Niagara isn't just for wine. The same geological features that make it a world-class viticulture region provide the ideal conditions for maturing world-class whisky.
Limestone Filtration
The local water source, filtered through ancient limestone, provides the mineral content essential for robust fermentation.
Grimsby, ON
Recognized as a trailblazer in the Canadian whisky renaissance, Forty Creek is famous for its "three-grain" process. By distilling and aging corn, rye, and barley spirits separately before blending, they achieve a complexity rarely seen in traditional batches. Their Grimsby distillery remains a mecca for those seeking smooth, honeyed whiskies with a bold, velvety finish.
Beamsville, ON
Dillon's embodies the "farm-to-glass" movement. Utilizing a traditional copper pot still and 100% locally sourced Canadian rye, they produce spirits that are unadulterated and full of character. Their whiskies often feature spicy, herbal notes that reflect the true terroir of the Beamsville Bench, aged in a variety of new oak and wine casks.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
At this state-of-the-art facility, the worlds of elite viticulture and distillation collide. Their whisky is uniquely finished in red wine casks from their own vineyard, imparting deep notes of dark fruit, plum, and subtle tannins. It is a sophisticated, approachable style that celebrates the agricultural bounty of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, IN
As Canada's first commercial teaching distillery, this institution serves as the scientific and creative heartbeat of the Niagara spirits industry. Here, the next generation of master distillers experiments with state-of-the-art technology and heritage techniques. Their products are a testament to academic rigor and creative freedom, offering a glimpse into the future of Canadian whisky with every meticulously crafted batch.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
With a mission rooted in sustainability and local heritage, Spirit in Niagara utilizes the region's abundance of "tender fruit" to innovate. While they produce traditional grain whiskies, their true specialty lies in spirits that incorporate the bounty of the sun-drenched peninsula. Their distillery serves as a community anchor, celebrating the deep connection between the local farmer, the land, and the final bottled spirit.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (virtual)
Harris Beach represents a modern chapter in Niagara's distilling history, focusing on a refined "Beachside" profile that is both approachable and complex. Using high-quality grains and aging techniques that take advantage of the Escarpment's humidity, they produce whiskies known for notes of butterscotch and subtle coastal influence. Their commitment to small-batch production ensures that every bottle maintains a premium, hand-crafted integrity.
Visit Harris Beach Spirits Here
Explore the diverse landscape of distillers defining the next generation of Canadian whisky through innovation, tradition, and local terroir.