News
Sharp magazine identified several must-try local vodkas (Georgian Bay, Spirit of York, Dillon's and Beattie's Distillers, Top Shelf, Banu Distillers and hockey-themed High Stick Vodka) from Ontario and Quebec in a recent round-up article. Time Out rounded up some of the best Montreal and Quebec distilleries and local spirits as well.
Huddle reported that a new malting facility in Petit-Pacquetville, a project of Maison Fils Du Roy, is producing at least two different malts for local craft beverage alcohol producers.
Global News reported that YQR Distillery (former Sperling Silver) would collaborate with Saskatchewan Polytechnic to create hands-on learning opportunities at its planned brewing and distilling facility in Regina, which will also include a tap house, wine bar and tasting room.
VinePair featured a podcast episode that asked: “Are craft spirits doomed to be local?” It also published a U.S.-focused article on how distilleries are welcoming back guests
In the U.S., a looming barrel shortage is a concern for small-batch whisky distillers. County Cooperage in Carp, Ontario, also warned its customers of looming shortages and supply-chain issues with casks. The Toronto Star also reported on staff and glass-bottle shortages in Alberta.
Cincinnatti-based WoodCraft Bourbon Blenders franchised its blend-your-own single barrel or bottle whisky concept with a Louisville, Kentucky, location.
Forbidden Spirits (Kelowna, B.C.) has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (“LOI”) to acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of Ontario-based Niagara Falls Craft Distillers Ltd. (Niagara Falls, ON)
Openings
In Alberta, Oak & Dagger Distilling Co., planned for the city of Lloydminster, was incorporated as a business.
Bodega 1117, a planned winery, distillery and vinegar brewery, is coming to Summerland, B.C.
Prohibition-themed Cherry Tree Distillery is planned for downtown Windsor, Nova Scotia.
Copperpenny Distilling is now open in North Vancouver, B.C.
Kootenay West Distilling opened in Trail, B.C.
Driftwood Spirits is now up and running in Victoria, B.C.