Cocktails with Canadian blended whisky
Canadian blended whisky is a smooth, light-bodied whisky made by blending a neutral corn-based base whisky with smaller amounts of more flavourful "flavouring" whiskies.
ABV40–45%
Taste profile
Soft cereal and light vanilla on the nose, then a smooth, mellow body with gentle oak, a faint rye spice, and a clean, easy finish.
How it's used
Used as the base spirit, it mixes cleanly into classic whisky drinks without overpowering them — which is exactly why it shines in a Whisky Sour, a Highball, or a softer, rounder Manhattan. Its light touch lets the citrus and modifiers come through.
Substitutes for Canadian blended whisky
Another light, smooth blended whisky stands in well; a mild bourbon or rye also works if you don't mind a bit more oak or spice.
Description
Distillers blend a light, high-proof base spirit — usually from corn — with a little of the more characterful flavouring whiskies, often rye. The components are aged in wood, then married and bottled at no less than 40% ABV. The result is deliberately smooth and easy-drinking.
Origin
The style grew up in Canada, where blending light grain whisky with a dash of flavouring whisky became the national house style. It was a mainstay of the American Prohibition-era bar, which is why it's long been tied to the Manhattan.
