American Prohibition didn't just create a sophisticated black market; it completely rewired the global landscape of distilled spirits. It turned Canadian distillers from successful regional businesses into international empires.

As an independent bottler, I spend my days hunting for "hidden gems" and working with the incredible liquid our country produces. But to truly elevate our appreciation for the Canadian craft movement, we have to look backward. You can't fully appreciate the nuance of what’s in your glass today without understanding the history that got it there.

Taste and smell are subjective, and will always be subjective. No one should ever be allowed to tell you otherwise. There is no correct way to taste and smell (or nose), but there are some techniques people use and some classifications that will help you enjoy and appreciate whisky just a little bit more.

Duh! Hot take I know. :). Of course distillers should sell their whisky. But perhaps the real question is should distilleries care who they sell their whisky to? Is there a fundamental difference between selling whisky to consumers, other distilleries, non-distiller producers and independent bottlers? I say no!