Best Canadian Bourbon-Style Whiskies: 5 More Bottles Bourbon Lovers Should Try in 2026
5 More Canadian Whiskies Bourbon Lovers Should Have on Their Radar
If you love bourbon, you've probably noticed that Canadian whisky has become a lot more interesting.
Over the past few years, more Canadian distilleries have been producing whiskies with the flavours, barrel influence and overall character that bourbon drinkers tend to enjoy. Some are deliberately bourbon-inspired, while others don't taste like bourbon at all but still offer something that we think bourbon lovers will appreciate.
We've already put together our guide to some of the best Canadian bourbon-style whiskies, featuring six bottles we thought bourbon lovers needed to try.
👉 Want to see our first list? Check out our Best Canadian Bourbon-Style Whiskies we think bourbon lovers should know about.
But we've kept tasting.
And we've found five more Canadian whiskies that deserve some attention.
These aren't necessarily five of the "best" Canadian whiskies in existence. Instead, they're five bottles we've tried that stood out to us as bourbon lovers — whether because of their sweetness, oak influence, smoothness, proof, unique grain or overall bourbon-friendly character.
So if you're looking for Canadian whisky for bourbon lovers, a Canadian alternative to bourbon, or simply a few new bottles to explore in 2026, here are five more Canadian whiskies we'd put on your radar.
What Makes a Canadian Whisky Interesting to Bourbon Lovers?
Before getting into the bottles, there's an important distinction to make.
Canadian whisky isn't bourbon.
Bourbon is a specific American whiskey category with its own legal requirements, including a mash bill containing at least 51% corn and aging in new charred oak.
Canadian whisky has its own production standards and traditions.
However, Canadian distillers can still create whiskies that appeal to bourbon drinkers through things like:
Corn-forward grain profiles
American oak maturation
New or heavily influenced oak
Caramel and vanilla flavours
Baking spice
Sweet grain character
Longer aging
Higher proof
Richer, fuller-bodied profiles
And that's exactly what makes the Canadian whisky category so interesting to us.
Some bottles try to get close to the flavours bourbon drinkers already know.
Others take a completely different approach.
We've found that both can be worth exploring.
👉 Want to understand the biggest differences between the two? Check out our Canadian Bourbon-Style Whisky vs. Kentucky Bourbon guide for a deeper look at production, flavour, aging, barrels and availability.
1. BlackFox Single Grain Whisky – Triticosecale
Best for: Bourbon lovers looking for something completely different
BlackFox Single Grain Whisky – Triticosecale is one of the most unique Canadian whiskies we've tried.
And it isn't because it tastes exactly like bourbon.
It's because of the grain.
Black Fox makes this whisky from 100% triticale, a hybrid grain created from wheat and rye. The whisky is produced at Black Fox Farm & Distillery in Saskatchewan, where the distillery takes a farm-to-bottle approach to its whisky.
It's also bottled at 48.1% ABV, giving it considerably more proof than a typical 40% Canadian whisky.
But what really surprised us was just how smooth it is.
What Does BlackFox Triticosecale Taste Like?
For us, the biggest characteristic was smoothness.
This is an incredibly easy whisky to drink, with very little alcohol burn despite the higher proof.
There's a pleasant sweetness, grain character and enough flavour to keep the whisky interesting without becoming heavy or overpowering.
Black Fox's own tasting profile includes characteristics such as crème brûlée, cinnamon, clove, citrus zest, butterscotch, baked cherry, anise and white pepper.
For us, though, the overall experience is what makes this bottle stand out.
It's smooth.
It's flavourful.
And it's incredibly easy to sip.
Why Would a Bourbon Lover Like BlackFox Triticosecale?
This isn't a bourbon clone.
And that's actually one of the reasons we like it.
If you're a bourbon drinker who appreciates smooth, sweet and easy-drinking whisky, BlackFox Triticosecale is an interesting Canadian alternative.
The triticale grain gives it an identity of its own, while the overall smoothness makes it approachable to someone who normally reaches for bourbon.
We've already reviewed this bottle in full, and it quickly became one of our favourite Canadian whisky picks.
