Debbie Shing, a co-founder of Vinequity and the drinks-industry inclusion, equity and diversity initiative Drinkclusion hosted a panel discussion around Diversity & Distilling, featuring Jenna Diubaldo (Sons of Vancouver Distillery), Alayne MacIsaac (Sheringham Distillery) and Pheelan Mah (Confluence Distilling). It kicked off with: “We will definitely say things that will make you uncomfortable!”
Read moreShout-out to Canada’s Women Distillers
We’ve compiled a list of some of the women distillers who help make the artisan scene in Canada vibrant.
Read moreNews & Openings
News and Openings
Stillus Craft Spirits is coming soon to Bloomfield, Ontario, in the Prince Edward County area of Eastern Ontario, already renowned as a wine region. Using a custom Frilli still from Tuscany in a facility by architect Lorne Rose, the distillery says it’s committed to social and environmental sustainability and plans to produce whisky, vodka and fruit spirits.
In the News
Edward Campbell Studio in Calgary, Alberta, recently published some great label-design tips on its E-Magic blog, using examples from its work for Confluence Distilling.
Ottawa Green Business recently profiled King’s Lock Craft Distillery near Ottawa for its sustainability practices.
During Alberta Open Farm Days (August 14 and 15, 2021), farm-based distilleries (including Eau Claire in Turner Valley, Pivot Spirits in Rolling Hills and Rig Hand in Nisku, Alberta) breweries and wineries opened their doors to the public, as part of a promising agri-tourism initiative.
Pembroke Today and 104.9 FM radio recently profiled O’Kenny Craft Spirits in Pembroke, Ontario, along with a neighbouring food business.
U.S. drinks-industry newsletter Daily Seven Fifty recently mentioned St. Lucifer Spirits in Québec for its water-pufication regime, in a story about characterful craft vodka.
A recent article in Modern Farmer mentioned Ontario's Laneway Distillers and its challenges selling direct-to-consumer in that province.
Bevnet recently reported that Nova Scotia's Fundy Gin infused with local dulse and other botanicals, is now available in the U.S.
According to BC Local News, Antidote Distilling will soon open in Port Alberni, B.C.
2021 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition Results
Artisan Distillers Canada (ADC) proudly announces the results of the annual Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC). CASC is Canada’s only national spirit competition reserved exclusively for artisan distilleries.
Read moreDistillateurs artisanaux Canada est fiers d'annoncer les résultats du Concours de spiritueux artisanaux canadiens de 2021
Distillateur artisanaux du Canada (DAC) annonce fièrement les résultats du Concours de spiritueux artisanaux canadiens (CSAC).
CSAC est le seul concours national de spiritueux réservé exclusivement aux distilleries artisanales.
Read moreNews
Formerly Toronto-based Yongehurst Distilleries announced it had merged with The Farmhouse Spirits Company in Bradford, ON, in late April, “to come together to create a broad portfolio of the highest quality craft spirits produced right here in Ontario.”
Spirit of Toronto announced that its 2020 festival has been rescheduled to October 15 at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto: register to be informed when tickets go one sale in September.
Spirit of Toronto festival is also running an Online Masterclasses Series, with tasting samples shipped in advance. Upcoming: “Rum for Whisky Lovers” on June 17, “Whisky & Chocolate” on June 18, “Whisky & Port” on June 19, “Whisky & Sherry” on June 20 and “Whisky & Peat” on June 21.
Bridgeland Distillery in Calgary received a bronze medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its unaged Single Malt Spirit, Mash #1, made with 100 per cent local barley from Red Shed Malting in Penhold, Alberta.
Ampersand Distilling in Duncan, BC, won the best Canadian Varietal Vodka as well as the World’s Best Varietal Vodka at the 2020 World Vodka Awards for its wheat-based Per Se Vodka.
Newfoundland Distillery Company’ s Gunpowder and Rose Rum won Best Spiced Rum in Canada at the 2020 World Rum Awards.
The cover story of the May 2020 issue of Calgary’s Avenue magazine touted the region’s local artisan distillers. Bridgeland Distillery, Burwood Distillery, Confluence Distilling, Last Best Brewing and Distilling, Romero Distilling, Skunkworks Distillery, Tippa and Two Rivers Distillery were among those featured.
A “Good Spirits” cover story in the Toronto Star’s weekend supplement was one of many pieces of local coverage featuring distillers providing hand sanitizer to essential workers and their communities.