Wine , Beer & Spirits
HANSEN
BY MATTHEW STEPANIC & LINDSAY SHAPKA
HOOCH
Though they only opened their doors last December , Hansen Distillery has a nearcentury-long history as the family used to make and sell moonshine during the Great Depression . The End of the Line Moonshine is based off that old recipe , and the strong liquor is made in small batches with Alberta-grown wheat . Despite the high alcohol content , the moonshine is surprisingly smooth , making it ideal for anyone craving a pleasant , stiff drink . Stop in the distillery for a tasting and a tour , and admire their grandpa ’ s old car ! You can buy their liquors , including a rye and vodka , at the distillery ( hansendistillery . com ) or Sherbrooke Liquor Store ( pg 46 ). — M . S .
PHOTOS COURTESY STRATHCONA SPIRITS ; HANSEN DISTILLERY ; YELLOWHEAD BREWERY
GUIDING SPIRITS
Just last year Strathcona Spirits was the first distillery to open in Edmonton . Ever . In making up for lost time , the distillery has crafted two high-end spirits . The Single Grain Wheat Vodka is made from hard red wheat grown only 23 kilometres from the distillery , and has delightful and subtle notes of vanilla with a light finish . Their Badland Seaberry Gin employs 10 unique botanicals — some juniper is even foraged from the Badlands along the Red Deer River . Find a bottle at Color de Vino ( colordevino . com ) or Keg n Cork ( kegncork . com ). — M . S .
IN SAISON
The makers of Edmonton ’ s original craft lager , Yellowhead Brewery , have introduced some new members in addition to their regular roster . The Remlar Pale Ale , which is a silky-smooth mix of British and American styles , has become a year-round feature , while the Saison Tête Jaune is back this month and will hopefully be in season for a while . First introduced last November , Yellowhead ’ s Saison features floral and citrus flavours balanced with peppery notes from the Belgian Yeast . Enjoy it on tap at the brewery ( yellowheadbrewery . com ) or head to the website to view a list of pubs tapping it in the city . — M . S .
MARCH / APRIL 2017 // where . ca 45