b'The Whiskey Rivalry That IsntCanadian and American distillers are working together to help distinguish each others products in a market category that has huge potentialestate whiskey. By Aimee Nielson and Marc ZienkiewiczASK ANY WHISKEYfan about Canadian versus American products, and most will tell you theres a bitter rivalry between the two. The Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA) is redefining the future of the beverage, in part by highlighting the importance of cross-border cooperation. Established at the University of Kentucky in 2023, the alliance leverages more than 150 years of history in supporting the spirits industry around the globe through research, talent development and innovation. This all started because several of our partners brought to our attention that theres a categoryestate whiskeythats largely undefined, says Landon Borders, executive director of Innovation Connect at UK Innovate and director of the EWA. Its become fairly unique for a whiskey product to be sourced and completely produced on estate-owned or controlled lands. Given our history, resources and expertise, it made sense for us to support this as an unbiased third party. A Global Vision While the EWA has Kentucky roots, its reach is intentionally broad. Above: Black Fox Farm and Weve filed trademarks in the U.S., Canada, the EU, the U.K.Distillerys SE Eleven whisky, and Japan, Borders says. This isnt just about bourbon. Itsmade from triticale, comes in about creating a standard that can unite whiskey producerssingle grain, cask finish and globally, whether theyre making bourbon, Tennessee whiskey,blended versions.Canadian whisky, Scotch or Japanese whisky. EWA Operations Manager Alexa Narel says her goal is forRight: John Cote and Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote operate Black Fox two friends to walk into a liquor store, see the Estate WhiskeyFarm & Distillery in Saskatoon, Sask.Certified (EWC) mark on a bottle, and say, Lets get this oneits local, its crafted, and its high quality. She says thats the kind of consumer awareness they want to build.whisky production. Its no secret that American corn is used in Saskatchewans Black Fox Farm & Distillery is a member ofmany Canadian whiskies. But Black Fox Farm & Distillery, located the EWA. According to owners John Cote and Barb Stefanyshyn- in Saskatoon, has taken a different approachturning to a grain Cote, while the headlines often fuel division in the whisky realm,that is deeply rooted in Canadian agricultural history: triticale.the reality on the ground is quite different. The whisky industry,We asked ourselves, If we can grow some of the best grains like agriculture itself, thrives on collaboration. in the world here, whats stopping us from making some of the For weeks, the whiskey world has been buzzing about anbest whisky? Barb adds. We wanted something uniquely apparent rivalry between Canada and the United States, withCanadian, something that wasnt dependent on American debates over which country produces the superior spirit.imports. Thats how we landed on triticale.The truth is, we have a great relationship with distillers downTriticale, a hybrid of wheat and rye, has a strong connection to south, and they have a great relationship with us, John says.Canadian plant breeding. Initially developed in Europe, much of Trade is essential to our industry. If we closed our borders, a lotits refinement took place on the Prairies. It was specifically bred to of people in agriculture would suffer. It just doesnt make sense. thrive in Canadas climate and fit into local crop rotations. But what One way this collaboration plays out is in the grains that fuelsurprised John and Barb most? It makes an exceptional whisky.38/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2025'