Two fruity cocktails in rose gold coloured goblets sit in the snow. — Crosscut Distillery, Sudbury | @sugarfreebrie

Four Northern Ontario distilleries to visit

Distilling fine spirits is an art form, using locally sourced ingredients and employing traditional knowledge with new and innovative techniques.

But ask what drives Ontario’s distillers to go the distance on bringing great recipes to life, and they’ll say the number one ingredient is passion.

Northern Ontario is home to a community of dedicated distillers, each with its own distinct flavour yet all celebrate pride of place.

Find out for yourself – distillery tastings are a great way to learn all about this noble art form and discover your new favourite cocktail.

Distillerie Rheault Distillery

Discover Northern Ontario’s smooth, clean vodka served with warm hospitality. Rheault Distillery produces the only alpha vodka in Canada, containing 0% methanol with a sweet scent and a silky finish.

Even the bottle is a work of art, the logo on the Loon Vodka was designed by Stephen Peltonen, a local Indigenous artist. While you’re there, chat with owners, Marcel and Mireille, for their tips on running home-based distilleries.

Location: 6 Highway 583 Nord RR 2 #19, Hearst

Muskoka Brewery

This landmark, cottage-country brewery also produces small batch traditional, dry gin distilled with wild junipers, orris root, orange peel and fresh heather.

Muskoka Spirits also offers four flavours of its Hard Sparkling Water, using natural fruit flavours and ingredients. There's something for everyone from spirits to craft beer and a new non-alcoholic sparkling tea infusion, Wandr. Lakeside sundowners just got more exciting.

Location: 1964 Muskoka Beach Road, Bracebridge

Crosscut Distillery

With innovation and quality top of mind, Sudbury’s first distillery produces small batch whisky, gin and vodka, including a pepper bacon-flavoured vodka. Bacon + vodka! Proving once again that everything’s better with bacon.

Location: 1347 Kelly Lake Road, Sudbury

Copperhead Distillery and Spirits Ltd.

There’s a moonshine-era-esque vibe to this new establishment that feels like it’s been around for ages.

Whisky, rum, vodka and gin are all crafted from local, organic fruits and grains, as well as seasonal specials like maple moonshine and spiked eggnog – all sold in mason jars. You’re welcome to sample them warmed at the bar.

Location: 68 Tower Road, Sundridge

Last updated: June 1, 2023