Canadian Club

Founded by Hiram Walker in 1858 with the distillery established in Walkerville, the product was initially marketed as "Club Whisky" or "Hiram Walker's Club Whisky." In the 1880s the name evolved into "Canadian Club" (some sources cite 1882, others 1889 as dates related to the label change). The brand became popular in gentlemen's clubs and, during Prohibition in the United States (1920–1933), was widely smuggled across the Detroit River (historically cited customers include figures such as Al Capone). Canadian Club received various historical recognitions, including royal warrants, and production continues at the original Walkerville/Windsor site; today the brand is part of the Suntory portfolio (Beam Suntory / Suntory Global Spirits).