Calgary 
Alberta is looking to give its whisky a clearer identity, one that ties it firmly to the province where it is made.
Credit: Alberta Newsroom
The provincial government has introduced Bill 24, known as the Alberta Whisky Act, which would define what can legally be labelled as Alberta whisky. If passed, the law would place Alberta alongside regions like Kentucky for bourbon and Scotland for scotch, where the name itself carries weight.
At the centre of the proposal is how the whisky is made. To qualify, it would need to use 100 per cent Alberta water and include a set proportion of grains sourced from local farms. That link to agriculture is intentional, tying the product directly to the province’s land and producers.
Credit: Alberta Newsroom
Premier Danielle Smith framed the move as a way to help Alberta distillers gain stronger recognition globally, while Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said it supports local craftsmanship and quality.
Industry voices are also backing the plan. Cal Bricker of Spirits Canada called it a landmark step, while Bryce Parsons of the Alberta Craft Distillers Association pointed to the potential for economic growth, including a proposed Alberta Whisky Trail that could draw more visitors.
There are already 45 whisky distillers operating in Alberta, with 43 classified as small craft producers. Many have picked up major awards in recent years, including honours at the Canadian Whisky Awards and the World Whiskies Awards.
The legislation would not affect how whisky is priced or sold, and participation would be optional. Distillers could still produce other types of whisky outside the Alberta whisky definition.
If approved, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis would oversee how the new rules are applied. For now, the proposal signals a broader push to turn a growing local industry into something more widely recognized beyond the province.
