In B.C., government worker strike action that temporarily halted deliveries to private liquor stores this past summer resulted in a boom for the province's small-batch distillers, Business in Vancouver and Global News reported.
In an article on tourism to the Gulf Islands off Vancouver's coast, The Seattle Times recommended visiting Salt Spring Shine Craft Distillery, which distills spirits from local honey.
The Fort Distillery in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, is partnering with Rogers Place in Edmonton to offer two of its products, Mountain Pass Whisky and the Tumbler & Rocks Cosmo cocktail, at the concert and event venue, local news site The Record reported.
Global News Saskatchewan reported that the province's Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority was not keeping pace with regulatory oversight targets, with more than half of craft alcohol products lacking valid test-report certification this past summer.
Dobrowody Distillery in Rama, Saskatchewan, credited the high quality of municipal water there for its recent Double Gold win for its Small Batch Vodka at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, SaskToday reported. Hudson Bay Distillers in Landis, Saskatchewan, was also profiled by SaskToday.ca this past summer.
As a post-Covid tax-relief period comes to an end in Ontario, the Ottawa Citizen reported that artisan distillers were struggling to recalibrate the costs of doing business.
Dixon's Distillery in Guelph, Ontario, was named the top spirit in the Liquor Control Board of Ontario's Best of Ontario category at its Elsie Awards this past summer, the Wellington Advertiser reported.
Dunrobin Distilleries has a new strategic partner in Swiss company Seven Seals Innovation AG, which is infusing a $5.5 investment into the distillery's Vankleek Hill, Ontario, operations and national and global distribution, Stittsville Central reported.
Paradigm Spirits Co. is a finalist for the Agribusiness Award of the London Business Achievement Awards to be held in London, Ontario, on September 27, the London Free Press reported.
Saltwire reported that Steinhart Distillery in Arisaig, Nova Scotia, will receive $700,000 in federal loans, including $500,000 from the Tourism Relief Fund for projects such as an event venue renovation and an outdoor stage, and $200,000 from the Jobs and Growth Fund for equipment to produce ready-to-drink cocktails, which it plans to produce from its gin and vodka.
In New Brunswick, two new distilleries celebrated this summer: Crooked River Distillery in Memramcook held a grand opening (though it's been operating for more than two years, Huddle reported) and First Light Distillery held its grand opening in Hanwell, outside of Fredericton.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Brewers Association has launched a Craft Brewery Passport (as part of Come Home 2022 festivities), which includes the Newfoundland Distillery Co. in Clarke's Beach.
News and Openings
Indigenous World Winery & Distillery will offer a virtual “immersive exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine” within B.C. as part of National Indigenous History Month. Participation is free.
Kamloops, B.C. local TV station CFJC reported on a “craft spirits boom” for the city, spotlighting recently opened Red Bridge Distilling and Gin Lane (produced at Red Collar Brewing & Distilling), and other distilleries coming soon.
Paradigm Spirits Co. opened in London, On. in December 2020.
Still Fired Distilleries’ Fundy Gin has now entered the U.S. Market.
New travel site Travelier featured the GINstitute by the Sea at Steinhart Distillery in Arisaig, Nova Scotia, which gives visitors the opportunity to create a mini-batch of custom gin.
CountryGuide published an article on the farm-to-glass trend in distilling, featuring several artisan distillers.
The BC Distilled PADS Fundraiser has raised over $12,000 so far. Wayward Distillery sold out their Smoked Rum in six minutes!