The Alberta government is taking a significant step to elevate its local spirits industry by launching consultations to define what constitutes "Alberta whisky." The initiative, spearheaded by Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally, aims to create a distinct identity for the province's whisky, potentially leading to new legislation and a premium global brand.
Building a Brand Inspired by Kentucky Bourbon
Minister Nally draws direct inspiration from the success of Kentucky's bourbon industry, which has seen substantial growth over recent decades and created a popular tourist attraction known as the bourbon trail. "Having toured Kentucky and been on the bourbon trail, I can say first hand that this industry has revitalized some of their downtowns," Nally stated in an interview. He envisions a similar path for Alberta, including the potential creation of an "Alberta whisky trail" involving Travel Alberta and tourism bodies.
Consulting the Industry on Key Ingredients
The province is actively engaging with distillers, having reached out to most local producers and met with industry groups like Spirits Canada and the Alberta Craft Distillers Association. The conversations are focused on what elements should be enshrined in a potential Alberta Whisky Act, which Nally hopes to present to the legislature in the spring of 2025.
Key factors under discussion include:
- The specific grains used in production.
- The source and quality of Alberta water.
- The impact of the province's cold climate on the ageing process.
- The type of distillation equipment, though opinions vary on its importance.
"I can't say we've landed on one definition, but we're doing that work now," Nally explained. He emphasized that the definition must be specific enough to be meaningful but not so restrictive that it excludes local producers from using the "Alberta whisky" label.
A Foundation of Award-Winning Quality
The push for a formal definition is built on a foundation of existing excellence. Alberta distilleries like Turner Valley's Eau Claire Distillery and Red Deer's Troubled Monk have already garnered international awards for their whisky. This proven quality provides a strong platform for building a recognized and premium brand.
For industry leaders like Bryce Parsons, Whiskey Maker, Founder and CEO of Calgary's True Wild Distilling Ltd., the province's pursuit of an Alberta Whisky Act is a welcome and exciting development. The move is seen as a strategic effort to tell the world about Alberta's premium whisky products and drive significant growth for local distillers.
