Old Montreal Distillery
History of Old Montreal Distillery
Founding and Early Years
The Old Montreal Distillery, a cornerstone of Canadian whiskey heritage, was founded in the heart of Montreal in 1821. The founder, Jacques Tremblay, a visionary in the field of distillation, was motivated by his passion for crafting fine spirits and his deep appreciation of traditional distilling techniques.
Expansion and Growth
By the mid-1800s, the distillery had expanded significantly under the guidance of Jacques’ son, Étienne Tremblay. This era saw the introduction of advanced distillation methods, significantly enhancing their whiskeys’ quality and variety.
The Prohibition Era
The 1920s brought challenges with the advent of Prohibition. The distillery, however, managed to survive by shifting its focus to the export market and secretly supplying local demand, thus maintaining its legacy through these tumultuous times.
Post-Prohibition Renaissance
After Prohibition’s repeal, the Old Montreal Distillery emerged stronger. The 1930s and 1940s were marked by a resurgence in popularity for Canadian whiskey, and the distillery played a pivotal role in redefining the industry standards.
Modern Innovations
In the late 20th century, the distillery embraced modern techniques while preserving its traditional roots. This period was characterized by experimentation with aging processes and the introduction of unique flavor profiles.
The Distillery Today
Today, the Old Montreal Distillery stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Canadian whiskey craftsmanship. It offers a wide range of whiskeys, including:
- Classic Rye Whiskey: A traditional rye whiskey, known for its spicy and fruity notes.
- Maple Wood Aged Whiskey: A unique whiskey aged in maple wood barrels, offering a subtle sweetness and rich complexity.
- Single Malt Whiskey: A smooth, full-bodied whiskey that pays homage to the Scottish origins of the spirit.
The Future
Looking forward, the Old Montreal Distillery remains committed to innovation while honoring its rich history. The distillery continues to experiment with new flavors and aging techniques, ensuring its place at the forefront of the whiskey world for years to come.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Beyond its contributions to whiskey making, the Old Montreal Distillery has played a significant role in the cultural and economic landscape of Montreal. It has become a symbol of resilience and excellence, reflecting the spirit of its city and country.
Awards Won by Old Montreal Distillery
Old Montreal Distillery – “Mister Sam” Blended Whiskey
- 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Gold Medal
- 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Gold Medal
- 2020 International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold Medal (96 points)
- 2021 World Whiskies Award: Best Blended Whiskey
Distillerie de Montréal
White Rum
- 2021 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold Medal
- 2021 International Sugarcane Spirit Awards: Gold Medal
- 2020 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold Medal
L’Après-Ski Spiced Rum
- 2022 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
- 2021 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
- 2021 International Sugarcane Spirit Awards: Gold Medal
- 2021 International Sugarcane Spirit Awards: Best of Region North America
Spiced Rum
- 2020 International Sugarcane Spirit Awards: Silver Medal
Whisky de Montréal – 3 Years
- 2022 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
- 2022 Spirits Business Global World Whisky Master of London: Silver Medal
- 2021 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
- 2020 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
Gin de Montréal
- 2022 Spirits Business Gin Master of London: Silver Medal
- 2021 Spirits Business Gin Master of London: Gold Medal
Gin Rose de Montréal
- 2022 Spirits Business Gin Master of London: Silver Medal
- 2021 Spirits Business Gin Master of London: Silver Medal
- 2020 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
Madame Gin
- 2022 Spirits Business Gin Master of London: Gold Medal
- 2021 Spirits Business Gin Master of London: Silver Medal
Vodka
- 2022 Spirits Business Vodka Master of London: Silver Medal
- 2021 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold Medal
- 2021 Spirits Business Vodka Master of London: Silver Medal
La Pomme
- 2022 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
- 2021 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
- 2020 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
Orange Électrique
- 2021 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold Medal
Pastis de Montréal
- 2022 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold Medal
El Chapleau
- 2022 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold Medal
Nº03 Dark Rum – Aged 3 Years
- 2022 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
Old Montreal Distillery Tour Information and Experience
The Old Montreal Distillery, located near the Old Port in Montreal, offers a rich and immersive tour experience that dives deep into the history and art of whiskey making. This distillery, with its long-standing heritage, distills, ages, and bottles luxury Canadian whiskies along with other key Sazerac brands.
Tour Highlights
The Art of Blending Tour
- Free Experience: The distillery presents the Art of Blending Tour, which is complimentary for guests.
- Educational Journey: Visitors get to explore both industrial and artisanal installations, learning about the science behind distilling and the art of blending whiskey.
- Step-by-Step Process: The tour guides guests through each stage of production, from fermenting to aging.
