Alberta craft whisky lands on Costco shelves as trade war looms

Craft whisky producers in Alberta are gaining a boost as Costco liquor stores across the province begin carrying a selection of locally made whiskies. The retailer started stocking eight products from seven small distilleries last week, ranging from Medicine Hat to Grande Prairie.

Bryce Parsons, president of the Alberta Craft Distillers Association, noted that each Costco carries a slightly different selection, creating a "treasure hunt" for whisky enthusiasts. Brian Lerner, manager of Costco Tsuut’ina liquor store, said customers are increasingly interested in supporting locally made products, as these products offer a unique taste and craftsmanship.

Whiskeys from The Maligne Range distillery in Jasper and Burwood distillery in Calgary are also part of the Costco showcase. Distilleries provided information for Costco staff to educate customers about the products, and representatives have been visiting stores to offer tastings and educate customers about Alberta-made whisky.

The Alberta government introduced the Alberta Whisky Act earlier this year, which lays out the requirements for products to qualify as Alberta Whisky, similar to Canadian Whisky branding. Getting a product into Costco is challenging due to the retailer's selective approach, requiring exceptional value, strong sales potential, and reliable production and distribution.

The timing of the Costco deal is significant as the U.S. plans to ban Canadian alcohol imports starting September 29. Canadian spirits producers primarily sell their products within Canada, but exporting to the U.S. remains crucial for small producers. Despite potential trade disruptions, producers remain focused on adapting to the situation, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and finding alternative solutions.