Bridgeland Distillery in Calgary has established itself as a producer of high-quality spirits, highly valued by locals. Want to learn more about this Calgary distillery, its unique offerings, and cool experiences like a tasting tour? It’s a great way to discover the fascinating world of spirit production and sample the results. Read on at calgary1.one.
A Spirited History
Bridgeland Distillery owners Jacques Tremblay and Daniel Plenzik first crossed paths in 2016 at a local Okanagan winery. They shared a deep-seated passion for craft distilling and the artistry involved in creating exceptional spirits.
Tremblay and Plenzik were driven to elevate traditional spirits and the drinking experience. To achieve this, they launched their own venture, focusing on brandy, whisky, and Eau de Vie (a general term for fruit brandies made by fermenting and distilling fruit without added sugar). This focus proudly highlights their heritage and the legacy they aim to build.
Bridgeland Distillery officially opened its doors in 2019, complete with an on-site bar and a spacious tasting area. Visitors could immediately sample a variety of spirits, including:
- Handcrafted brandy, which quickly gained popularity.
- Limoncello, a popular Italian liqueur.
- Grappa, an Italian grape-based spirit. Intriguingly, Bridgeland Distillery is the only distillery in Alberta to produce grappa, using single-variety grapes like moscato and gewürztraminer.
- Wine.
- Other small-batch craft spirits.
This wide selection ensures that there’s something to satisfy every visitor’s taste and preference.
The distillery’s location is deeply connected to the Bridgeland-Riverside community, which boasts a history spanning over 100 years, rich culture, and a strong sense of unity. The distillery’s logo features the Reconciliation Bridge, a through-truss bridge that is Calgary’s oldest. Spanning the Bow River, it symbolically connects generations of people in downtown Calgary and beyond.
The distillery operates out of a standalone building on Edmonton Trail, which was once a furniture store, just across the Bow River from East Village. The company’s core mission is to blend tradition with innovation, utilizing local ingredients while strengthening personal and community connections.
Earning Accolades
Bridgeland Distillery proudly earned the title of “Best Distillery in Alberta for 2021.” This local recognition cemented the distillery’s leadership in the regional scene.
The owners are equally proud of their international acclaim. In 2023, two of their products received top ratings and awards: the Bridgeland Moscato Brandy and the Bridgeland Eau De Vigne, Grappolo from Gewurztraminer. Their spirits were highly praised for their unique profiles and exceptional flavour qualities, underscoring their recognized leadership in the production of craft spirits.
It’s important to note that the distillery’s spirits are aged in new oak barrels that are pre-charred—a crucial step for making whisky. For brandy production, the barrels are lightly toasted instead. Visitors can learn more about the fermentation and distillation processes during a guided tour.
Bridgeland Distillery holds a unique distinction: it is the only Alberta distillery that is part of the Economusée Artisans at Work network. This is a global network of artisans with a Canadian presence. The network champions authentic craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation, treating the craft itself as the exhibit, making its demonstration as important as the sale of the product.
The Distillery Tasting Tour Experience
A tasting tour is a fantastic way to delve deeper into the world of premium craft spirits. A visit to the Bridgeland Distillery in Calgary (a notable landmark alongside giants like Alberta Distillers) is an opportunity to discover plenty of new things.
- It’s a chance to explore the production process firsthand. You can visit the production facilities and learn about all the stages of creating their brandy and whisky, from selecting the raw ingredients to bottling the final product. It’s truly a delight to witness how traditional methods are combined with modern technology to create intriguing and distinctive flavours.
- Visitors love tasting tours for the chance to sample the craft spirits. You will participate in a tasting session, where you can assess various types of brandy and whisky produced right at the distillery.
- During the tour, you can learn more about the distillery’s founding history, its development, and the traditions of spirit production in Alberta.
This kind of tasting tour is perfect for connoisseurs of fine spirits, as well as tourists keen to explore local culture.
The Rise of Regional Distilling
Bridgeland isn’t the only distillery in Calgary, which points to a growing trend in local spirit production. This growth fuels the local economy and increases consumer interest in unique, high-quality spirits made with local ingredients. Notably, these distilleries attract visitors who are interested in sampling local beverages and learning more about the production process.