How often do you taste something twice before visiting and think, yep—that place must be on your road map? That was Anohka for us. We'd tried their spirits at whisky tastings, met the owner, Gurpreet Ranu, and decided we had to see the place in person.
Nestled in the countryside, Anohka is a study in contrast: peaceful farmland and fountains meet sleek, modern architecture and serious whisky ambitions. Gurpreet walked us through every detail—from the grains on their 110-acre farm (grown glyphosate-free!) to the copper stills heated by fire (using flare stacks believe it or not!), playing mad scientist and perfectionist all at once. You can taste that passion—even in their “not-whisky” (legally not yet whisky) —seriously, these spirits already have depth, and one day, those future whiskies will be absolute gems.
Their gins have been killing it too: Tempest Dry Gin picked up Best Canadian London Dry in 2022, and Timeless Dry Gin followed with a Best Canadian Classic nod in 2024. worldginawards.comAnohka DistilleryFoodservice and Hospitality Magazine . Add awards for their young spirit at the World Whiskies Awards, and it’s clear Anohka is redefining Alberta’s farm-to-flask scene. Global NewsAlberta Open Farm Day
We got to sit and chat whisky with Gurpreet, tour the distillery and cask warehouse, and maybe—just maybe—sample a few (totally professional notes were taken, promise). The vibe inside is welcoming, and outside? Picture early prairie sunshine, fountains, and farmland stretching out—grab a bite from their solid food menu and linger.
One of my favorite distillery stops ever—quirky, grounded, and quietly world-class. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and swing by.
Rating
My Take: 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃 9/10 - excellent spirits and a beautiful countryside spot
The good stuff
🌾 Farm-to-flask – Grains grown on their own 110-acre farm
🏆 Award-winning gin – Tempest & Timeless, both World Gin Awards champs
🥃 Whisky-in-waiting – Spirits aging beautifully, not “whisky” yet… but close
👨🔬 Perfectionist touch – Gurpreet won’t release anything less than superb
🌅 Beautiful setting – Modern distillery, fountains, farmland views
🍴 Good eats – Solid food menu worth sticking around for
What I liked:
🥃 Outstanding not-whisky spirits, an Irish and Peaty version
🍸 Good cocktail list and the gin drinkers will love it!
🥃🥛 Duchess Bake Shop whisky cream