Corby’s Canadian whiskies earn acclaim on global stage

April 3, 2020, Toronto, Ont. – Corby Spirit and Wine Limited has received four notable awards and a number of gold medals at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards.

On the strength of the four awards — led by J.P. Wiser’s Alumni Series Whisky crafted in honour of Hockey Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler, named the World’s Best Canadian Blended Whisky — Corby/Hiram Walker & Sons was also named the Distiller of the Year in the Icons of Whisky – Rest of World category.

“Corby continues to establish itself as Canada’s premier crafter of fine whisky,” says Keeshan Selvakumar, brand director, Canadian Whisky. “We are proud of the strong portfolio of exceptional whiskies we have developed across our brands. They are a clear reflection of the passion and innovation that happens in our distillery, resulting in a beautiful whisky in each bottle.”

Presented by TheDrinksReport.com, the World Whiskies Awards select the very best whiskies from around the world among the internationally recognized styles. Judging was conducted in early February by 50 industry experts from around the world.

In addition to the formal awards, master blender Dr. Don Livermore was given a “Highly Commended” designation in the Master Distiller/Blender of the Year for the Rest of World region.

“Canadian whisky is the most innovative, adaptable and creative style of whisky in the world,” Livermore said. “Like the country they come from, Canadian whiskies are diverse. We start with quality ingredients from our farmers then our team comes together to make it a great whisky. We have done it a lot over the years, and I am proud of the work we do.”

The 2020 World Whiskies Awards winners from Corby are (with the judges’ notation):

• Best Canadian Blended — J.P. Wiser’s Alumni Whisky Series: Darryl Sittler
  “Dark amber in colour. Nose is quite oaky, herbal, lots of tobacco. Palate is dark caramel. Very little spice. Pleasant. Finish is medium length, peppery. Semi sweet on the nose with a vanilla backbone. Integrated and smooth on the palate. Very good rye notes, grassy on the finish with a splash of citrus.”
• Best Canadian Blended Limited Release — J.P. Wiser’s 23-year-old Cask Strength Blend
  “Bright amber colour. A polished nose with beautiful rye grains, burnt caramel, mint and clotted cream. The palate brings toffee, more mint and dark chocolate, with a late blast of chest-warming spices. Finish is long and spicy. Very well balanced.”
• Best Canadian Corn — J.P. Wiser’s 18 years old
  “Medium golden colour. Wood smoke, barbecue, corn on the cob. Delicious palate, full-bodied with rich maple sugar. Bright, buttery. Spicy flavour but not overly complex. A well-balanced sweet corn whisky.”
• Best Canadian Rye — Lot No. 40 Cask Strength: Third Edition
  “Dark amber colour. Aromas of rum and raisin. Lots of rye character that is polished on the nose but sizzles on the palate. Dates, dark rum, fruitcake, rye spice and brown sugar. Finish is oaky.”

Gold Medals

• Canadian Blended (12 Years & Under) – Alumni Whisky Series: Paul Coffey
• Canadian Blended (No Age Statement) – J.P. Wiser’s Triple Barrel Rye
• Canadian Blended (No Age Statement) – Gooderham & Worts Four Grain
• Canadian Blended Limited Release (13 to 20 Years) – Gooderham & Worts 49 Wellington
• Canadian Blended Limited Release (13 to 20 Years) – Pike Creek 21-year-old Oloroso Cask Finish
• Canadian Rye (No Age Statement) – Lot No. 40 Cask Strength: Third Edition
• Canadian Rye (No Age Statement) – Lot No. 40

Corby’s Canadian whisky brands are produced at the Hiram Walker & Sons distillery in Windsor, Ont. The whiskies are entirely Canadian-made from local grains.

Corby Spirit and Wine Limited is a leading Canadian manufacturer, marketer and distributor of spirits and wines.