Cirka Distilleries

Historie

CIRKA Distilleries is Quebec's first grain-to-bottle distillery and sits beside the historic Lachine Canal in Montreal. The distillery was founded by Paul Cirka and Isabelle Rochette, and production began in 2016. CIRKA describes itself as a small micro-distillery that works closely with local farmers and foragers to express terroir through grain and botanicals. They highlight that they are Quebec's first grain-to-bottle distillery and that they create regionally characterful spirits. The company received the Laurier Gastronomy Award in 2021 for excellence as producers and claims to be the only Canadian distillery to have won Gold Outstanding at London's International Wine and Spirits Competition. CIRKA emphasizes a strong connection to Montreal and to cultural partnerships; the mascot CLOVIS symbolizes the brand's northern identity, and they support environmental and conservation initiatives such as Innu conservation projects and SNAP Québec. Tours and tastings give visitors the opportunity to experience the grain-to-bottle process in practice.

Produktion/Fremstilling

CIRKA produces white spirits and whisky by using locally grown grains and foraged botanicals. Vodka is produced in a single pass through a specially built 24-plate copper pot still and lightly filtered through coconut charcoal; the entire process takes about 20 hours per batch. The vodka range includes Chili Vodka, Vodka Terroir, and Vodka Raspberry Cranberry. Whisky is produced in small batches; Whisky No.2 is a four-year-old single grain whisky based on locally grown Quebec grain, matured in new American white oak and finished in ex-rye and Sauternes casks, with no color added and non-chill filtered. Whisky No.3 is a four-year-old rye whisky consisting of 93% Yamachiche rye and 7% German chocolate malted rye, finished in 30-year-old Sherry Oloroso casks, also with no color added and non-chill filtered. In addition to whisky, CIRKA produces gin and liqueurs, and they emphasize that everything is handmade.

Produkter/Whisky-serien

• Whisky No.2: a four-year-old single grain whisky based on locally grown Quebec grain; triple cask, matured in new American white oak and finished in ex-rye and Sauternes casks; no color added and non-chill filtered. ABV 48% (750 ml).

• Whisky No.3: a four-year-old rye whisky consisting of 93% Yamachiche rye and 7% German chocolate malted rye; finished in 30-year-old Sherry Oloroso casks; no color added and non-chill filtered. ABV 46% (750 ml).

Besøg/Oplevelser

Visit CIRKA Distilleries and experience the grain-to-bottle process through tours and tastings. Tours and tastings are offered on Saturdays; English tours and French tours at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Price is USD 25 per person, excluding tax; duration approx. 1.5 hours. Start times: 1:00 PM (English), 3:00 PM (French), 5:00 PM (French). Includes a welcome cocktail, guided tour through the distillery and a tasting of the core-range spirits; an optional whisky tasting can be added for +$15 USD. Address: 2075 Rue Cabot, Montreal, QC H4E 1E2. Possibility for Masterclasses and Mixology classes.

Filosofi

CIRKA places emphasis on authenticity and attention to detail throughout the process. They produce white spirits and whisky with great care; they select the finest grains, rye and malt and combine them with yeast-driven techniques to create distinctive flavor experiences. They are proud to be Quebec's first grain-to-bottle distillery and have received recognition as Laurier Gastronomy Award 2021; they claim to be the only Canadian distillery with Gold Outstanding at London's IWSC. CIRKA works closely with farmers and foragers and participates in sustainability and cultural preservation, including Innu conservation projects and SNAP Québec; the mascot CLOVIS symbolizes the company's northern identity.