Craft Distilleries

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Roth and Ramberg A group of friends doing a tasting at Eau Claire Distillery

Craft Distilleries Booming in Alberta

The beautiful drive. The art galleries. The Chuckwagon Cafe. Marv’s Classic Soda Shop. Indeed, there are many compelling reasons to make a road trip to the neighbouring communities of Black Diamond and Turner Valley. Connoisseurs of the booming craft spirits scene can put one more “stop” on their list: The Eau Claire Distillery.

As the first craft distillery in Alberta, the Eau Claire Distillery, which is conveniently located in the heart of Turner Valley right beside the legendary Chuckwagon Cafe, has raised the bar high for this niche industry. Step into their beautifullyappointed tasting room, with its rustic, western-themed decor, and you’re immediately enveloped by a “warmth” that is unique to rural Alberta. Try their award-winning spirits and that “warmth” takes on a whole new meaning.

While a tour of the facility – available only on the weekends – is recommended, a visit to their tasting room to sample their products is the best course of action! Their award-winning, farm-to-glass craft spirits include the incredibly-smooth Three Point Vodka (their first product, which made its debut in June of 2014), a London-dry style Parlour Gin, and a handful of other delightful spirits including Alberta’s first Single Malt Whiskey, which is bound to get your taste buds doing backflips. (And you thought high-quality Single Malt Whiskeys were only a “Scottish” thing!)

But, while Eau Claire Distillery is a true pioneer of Alberta’s now-booming craft distillery scene, there are plenty of other craft spirts from other distillers worth travelling some distance to sip and savour. And, if you’re basing your tour from Calgary, you don’t have to go far. Here is a sampling of some new Alberta distillers who are tapping into the Alberta “advantage.” (Our province is home to some of the finest grains in the world!)

Burwood Distillery

Located in northeast Calgary, Burwood Distillery is Calgary’s first craft distiller and a great place to start a tour. Their quaint, loft-equipped establishment also serves up delicious comfort food (this is, without a doubt, one of the most eclectic food menus in Alberta) along with their outstanding hand-crafted spirits. To go along with Chef Matthew Filson-Lau’s versatile creations (the mixed grill board with seared pork belly, lamb, and seasonal sausage is mouth-watering) are a cool collage of spirts like honey liqueur, citrus-powered gin, and charcoalfiltered vodka. Important tip: Choose a designated driver and don’t draw the short straw!

Krang Spirits

Dedicated to producing amazing, handcrafted spirits from only the finest ingredients, Krang Spirits boasts a beautiful 6,000 square-foot facility in the heart of historic downtown Cochrane, which is perfectly situated along the legendary Cowboy Trail. Krang produces numerous fruit liqueurs (their Raspberry and Sour Cherry Krangs have recently won awards) and their Nimbulus Modern Gin, with its coriander and exotic spice tones, is delicious and distinct. This distillery offers free tours and free tastings so there’s no excuse not to go!

Rig Hand Distillery

“Alberta in a bottle” is just one of many catchy phrases that have been used to describe the potent products from this, the first craft distillery located in the Edmonton area. (located in Nisku.) Packaged in a unique triangular glass bottle that is a

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Colin Way Couple learning the distillery process at Krang Spirits Photo Courtesy of Bryce Meyer Photography Profile photo of David Farren from Eau Claire Distillery

replica of Leduc’s #1 drilling rig, Rig Hand makes whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, moonshine, and coffee cream liquor. Rig Hand also uses grain from a farm located just two miles down the road. Tours and tastings are offered during regular business hours and by appointment evenings and weekends.

Park Distillery

Perfectly situated on Banff Avenue, they have quickly become a heavy-hitter in Alberta’s burgeoning craft distillery scene. By using pure, glacier-fed water, high-altitude grain from farms in the Alberta foothills, and hand-crafted techniques from start to finish, Park’s spirits are unlike anything else in the world. Classic Vodka, Alpine Dry Gin, and Maple Rye are a few of their delicious concoctions. But, to do this spirit “stronghold” justice, you need to gather your posse around a table, dine on their awesome around-the-campfire inspired gourmet food offerings, and, well, just soak it all in. Wild Life Distillery and Raw Distillery

Not surprisingly, given the forward-thinking nature of the fine folk from Canmore, there are now two high-quality distilleries that have recently opened their doors in this mountain town. Both Wild Life Distillery (located on the east side of town) and Raw Distillery (located in downtown Canmore and share space with BLAKE Restaurant) are exciting new “players” in the craft spirits “game.” Love a good Caesar? One made with RAW Peppercorn Gin will knock your socks off.

With over 20 craft distilleries currently operating in Alberta (and many more upcoming!), the opportunity to explore and experience this growing industry is gaining plenty of traction. And, without a doubt, embarking on a tour along The Cowboy Trail makes for an exceptional – and “spirit-filled” - getaway!

By: Andrew Penner

Try Some Authentic Craft German Beer While in Turner Valley

In 2008, Jochen Fahr arrived from Germany as a university student and carried a passion for exceptional beers, which led him, in 2015, to start to establish the Brauerei Fahr craft brewery in Turner Valley. This brewery follows the German Beef Purity Law of 1516, which means, in part, they adhere to strict rules and make their beers with the finest grains, hops, water and yeast – no other ingredients. Their ‘Fahr Away’ Hefeweizen is a refreshing, light, and well-balanced beer perfectly suited for summer patio time. The ‘Fahr North’ Dunkelweizen is similarly delightful for year-round enjoyment with hints of banana and clove thanks to special yeast. Rounding out the selection is the classic ‘Fahr Out’ Pilsner beer, a common yet delicious German beer.