Sask. distiller takes advantage of gap in bourbon market amidst trade war

WATCH: The removal of American liquor from store shelves has created an unexpected opportunity for a Sask. distiller. Wayne Mantyka has the story.

The removal of American liquor from store shelves has left many Saskatchewan residents searching for alternatives.

Canadian produced products are readily available, except for bourbon, which is made exclusively in Kentucky. This has created an unexpected opportunity for a Saskatchewan distiller.

By chance, Last Mountain Distillery produced a few barrels of bourbon six years ago, which have been aging in a warehouse until now.

“Very rare. I mean, we take pride in having Canadian whiskey right and being Canadian but when there’s a gap in the market and you’re in business, you have to try and take advantage of that,” explained Meredith Schmidt with Last Mountain Distillery.

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Bushwakker Brew Pub has compared the Saskatchewan product to the last of the Kentucky bourbon still on bar shelves. Staff were surprised by the premium quality of the Saskatchewan product.

“I think what’s really interesting about what’s going on is there was an opportunity to showcase the talents of Saskatchewan distillers. They’re making some world class stuff and now people finally have a chance and a reason to go out and try it,” Bushwakker’s Grant Frew said.

Canadian made products are something consumers are turning to.

“I’ve been going to a few of our distilleries. It’s kind of nice that there are more options now in Saskatchewan,” said restaurant customer Leanette Wagner.

Canadian craft distillers like Last Mountain are selling product as fast as it can be bottled and hoping that the trend continues as more Canadians discover products produced here at home.