The Best Distilleries in Edmonton That Introduced Me to New Spirits
Among my circle of friends, I’m the biggest alcohol snob. I used to think that all alcoholic beverages taste the same, especially beer, and why should I choose them when I can treat myself to sugary, fizzy sodas instead?
But then, my friends brought me to a distillery, and my worldview changed. I realized that beers can be sweet and fruity instead of just plain bitter, and even whisky or rum can taste like dark chocolate!
Since then, I’ve checked out several local distilleries. Here are some that I wholeheartedly recommend!
Strathcona Spirits Distillery
– From: strathconaspirits
Address: 10122 81 Ave NW
Contact Number: +17807776909
Strathcona Spirits Distillery is the one that changed my mind about alcoholic beverages, so of course, I have to give them a shoutout here. It’s the oldest distillery in Edmonton, and its fine spirits are available in over 500 establishments in the country!
Dreamland Whisky is their signature drink, and you have to give it a try when you can because it’s released in very small batch whiskies, and once they’re all sold out, they’re gone for good!
The whisky’s flavour profile is intense and rich, and since it’s triple-wooded, it has strong notes of smoke, vanilla, and fruit. If you add a splash of water to it, you can enjoy a blooming of citrus notes. It’s such a delight!
| Pro Tips: Order a custom bottle or gift box for a special someone.If you want to see how their spirits are made, book a tour around the distillery. It costs around C$10, and that already includes tastings! |
Hansen Distillery
– From: hansendistillery
Address: 17412 111 Ave NW
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday—12 pm to 5 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 7 pm
Contact Number: +17803410682
Owned and operated by the same family across many generations, the Hansen Distillery is always releasing whiskies with interesting and complex flavour profiles.
My current favourite is the Northern Eyes Whisky, which is made with 100% Alberta rye and aged in oak casks with pure Alberta spring water. The result is a golden-hued drink that smells like warm vanilla, spices, and rye stone fruit.
As for the flavour, expect bold notes of butterscotch. Every time I drink this whisky, I forget that I’m drinking alcohol!
| Pro Tips: This distillery offers tours and tastings if you’re interested in seeing their process and tasting their whiskies. Get a custom bottle order as a gift for someone special. |
Lone Pine Distilling Inc.
– From: lonepinedistilling
Address: 10375 59 Ave NW
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—12 pm to 6 pm
- Thursday—12 pm to 8 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +15874698099
If you prefer gin and vodka, Lone Pine Distilling Inc. is your guy. Whisky lovers are also welcome to join in the fun because I’ve heard this distillery is developing its very own whisky as well.
Getaway Dry Gin is a must-try. This gin is aged inside a bourbon oak barrel for months, which is why it has such a distinct, well-rounded flavour profile. The upfront flavour is oak, and then it finishes with velvety toffee caramel. It also has a subtle aroma of juniper, which I love.
| Pro Tips: You can host a party with 80 or so guests at their tasting room. Go on a distillery tour to see how they make their fine spirits. |
Shiddy’s Distilling and Rumpus Room
– From: shiddys
Address: 9908 78 Ave NW
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—11 am to 1 am
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +17806131614
I immediately fell in love with Shiddy’s when I saw its retro interior, and its lineup of exciting drinks made me a returning patron. There’s just a great variety here—from strong spirits to sodas with alcohol content.
I usually get any of the vodka sodas because they come in fun flavours. I recommend the Blackberry Brambo, which has a tangy-fruity kick to it that I like.
If you’re on a diet, you might like to get a Slim Shiddy’s. It’s also a vodka soda but with fewer calories—perfect for people on a diet!
| Pro Tip: Planning a party? You can rent a keg from this distillery. You can choose from a wide array of flavours, such as Orange Drink and Wild Peach Pie. |
Hawke Prohibition Distilleries
– From: hawkeprohibition
Address: 426 Kaska Rd, Sherwood Park
Drive from ED: Around 20 minutes
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 5 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +17804495331
If there’s one thing I can trust Hawke Prohibition Distilleries to deliver, it’s a lineup of exciting flavours inside eye-catching bottles. From afar, the bottles look like they’re taken straight out of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and I love that.
