Alberta unveils mustard-hued logo for Alberta Whisky as distillers gain international recognition
The new emblem marks rules passed in May requiring whisky to be made with Alberta water and at least two-thirds Alberta grain.
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Alberta has unveiled a new emblem for regionally produced whisky: three mustard-hued triangles symbolizing the Rockies over a U-shaped layer containing two parallel grains.
Distillers will soon see this logo embossed on some of their local favourites, as the province marks rules for what counts as Alberta whisky. The Alberta Whisky Act, passed in May, lays out the standards.
To obtain the "Alberta whisky" label, the spirit must be made using all of its water from Alberta, and at least two-thirds of the grain must be sourced from the province's crops. The whisky must be mashed, fermented, aged and bottled in Alberta. Distillers must also meet globally recognized standards — the spirit must be aged at least three years in wood barrels and be a minimum of 40 per cent alcohol by volume.
"Distillers are turning Alberta-grown ingredients into something truly special, products that are earning attention well beyond our borders," Premier Danielle Smith said Monday at a distillery packed with industry players.
Alberta whisky producers — including Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye and GrainHenge Arrowwood Rye Whisky — have won international awards for their products, according to Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
Part of the initiative also includes carving a tourist destination out of the province's distilleries, called the Alberta Whisky Trail, named after the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which boasts more than 60 distilleries.
