As supply pressures on U.S. bourbon push Canadian drinkers toward domestic options, folks at the Navy Hall last Sunday got a taste of some of those options.
The Friends of Fort George and Forty Creek Distillery hosted a sold-out tasting of six Canadian whiskies, which paired food with a range of spirits from Forty Creek, from lighter styles to higher-proof releases finished in Niagara wine barrels.
Tickets were priced at $50 and proceeds support student jobs at Fort George and Brock’s Monument.
The event reflects a broader shift in Canadian drinking habits, where ongoing U.S. tariffs and a “buy Canadian” climate are prompting consumers to reconsider Ontario-made whisky, a category long seen as secondary to Scotch and American bourbon.
Chris Thompson, North American brand ambassador for Forty Creek, described a change he’s seen in consumer behaviour across Canada as bourbon becomes harder to access.
“There is probably a larger percentage of people now that are very happy to experiment with different styles of whisky that they probably would not have if the world situation had not forced them to, and it has been a great eye opener,” he said.
Thompson said he believes the shift is prompting both new and experienced drinkers to reassess Canadian whisky, which historically lagged behind imported categories in reputation and demand.
“Canadian whisky was always thought of as a second-class citizen, second to single-malt and bourbon, but now the playing field is levelled considerably,” he noted.
He pointed to growing diversity within the category, including 100 per cent rye whiskies and cask-strength releases, which reportedly have very close profiles to bourbon, as producers respond to changing tastes and new market conditions.
“It is probably the most exciting time in Canadian whisky ever, because you are seeing so much diversity and innovation, and more people are discovering their homeland spirit than ever before,” said Thompson.
The tasting introduced local participants to a range of profiles, from softer, sweeter styles to heavier expressions designed to appeal to bourbon drinkers seeking similar flavour intensity.
“The beauty of Canadian whisky is that if you want something soft and elegant or something bold and powerful, there are expressions that do both,” he said.
Amanda Gamble, executive director of the Friends of Fort George, said revenue from the evening will support student jobs and interpretive programming at Brock’s Monument and Fort George ahead of the summer season.
“This brings in a whole different crowd than our regular programming and helps us raise awareness for Niagara’s history”, said Gamble.
She was also glad that the event brought people into Navy Hall who may not come for other events they host.
Fort George is scheduled to reopen on weekends in April, with daily operations beginning Victoria Day weekend and continuing through Labour Day.
Student staff will return for training before school programs resume later in the spring.