You have to try any of the drinks within the Thick and Dirty line. My personal recommendation is the Cold Brew Infusion, which looks menacing with its pure black liquid. It’s thick (hence the name) and creamy, and the coffee flavour is strong. It’s also lightly sweetened, which I like.
| Pro Tips: If you want to book a tour at this distillery, fill out this form.If you love gin, you might want to join their exclusive limited-release artisanal gin subscription. Their website has a few recipes that use their drinks as the main ingredients. I recommend giving them a try. |
Black Diamond Distillery
– From: blackdiamonddistillery
Address: 12 Rowland Crescent, St. Albert
Drive from ED: Around 20 minutes
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday—10 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +15875982820
Just 20 minutes away from Edmonton is Black Diamond Distillery, a distillery specializing in flavours that tickle your tastebuds. Liqueurs, vodka, whisky, and gin are the bestsellers, but they also have cocktails available here.
I’m a cocktail enthusiast, so of course, that’s what I always get here. You should try the Earl Grey Mule! It has a lovely gingery-peppery kick, complemented by the refreshing, citrusy notes of fresh lime.
| Pro Tip: If you want to book a distillery tour and tasting, you have to send an email to [email protected]. This distillery participates in markets, such as St. Albert Farmers Market, Beaumont Night Market, and Parkland Night Market. |
District Distillery
– From: districtdistillery
Address: 20 Rowland Crescent, St. Albert
Drive from ED: Around 25 minutes
Contact Number: +17802981500
Blending traditional distilling methods and modern technology is the name of the game for District Distillery. They also use botanical ingredients, so their drinks have a distinct fruity, herby, and even spicy flavour that excites the tastebuds.
I can’t resist their raspberry vodka. It has a striking red colour, and the raspberry flavour is intense but not too much that it becomes overpowering. It’s great to drink as is, but personally, I love to mix it into a cocktail.
| Pro Tip: If you want to check out the distillery, you have to book an appointment ahead of time. |
Badlands Distillery
– From: badlandsdistillery.ab
Address: 3906 82 Ave #108, Leduc
Drive from ED: Around 30 minutes
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—3 pm to 6 pm
- Friday—1 pm to 6 pm
Contact Number: +18258235263
I’ve never encountered a distillery like Badlands Distillery. Located near the Edmonton International Airport, Badlands Distillery specializes in Appalachian-inspired spirits. I love their packaging; it reminds me of potions!
My personal favourite is Ändern, a gin that changes colour right before your eyes! It’s also floral-flavoured, so you really can’t shake the feeling that you’re drinking something magical. It’s quite strong, though—around 42% alcohol content—so just beware of that.
| Pro Tip: If you order from the online shop and your total exceeds C$100, you can enjoy free shipping. |
Rig Hand Distillery
– From: righanddistillery
Address: 50158 Range Rd 244A, Leduc County
Drive from ED: Around 45 minutes
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday—10 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 2 pm
Contact Number: +17806121554
I love visiting Rig Hand Distillery because it’s located right in the countryside. So, the vibes are rustic and peaceful, and I can forget about the world for a while and just enjoy a bottle of handcrafted liquor.
The range of drinks available here is varied. You have the classics, such as beer, whisky, and vodka, but there are also alcoholic drinks I don’t see often like sparkling gin tea and BRUM.
My favourite thing to get is the Rig Hand Apple Pie cream liquor. This one doesn’t taste like alcohol to me. It’s like an apple-flavoured drink, just creamier with a hint of coffee!
| Pro Tips: Learn how to make your own cocktail or spirit by joining one of Rig Hand’s courses. You can book a tour or a private event here. |