NSLC reports uptick in sales of local wine, spirits

Maritimers are buying more local alcohol amid the trade war with the United States.

American alcohol was first pulled from shelves at Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) stores in February and statistics show local producers are reaping the rewards.

“We’re certainly seeing a growth in sales,” said Jim Gallant, sales director with Devonian Coast Wineries, which owns and operates three Nova Scotian wineries (Jost, Mercator and Gaspereau Vineyards).

“There’s no question about it. There’s a movement towards Canadian and there’s a movement towards Nova Scotia.”

Premier Tim Houston ordered the NSLC pull all U.S.-made alcohol from shelves as a retaliatory move for tariffs imposed on Canadian goods.

Houston has said the ban will remain as long as those tariffs are in place.

According to the NSLC, Nova Scotia wine sales are up 14.5 per cent compared to the same time last year, while Nova Scotia spirits sales are up by 27 per cent.

One of the big winners has been Jost’s version of Tidal Bay, which is the NSLC’s top selling Tidal Bay wine this year. Gallant says it is up 27 per cent over last year.

“To see that amount of growth in that short a period of time, shows there’s something significant happening,” said Gallant. “There’s a momentum shift.”

In Halifax, Compass Distiller on Agricola Street is seeing a boost in sales and interest in their products.

Known for its award-winning Gin Royal, the distillery launched “Elbows Up – Better Than Bourbon,” a limited-run corn-based whiskey which quickly sold out.

“We emptied two barrels for this product, it was kind of a spur of the moment situation,” said Miranda Parker, head distiller and production manager at Compass Distiller.

The political tension is helping boost a buy-local movement, which continues to grow, said Parker.

“We were able to provide three new products to the NSLC this spring,” said Parker. “Following two other products that we put in with them in the winter, just as things were happening.”

Aside from local successes, wine products from wineries across the country are up by nearly 13 per cent and Canadian whiskey sales are up nearly 10 per cent.

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