Our Rating: 92/100
Would We Buy It Again? Yes
If you like: Weller Special Reserve, Weller 12 Year and other smooth, easy-drinking whiskies.
👉 Read our full BlackFox Single Grain Whisky – Triticosecale Review
2. Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky
Best for: Bourbon lovers who want a smooth, premium Canadian whisky
Caribou Crossing is one of those bottles that immediately catches your attention.
Part of the Sazerac portfolio, Caribou Crossing is a single barrel Canadian whisky bottled at 40% ABV.
And if you're a bourbon fan, there's an extra reason this bottle caught our attention.
It's connected to the same company behind Buffalo Trace.
As bourbon fans ourselves, we were especially interested to see what that connection would mean in a Canadian whisky.
The answer?
Something very smooth, mellow and approachable.
What Does Caribou Crossing Taste Like?
Caribou Crossing delivers a lighter profile than some of the bigger, higher-proof Canadian whiskies we've tried.
We picked up plenty of familiar flavours, including:
Caramel
Vanilla
Light oak
Honey
Fruit
Gentle spice
The result is a whisky that's extremely easy to drink.
It doesn't hit you with a huge wave of oak or alcohol.
Instead, everything feels well integrated.
For us, that's a big part of the appeal.
Is Caribou Crossing a Good Bourbon Alternative?
Yes — especially if you prefer smoother, lower-proof bourbon.
Caribou Crossing isn't trying to replicate Kentucky bourbon.
Instead, it offers some of the characteristics bourbon drinkers tend to enjoy while maintaining its own Canadian identity.
At 40% ABV, it is considerably softer than something like a cask-strength bourbon.
That's both its strength and its limitation.
If you're looking for a huge, powerful pour, this probably isn't the bottle we'd reach for.
But if you want something smooth and easy to sip, it's a very enjoyable option.
The biggest drawback for us is the price.
At around $100 CAD, you're paying a premium for the bottle. Whether that's worth it depends heavily on how much you value the single-barrel format and the overall drinking experience.
Our Rating: 90/100
Would We Buy It Again? Yes
👉 Read our full Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky Review
3. John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky
Best for: Bourbon lovers looking for a traditional Canadian bourbon alternative
If there is one bottle on this list that most clearly demonstrates why Canadian whisky can work for bourbon drinkers, it's John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky.
This is one of our favourite Canadian bourbon-inspired whiskies.
And that's not because it tastes exactly like bourbon.
It's because it gives us many of the characteristics we enjoy in bourbon while still feeling distinctly Canadian.
The whisky is aged in charred American white oak casks, which helps create the familiar combination of caramel, vanilla, oak and spice that bourbon drinkers will recognize.
What Does John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky Taste Like?
This is a richer and sweeter Canadian whisky than some of the lighter expressions we've tried.
We get flavours that bourbon drinkers will immediately recognize:
Caramel
Vanilla
Oak
Cinnamon
Baking spice
Fruit
Nutmeg
The oak influence is particularly noticeable.
And for us, that's important.
One of the reasons bourbon is so enjoyable is the relationship between the spirit and the barrel. John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky brings some of that same appeal to the Canadian whisky category.
Why Is This One of Our Favourite Canadian Bourbon Alternatives?
Because it simply works.
If you're a bourbon drinker who wants to explore Canadian whisky without moving too far away from the flavour profile you already enjoy, this is one of the bottles we'd suggest starting with.
It's smooth.
It's sweet.
It's flavourful.
And it has enough oak and spice to keep things interesting.
We've actually recommended this bottle as a Canadian alternative in several of our bourbon reviews because we think it fits that role so well.
If you're coming from something like Weller 12, Russell's Reserve 10 or another smoother, sweeter bourbon, this is one Canadian whisky we'd put on your radar.
Our Rating: 92/100
Would We Buy It Again? Yes
👉 Read our full John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky Review
4. Maverick Barnburner Cask Bourbon 7YO
Best for: Bourbon lovers who want BIG proof
If the first three bottles on this list are about smoothness and approachability, Maverick Barnburner Cask Bourbon 7YO goes in a completely different direction.
