It’s great to see those interprovincial trade barriers being chipped away, especially when that means we get to enjoy delicious things from across the country. Case in point: two exceptional whiskies from Western Canada that are entering the Ontario market.

Shelter Point Distillery Classic Single Malt Whisky

46% ABV, $87.50, 750 mL

From Vancouver Island off the coast of British Columbia comes Shelter Point Distillery’s Classic Single Malt Whisky. Established in 2011, Shelter Point released its first whisky five years later and promptly won gold at the 2017 World Whisky Awards. Since then, the distillery has won barrels of other awards, including double gold at the World Spirts Competition in San Francisco in 2022, multiple World Whisky and Canadian gold medals, and recognition as single malt whisky of the year at the 2024 Bartenders Spirits Competition in Chicago.

Made in small batches using traditional methods, pot distillation, barley from the distillery’s own farm and water from its own aquifer, Shelter Point Classic Single Malt offers a balanced mix of fruit, caramel, baking spices and honey, as well as terroir-driven notes of seaside salinity and a hint of smoke. 

Alberta Premium Golden Rye 9 Year

45% ABV, $37.95, 750 mL

The 100-per-cent rye whiskies from Alberta Distillers continue to be some of the best values on the market, and this rich, harmonious expression is no exception, with a price point that makes it a great cocktail whisky, although it’s just as good a sipping one.

Aged for nine years in a combination of new white oak, ex-bourbon and ex-Canadian whisky casks, this golden whisky is made from Alberta-grown rye, then distilled and bottled in Canada. It has all the bold spice notes typical of rye whisky—think cracked pepper, vanilla, baking spices—as well as aromas of caramel, leather and coconut, with dried fruits and molasses on the palate and a sweet, spicy finish. It’s both refined and rugged, and just what rye connoisseurs crave.