Craft Liquor Producers are Thriving in Saskatchewan

And no, I’m not talking about Uncle John running a little copper still out on the farm. I’m talking about liquor producers that have been gaining national, and sometimes even international recognition for their products.

With August long weekend technically being Saskatchewan Day, why not take a look at some of the local leaders in craft beer and distilling?

PADDOCK WOOD BREWING (https://padockwoodbrewing.com)

One of the first craft breweries in our province was Paddock Wood, located in Saskatoon’s Sutherland district. Originally opened as a supplier for home brewing supplies, they started into the brewing end of things in 2002. They currently offer 7 year round brews as well as a number of seasonal flavours. Popular beers from Paddock Wood include their Czech Mate Pilsner and Sun Seeker Hazy IPA, which was released as a seasonal last year and has become one of their most popular brews.

REBELLION BREWING (https://rebellionbrewing.ca)

I once had a sales rep from Great Western Brewing in Saskatoon tell me that Regina had the most craft breweries per capita of any city in Canada….and I believe it. Some of out best selling craft beers are made there, and Rebellion (est. 2014) has been a customer favorite since we opened back in 2018. Their cans feature artwork designed by local tattoo artists, and offer a very wide selection of flavors. From Oatmeal Stout to their Zilla IPA, there is rarely a day that goes by that we don’t sell SOMEthing from Rebellion. Their seasonal fruit sours sell almost as fast as we can bring them in, and their Mexico-inspired Cerveza is a summer favorite on the deck. Of course, they also offer regular BEER!, an easy drinking Kolsch style brew.

PILE O’ BONES BREWING (https://pileobonesbrewing.com)

Oskana ka-asastēki, translated from Cree as ‘Pile Of Bones’, is the original First Nations name for Regina due to the, well, large pile of buffalo bones that had accumulated there following traditional First Nation hunts. Pile O’ Bones Brewing adopted the name as a way to acknowledge the history of the area and the First Nations peoples that were there before the European settlers. Their popular White IPA uses at least 50% wheat instead of barley, and top selling Space Cadet IPA at 6.5% “has the “right stuff” to get you to the moon and back.” (They said it, not me)

NOKOMIS CRAFT ALES (https://nokomiscraftales.com)

What is more Saskatchewan than a brewery set up in an old community curling rink? Though initially a garage-based business in 2014, they have expanded to their current location, producing quality craft beer in a town of barely 400 people. Last fall they released a new Modern IPA, which we have had to increase our inventory on every month due to its popularity. Their mixed pack of 12 cans featuring 4 core brews is one of the best selling variety packs we have ever carried.

LAST MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY (https://lastmountaindistillery.com)

Whether by chance or by design, Saskatchewan’s first craft distillery was established in Lumsden, only minutes from the home of the biggest summer party in Saskatchewan. Founded in 2010 by former Edmonton Oiler Colin Schmidt in his garage, they moved to their current location early in 2013 and have never looked back. Home of the original Dill Pickle Vodka that reinvented the classic Caesar, Last Mountain has become one of Saskatchewan’s best selling premium spirits, embracing their prairie heritage by adopting grain elevator shaped bottles for their products. Recently they launched LŌK(Ə)L,embracing products exclusively from southern Saskatchewan where possible, resulting in a lower price point while still offering a quality vodka.

LUCKY BASTARD DISTILLERS (https://luckybastard.ca)

Founded by a Saskatoon lottery winner (no, really!) and surviving a lawsuit over the name (again, really!), Lucky Bastard has grown from a humble start in the basement of a downtown Saskatoon hotel in 2012 to one of the best selling Saskatchewan based distilleries. With several flavoured vodkas, gins, and liqueurs, Lucky Bastard now boasts over 30 products and a new distillery and tap room on 47^th Street in Saskatoon. Almost hard to believe their goal when they started was to distill the next great Canadian Whiskey….but who knows what their future holds…

PHANTOM LIGHT VODKA (https://phantomlightdistillerty.com)

Finishing off with a business a little closer to home, Phantom Light Vodka is a relative newcomer to the spirits game in Saskatchewan, but that hasn’t stopped them from making a big splash. Based right here in Prince Albert and established a mere two years ago, Phantom Light has already received international recognition, scoring the top Platinum level at the California-based SIP Awards, the only major competition judged by consumers. In doing so, they scored higher than ‘ultra-premium’ brands such as Crystal Head, Belvedere, and Northern Keep. Phantom Light has also not been shy about supporting local initiatives, sponsoring a number of dances and fundraisers, and raising over $20,000 for support of the Ukraine in the current global conflict.

This is just a small sample of great local breweries and distilleries based here in our province. From mead and beer to whiskey and vodka, why not try something local to celebrate Saskatchewan Day this year?

by Discount Liquor

Craft Liquor Producers are Thriving in Saskatchewan

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