This is the bottle for bourbon drinkers who want intensity.
Barnburner Cask Bourbon 7YO is aged for seven years and bottled at a massive 60% ABV — 120 proof.
That's serious proof.
But what impressed us most wasn't simply the number on the label.
It was how well the whisky handled that proof.
What Does Barnburner Cask 7YO Taste Like?
This is a much richer and more intense whisky than the standard Barnburner expression.
We found plenty of classic bourbon flavours:
Caramel
Vanilla
Toasted oak
Baking spice
Rich sweetness
Warm spice
The higher proof brings considerably more intensity to the pour.
But despite the 60% ABV, we didn't find it overwhelmingly harsh.
Instead, the finish is long, warm and lingering.
And that's exactly what we'd want from a high-proof whisky.
Is Barnburner Cask 7YO a Bourbon Alternative?
For the right bourbon drinker, absolutely.
If you're normally drinking barrel-proof or cask-strength bourbon, this is probably the Canadian whisky on this list that will feel most familiar in terms of intensity.
It's also one of the highest-proof Canadian bourbon-style whiskies we've tried.
We wouldn't necessarily recommend it as someone's first whisky.
But if you already enjoy high-proof bourbon, this is absolutely a bottle worth putting on your radar.
Our Rating: 89/100
Would We Buy It Again? Yes
👉 Read our full Maverick Barnburner Cask 7YO Bourbon Review
5. Maverick Barnburner Small Batch
Best for: Bourbon lovers looking for an affordable Canadian whisky
The final bottle on our list is also one of the most approachable.
BARNBURNER Ontario Whisky is Maverick Distillery's original Ontario-crafted expression.
It's a very different experience from the 7 Year Cask Bourbon.
While the Cask 7YO is all about proof, age and intensity, the standard BARNBURNER is much more about easy drinking and versatility.
Maverick describes the whisky as a blend of corn and rye whiskies that are aged and then further matured in bourbon barrels.
And that bourbon-barrel influence is a big part of what makes this bottle interesting to bourbon drinkers.
What Does BARNBURNER Ontario Whisky Taste Like?
For us, this is a softer and more approachable whisky.
There's a combination of:
Vanilla
Caramel
Sweet grain
Oak
Fruit
Rye spice
The bourbon barrel influence gives the whisky some familiar characteristics without turning it into a copy of bourbon.
And that's important.
This is still Canadian whisky.
It just happens to have enough bourbon influence to make it particularly interesting to someone who normally drinks bourbon.
Is Barnburner Small Batch Worth Trying?
We think it is — especially if you're looking for an affordable bottle to experiment with.
It's also a great example of how Canadian distilleries can take familiar bourbon characteristics and use them in a distinctly Canadian whisky.
It's not trying to compete with a barrel-proof Kentucky bourbon.
And it doesn't need to.
It's an easygoing Canadian whisky that works neat, over ice or in cocktails.
For someone just starting to explore Canadian bourbon-style whisky, this is one we'd happily put on the list.
Our Rating: 85/100
Would We Buy It Again? Yes
👉 Read our full Maverick Barnburner Small Batch Review
How These 5 Canadian Whiskies Compare to Bourbon
One thing we learned while putting this list together is that there isn't one type of Canadian whisky that works for every bourbon drinker.
And that's a good thing.
Here's how we'd break these five down:
Canadian Whisky | Best For | What Bourbon Drinkers May Like |
BlackFox Triticosecale | Smooth whisky fans | Sweetness, smoothness and easy sipping |
Caribou Crossing | Lower-proof bourbon fans | Caramel, vanilla, honey and gentle spice |
John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight | Traditional bourbon fans | Caramel, vanilla, oak and baking spice |
Barnburner Cask 7YO | High-proof bourbon fans | Richness, oak, caramel, spice and intensity |
Barnburner Small Batch | Value-focused drinkers | Vanilla, caramel, oak and bourbon-barrel influence |
That's one of the biggest things we want bourbon drinkers to understand about Canadian whisky.
You don't need to find a Canadian whisky that tastes exactly like your favourite bourbon.
