April 20, 2020
You’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but if you wanted to judge a bottle by its label, the bottles from Bridgeland Distilling may say a lot about the company. With labels that wrap the corner of the bottle, not the front, the bottles stand out on the shelf. But the labels are about more than just the angles.
Bridgeland Distillery was started by two friends, Jacques Tremblay and Daniel Plenzik, both former engineers who first met in 2016 at a distilling workshop in the Okanagan. The pair each had dreams of one day setting up a distillery, and after meeting, they realized they both had the same goals as well as the same backgrounds. Tremblay and Plenzik partnered up.
Plenzik’s family had immigrated to Canada from Italy and moved to Calgary, setting up shop in Bridgeland. Wanting the roots set in this community to continue to grow, the duo opted to name their company after the neighbourhood and to locate here when it went from dream to reality in 2018.
“I've been making wine my entire life,” says Plenzik of his family and heritage. “Eventually I went to school and got a degree in electrical engineering and I did that for 20 years. But I had always had a passion for making wine and eventually got into distilling it into brandy and grappa.”
Those liquors are what sets Bridgeland Distillery apart from other distillers in Calgary. They don’t make vodka or gin, which is typical. Instead Plenzik and Tremblay focus on a more European selection: Bridgeland Distillery’s Moscato Brandy, premade Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail, Spolumbo’s Amaro and Limoncello are all available at Calgary-area Co-op Wine Spirits Beer stores.
“With our Limoncello, we use a different process,” explains Tremblay. “It’s brandy-based and then we take lemons and we suspend them above our brandy in the barrel and extract all the flavour but none of the bitterness.”
Bridgeland Distillery also sources ingredients as locally as possible. Corn used in its Bourbon comes from Taber, Alberta, and malted barley for a single malt Whisky comes from Penhold, Alberta.
“We also use grapes from St. Hubertus in Kelowna. They press them for us because they have a big bladder press. We transfer the juice and the grape skins here to Calgary then we ferment the juice into wine and the grape skins we ferment and then distill that into our Grappa,” reveals Plenzik.
Plenzik and Tremblay say they love their new world and have no regrets about leaving engineering jobs to become full time distillers. In a tip of their hats to their former lives, they chose an enduring symbol of Calgary civic engineering to represent their brand. Reconciliation Bridge, a truss bridge and one of the oldest in Calgary, wraps the bottles.
“If you arrange the bottles on a diagonal you can put two of them together and complete the bridge. It's kind of neat and a cool creative element.”
The bridge spans the Bow River and has connected generations of people. Fitting, then that Bridgeland Distillery aims to connect generations of Calgarians by bridging tradition with innovation in the spirits it produces.
Find Bridgeland DistilleryMoscato Brandy, premade Whisky Old Fashioned Cocktail, Spolumbo’s Amaro and Limoncello at Calgary-area Co-op Wine Spirits Beer stores.
Tasting Notes:
Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail
This young three grain whisky provides a nice vanilla aroma mixed with the cloves and cardamon of the bitters. The palate provides a nice orange flavour with a hint of vanilla, while the warm finish brings the bitter touch forward.
Moscato Brandy
On the nose, this brandy has distinct aroma of creme brûlée and beachwood. The palate is balanced between sweetness and acidity that matches the Moscato grapes this delicate brandy was made from. A sweet, spicy, warming finish brings it home, with a subtle lingering liquorice flavour.
Spolumbo’s Amaro
On the nose, this herbal brandy liqueur is aromatic with a hint of sweet vanilla and star anise. The palate is made of bittersweet chocolate, lightly spiced with a touch of sweet caramel. The finish is mainly orange, fennel and a long lingering brightness.
This Amaro was first commissioned by five Calgary entrepreneurs in which Spolumbo’s is at the heart of their “Friday Club” where family, food and fun come first. The inspiration in developing this Amaro made in Bridgeland comes from these hard working Calgarians who have never forgotten where they came from.
Limoncello
A Limoncello like no other you have tasted: Bridgeland Distillery's take on Limoncello is unique with a reduction on both bitterness and sweetness to produce a well balanced and delicate product. Fresh aromas of spring apple blossoms with a touch of early summer honey combine with the acidity of the lemons and the sweetness of honey to provide a balanced palate. The finish is a light refreshing sweetness.
Summer is the season of the gin & tonic, but gin is great in many more cocktails and summer sips; the French 75 or the...
