Founded in 1858 by grain merchant Hiram Walker, Canadian Club began in Walkerville, Ontario, where exceptional local grains were abundant. In an era when whisky was drawn from generic barrels, Walker sought to distinguish his product. He branded his barrels, signifying a commitment to quality and smoothness. By the 1880s, Canadian Club had gained popularity among Canadians and earned the title “Club Whisky” in the United States, where it was exclusively sold in gentlemen’s clubs. Its growing fame began to impact American bourbon sales, prompting U.S. regulations requiring Canadian distillers to label their origin. Thus, Club Whisky officially became Canadian Club.
The 1920s brought challenges with the onset of Prohibition in the U.S., which mirrored Ontario’s restrictions on public drinking while allowing liquor production. This environment fostered bootlegging and the rise of infamous figures like Al Capone, with Canadian Club becoming the most smuggled whisky across the border. To combat counterfeiting, distributors encouraged patrons to specifically request Canadian Club at bars.
As the decades progressed, Canadian Club continued to adapt while maintaining its heritage of quality. By 1940, it was sold in 90 countries. In pop culture, iconic moments followed, such as the famous neon sign in Times Square and James Bond’s preference for CC and soda in 1961’s Dr. No. Today, as it has for over a century, Canadian Club Whisky stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and craftsmanship. With each sip, invites you to journey through time and taste the history of a nation, all encapsulated within a single glass.
