History

Paradigm Spirits Co. was established in 2020 and is based in the Old East Village in London, Ontario. The building and the surrounding area of the distillery center around 100 Kellogg Lane, where Paradigm sits in the Courtyard with copper stills visible through the windows. After Kellogg’s closure in 2014, the area lost jobs, but today the site is developing into one of Canada’s leading destinations for events and experiences, with Paradigm at the center of activity and craft. Their mission is simple: to make extraordinary spirits with a passion for innovation and a clear, precise commitment to honoring tradition.

Production and Manufacturing

The distillery is described as a modern industrial space festooned with copper, leather, and steel, where copper stills sit in view through the windows and welcome visitors. Paradigm produces spirits in small batches, emphasizing craftsmanship and attention to detail. For example, Brown Butter Old Fashioned starts with Paradigm whiskey infused with real brown butter, giving a silky mouthfeel and then balanced with Ontario maple syrup and orange bitters as well as cinnamon bitters for warmth and structure. Their products show a focus on natural ingredients and a handcrafted approach without unnecessary sweetness.

Their whiskey line includes aged and finished expressions such as El Maíz 18, which spent 18 years in bourbon and tequila barrels and then finished in a new tequila barrel; Tokara 28-year Canadian Whisky finishes through three different oak-aging regimens, including Hungarian oak and Tokaji casks, which provide layering in particular vanilla, fruit, and deep structure. Parallel to this, they also explore rye and wheated whiskies with separate descriptions and tasting notes.

Products / Whisky Series

Chapter 1: Wheated

Chapter 1: Wheated is an extremely limited Canadian whisky built on a blend of wheat and corn and aged in previously used bourbon barrels for 4 to 10 years. Notes are described as a bouquet of honey and melon, with a palate that offers buttery grain and light sweetness, and a light medium finish. The bottle is 750 ml and 45% ABV.

Heritage Collection: 2022 Release

Heritage Collection 2022 consists of a 19-year-old Canadian corn whisky aged in American oak barrels and finished with a portion of well-chosen Oloroso sherry. The tasting experience is described as fruity and creamy with chocolate and a spiced finish. This collection has received multiple awards and is described as a whisky that chooses to break conventions to create conversation and complexity.

Chapter 2: El Maíz 18

ONE BARREL. 18 YEARS OF RESTING. Finished in a Premium Tequila Barrel. The whisky notes are described as a powerful and layered aroma of fresh agave, balanced by the sweetness of the barrel with hints of citrus and vanilla. ABV is 49%, and only 150 bottles exist from this single cask.

Tokara 28-year Canadian Whisky

A Canadian whisky artifact, nearly three decades in the making. Tokara is born in former bourbon barrels, further developed in Hungarian oak, and finished in Tokaji dessert-wine casks. Notes highlight honey, oak, stone fruits, and dried apricot, with a palate of vanilla, spice, and nuances of Tokaji sweetness. 47% ABV, 1,500 bottles. The finish is described as long and warm with balance between oak and fruit.

The Wandering Rye – Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Wandering Rye is a high-rye whisky at 47% ABV, created by blending a five-year-old rye with two 18-year-old corn whiskies from different cask regimes (beer casks and older casks). The flavor is described as pepper and cloves, which glide into honey, vanilla, and subtle smoke. Each batch tells its own story through time—a narrative where every barrel has its own journey.

The Last Batch (2022 Heritage Collection Limited Edition Release)

These are the last bottles from the 2022 Heritage Collection Whisky, with only 150 boxes available. In addition to the bottle, two handmade, mouth-blown Glencairn glasses are included as part of the gift set.

Wheated Whisky

Discover Chapter 1: Wheated as an experimental, extremely limited Canadian whisky that combines wheat and corn and is aged in previously used bourbon barrels for 4–10 years. Notes highlight honey, melon, buttery grain, and a touch of citrus. The ABV is 45%, and the release has been noted by judges’ tasting notes.

Visits and Experiences

Apres Chalet

Apres Chalet offers a luxurious hot chocolate, spirits, or signature cocktail and is open during Merry Market. A seasonal experience inviting warm drinks and small-batch cocktails.

Store and Events

Paradigm has a Holiday Pop-Up Store at 100 Kellogg Lane inside The Emporium, and is open daily from 11:00 to 21:00 during the period. They sell the full range of spirits and signature bottles, and they also host private events and group sizes from 10 to 200 people. The Tasting Room is the most intimate part, and Second Story offers a private bar and a three-season balcony. The facilities are accessible and handicap-friendly.

Stores and Markets

In addition to the distillery, Paradigm can also be found at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market – Peddler’s Village, where market offerings change seasonally. Private events and catering with full bar service are available through their Event Team.

Philosophy

Paradigm Sspirits Co. operates on a philosophy of staying true to tradition while placing innovation at the center. Their mission is to make extraordinary spirits with a passion for experimentation and renewal in keeping with tradition, and to create experiences through craftsmanship and community around the distillery.