Canada Day is right around the corner, but the coronavirus pandemic is still in the back of our minds, and physical distancing guidelines are in...
Hidden in a low key industrial area in Calgary’s Bonnybrook-Alyth area in the city’s southeast is the largest distiller in the province.
Spring is a time for rebirth, regeneration and of course for kicking back and enjoying the outdoors.
Alberta’s first craft distillery is showing no signs of slowing down.
It seems every few years there’s a drink that’s so on trend it starts showing up everywhere.
The Irish know how to celebrate! While Canadians do pour a few drinks on Canada Day, our national occasion pales in comparison to the worldwide...
If you or anyone in your family is a die-hard football fan, you’re likely already planning for the biggest game of the year.
Sometimes even the warmest sweater layered under a cozy coat isn’t enough to ward off that chill you get from being outdoors.
When we think vodka, we often think ‘martini’, and for good reason.The martini is easily one of the classiest, sexiest cocktails you can enjoy.
The holidays can be an overwhelming time of year. Between gift buying, trip planning, gift wrapping and holiday gatherings, there is barely any time to breathe.
Let’s admit it—for many of us, one of the exciting things about the holidays is the opportunity to share fun and festive drinks with friends.
As you’re working away at your holiday shopping list, there’s always a few folks who are hard to buy for.
If you’re tasked with making a dish for a holiday potluck, you might be wondering if you should bring the same old tired spinach dip.
You have to admit there’s something especially festive about the idea of baking cookies around the holidays.
Are you the planner in your family or at the office? If you’re just not up for being the host or the organizer again this...
The holidays are just around the corner and in today’s globetrotting society, so many of us live far away from our families and friends.
If you’re the type of person who throws awesome holiday parties you’ll want to make sure your supplies are in order.
Looking for a little something different? Want a beverage that feels a little festive this holiday season? Fallentimber Meadery has some extra special offerings that...
The colour blue has had a long and fascinating history. While blue is one of the primary colours, and the top ‘favourite’ colour of people...
For some people, just the mention of the word gin is enough to elicit groans, shudders and memories of the drink that earned the nicknames,...
Like many folks in Calgary’s burgeoning brewing and distilling industry, Ross Alger started out making his own libations at home.
There’s not that many times in the year when you can enjoy a bright green cocktail without turning some heads, but St.
Whether you’re whipping up a few drinks for you and your date after a Valentine’s Day dinner, hosting a single ladies night in, or you’re...
On January 25th, Scots around the world will celebrate the 260th birthday of legendary poet Robert “Robbie” Burns.
Do you take sugar in your coffee? How many? One? Maybe two or three? Would you drink your coffee with six, or even ten sugars...
The holidays are for dressing up – how about dressing up our drinks for the festive season too?
When we think of cognac, brandy and port, sometimes we think these are outdated libations, served in the 60’s and 70’s at lavish retro cocktail...
Tucked away in a nondescript industrial zone in Calgary’s Bonnybrook-Alyth area in the city’s southeast is the largest distiller in Alberta.
The holiday season is a time to celebrate, and celebrations usually include some great mixed drinks.
There’s something about brown liquor that makes you feel all warm inside.
As the weather gets crisper and the leaves begin to turn, it’s time to prepare gratifying seasonal drinks that’ll warm you from the inside out.
You’ve probably never really noticed them dotting landscapes, hugging fence lines, or edging yards and parks before.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get together with family and friends, and while there’s always lots of catching up to do, once that’s over,...
There are two kinds of vodka people: the purists who seek out the finest, clearest, crispest, near-flavourless vodka for making the perfect chilled martini, and...
When some products write ‘harvested by hand’ or ‘family owned and operated’ on their labels, they’re reaching.
Alberta’s burgeoning spirits industry is an amazing thing. Thanks to changes in liquor laws a few years ago, more and more Albertans have been able...
We all know how refreshing a cold cocktail can be on a hot summer’s day.
It might seem unusual to draw parallels between working a drilling rig in Alberta’s oil patch and distilling liquor, but as it turns out, they’re...
There’s no doubt about it – it’s hot! Typical piña coladas and shaken margaritas are always a great way to quench that summer thirst, but...
The Calgary Stampede is many things; officially it's a chance to take in the rodeo and celebrate community spirit through shows, rides, events, and pancake breakfasts.
If you're struggling with what to get your dad as a Father's Day gift this year because he's one of those dads who has everything...
