Highwood

Introduction:

Canadian law indeed requires grain spirit to be matured for at least three years to be classified as Whisky. However, unlike European regulations, Canadian Whisky producers have the freedom to use flavorings in their products. Highwood Distillers has become proficient in this aspect and offers a range of “spiced Whiskies”, some of which are bottled at lower alcohol by volume (ABV) levels, such as 35% or 36% ABV.

One of Highwood’s notable products is the Century Reserve, a Canadian rye Whisky available with different age statements and also as a blend of Whiskies of varying ages. The Century Reserve LOT 15/25 offers a delightful combination of sweet marzipan, nutty notes, and spices like clove or nutmeg. The rye character is complemented and sweetened by influences from corn Whisky.

Highwood is also known for its new White Owl Whisky, which stands out with its clear color. Although it has been matured in wooden casks, the tradition of the Canadian “Whisky blanc” is continued, where the Whisky used to be matured in copper casks, remaining colorless. The White Owl is made from a grain spirit primarily composed of wheat, matured in oak casks, and then blended with rye Whisky for added flavor. It is later filtered through charcoal powder to remove its color. There are also variations like White Owl Ginger Lime Whisky and White Owl Spiced Whisky.

The Centennial label represents a smooth and pleasant Canadian rye Whisky. It includes a ‘pure form’, the Centennial 10 – Year – Old Canadian Rye Whisky, as well as various flavored variants such as vanilla and clove, maple syrup, or chocolate.

In 2005, Highwood acquired Potter’s Distillers. The Potter’s Special Old Canadian Rye Whisky is a smooth and full – bodied Whisky that combines creamy toffee with spicy ginger and cinnamon notes, along with fruity grapefruit aromas and a hint of white pepper.

Production:

Highwood Distillers follows a small – batch production approach, and their primary alcohol base for most of their Whiskies is made from 100% wheat. However, the distinct flavors of their different products are achieved through the addition of rye Whiskies of varying ages and quantities. The rye Whisky is also produced in small batches, using the same fermentation and distillation processes as the wheat-based Whisky. With the acquisition of Potter’s Distillers and their existing stocks, Highwood now possesses a substantial number of additional casks of old rye Whisky.

While Highwood produces their wheat and rye Whiskies, they don’t produce their own corn Whisky for blending purposes. Instead, they purchase new spirit corn Whisky from other distilleries and store it on their premises. This allows them to have a versatile selection of base Whiskies that they can use to create a diverse range of flavored and blended products.

The Mashing:

In the production process at Highwood Distillers, 2,500 kg of grain and 12,000 liters of water are combined in the mash tun, where they undergo cooking under pressure. This process yields 14,000 liters of mash. Interestingly, the water used for production is not sourced from the nearby Highwood River but comes from a specially constructed well.

After the first batch of mash is completed, it is transferred into the fermenting tanks, and the next batch of mash is prepared. The distillery operates with seven batches each week, ensuring a continuous and efficient production process to meet the demands of their small-batch approach.

The Fermentation:

The mash remains in the fermenters until the yeast completes its task, resulting in a beer with a significant alcohol content of 12% ABV.

The Distillation:

In the initial distillation step using the beer still, the alcohol content is increased to 70% ABV. Subsequently, it is reduced to 40% ABV before undergoing a second distillation in a large kettle still with an attached rectifier. This process yields a highly pure alcohol, free from fusel oils and aromatic by – products, which would otherwise require extended maturation in casks to reduce. The method of distillation was introduced by a trusted German distiller, whom the founders of Highwood Distillery relied upon for implementing the production. During this distillation, the alcohol passes through copper condensers and tubes, a vital step for generating desirable aromas.

The History:

In 1974 investors from Calgary got together and hired a German distiller to plan a Whisky distillery. It was built as Sunnyvale Distillery and was renamed Highwood Distillery in 1985. The distillation procedure and the equipment haven’t changed much over the years, and Highwood is still an independent distillery. The acquisition of Potter’s Distillers in 2005 granted Highwood access to a large stock of matured Whisky and well – known labels and recipes. Potter’s Distillers in Kelowna, British Columbia, were Whisky brokers and blenders and had their own bottling plant. However, they didn’t produce themselves but bought their alcohol from other distilleries, something Highwood Distillers are still practicing today to complement their own alcohol production.

Visitor Centre:

The Highwood distillery has no visitor centre and is not open to the public.
Highwood Distillers Ltd.
114 – 10th Avenue S.E., Box 5693
High River, Alberta, Canada
403 – 652 – 3202
hrplant@telus.net