Canadians have enjoyed distilled spirits for over two centuries, since Canada's first distillery of record was established in Quebec City in 1769. By the 1840's over 200 distilleries were operating in the country, and Canada was gaining recognition as a producer of high quality whisky.

Despite its early success, however, the implementation of Prohibition in 1916 -1917 limited alcohol production to military purposes. At that time, whisky and other alcohol beverages were only permitted if used for medicinal, scientific, mechanical, industrial or sacramental purposes. When Prohibition was repealed in the United States of America in 1933, Canadian Whisky regained its popularity -- legally -- both at home and in the American market. By the 1940's all Canadian provinces, with the exception of Prince Edward Island, had repealed Prohibition.

Today, the Canadian distilled spirits industry operates under strict health, safety and quality standards and regulations enforced by the federal government. These regulations have helped Canadian Whisky -- along with a range of other Canadian distilled spirits products -- to earn an international reputation for exceptionally high quality and unique taste.

Copyright © 1999 Association of Canadian Distillers