Sit and let us pour you a glass. In this article, we’re spilling all the tea – or should we say alcohol, actually?
Calgary distilleries aren’t just brewing the same old classic drinks any alcohol aficionado’s shelf is brimming with. In fact, plenty of them are known for being scientists experimenting with innovative concoctions, bringing extra fun and flavor to the table.
Below, we’ve listed the ones we like best so that you can get a taste of them too!
Table of Contents
1. Two Rivers Distillery
Website: https://tworiversdistillery.com/
Address: 453 42 Avenue Southeast Calgary, AB T2G 1Y3
Contact details: (403)-455-9759
Operating Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday/Wednesday: 3pm-9pm
- Thursday: 3pm-10pm
- Friday: 12pm-11pm (unless live music)
- Saturday: 12pm-11pm (unless live music)
- Sunday: 2pm-7pm
Two Rivers Distillery stands out as a craft distillery dedicated to producing premium spirits using locally sourced ingredients. Alberta barley and water form the foundation of their products, resulting in spirits that are consistently high in quality and character.
The distillery blends traditional distilling methods with modern, Canadian-made equipment to produce small-batch spirits with precision and care. Visitors are able to see the full distillation process firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of both the technical and creative elements behind each bottle.
Sustainability plays a central role in Two Rivers Distillery’s operations. Water used during production is reused where possible, and spent grain is provided to local ranchers. These practices make distillery tours both educational and environmentally responsible.
The experience is further enriched by the distillery’s strong historical ties. Two Rivers Distillery honours the legacy of the Freeland family and Canadian soldiers, creating a meaningful connection between craftsmanship, history, and national heritage.
Tours are designed to be engaging and informative, typically including tastings of finished spirits alongside explanations of flavour profiles and production choices. Guests leave with a greater appreciation for the skill, consistency, and attention to detail required to create premium craft spirits.
While certain botanicals, such as citrus used in gin production, must be sourced internationally, the majority of ingredients come from within 100 kilometres of the distillery. This emphasis on local sourcing reinforces their commitment to authenticity and regional character.
In addition to distillery tours, Two Rivers Distillery has recently introduced cocktail making classes that expand the visitor experience. These hands-on classes guide participants through the step-by-step process of creating two of the distillery’s signature cocktails. After a guided demonstration, attendees are given the opportunity to make the cocktails themselves using Two Rivers spirits. The classes are open to guests of legal drinking age and offer a relaxed, interactive way to learn practical cocktail-making skills.
Two Rivers Distillery is also known for putting a modern spin on classic recipes, showcasing creativity alongside tradition. Their canned raspberry mojito is a standout example of this approach, combining familiar flavours with a fresh, contemporary twist.
Overall, Two Rivers Distillery offers a well-rounded and memorable experience for visitors interested in craft spirits. From sustainable practices and historical storytelling to tastings, tours, and cocktail making classes, the distillery delivers both education and enjoyment while continuing to innovate within the industry.
2. Burwood Distillery
Website: https://burwooddistillery.ca
Address: 2566 Flanders Ave SW Suite 100, Calgary, AB T3E 7H9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-276-8410
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Known for their delicious honey-infused creations, Burwood Distillery provides an exciting avenue that connects local craftsmanship with Calgary’s enthusiasts of alcoholic beverages.
Not only do they dabble in traditional styles, they also put a modern spin on classics, solidifying their status as an innovative company. Our current favorite from them is a great example of this: the canned raspberry mojito.
3. Skunkworks Distillery
Website: https://www.skunkworksdistillery.com
Address: 4009 4 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2W4, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-404-2024
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday, Thursday, & Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Skunkworks Distillery, one of the big dogs in the game, is known for their exceptional moonshine distributed in small numbers, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.
They have a stylish tasting room that welcomes anyone interested. As a perfect accompaniment to their delicious creations, visitors can also indulge in exciting live music performances that happen pretty often.
4. Confluence Distilling
Website: https://www.confluencedistilling.ca
Address: 507 36 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1W5, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-521-4738
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 3 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 3 PM to 10 PM
Confluence Distilling is a small company focusing on the careful creation of vodkas, gin, and liqueurs. Like plenty of distilleries in the city, they’re known for their commitment to innovation.
People can also enjoy their tasty creations through their shop, which offers a dazzling array of signature cocktails. To pair with the delicious drink of your choice, you can also order some simple snacks like chips & dip and charcuterie & cheese.
They also don’t mind when customers bring their own food, by the way!
5. Bridgeland Distillery Inc
Website: https://bridgelanddistillery.com
Address: 77 Edmonton Trail, Calgary, AB T2E 8M8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-455-9335
Operating hours:
- Monday & Tuesday – 12 PM to 4 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 2 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – closed
- Sunday – 2 PM to 6 PM
Located in one of the neighborhoods in Calgary brimming with community spirit, Bridgeland Distillery expertly crafts celebrations in a glass, tailor-made to be shared with a community.
To get a glimpse of the world of distilleries, you can book a tour through their website. In the tour, you’ll be guided through their factory to see how their brandy, whisky, and grappa is made. And of course, the tour wouldn’t be complete without getting a taste of their exceptional spirits!
6. Romero Distilling Company
Website: https://romerodistilling.com/pages/our-story
Address: 688 Heritage Dr SE #300, Calgary, AB T2H 1M6, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-640-7886
Operating hours:
- Monday & Sunday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Despite only entering the liquor scene in 2018, Romero Distilling Company has already become a noteworthy presence, with their exceptional rum creations spreading throughout British Columbia and the United States.
Not only have they achieved rapid growth, but they’ve also gained the title of pioneers of Western Canada’s rum distillery.
You can enjoy their rum-infused cocktails at a stylish bar called Romero Distilling Cocktail Bar (address above!). Patrons are not only given a chance to indulge in the interesting world of alcoholic beverages, but can also enjoy a delightful live music performance while there.