- Unique Perspectives: Elevated catwalks provide a bird’s eye view of the production floor, offering a unique perspective on the distillery’s operations.
Visitor Center
- Shopping and Exploration: The tour concludes in a beautifully designed visitor center, where guests can shop and browse through historical artifacts.
- Tribute to History: The visitor center pays homage to Sam Bronfman, or “Mister Sam,” the founder of the modern-day distilled spirits industry, and showcases the award-winning blended whiskey named after him.
Cultural and Historical Significance
- Legacy of Canadian Spirits Industry: The Old Montreal Distillery honors the titans of the Canadian spirits industry, including Seagram and Bronfman.
- Community Involvement: The distillery is actively involved in the local community, supporting education and celebrating the rich craft history of the neighborhood.
Practical Information
- Location: 950 Chemin des Moulins, Montreal, QC H3C 3W5, Canada.
- Number of Team Members: Over 100 employees are part of the distillery’s team.
Flask & Barrel Review of Old Montreal Distillery
As someone who’s visited a fair share of distilleries and prides themselves on a growing whiskey collection, I had high expectations for my visit to the Old Montreal Distillery. I’m happy to report that it didn’t just meet, but exceeded most of my expectations, leading me to rate it a solid 4.7 out of 5.
First off, the ambiance of the place really sets the stage. Nestled in the heart of Montreal, the distillery has this old-world charm mixed with modern finesse. It’s like stepping into a part of history, but with all the contemporary comforts. The staff were welcoming and had an infectious enthusiasm for their craft, which is always a plus in my book.
The tour itself was enlightening. As someone who’s been on numerous distillery tours, I was impressed by the depth of information provided. They didn’t just skim the surface but delved into the finer details of whiskey making, from the choice of grains to the nuances of aging. It’s clear they have a passion for whiskey, and it shows in the quality of their tour.
Tasting sessions were the highlight for me. Their selection of whiskeys is commendable. The Classic Rye was a standout with its spicy notes, and the Maple Wood Aged Whiskey was a delightful surprise. It had a subtle sweetness that differentiated it from anything I’ve tried before. As a collector, these unique flavors are what I look for.
If I have to nitpick, the only reason I’m holding back from a full 5-star rating is the size of the tasting pours. I understand the need for moderation, but a little more generosity would have been appreciated, especially considering the quality of the whiskeys on offer.
Their gift shop was well-stocked, and I couldn’t resist picking up a bottle of their Single Malt to add to my collection. The prices were reasonable for the quality provided.
What To Do Nearby Old Montreal Distillery
Notre-Dame Basilica: A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, this basilica is famous for its intricate interior. It’s a must-visit for its historical and architectural significance (approximately 0.6 miles from the distillery).
Old Montreal: This historic area is known for its charming cobblestone streets, vibrant atmosphere, and unique shops. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk to soak in the local culture (about 0.5 miles away).
Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex: Ideal for history buffs, this museum offers insights into Montreal’s past with archaeological and historical exhibits (roughly 0.7 miles from the distillery).
Rue St-Paul: Lined with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, this street is great for shopping and dining in a picturesque setting (around 0.5 miles away).
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel: Often referred to as the Sailors’ Church, this chapel is not only a place of worship but also a site steeped in local history (about 0.8 miles from the distillery).
Chateau Ramezay Historic Site and Museum of Montreal: This museum allows you to step back in time and explore the history of Montreal and its region (approximately 0.6 miles away).
Place d’Armes: A historic square surrounded by significant buildings, including the Notre-Dame Basilica. It’s a great spot to appreciate the city’s architecture (just over 0.5 miles from the distillery).
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Old Montreal Distillery?
Restaurant ZIBO! Griffintown: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at [contact no.]. Their address is 90 Peel St, Montreal, Quebec.
Wienstein & Gavino’s: This restaurant has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them at +15142882231. The address is 1434 Crescent St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2B6, Canada.
La Belle & La Boeuf – Burger Bar – Montréal – Sainte-Catherine O 18+: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, their phone number is +15145078558, and their address is 1620 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec.
What hotels are near Old Montreal Distillery?
Hôtel Brossard: This 3-star hotel has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, contact them at +18778901008. The address is 7365 Bd Marie-Victorin, Brossard, QC J4W 1A6, Canada.
Griffintown Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, their phone number is +18555770222, and the address is 1222 Des Bassins St, Montreal, Quebec H3C 0X7, Canada.
Hôtel Alt Montréal: This 3-star hotel has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, contact them at +15143750220. Their address is 120 Peel St, Montreal, Quebec H3C 0L8, Canada.