Historie

Bridgeland Distillery was founded after a meeting in 2016 at a distilling workshop in Okanagan. It began as a collaboration between Jacques and Daniel, driven by a shared passion for craftsmanship and the desire to elevate traditional spirits and experiences to a new level. The Bridgeland-Riverside community with over 100 years of history and culture is an important framework for the company, which also emphasizes using local ingredients and highlighting Southern Alberta terroir. The logo features Reconciliation Bridge, a through-truss bridge over the Bow River, symbolizing connecting generations through tradition and innovation in spirits production. The company invites visitors to hear the story of using local ingredients and terroir.

Produktion / Fremstilling

Bridgeland Distillery primarily operates using copper-pot stills for the production of their spirits. For example, Moscato Brandy is produced from 100% California Moscato grapes in small batches and distilled twice; the maturation is double and consists of New Bulgarian Oak and finishes in mature French casks, without additives, colouring or chill filtration. Glenbow Whisky is described as a Canadian Single Malt distilled in a traditional copper-pot still, based on 100% Penhold Rocky Mountain malt; distillation occurs in small batches (2x) and aged in new and used American casks without additives. Additionally, Eau De Vigne grappas are mentioned, made from grape skins (Gewürztraminer), Taber Corn Berbon (a bourbon-style spirit based on corn, barley and wheat) distilled in small batches and aged in new American casks. There is a focus on craftsmanship and distillation methods without additives or chill filtration in the production of many of the products. The production descriptions also recount details such as copper-pot stills, small batches, and different finishes for aging.

Produkter / Whisky-serien

• Glenbow Whisky, Canadian Single Malt: Tasting notes include dried fruits, honey, cloves and brioche on the nose. Production: Copper-pot still; Base: 100% Penhold Rocky Mountain malt; Distillation: Small-batch, 2x; Oak: New and used American casks; Without additives, coloring or chill filtration.
• Innisfail Whisky, Canadian Single Pot Still: Tasting notes include apples and pears. Production: Copper-pot still; Base: 58% Penhold malted barley, 30% Penhold raw barley, 12% Penhold malted oats; Distillation: Small-batch, 3x; Oak: New American and French; Without additives or chill filtration.
• Single Blend Whisky 2024: Tasting notes include vanilla bean and candied cherries. Production: Copper-pot still; Base: Rue Whisky, Single Malt whisky & Taber Corn Whisky; Distillation: Small-batch, 2x; Finish: chocolate. This is a combined whisky from different components released as a single annual blend.
• Taber Corn Berbon: Bourbon-style spirit based on 60% Taber Corn, 32% Penhold Barley, 8% Penhold Wheat; Distilled in small batches, 2x; Oak: New American Oak, Char #4; Tasting notes highlight caramel and corn with a spicy finish and sarsaparilla.

Note: There are also other spirit-like products in the range (e.g., Moscato Brandy and grappoli), but they are not exclusively whisky and therefore not necessarily categorized as whisky.

Besøg / Oplevelser

• Discovery Tour: Guided tour of the facilities with explanations of the process behind brandy, whisky and grappa, followed by tastings of 3 products. The company is part of the Artisans at Work network, which describes an authentic experiential environment where visitors can also purchase local products.
• Omvisninger: Tours take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Reservations are not required, but can be arranged for larger groups.
• Amazing Calgary Venue: Bridgeland Distillery offers three different spaces for events - Tasting Room, Outdoor Patio, and flexible catering. An in-house sound system, projector, and the option to rent additional equipment are available; they handle set-up and break-down and can arrange food and drinks through local caterers or their own team.
• Online sales and delivery: The company runs an online store and offers delivery within the Calgary area or pickup at the distillery. It also mentions facilities for private events and event spaces.

Filosofi

Bridgeland Distillery focuses on uniting tradition and innovation through the use of local ingredients and terroir from southern Alberta. Several products are highlighted as being free of additives, coloring, and chill filtration, underscoring an approach to authentic craft spirits. Their location and the logo Reconciliation Bridge emphasize a goal of connecting generations through craft and community.