matured while brightly youthful, shows a tightly woven interplay of sweet malt, discrete fruitiness, brisk peppers, and of course, peat smoke.”
This accolade marks a historic milestone as the first Canadian peated single malt whisky to clinch this esteemed title, reinforcing the innovative spirit of Canada’s whisky makers.
Expanding Horizons: The Rise of Canadian Whisky
In recent years, Canadian distillers have explored new practices and flavor profiles, expanding the horizons of the whisky landscape. The Peat Project Moscatel Barrique is an exemplary representation of this evolution, merging traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. This shift signifies the willingness of Canadian distillers to experiment and create unique whisky expressions that captivate connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
In addition to Macaloney’s triumph, the awards also celebrated the accomplishment of Sons of Vancouver, a micro distillery based in North Vancouver, which won Rye Whisky of the Year for their inventive Realms of Rye – Citrus & Botanicals whisky. Their creative approach integrates a medley of flavors, showcasing the versatility of rye and elevating the drinking experience.
Gathering of whisky enthusiasts at the Canadian Whisky Awards.
The Canadian Whisky Awards have been honoring the best of Canadian whiskies since their inception in 2010. The awards aim to provide an independent evaluation and recognition of quality distillation, with experts rigorously scoring each whisky based on stringent industry standards. Each year, the results not only celebrate excellence but also inspire the industry to continue pushing the boundaries of whisky making.
The Future Looks Bright
With the recent success of Macaloney’s and Sons of Vancouver, the future of Canadian whisky looks promising. The acknowledgement of creativity and quality within the industry underscores the importance of innovation while upholding tradition. Such achievements further engage whisky lovers and encourage a new generation of distillers to explore uncharted territories in whisky creation.
As the whisky community eagerly anticipates new releases from these talented distilleries, it is clear that the landscape of Canadian whisky is evolving beautifully, poised to capture both the heart and palate of enthusiasts everywhere.
The art of whisky tasting: experience the range of flavors.
In conclusion, Macaloney’s Island Distillery’s victory at the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards is not just a win for one distillery but a testament to the entire Canadian whisky industry. Their dedication to excellence and innovation paves the way for a bright future filled with exciting new discoveries for whisky lovers across Canada and beyond.
