The Distiller’s Path: Good, Better, and Best Ways to Start a Whisky Business

Starting a whisky micro-distillery in Canada is no hobby—it’s a high-stakes adventure for those with a keen business sense & passion. Here are the “Good” “Better” & “Best” options.

GOOD: The Budget-Friendly Entry
For the budget-conscious entrepreneur, scour the market for second-hand equipment from distilleries that have closed shop. While this route lacks warranties and may require repairs, you can kickstart your operation for as little as $50,000 to $75,000. Alternatively, focus on blending whisky instead of distilling, positioning yourself as a master blender -the still can come later.

BETTER: Striking the Right Balance
Investing in mid-range equipment strikes a balance between quality and cost. Copper pot stills are essential, but be mindful of other process components. The integrity of your operation is only as strong as its weakest link. Expect to spend under $150,000 on all equipment. With high-quality grain, a reliable copper pot still and top-tier barrels, your whisky will stand out in the market.

BEST: The Premium Path
If you’re aiming for the pinnacle of whisky excellence, partner with major equipment suppliers and leverage their consultancy services. Premium pot stills alone can range from $150,000 to over $1 million. Back in 2018, industry experts projected that launching a “BEST” distillery required this level of investment and a one-year setup period. Diony distillery is from the premium path to produce a premium whisky.

Lessons from the Field

Working solo most of the time, I faced long hours and the intricate dance of assembling high-tech equipment. Key advice: work with building inspectors before starting any construction to avoid costly setbacks. I had taken a 1 week class in Kelowna at Urban Distillery -Master Distiller Workshop with Mike and Malcolm. From there, consultations with AGLC, Excise, Red Deer County,  Mueller Potstills (my Pot Still supplier), Krang Spirits, Wild Life Distillery and TroubledMonk proved most useful.

Alberta + Best Grain = Top Shelf Whisky

The Entrepreneur’s Setup Journey (started in 2018)
Launching a distillery involves relentless dedication. For 4 years, I clocked 10 to 11 hours daily as a General Manager at CT, adding 2 to 5 hours of extra work each day. Even my “days off” were filled with long shifts and family time. From the time my forklift arrived to my first distillation, this took 6 months which is short compared to many distillery setups -thanks to my planning.

Is This Venture for You?
Starting a whisky distillery is for the bold entrepreneur with a willingness to invest time, money, and effort into a promising future. Every barrel I have filled represents a mutual fund I hope to cash out later in life. If you have the passion, drive, business acumen with mad determination -you are a likely candidate.

By joining one of my workshops and you will see and taste the passion behind our whisky.