It appears that everything Canadian is cooler than ever after the Prime Minister’s successful visit to Washington. “Yes, Canada has fashion designers too, and the first ladies wore them to the state dinner” proclaimed a headline in The Washington Post. In shared bromance moments, the President and Mr. Trudeau bantered jokes about hockey, borders and beer.

What leapt out at me was not one mention about Canadian Whisky. Why is this? This year a Canadian Whisky, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, was honoured as 2016 World Whisky of the Year. Canadian Whisky once dominated the world of whiskies. Canadian based Seagram’s was the largest distiller in North America, and at one time Gooderham and Worts contributed more to federal coffers than any other enterprise in the country. Canada has shown we can still produce great whiskies.

Why is it that Canadians talk about their beer business and the burgeoning wine industry, but fail to see the important economic benefits in our Whisky industry? On April 5th, Jan Westcott, President and CEO of Spirits Canada Will address The Empire Club of Canada about what it takes to nurture our world class Whisky industry. Canadian Whisky dominated the world stage long before Scotland had even coined the term “Single Malt”. Other countries have shown what investment in their beverage industries can achieve. What will it take to really nurture a world class industry in Canada? Come out to experience a Canadian winner and learn what it will take to propel our own home-grown industry to its former glory. A taste of the Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is included in your luncheon ticket.

For tickets go to: http://www.empireclub.org/events/jan-h-westcott-president-ceo-spirits-canadaassociation-of-canadian-distillers/