Instead, find one that delivers the characteristics you enjoy.
Which Canadian Whisky Is Most Like Bourbon?
This is probably one of the biggest questions bourbon drinkers have when they start looking at Canadian whisky.
The answer depends on what type of bourbon you normally drink.
If you prefer smooth, sweet and traditional bourbon, we'd point you toward John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky.
If you prefer a lighter and more approachable pour, Caribou Crossing is worth exploring.
If you want something unique but still incredibly smooth, BlackFox Triticosecale is a great option.
If you drink barrel-proof or cask-strength bourbon, Barnburner Cask Bourbon 7YO is the obvious bottle to investigate.
And if you're looking for an affordable Canadian whisky with bourbon influence, BARNBURNER Ontario Whisky is an interesting place to start.
Canadian Bourbon-Style Whisky vs Canadian Whisky
Not every bottle on this list is a traditional bourbon-style whisky.
And that's intentional.
We think the category is much more interesting when you look beyond whiskies that are simply trying to taste like bourbon.
BlackFox Triticosecale is a great example.
It's made from a unique wheat-and-rye hybrid grain and doesn't need to taste like bourbon to appeal to bourbon drinkers.
Caribou Crossing is another example.
It's a Canadian single barrel whisky with a smooth, sweet profile that happens to work extremely well for people who enjoy bourbon.
Then you've got something like Barnburner Cask 7YO, which takes the bourbon-inspired concept and turns the proof way up.
That's the fun of exploring Canadian whisky.
There isn't just one approach.
👉 Canadian bourbon-style whisky is becoming a category of its own. Read our The Rise of Canadian Bourbon-Style Whiskies article to see why more Canadian distilleries are experimenting with bourbon-inspired styles.
Are Canadian Whiskies Good Bourbon Alternatives?
For us, absolutely — but with one important qualification.
A Canadian bourbon alternative doesn't need to taste exactly like bourbon.
If you love bourbon because of its caramel, vanilla, oak, spice, sweetness and richness, there are Canadian whiskies that can deliver many of those same characteristics.
But Canadian whisky has its own identity.
And we think that's something worth embracing.
The goal shouldn't always be to find a Canadian bottle that perfectly replaces your favourite Kentucky bourbon.
Sometimes the better goal is to find a Canadian whisky that gives you something you enjoy just as much — even if it gets there differently.
👉 Why are bourbon alternatives becoming more important in Canada? Check out our How U.S. Tariffs Are Affecting Bourbon in Canada guide to see how changing availability has affected Canadian bourbon drinkers.
Why Bourbon Lovers Should Be Exploring Canadian Whisky
For years, Canadian whisky has sometimes been overlooked by bourbon drinkers.
We understand why.
If you love bourbon, it's easy to spend all your time looking for Kentucky bottles.
But Canadian whisky is becoming harder to ignore.
Canadian distilleries are experimenting with:
Different grains
New oak
Bourbon barrels
Higher proof
Longer aging
Single barrels
Cask finishes
Small-batch production
Bourbon-inspired recipes
And we're finding more bottles that genuinely interest us as bourbon drinkers.
These five are a perfect example.
Some are traditional.
Some are experimental.
Some are bourbon-inspired.
And some barely resemble bourbon at all.
But all five gave us a reason to keep exploring Canadian whisky.
👉 Want to learn more about how the Canadian bourbon-style whisky category is growing? Read our The Rise of Canadian Bourbon-Style Whiskies article.
5 More Canadian Whiskies Worth Trying in 2026
If you're looking for a quick list, these are the five bottles we'd put on your radar:
🥃 BlackFox Single Grain Whisky – Triticosecale
Best for: Smoothness and unique grain character
🥃 Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky
Best for: Premium, easy-drinking Canadian whisky
🥃 John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky
Best for: Bourbon drinkers wanting a familiar flavour profile
🥃 Maverick Barnburner Cask Bourbon 7YO
Best for: High-proof bourbon fans
🥃 BARNBURNER Ontario Whisky
Best for: Affordable, approachable Canadian whisky
Final Thoughts: 5 More Canadian Whiskies Bourbon Lovers Should Try
We've tasted a lot of bourbon.
