Burwood Distillery Ground Breaking Whisky Experience Center

Province leaders, tourism partners, and industry gather to celebrate the Alberta Whisky Act and break ground on future Ab. Whisky TrailAlberta Whisky’s Defining Moment Arrives June 10 at Burwood DistilleryProvince leaders, tourism partners, and industry gather to celebrate the Alberta Whisky Act and break ground on Calgary’s future Whisky Trail Experience CentreCALGARY, AB — June 1, 2026 — Alberta whisky officially has its name, and now it’s getting the destination to match.On June 10, government leaders, tourism partners, distillers, hospitality professionals, media, and the public will gather at Burwood Distillery to celebrate the passing of the Alberta Whisky Act and officially break ground on Burwood Distillery’s future Whisky Trail Experience Centre, a major tourism and hospitality destination designed to help put Alberta whisky on the global stage.The event marks a defining moment for Alberta’s rapidly growing whisky industry. The Alberta Whisky Act establishes official standards for what can be labeled “Alberta Whisky,” requiring whisky bearing the designation to be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, proofed, and bottled entirely in Alberta using Alberta water and predominantly Alberta-grown grain.“Projects like this at Burwood Distillery not only showcase local craftsmanship but are a key step toward building an Alberta Whisky Trail that highlights our distillers, creates jobs, and strengthens rural tourism. By linking world-class local whisky with visitor experiences, we’re opening the door to new economic opportunities and putting Alberta firmly on the map as a destination for whisky tourism.” Andrew Boitchenko- Hon. Minister of Sport & Tourism- AlbertaThe legislation positions Alberta alongside globally recognized whisky regions such as Scotland and Kentucky, while strengthening the province’s agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and hospitality sectors.“This is about more than whisky,” says Jordan Ramey, founder of Burwood Distillery. “This is about Alberta agriculture, Alberta tourism, Alberta hospitality, and creating experiences that people travel for. For decades, Alberta distillers have been producing world-class whisky. Now Alberta finally has the identity to match it.”The June 10 celebration will also officially launch the next phase of Burwood Distillery’s Whisky Trail Experience Centre at the historic D4 Stables in Currie Barracks, expected to open in early 2027.Designed as an immersive whisky tourism and hospitality destination, the centre will feature whisky tastings, guided distillery tours, cask blending classes, whisky-making experiences, educational programming, culinary activations, and event space tied directly to Alberta’s emerging whisky tourism industry.Supported by Travel Alberta investment, the project aligns closely with the province’s vision for a future Alberta Whisky Trail, creating destination tourism experiences that connect visitors directly to Alberta-made spirits and the people behind them.“Whisky should tell you where it came from,” says Ramey. “Who grew the grain. Who distilled it. What land shaped it. The Whisky Trail Experience Centre is about bringing that story to life in a way people can taste, experience, and remember.”Burwood Distillery has become one of Alberta’s most recognized craft distilleries, earning multiple national and international awards for its spirits and whisky program. Its Bee Whisperer Whisky was previously recognized as Canadian Spirit of the Year, helping showcase Alberta’s growing reputation for world-class whisky production.The June 10 event will feature remarks from provincial ministers, tourism leaders, and industry representatives, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking, media interviews, public networking reception, cocktails, Alberta whisky tastings, and behind-the-scenes tours of the distillery and historic D4 Stables Building.