J.P. Wiser’s Triumphs at Canadian Whisky Awards 2024

On January 15, 2024, the Canadian Whisky Awards celebrated its annual ceremony at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria, recognizing outstanding achievements in the distillation of Canada’s celebrated spirit. This prestigious event highlighted the growing innovation within the Canadian whisky industry, showcasing both established and emerging distilleries.

Recognizing Excellence in Canadian Whisky

Among the standout winners, J.P. Wiser’s 24 Year Old Canadian Whisky was honored as the Canadian Whisky of the Year. This exceptional whisky, noted for its complex flavors of cherry and vanilla, has been slowly matured across multiple casks, showcasing the craftsmanship involved in its production. Davin de Kergommeaux, founder of the awards and a prominent whisky expert, emphasized the remarkable advancements in Canadian distilling, stating, “Canadian distilleries, large and small, are really doing things that were unheard of, even 15 years ago.”

The Canadian whisky industry is subject to rigorous regulations, distinguishing it from its global counterparts. According to the federal Food and Drugs Act, whisky labeled as ‘Canadian whisky’ must be mashed, distilled, and aged in Canada for a minimum of three years, with an alcohol content of at least 40 percent by volume. De Kergommeaux elaborated on the characteristics of Canadian whisky, describing its flavor profile as having a caramel taste at the beginning, pepper in the middle, and a unique finish.

Highlights from the Awards Ceremony

Another notable winner at the ceremony was Macaloney’s Distillery, based in Saanich, which received the award for Single Malt Whisky of the Year for its Peat Project: Harvest Coast. This achievement follows a successful year for Macaloney’s, where it garnered four gold medals at the World Whiskies Awards and was named Canadian Whisky of the Year at the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards.

Participating distilleries showcased a variety of innovative whiskies, with Wild Life Distillery’s WLD Cask King of the North receiving particular acclaim. This whisky, distilled with Alberta rye and aged for four years in a barrel that previously held peated single malt whisky and Canadian maple syrup, was described by De Kergommeaux as “the very best whisky.” He remarked on its harmonious integration, stating, “Sometimes you find a whisky that is so beautifully integrated that it doesn’t taste like anything more than itself.”

The Canadian Whisky Awards continues to play a vital role in promoting the rich heritage and evolving landscape of Canadian whisky, celebrating both tradition and innovation. As the industry flourishes, events like these highlight the dedication of distillers who contribute to Canada’s reputation as a leader in whisky production.