Alberta Tables Bill to Establish Official ‘Alberta Whisky’ Label

A tour group tastes the offerings at a distillery in Turner Valley, Alta., in a file photo. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

Alberta has tabled legislation to create an official provincial whisky label, with Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally saying he wants it to earn the same global recognition as Bourbon whiskey from Kentucky and Scotch whisky from Scotland.

The proposed Bill 24, the Alberta Whisky Act, outlines rules governing how long distilleries must age their products and where they source their rye and water to be eligible to use the “Alberta Whisky” label.

“Alberta’s distillers craft some of the finest whisky in the world, using the highest quality ingredients that only Alberta can offer. And the Alberta Whisky Act will give them the recognition they rightfully deserve, helping them flourish on the world stage,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on social media on April 1.

Under the proposed Alberta Whisky Act, Alberta whisky must be mashed, fermented, aged, proofed, bottled in Alberta, and made from 100 percent Alberta water pre-distillation, and any wine or spirits blended into the whisky must be aged at least two years, according to a Government of Alberta press release.

The province highlighted that whisky-producing regions in Ireland, Scotland, and the United States have used legislation and other tools to protect the quality, authenticity, and reputation of their products.

“If passed, the Alberta Whisky Act would give Alberta whisky a clear identity, just as Kentucky is known for bourbon and Scotland is known for scotch,” the government said.

Smith said she had been approached by distillers in the province about the need to distinguish their products from other Canadian whiskeys on the market.

“We think there’s an obvious solution to this challenge. Define what Alberta whisky is and protect it in legislation—and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” she said during a press conference on March 31, shortly after Bill 24 was tabled.

Local producer Burwood Distillery welcomed the proposed legislation.

“The Alberta Whisky Act gives our spirits the global identity they deserve. By protecting our local craft and ingredients, we ensure Alberta Whisky is recognized alongside the world’s finest regions,” said Jordan Ramey, co-owner of Burwood Distillery.

The bill was also favourably received by the Alberta Craft Distillers Association.

“Today, the Alberta Whisky Act affirms our world-class whisky industry, rooted in Alberta’s blessed agricultural lands,” said Bryce Parsons, president and chair of the association.

The Alberta government said that participation would be voluntary, and that distillers could continue producing other whisky products that do not meet the Alberta Whisky definition.

If the proposed bill passes, Alberta’s government will work with industry to implement the Alberta Whisky Act framework, while Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis would oversee compliance and enforcement of the new legislation, the province said.