Artist in Residence Distillerie Rolls Out New Whisky
Artist in Residence Distillerie (AIR) has opened its second location in Hawkesbury. The company has previously operated in Gatineau. Pierre Mantha says the company will eventually expand internationally.
“I want this to be a local distillery. So, this will be the local Ontario distillery,” owner Pierre Mantha tells CTV News Ottawa. “You have an advantage when you’re in Ontario – for LCBO, it’s easier to get in. LCBO is the biggest spirits seller in the world. If you can do LCBO, I’m set up for anywhere in the world.”
He says the Hawkesbury location on Tupper Street operates two days a week and is planning to expand next month. At the Hawkesbury site, they will be distilling whisky, including maple-smoked whiskey.
“I’m trying to bring the new generation to try something a little bit easier to drink.”
Artist in Residence Distillerie Expands Operation With New Location
The company produces whisky and other spirits, like gin, at its Gatineau location. Catering to a new generation of whisky drinkers is in line with market demand. Brisebois organized Whisky Wonderland in February, which brought together 900 Canadians.
“It’s not just your dad or grandfather’s drink anymore,” says Mike Brisebois of The Whisky Explorer.
“It’s really changed over in the demographics. We’re seeing more 25- to 40-year-olds drinking whisky. Many women are jumping in that category and honestly are going to take over in terms of the interest of whisky as a whole. Something we want it to do. And for me, whisky is from grain to glass.”
The Hawkesbury location opened after some delays, and the operation has cost Close to $10 million, to start.
He says whisky is “more of that sense of relaxed notion of sitting back, enjoying a dram and not just rushing it.”
“You’re having many of your guests over having conversations and just taking your time with it, and most people now are more interested in the story behind the whisky, the history behind it, the distillery itself, and then to the juice liquid.”
