Alberta whiskies and other spirits are something special. Albertans have known this for a long time and now the world is learning just how skilled and talented the province’s distillers have become.
This year, several entries from Alberta distillers were named winners at the World Whiskies Awards. Alberta distillers won gold, silver, and bronze medals in several categories, including Rye, New Make and Young Spirit, Flavoured Whisky, Canadian Blended, and Single Malt.
“I would like to congratulate all Alberta distilleries that participated in this year’s World Whiskies Awards. All Albertans can be proud of this growing industry, which not only produces excellent spirits, but creates good jobs and contributes to the economy.”
"I am very proud to see Eau Claire Distillery making their mark on the global stage through their incredible success at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. This accomplishment truly reflects the dedication and world-class skill of Alberta’s distillers, and the high quality of Alberta grains.”
Alberta-made whiskies and spirits are important for Alberta’s economy beginning with the farmers growing the grains, the distillers who process them, the commercial truckers who transport them, and the retailers who sell them. From start to finish, this industry is creating jobs for Albertans. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, wholesale sales of Alberta spirits within the province totalled more than $160 million.
“This is a huge win for Anohka Distillery but even a bigger win for Alberta. The Thing that binds us is that we never take no for an answer, continually innovate and move forward. With the tremendous quality and quantity of grain we grow here we can be a dominant player on the world stage. I’m happy to be the tip of the spear as we take on the rest of the world”
Quick facts
- Alberta distillers earned 10 medals at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards: two gold, five silver and three bronze.
- Gold
- Eau Claire Distillery, Alberta Single Malt Whisky Batch 7, 48%
- Anohka, This Is Not Whisky, Heavily Peated Single Malt Spirit, 63.5%
- Silver
- Alberta Premium, Canadian Whisky Cask Strength Rye 2023, 64.2%
- Anohka, This Is Not Whisky, Alberta Single Malt Spirit, 63.5%
- Black Velvet, Peach Flavoured Whisky, 35%
- Black Velvet, Reserve, Canadian Blended, 40%
- Rupert’s Exceptional Canadian Whisky Blended, 40%
- Bronze
- Alberta Premium, Canadian Whisky, Rye, 40%
- Anohka, This is Not Whisky, Barrel Aged Single Malt Spirit, 55%
- Black Velvet, Apple Flavoured Whisky, 35%
- A complete list of 2024 World Whiskies Awards winners can be found online.
- Alberta currently has 63 licenced distillers – three large manufacturers and 60 small producers. Another 50 licensees produce at least one spirit product, along with other liquor products, such as beer.
- There are more than 1,900 Alberta-made spirit products currently registered with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis and available for sale in the province.