Everyone dreams of quitting their job and doing their dream gig, but few people actually have the gumption to pull it off once, let alone twice.
With some movies coming out this season, you might have superheroes on the mind.
For many Canadians, St Patrick’s Day is an excuse to wear green, while kids cut shamrocks from paper and fashion cardboard leprechaun hats.
Co-op Wine Spirits Beer is more than just a store. It’s an experience. Shop here and you’ll get education, assistance, and great customer service.
The Academy Awards or the Oscars are known as the biggest night in Hollywood.
February may seem like the dead of winter, but it's actually a month of wonderful celebrations.
It's the sporting event that outdoes all other sporting events — with the possible exception of the World Cup of soccer, some might say.
It's resolution time! And if yours is to make smarter choices and maybe cut back on some vices, we've got some ideas when it comes...
The food is picked out, your place is all set up, you even have a sweet playlist ready.
You don’t need to be a pro bartender to make a show-stealing cocktail this holiday season.
What does a gift card, a rare bottle of scotch, and a taster pack of beer all have in common? They all make great gifts,...
Handling all the drinks for your holiday party can be daunting.
Pumpkin, apples and cinnamon is what comes to mind when I think of Fall drinks.
For the fifth year in a row, Co-op Wine Spirits Beer is hosting their World of Whisky Festival that brings together top international whiskies, industry...
There are many ways to serve whisky: neat, on the rocks, or in a fancy cocktail like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
Alberta Whisky Canadian laws state that whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years.
This week, Canadians will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our dominion formation, when the country established its confederation in 1867.
As the end of our journey exploring Canada’s bounty of alcoholic beverages draws near, we want to go out with a splash.
From gin, to vodka and even that favourite of the tropics, rum, Alberta is producing an amazing variety of spirits.
It’s been 150 years since Canada’s Confederation, and a notable reason to celebrate our great country.
We’ve got the rolling prairies, the towering Rockies and a reputation for being the friendliest province in the country.
For whisky drinkers, there is a distinguished history that is truly Canadian.
A good cocktail is the perfect way to celebrate any holiday and with our nations 150th birthday upon us, I've combed the country for some...
When we think of the Prairies, we think rolling hills, miles upon miles of wheat, soybeans or corn blowing in the wind and a horizon...
There’s more than just scotch at the new World of Whisky store in downtown Calgary.
In this year of celebrating 150 years of our great nation, we will pause and reflect on many things that make our nation great. Like hockey.
Ontario is home to dozens of successful, unique, and award-winning distilleries.
For some, it's the de facto centre of the universe for Canada, but others cast a more wary eye on Ontario, which can often be...
Quebec plays a starring role in Canada’s history (some of Canada’s earliest settlements were Quebec City in 1608, and Montreal in 1642).
Some of the most famous 'Canadian' foods have their origins in La Belle Province.
As we get ready to celebrate 150 years of Confederation, there are great beverages that have marked good times over the years, including the Pop Shoppe.
This unique, artisanal micro-distillery has earned a reputation as a ‘must see’ for tourists and locals alike! Located in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest district, Cirka distillery is...
When the world’s largest ice cubes float past your door each day, you might have a different outlook on life, and cocktails.
There is a long-standing tradition on Canada's East Coast. When there's a celebration to be had, Maritimers throw a kitchen party or ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee).
Canada’s Maritime provinces aren’t just known for their amazing seafood, but also their love of spirits.
Calgary Co-op's World of Whisky store sells some of the rarest and most expensive bottles of scotch in the world.
PUNCH ROMAINE As served in First Class on the RMS Titanic1egg white1 ounce white rum1 ounce white wine1/2 ounce simple syrup1/2 ounce lemon juice1 ounce...
Cinco de Mayo - or the fifth of May – is a celebration to commemorate the Mexican army’s 1862 victory during the Franco-Mexican War.
Calgary is now home to one of the most unique whisky retailers in North America.
It’s the first of its kind on Canada and was nearly three years in the making.
Rum has long been known as the spirit of the Caribbean Islands and Latin America and is one of the most enjoyed and loved spirits...
Sipping on a warm coffee cocktail at the end of your day, or after a great meal is one of life's decadent pleasures.
We love to raise your spirits.There are endless possibilities for enjoying the offerings of the world.
Mixologist and bartenders the world over have been making some of our most beloved cocktails with this juniper infused spirit since the original cocktail era...
Comments