Local spirit is always in style! Quench your thirst with the finest concoctions from Alberta meaderies and distilleries, served up as classic sips or with a tempting twist. In Cochrane you’ll find a new way to taste Mead, wines that pair perfectly with tasty bites and great company and Moonshine made right here in town.
Here are 3 intoxicating ways to enjoy the spirits of Cochrane.
1. Fallentimber Meadery has a new patio and pizza oven
Fallentimber Meadery is a family affair…parents, sons, cousins, all responsible for the operation’s past and current successes. It started out as a recreational farm on a quarter section of land, with Blake Ryan and his son, Kevin indulging in their beekeeping hobby, and saw a period of time as a cattle operation but then the bees won out. 200 hives soon grew to 400, placed along a 55 km stretch of forested foothills from Bottrel to Sundre. Ryan’s Honey has graced the shelves of Alberta markets and stores since 1981. But it soon became apparent they would need to diversify. The larger apiaries in Alberta have an average of 2,000 hives. Hard to compete with that. Kevin’s son, Nathan began experimenting with making different kinds of mead, which soon led to a full-blown operation and the Meadery opened to the public in 2010.
Their new tasting room is currently open on weekends along with the expanded patio, where you can enjoy their unique beverages served up with wood fired pizzas! They offer traditional mead based on a simple fermentation of honey and water to their specialty meads, which build on the basic ingredients with infusions of spice and local fruit, (such as Saskatoon berries from Solstice Berry Farm) and can be barrel aged. Take it to the next step with the creation of session meads. These are carbonated – made for a pint glass, not a wine glass. They’re packaged in tin cans, just like beer. You’ll simply have to try Mr. Pink, Hopped Mead, Honey Buck and Meadjito (and this stuff is just flying off the shelves, giving the traditional mojito a run for its money).
2. Vinestone Wine Co. tasting room and society
Stop and smell the rosé at Vinestone Wine Co.! A local favourite for all your wine, craft beer, and spirit needs, Vinestone Wine Co. is excited to announce the opening of their new tasting room will be coming soon, which will be home to their new tasting society. Compare the best handcrafted wines, and learn about the newest flavours and trends from a knowledgeable sommelier.
If you prefer a more casual setting, your new favourite club is accepting members! Sign up for Wine Club, a monthly, expertly curated selection of wines. You’ll receive a brief background summary and tasting notes, so you can pair your drink with your charcuterie like a pro (or with a bag of chips and Netflix, we’re not judging). Not into wine? Cheers to Canadian beers and other fresh finds from Beer Club instead.
3. Moonshine at the Whispering Dutchman Distillery
Level up your perfect summer drink at the Whispering Dutchman Distillery. The distillery is bringing back a popular prohibition favourite, moonshine. Touting an unmistakable and potent flavour, the beverage is an Alberta whiskey lover’s must-have.
Traditionally made illegally during the prohibition era, moonshine gets its name from the practice of making it at night to avoid detection. No need to risk bootlegging, you can get your own bottle of Original Moonshine to drink on the rocks, with a chaser, or as a cool mixed drink. For the adventurous palate, sample Indonesian Spiced Tea for a unique blend of flavours.
Get the buzz around Cochrane
Will you boost your happy hour with wine, beer, or spirits? Cochrane has a wide range of Alberta breweries who can’t wait to pour you a cold one, and distillery-designed cocktails that will have you ordering another round. Plan your next bar crawl with Cochrane Tourism—it’s worth a shot.
