Mastering Canadian Whisky: The Book That Defines a Nation’s Spirit
If you’re serious about Canadian whisky, this is the book you need. The updated and expanded third edition of Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert by Davin de Kergommeaux is the definitive guide to the country’s finest spirit.
Davin de Kergommeaux: The Maestro of Canadian Whisky
For over a quarter of a century, Davin de Kergommeaux has been the torchbearer for Canadian whisky, illuminating its rich history and nuanced flavours to enthusiasts worldwide. His journey into the world of spirits began with an academic foundation, dedicating six university years to the study of grains such as corn, wheat, rye, triticale, and barley—each integral to whisky production. This scientific grounding seamlessly transitioned into a fervent passion for whisky, leading him to explore and document the depths of Canada’s national spirit.
De Kergommeaux’s commitment to whisky education is unparalleled. He has traversed the globe, presenting seminars and leading tasting workshops across six continents. His expertise has been sought after in prestigious international whisky competitions, including the World Whisky Awards and the Malt Maniacs Awards, where he has served as a judge. In March 2024, his contributions were formally recognized with an induction into the Whisky Hall of Fame, making him only the second Canadian to receive this honor.
In 2009, de Kergommeaux founded the Canadian Whisky Awards, an annual event presented each January at the Victoria Whisky Festival. This platform celebrates excellence in Canadian whisky, offering both industry professionals and aficionados an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the craftsmanship of Canadian distillers. His literary contributions are equally noteworthy. He is the author of the award-winning book “Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert,” and has co-authored several other books on whisky, spirits, and cocktails. His articles and tasting notes are regularly featured in esteemed publications such as Whisky Magazine and Whisky Advocate. In 2018, the International Wine and Spirits Competition shortlisted him for Spirits Communicator of the Year, highlighting his influential voice in the spirits community.
De Kergommeaux’s dedication to demystifying Canadian whisky and correcting misconceptions has been instrumental in elevating its global profile. His independent stance, free from affiliations with whisky producers, ensures that his insights and reviews are both unbiased and deeply informative. For anyone eager to delve into the world of Canadian whisky, engaging with Davin de Kergommeaux—be it through his writings or in person at whisky events—promises an enriching and enlightening experience.
A Personal Encounter at Whisky Live 2024
Meeting Davin de Kergommeaux at Whisky Live London 2024 was a highlight of my whisky journey. The event, a gathering of distillers, industry experts, and whisky enthusiasts, was the perfect setting for a brief yet insightful conversation about his specialist subject and his latest book. In those few moments, his depth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for Canadian whisky were evident, cementing my appreciation for both the man and his work. I left the event a firm fan, eager to immerse myself in his book.
It took me a long time to fully digest the book. I found myself re-reading sections, poring over details, and revisiting tasting notes. In truth, I feel hugely under-qualified to review a publication of such depth and authority, but as a dedicated fan, this is my homage to the man who has given Canadian whisky the recognition it deserves.
A Deep Dive into “Canadian Whisky: Updated and Expanded Third Edition”
Davin de Kergommeaux’s seminal work, Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert, has long been regarded as the definitive guide to Canada’s whisky landscape. With the release of the updated and expanded third edition, de Kergommeaux offers readers an even more comprehensive exploration into the evolution, diversity, and craftsmanship of Canadian whisky. This edition not only builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors but also introduces fresh insights, making it an indispensable resource for both novices and connoisseurs.
Evolution Across Editions
- First Edition (2012): The inaugural edition served as a groundbreaking foray into Canadian whisky, shedding light on its history, production methods, and distinguishing characteristics. At a time when Canadian whisky was often overshadowed by its Scotch and American counterparts, de Kergommeaux’s meticulous research and engaging narrative brought much-needed attention to Canada’s rich whisky heritage.
- Second Edition (2017): Building upon the success of the first, the second edition delved deeper into the burgeoning craft distillery movement within Canada. It featured updated tasting notes and profiles of new distilleries, reflecting the dynamic changes and innovations occurring in the industry.
- Third Edition (2024): The latest edition represents the most exhaustive update yet. Readers are treated to over 100 new tasting notes, encompassing a spectrum from bestsellers to rare micro-distillery offerings and historic bottlings. The inclusion of full-colour photography throughout the book enriches the visual experience, capturing everything from legendary distilleries to rare archival images. Additionally, refreshed design elements and updated maps of Canada’s whisky distilleries provide readers with a contemporary and immersive journey through the nation’s whisky landscape.
Why This Book is Essential for Whisky Enthusiasts
- Cover-to-Cover Gold: The book is an unparalleled, concise, and deeply insightful resource on Canadian whisky. Every page offers something valuable, making it an essential read.
- Thoughtful Design & Layout: The book’s organisation is exceptionally well considered. The inside front cover features a map of traditional and lost distilleries, while the back cover mirrors this with a map of artisanal distilleries—a simple but effective way to visualise the changing landscape of Canadian whisky.
- Quick Reference Tools: A whisky tasting wheel (adapted by Reece Sims) serves as a handy guide for identifying and categorising flavours, while a tasting notes index provides details on over 120 whiskies, allowing readers to cross-reference and revisit their favourites.
Engaging with Davin
Attending a whisky event where Davin de Kergommeaux is present is an opportunity not to be missed. His approachable demeanour and wealth of knowledge make interactions both enjoyable and enlightening. Here’s why spending time with him can enrich your whisky journey. Bring Your Copy for a Signature. If you own a copy of Canadian Whisky, bring it along to an event. Getting it signed by the author himself adds a personal touch to an already invaluable book.
A Must-Have for Whisky Enthusiasts and Retailers Alike
Anyone serious about whisky should grab a copy of this book. For less than the price of a bottle – it is an easy decision to ensure all you future purchases are a guaranteed success. It’s an unpretentious yet authoritative guide that deserves a place in the collection of every whisky lover. For whisky stores and bars, having a copy on hand serves as an excellent reference for staff and customers alike. If you get the chance to meet Davin de Kergommeaux in person, seize the opportunity—you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for Canadian whisky and the man who has done so much to champion it.
Book information
| ISBN: | 9780525612445 |
| Publisher: | Penguin Random House Group |
| Imprint: | Appetite by Random House |
| Pub date: | 12 Mar 2024 |
| Language: | English |
| Number of pages: | 368 |
| Weight: | 820g |
| Height: | 163mm |
| Width: | 211mm |
| Spine width: | 27mm |
Further information: https://canadianwhisky.org/
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