This spring Canadian artisan distilleries got innovative: we’ve got previews of a few of the new products coming off the still, in your colleagues’s own words.
“We're doing a collaboration with Rain or Shine in Vancouver creating a Vermouth based ice cream/sorbet for National Vermouth Day [May 15, 2020]!” – Jessica McLeod, Ampersand Distilling, Duncan, BC
“We have started releasing our much sought after Rhubarb Gin for 2020, and have just released a Limited Edition Dorian Drops Stone Fruit Gin, made with the fruit that was dropped off the trees during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. We reached out to local farms and secured roughly 3,000 pounds of stone fruit, like beautiful Annapolis Valley peaches and plums.” – Colleen Murphy, Barrelling Tide Distillery, Port Williams, NS
“Our Maritime riff on Mezcal Pechuga, a traditional Mexican spirit distilled with a chicken breast suspended inside the still, Lobster Vodka is made using the same technique ... to create a true Nova Scotia delicacy. On the nose this spirit is brine and shellfish forward, on the tongue an unexpected sweet and buttery flavour. Try it in your favourite Caesar recipe to take your cocktail to new depths.” – Renae Perry, Compass Distillers, Halifax
“Currently sitting in 200L ‘finishing casks,’ The Liberty Distillery will be adding a new whiskey to its TRUST Whiskey line-up. TRUST Ancient Grains Whiskey is scheduled to be released in July 2020.” – Lisa Simpson, The Liberty Distillery, Vancouver
“Curaçao Orange Liqueur is the result of the distillation and infusion of 10 carefully selected botanicals. Notes of Seville & Naval orange accented with a rich vanilla finish and a lingering sweetness from natural cane sugar. And in collaboration with the Apothecary Bitters Company our Absinthe recipe includes 12 foraged botanicals, including a locally sourced fresh-picked Wormwood. The result is a silky anise forward spirit with robust dry wormwood notes.” –Charles Tremewen, Long Table Distillery, Vancouver
“We start picking Elderflowers soon. It is seasonal of course, and Elderflower Liqueur is probably our most anticipated product. I am very much looking forward to getting out into the countryside.” – Gordon Glanz, Odd Society Spirits, Vancouver
Bridgeland Distillery in Calgary announced they will be releasing a bourbon style spirit they branded Taber Corn Berbon on June 25th. This special spirit is the result of what Albertan agriculture offers best: Taber Corn and Penhold Wheat & Barley grown by two incredible families: the Molnar's in Taber and the Hamill's in Penhold. "We are excited to get our Taber corn to be transformed into this high quality Spirit. These distillers from Bridgeland are quite crafty and innovative when it comes to highlighting our premium crop" says James Molnar from Molnar's Taber Corn Farm.
Sheringham Distillery in Sooke will be releasing their rhubarb gin liqueur in both 375 and 750ml formats this month. The liqueur was originally released for a winter tri-pack, which sold out quickly. Expect the same robust and all natural rhubarb flavouring and color, at 25% ABV.