Nova Scotia kindles explosion of craft distilleries

Nova Scotia has kindled an explosion of spirit makers — there are now 16 in Canada’s secondsmallest province — through attractive craft distillery policies and collaborations with local farmers.

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. said 12 of those distilleries have popped up in the last five years, producing rum, gin, vodka and other spirits in all corners of the province.

Pierre Guevremont, co-owner of Ironworks Distillery in Lunenburg, said Nova Scotia is a leader among provinces in terms of its policies for craft distilleries, along with B.C. and Saskatchewan.

Guevremont said distilleries get favourable margins when selling through the NSLC, and an additional markup reduction when their tipples are made with entirely Nova Scotian agricultural products.

“It encourages development in the local industry,’’ said Guevremont on Wednesday. “We most certainly are in the midst of a boom.’’

NSLC spokeswoman Beverley Ware said the annual craft distillery permit is only $500, on-site store permits are $100 and if the distillery has a tasting room, a hospitality permit costs $100.

Ware said the province wanted to create policies that would encourage job creation in the sector, particularly in rural areas, and spur economic growth.

“It’s certainly paying off,’’ said Ware. “They’re contributing to the local economies and they’re contributing to the economy overall of Nova Scotia. And they’re creating a wonderful reputation for Nova Scotia spirits.’’

She noted Glynnevan’s Double Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky, made in Guysborough, is a twotime silver medallist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Guevremont’s boutique and micro distillery received a $159,748 repayable loan Wednesday from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to expand and modernize its production facility in the picturesque port town, home of the famed schooner Bluenose II.