Our Story
THE STORY: THE GENESIS OF THE DREAM. Follow us on the fascinating adventure of creating the Distillerie des Cantons. Our dream took root in 2018, during an initiatory trip to Scotland, where the idea of producing the best whisky in the world was born. From land acquisition to the meticulous planning of barley and rye cultivation using the regenerative agriculture method, every step of this bold project is guided by the passion and determination of Martin McNicoll, our founder, and his team. It's a story of perseverance, innovation, and love for the terroir of the Eastern Townships.
A bold mission: to bring home a single cask of whisky. The mission did not succeed, but it sparked the vision to create an exceptional whisky right here in the Eastern Townships.
It was in the heart of the Eastern Townships that founder Martin McNicoll chose to establish a Quebec whisky distillery. Drawing on his family's passion for Scotch whisky, he decided to embark on an entrepreneurial adventure to produce a unique Canadian whisky.
Our search for land with a good water source, which could accommodate grain cultivation and distillery operations, was successful, and we settled in the township of Potton.
We acquire farm equipment and begin working the land. We decide to use regenerative methods for our grain crops.
Distillery Construction: We managed to close the main building structure before the first snow in December 2023, making it ready to receive the distillation equipment.
All equipment is installed and operational, we produce our first barrels of whisky.
Building the rickhouse and experimenting with our 'Rye' and our 'Canadian Bourbon'
2026
Creation of our Scottish-inspired Butterscotch Liqueur.
2028
Release of our first whiskeys, and opening of our tasting center.
To make the best whisky in the world.
Nothing less.
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By joining our exclusive list, you'll enter the exclusive circle of Distillerie des Cantons. You'll receive the latest updates on the progress of our project, enjoy member-only content such as insights into the manufacturing process and behind-the-scenes at the distillery, and be the first to know about limited editions of our upcoming whiskies and spirits. You'll also have the opportunity to be invited to exclusive tastings to appreciate the evolution of our elixirs over the years.