Canada has many domestic alcohol producers, ranging from small-batch distillers to internationally recognised breweries and wineries. Many of these companies use grains, grapes, botanicals, and maple syrup sourced within Canada. Canadian alcohol companies often have strong regional identities and focus on domestic production, from the Okanagan wine region to coastal distilleries and craft breweries dotted across the country.
Below, you will find some great examples of Canadian-owned companies making alcohol in Canada.
Canadian Alcohol Brands
Crown Royal
Manufacturing Location: Gimli, Manitoba
Where to Buy: Liquor stores
Key Details:
- Iconic Canadian whisky
- Locally distilled grains
Crown Royal is one of the most internationally recognised whisky producers to come from Canada. The brand, which distills on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, sources high-quality Canadian grains and uses a precise distillation and ageing process that contribute to Crown Royal’s smooth flavour. The distillery is known for its history; it was originally established in 1939 to commemorate the visit of King George VI and its tasting programmes. The Crown Royal drink selection ranges from classic blends to premium, small-batch whiskies.
Forty Creek Distillery
Manufacturing Location: Grimsby, Ontario
Where to Buy: Liquor stores
Key Details:
- Canadian-owned craft whisky
- Barrel-forward aging
Forty Creek is one of the most respected craft whisky distilleries in Canada. It produces complex, layered whiskies that have been aged in a variety of toasted oak barrels. The company was founded by winemaker John Hall, who brought a winemaker’s approach to blending and finishing whiskies. As a result, Forty Creek whiskies have a distinctive character, both within the core lineup and across limited releases. Their tasting room in Grimsby is a popular destination for fans of Canadian whisky.
Iceberg Vodka
Manufacturing Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador
Where to Buy: Liquor stores
Key Details:
- Uses actual iceberg water
- Uniquely Canadian spirit
Iceberg Vodka is famous for using water collected from melting North Atlantic icebergs, which is some of the oldest natural water on earth. The company has carved itself a recognisable place in the country’s vodka scene with its crisp, clean flavour profiles. The brand’s identity is deeply connected to its East Coast home, and the company is the only national vodka that is owned and produced entirely in Canada.
Canadian Club
Manufacturing Location: Windsor, Ontario
Where to Buy: Liquor stores
Key Details:
- One of Canada’s legacy whisky brands
- Widely recognised globally
Canadian Club has played a key role in defining Canadian whisky with roots reaching back to the 1800s. Over its long history, Canadian Club has built itself a reputation for consistency and through its international distribution, it helped establish Canada as a serious whisky-producing nation. Canadian Club is known for its mellow, approachable, and subtly spiced flavour, making it popular in classic cocktails but also as a neat whisky.
Ungava Gin
Manufacturing Location: Cowansville, Quebec
Where to Buy: Liquor stores
Key Details:
- Made with Arctic botanicals
- Naturally golden gin
Ungava Gin is a Canadian brand based in Quebec, known for its naturally yellow colour. This colour, as well as its distinctive taste, comes from the six wild botanicals that are harvested within Northern Quebec and added to the gin during the distilling process, including cloudberries and rose hips. Ungava has earned international attention for its commitment to natural flavours and sustainable harvesting practices, which showcase the flavours of Quebec’s wilderness.
Steinhart Distillery
Manufacturing Location: Arisaig, Nova Scotia
Where to Buy: Liquor stores
Key Details:
- German-Canadian master distiller
- Small-batch vodkas and gin
Steinhart Distillery in Nova Scotia produces award-winning vodka and gin, combining European distilling techniques and Canadian sourcing. The distillery was founded by a German-trained master distiller and is focused on small batch production to ensure careful attention to detail and quality. Steinhart’s product range includes gins and classic and flavoured vodkas, as well as seasonal releases and collaborative projects with local farmers and producers.
Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers
Manufacturing Location: Beamsville, Ontario
Where to Buy: Liquor stores
Key Details:
- Craft gin, rye whisky, and amaros
- Niagara-grown botanicals
Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers focuses on grain-to-glass production, which means that botanicals, grains, and seasonal ingredients are sourced locally as much as possible. For example, the grains and grapes used in their drinks are always sourced within Ontario. The brand’s drinks portfolio includes gin, rye whisky, vodka, absinthe, liquers, and amaraos. Dillon’s is committed to short supply chains and small batch, in-house production to ensure quality and sustainable practices.
Molson Coors Canada
Manufacturing Location: Toronto, Longueuil, Chilliwack, Moncton, Newfoundland and Labrador, Montreal
Where to Buy: Nationwide liquor stores and restaurants
Key Details:
- One of Canada’s oldest breweries
- Founded in the 1700s
Founded in 1786, Molson is one of the oldest breweries in the world that has been operating continuously. Molson brews a wide portfolio of alcoholic beverages, including Molson Canadian, Coors Light (Canadian production), and Rickard’s and employs thousands of Canadians across its multiple breweries and distribution operations. While it is now part of Molson Coors Beverage Company, the brand’s history and brewing infrastructure in Canada remain strong. The company supports many national events, hockey, and local community programmes.
