History

Founding and family-driven beginnings

Last Straw Distillery's history is a story of family and friends coming together to bring a dream to life. It all started as a brewery, before the distillery idea took over and became a full production. Don DiMonte wanted to open a craft distillery, and with support from family and friends the groundwork was laid. Brandon DiMonte has since become our head distiller and is described as the youngest in Canada.

Expansion and opening

Last Straw opened in Concord in 2016 with three products – Gin Twenty-One, Blackstrap and Dark Side of the Moonshine – and everything was made in small batches and by hand. The company is working on LCBO releases and direct-to-consumer sales, while building a strong connection to the local community and small suppliers.

Whisky development and lines

Whisky plays a central role in the house's identity. The first whiskeys were launched in 2019, when they spoke of “single grain whiskies” launched in July and November 2019. Cask #1 Rye Whisky was released with 3 years of aging in a #3 char American oak barrel, 750 ml, 43% ABV, with a price around 75 CAD. The whiskey is made from 100% Ontario rye. Their sCorn Whisky is described as a sprouted corn whisky based on 100% organic Ontario yellow corn and was aged in a #3-char barrel for over three years. They also work with a Single Farm Whisky Program to ensure traceability and support local family farms.

Philosophy

Last Straw focuses on grain-to-glass, ultra-small batches and handmade production. Everything is done from milling the grain to bottling and labeling by hand. They emphasize transparency, traceability and collaboration with local suppliers and regenerative agriculture. They offer contract distilling and private label and sell directly from the distillery shop as well as online delivery.

Visits and experiences

The distillery offers visits and has over the years hosted whiskey tastings and events, including the Caledonian Pub tasting in 2017 and open house/tasting events. The products are available in the distillery shop and via online delivery; they have also received media coverage and LCBO listings.

Highlights and recognition

Gin Twenty-One won a gold medal in 2018 in the Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition, and Dark Side of the Moonshine was noted in Globe & Mail as a notable first whiskey production. They are also mentioned in relation to their Alternative Grain Whisky of the Year in the Canadian Whisky Awards 2024.

Notes

The production and spirits are made without added flavors or colors; Last Straw aims for continuous improvement through original, handmade processes and collaboration with the local community.