Heroic local whisky deserving of a toast
Barrelling Annie inspired by heroine from Falls’ past
Sometimes the best ideas come from sitting back, relaxing and having a drink or two.
The hard part is putting those ideas into action, which is not the case for Niagara Craft Distillers even if it took a little bit of time.
Co-partner Ian Kowalchuk remembers being in Ellicottville with Chris Jeffries and talking up this great idea of locally crafted spirits.
Jeffries has more than 15 years’ experience brewing and marketing premium craft beer, having trained at Chicago’s renowned Siebel Institute of brewing science.
But the idea sat on the shelf for about two years, said Kowalchuk.
Until Chris met the third partner, Andy Murison who had 20 years of sales and marketing experience.
“I got a call from Chris who said ‘I bought a still, are you in?’”
“The three of us finalized the plan and got some capital investment.”
Jeffries soon had the first batches of vodka and gin going, and they were bottling their whisky.
Murison pushed to tie the spirits and rye to the region which is how they came up with the branding and Barrelling Annie whisky was born.
The whisky is named for Annie Edson Taylor, who, on her 63rd birthday in 1901, became the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
“Branding is important, that’s why we have a heroine on the front,” explains Kowalchuk.
“We made this more of an entry-level whisky, it’s a little sweeter. It’s not one you’re going to be too overpowered by.”
Kowalchuk describes it as a delicious mixing whisky, mixed with coke or gingerale; great in a Manhattan or a classic cocktail.
“Barrelling Annie is carried by 200 LCBO stores at the moment, across the province,” said Kowalchuk.
“Is it something you might drink straight like single malt or bourbon, maybe not, but this is an entry level that everyone can enjoy.”
Indeed there is some sweetness, with a nose of butterscotch which reminded me of the Life Savers candies I used to love as a youth.
I agree that this will mix well adding its persona to the drink.
Priced at $31.90 the whisky will soon be joined by a mixed beverage in a can that will be available at the Lundy’s Lane location.
And I’ll touch on the upcoming Cuvée weekend coming up starting March 23rd.
While the gala is the big night, one of the best events of the year, in my opinion, is the Cuvée En Route Passport, that allows you to taste your way along Niagara’s wine route all weekend.
About 40 participating wineries roll out the red carpet to feature special tasting flights embodying the best of Ontario wines during Cuvée.
While the wine list will not be made available until that weekend, you are assured of sampling some of the best Ontario has to offer.
Passes are available from the website www.cuvee.ca for $30 per person.