Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Whisky Berbon Review Canada: Tasting Notes, Value & Alternatives (2026)
- waylonsbourbonshel
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon is a Canadian bourbon-style whisky that has attracted plenty of attention from craft whisky fans. Made with locally sourced Alberta grain and matured in new American oak barrels, it offers a distinctly Canadian take on a bourbon-inspired spirit.
We were excited to try this bottle because Canadian bourbon alternatives continue to improve every year. After spending some time with it, we came away thinking it was a good craft whisky, but not one of the closest substitutes for traditional American bourbon.
Highlights
Light and approachable — An easy-drinking whisky with a softer flavour profile
Unique grain character — Malt-forward notes give it a personality of its own
Interesting Canadian craft release — A solid bottle for whisky explorers
Quick Review Summary
Rating: 70/100
Best For: Canadian craft whisky fans, casual sipping, trying something different
Price in Canada: $55 (500ml)
Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
Would We Buy Again? No
If you like this, try:
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Maverick Barn Burner Prohibition Bourbon
Okanagan Spirits BRBN Bourbon-Style Whisky
What Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Whisky Berbon Actually Is
Taber Corn Berbon is a Canadian bourbon-style whisky produced by Bridgeland Distillery in Calgary, Alberta.
It is made using locally sourced Taber corn, Penhold malted barley, and Penhold wheat before being matured in new American oak barrels.
While it takes inspiration from traditional bourbon, it ultimately develops a flavour profile that feels more like its own unique Canadian craft whisky.
Specs at a Glance
Detail40 | Info |
Distillery | Bridgeland Distillery |
Location | Calgary, Alberta |
Mash Bill | 60% Taber Corn, 32% Penhold Malted Barley, 8% Penhold Wheat |
Aged | Approximately 1 year |
ABV | 45% |
Proof | 90 |
Style | Canadian Bourbon-Style Whisky |
Price (Canada) | 55 CAD (500ml) |
Tasting Notes (Our Experience)
After spending time with Taber Corn Berbon, the biggest thing that stood out to us was how light and approachable it is.
Rather than delivering the rich caramel and oak-forward profile we often associate with bourbon, the malted barley plays a much bigger role in the overall experience. At times, the grain-forward character almost reminded us of a craft brewery, with subtle malt and cereal notes that make this whisky feel quite different from many bourbon-style bottles.
Alongside those flavours, we found light caramel, gentle vanilla, soft oak, and mild baking spice. The whisky is smooth and easy to drink, but it never develops the richness or depth that we usually look for in a great bourbon alternative.
For us, this wasn't the closest Canadian whisky to traditional American bourbon. While we appreciated its uniqueness, bottles like Maverick Barn Burner Prohibition Bourbon and Okanagan Spirits BRBN come closer to delivering that familiar bourbon experience.
Who We Think This Bourbon Is For
Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Whisky Berbon works best if you:
Enjoy lighter whisky profiles
Like exploring Canadian craft distilleries
Appreciate grain-forward flavours
Want to try something different
Skip it (or look elsewhere) if you:
Want a classic bourbon experience
Prefer rich caramel and oak-forward flavours
Are looking for the closest Canadian bourbon alternative
Is Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Whisky Berbon Worth It in Canada?
We think it depends on your expectations.
If you're searching for a whisky that closely resembles traditional bourbon, there are better options available.
However, if you enjoy discovering unique Canadian craft releases and appreciate local ingredients, Taber Corn Berbon offers something a little different that may appeal to you.
Can You Actually Find It in Canada?
Taber Corn Berbon is available through Bridgeland Distillery and select retailers, although availability can vary depending on your province.
Compared to many allocated bourbons, it is generally easier to find.
Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Whisky Berbon vs Buffalo Trace (Quick Take)
Buffalo Trace: Richer, sweeter, and more traditionally bourbon-forward.
Taber Corn Berbon: Lighter, more grain-driven, and distinctly Canadian.
For us, Buffalo Trace offers the stronger bourbon experience, while Taber Corn Berbon stands out for its unique craft whisky character.
Canadian Alternative We Think Is Worth It
If you're specifically looking for a Canadian whisky that comes closer to traditional bourbon, we would recommend:
Maverick Barn Burner Prohibition Bourbon
Okanagan Spirits BRBN Bourbon-Style Whisky
Both deliver a richer bourbon-inspired profile while still showcasing Canadian craftsmanship.
👉 Use code WAYLON10 for $10 off staff favourites.
Best Ways We Drink It
Neat
With a splash of water
In a Canadian whisky tasting flight
Side-by-side with a traditional bourbon
Final Thoughts
Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon is an interesting Canadian craft whisky that takes a different approach to the bourbon-style category.
We found it to be light, smooth, and easy to drink, with a grain-forward profile that sometimes reminded us more of a craft brewery than a traditional bourbon.
While we enjoyed trying something different, it wasn't the closest bourbon alternative we've had, and we didn't find it as memorable as some of the other Canadian bourbon-style whiskies currently available.
It's a good bottle that showcases Alberta craftsmanship, but for us, it falls into the category of good rather than outstanding.
Final Score: 70/100
🥃 Recommended Bottles to Try
Based on this guide, here are some great REAL Bourbon options currently available in Canada:
Okanagan Spirits BRBN Bourbon-Style Whisky - Excellent everyday sipper and a great alternative to traditional bourbon
Buffalo Trace Bourbon - Classic bourbon profile, approachable & beginner-friendly
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
❓ Bourbon & Whiskey FAQs
What is Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon?
Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon is a Canadian bourbon-style whisky made in Calgary, Alberta with locally sourced grain.
What is the mash bill for Taber Corn Berbon?
The mash bill is 60% Taber corn, 32% Penhold malted barley, and 8% Penhold wheat.
Is Taber Corn Berbon similar to bourbon?
It is bourbon-inspired, but we found it to be lighter and more grain-forward than traditional American bourbon.
What does Bridgeland Taber Corn Berbon taste like?
It offers notes of light caramel, vanilla, soft oak, gentle spice, and grain-forward malt character.
Is Taber Corn Berbon worth buying?
If you enjoy Canadian craft whisky and unique flavour profiles, it is worth trying. Bourbon purists may prefer other alternatives.
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