VICTORIA, Jan. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian whisky maker, John K. Hall makes the best whisky in Canada. That's the verdict of seven independent whisky experts who awarded Hall the coveted Canadian Whisky of the Year Award at the third annual Canadian Whisky Awards. Results of the annual blind tasting competition were announced Thursday evening at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C.

Forty Creek Port Wood Reserve, a three-time winner, was also named Connoisseur Whisky of the Year in multiple markets, along with winning a gold medal. In announcing the awards, Chairman of the Judges, Davin de Kergommeaux, dubbed it "the best whisky yet from Forty Creek Distillery."

Other top winners included Gibson's Finest Rare 18 year old, and Canadian Rockies 21 year old.

The awards also recognized the 2012, flavoured whisky phenomenon.  All of the major whisky makers have moved to address the growing demand for flavoured whiskies with Gibson's, Forty Creek, and Kruger Wine and Spirits being given particular mention.

Awards of Excellence were given to Kruger Wine and Spirits for Sortilège, Diageo for Crown Royal Maple, and Beam Inc. for Alberta Premium Dark Horse.

"What a year to be a whisky lover," said de Kergommeaux as he introduced the winners. "Canadian producers have really upped their game and we see the results here tonight." Canadian whisky sales were up four percent in 2012 and we've had double-digit growth in sales of high-end Canadian Connoisseur whiskies," de Kergommeaux continued, "The time has come to recognize the excellent quality of Canadian whisky."

A complete list of the winners is available at www.canadianwhisky.org

Note to editors:

About the Canadian Whisky Awards

Each year the Canadian Whisky Awards recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest standards for making whisky. To be eligible, whiskies must be distilled and matured in Canada. An independent panel of whisky writers, bloggers, and journalists selects the winners after blind tasting each whisky. Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

SOURCE Canadian Whisky Awards