And we've also tasted a growing number of Canadian whiskies.
👉 Want to learn more about how Canadian whisky can take inspiration from bourbon? Check out our Canadian Bourbon Explained: Is There Bourbon Made in Canada? guide for a closer look at Canadian bourbon-style whisky and what makes it different from traditional Kentucky bourbon.
What we're finding is that Canadian whisky doesn't need to copy bourbon to be interesting to bourbon drinkers.
That's probably the biggest takeaway from these five bottles.
BlackFox Triticosecale showed us how unique grains can create an incredibly smooth Canadian whisky.
Caribou Crossing delivered an easy-drinking single barrel experience with familiar caramel, vanilla and oak characteristics.
John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky remains one of our favourite Canadian bourbon-inspired options because of how naturally its sweet, oaky profile works for bourbon drinkers.
Maverick Barnburner Cask 7YO proved that Canadian whisky can bring serious proof and intensity.
And Barnburner Small Batch showed that you don't need a high-proof or heavily aged bottle to make an enjoyable Canadian whisky.
If you're a bourbon lover looking to explore Canadian whisky in 2026, we'd recommend starting with the bottle that matches the type of bourbon you already enjoy.
And don't be afraid to try something completely different.
Because the best part of exploring Canadian whisky isn't finding a perfect replacement for bourbon.
It's finding a bottle you didn't expect to love.
🚨 New to Bourbon or Looking for Your Next Bottle?
Explore our complete Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide) — a dedicated resource featuring the top bourbons Canadians can actually find, buy, and enjoy.
🥃 Recommended Bottles to Try
Based on this guide, here are some great Bourbon options currently available in Canada:
Okanagan Spirits The Whisky Hunter: Nectar of the Gods Lot 3 - Rare Canadian bourbon, well-balanced yet sweet
Maverick Barn Burner Prohibition Bourbon - One of the closest Canadian options to American bourbon, distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky using a traditional bourbon-style mash bill and bottled in Ontario
Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Whisky - Malt-forward notes give it a personality of its own
🔗 Keep Exploring Bourbon
If you enjoyed this guide, check out more of our top posts:
Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide): Top Bottles You Can Actually Find – Discover top bottles like Blanton’s, Weller, and Buffalo Trace—plus where to buy bourbon online in Ontario right now
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bourbon Accessories in Canada (Amazon Finds) - Discover top whiskey glasses, smoker kits, ice molds, and more—plus Amazon Canada buying links.
Where to Buy Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide for Ontario Bourbon Lovers) - If you're trying to figure out where to buy bourbon in Canada right now, this guide will help.
❓ Bourbon & Whiskey FAQs
What is Canadian bourbon-style whisky?
Canadian bourbon-style whisky is Canadian whisky made with characteristics that appeal to bourbon drinkers. Depending on the bottle, this can include corn-forward flavours, American oak, caramel, vanilla, baking spice and bourbon-barrel influence.
Is Canadian bourbon the same as Kentucky bourbon?
No. Canadian whisky and American bourbon are different whisky categories with different production standards and legal definitions. Canadian whisky can be bourbon-inspired without legally being bourbon.
What Canadian whisky is closest to bourbon?
It depends on the bourbon you normally drink. John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Straight Whisky is one of our favourite Canadian options for a familiar bourbon-style profile, while Maverick Barnburner Cask 7YO is a stronger choice for bourbon drinkers who prefer high proof.
What is the best Canadian whisky for bourbon lovers?
There isn't one Canadian whisky that will be best for every bourbon drinker. If you prefer smooth and sweet whisky, BlackFox Triticosecale or John Sleeman & Sons may be worth exploring. If you prefer high-proof bourbon, Barnburner Cask 7YO is a much better fit.
What should bourbon lovers look for in Canadian whisky?
If you enjoy bourbon, look for Canadian whiskies with characteristics you already enjoy, such as caramel, vanilla, oak, baking spice, corn sweetness, higher proof or bourbon-barrel influence. You don't necessarily need to find a whisky that tastes exactly like bourbon.
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