HIGHWOOD DISTILLERS

A lot can happen in 50 years. Canadians have been creative contributors to our economy in the last half-century and one of the fastest growing parts of that equation has been in the world of spirits. From small producers to larger distributors, our local distilleries are hard at work raising the bar at the bar. Among them is Highwood Distillers.

The distillery’s history dates to 1974 when it originated under the name ‘Sunnyvale’. A group of southern Alberta farmers in High River founded Sunnyvale Distillers as a collective effort to showcase the exceptional wheat grown locally. They committed to traditional distilling methods and produced a range of handcrafted spirits; their first was Marushka Vodka, a Russian/Ukrainian style of vodka still produced today.

“We’re approaching our 50th anniversary”, says Sheldon Hyra, National Sales Manager for Highwood Distillers. “We’ve maintained a commitment to the vision of the founders, combining those original distillation methods with innovative practices.” Highwood offers a wide variety of spirits and liqueurs including notable Canadian whiskies like White Owl and

Potter’s Special Old. Potter’s Distillers came into the Highwood fold in 2005, allowing the company to significantly expand their portfolio. “We produce a well-curated selection of vodkas, rums, gins, and liqueurs, all crafted with precision in small batches and aged properly in oak barrels.”

In 1984, what was Sunnyvale evolved into Highwood Distillery. The name is homage to the famous river and region that surrounds the distillery in the foothills of western Canada’s magnificent Rocky Mountains. While their business offices moved to Calgary in 1997, the Highwood distillery is still in High River where it has a production team of about 30 people. There’s a family feeling fostered among the crew and the operation remains an independent distillery, both elements that resonate with the Made in Alberta program.

“Actually, the Alberta Food Processors Association played a role in our decision to participate in this program”, says Hyra. “Made in Alberta acknowledges and promotes our province’s thriving industry and celebrates our pride as an Alberta-based producer. It’s a natural fit for us.” Being part of the program is deeply important to the team at Highwood because it resonates with a long-standing commitment to the region’s economy and agricultural heritage.

“For 50 years we’ve focused on using local grains and inputs, supporting the community where our roots are.” The Made in Alberta program gives Highwood the opportunity to share their story as a privately owned Alberta business and one of the largest independent distillers. “We want to highlight the quality that comes from our dedication to local resources and traditions”, says Hyra. “It’s a fitting way for us to showcase the values we live by and the local ties that define our operations.”

A commitment to Made in Alberta quality is a pay-it-forward investment. Highwood’s ‘Ninety’ 20-year-old Canadian Rye Whisky won All-Corn Whisky of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Whisky Awards, and their White Owl Whisky received Innovation of the Year in 2019. “The quality of Alberta’s grains is exceptional and forms the foundation of our products, while the skill of our local workforce is fundamental.” It’s a recipe for success and a winning combination – from medals on the podium to families in the community. Investing in local operations means Highwood is deeply embedded in the success of the region, and in the province overall.

“We’re grateful to be based in such a resource-rich area”, says Hyra. With 50 years of history, enrolling in Made in Alberta underlines Highwood’s commitment to local resources and the community. “It’s been integral to our progress.” Being rooted in the Alberta community – locally and in wider circles – is a source of genuine pride for the team at Highwood Distillery. “We’re always glad to talk about our home because many recognize Alberta’s workforce as diverse and enterprising, reflecting innovation and progress.”

It's engagement with the community that’s at the core of the Highwood ethos. “We support local initiatives, whether that’s community groups or sports teams or fundraisers, because we believe in contributing to the community that has always championed Alberta-made products.” The mutual support is essential, nurturing a relationship with the local market that reaches well beyond commerce. Community isn’t a commodity: it’s a culture.

A combination of Rocky Mountain water, local Alberta prairie grain, and diligently sourced botanicals and ingredients are carefully distilled, blended, and mixed to create products in nearly every category of spirit. The original footprint from that small distillery is imbued in every aspect of the production today, allowing echoes of those first steps to resonate through the decades and into the distillery’s 50th year.

Highwood Distillery is about meaningful participation in Alberta’s thriving communities, enriching its economy, and supporting its residents, both within their home province and wherever their spirits take them. The distillery is located in High River where the team welcomes visitors for self-guided tours, or tours and tastings by appointment. Be sure to book your visit a couple of weeks out – or if High River is a bit out of the way, ask for something Highwood at your favourite local watering