Calgary distilleries seeing uptick in purchases of locally made liquor amid U.S. tariffs

As Alberta stops imports of American alcohol amid a trade war with the United States, local distilleries say they’re ready to meet the demand.

Jordan Ramey, Burwood Distillery’s chief operations officer, says Alberta halting imports of U.S. booze is finally giving local producers like them the exposure that they have been waiting for.

He says as demand goes up, they’re ready to meet it.

“Suddenly there’s shelf space for them, so it’s making a really opportune time for us as small producers to showcase what we have been up to the last decade here,” Ramey said.

And it’s not only Burwood seeing that uptick, as distilleries across the province report similar experiences.

For those worried that may lead to a shortage of booze, distillers say there’s enough to go around.

“There’s really great whiskey inventories that are here, that will completely cover — especially Alberta’s needs — as well as other province’s needs,” said Bryce Parsons, owner of True Wild Distilling and president of the Alberta Craft Distillers Association:

So far, it seems consumers have been embracing the change — saying “Bottoms up!” to Alberta spirits.

“For year-over-year sales numbers, we’re selling about 50 per cent to 70 per cent more product,” Ramey said.

Parsons added that customers in support of the change.

“They don’t mind that they’re old fashion is made with a Canadian whisky versus a traditional bourbon,” he said.