Black Fox Distillery in Saskatoon has become the only Canadian founding member of the Estate Whisky Alliance (EWA), a coalition of distilleries aiming to promote local sourcing and sustainable production in the whisky industry. The EWA, in partnership with the University of Kentucky, offers a certification for whiskies that meet an “estate” standard, meaning the grains were grown and distilled in one place. Black Fox co-owner Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote believes that having control over the entire process, from crop to connoisseur, allows them to choose the varieties of grains they want, ultimately leading to a higher quality product.
Stefanyshyn-Cote was inspired to join the EWA after hearing about the University of Kentucky initiative, which aligned with Black Fox’s values of local sourcing and sustainability. She highlights the advantage of Saskatchewan’s landscape in growing flavourful grains and the unique aging process of storing whisky outdoors, where the fluctuating temperatures allow for flavor development within the barrel. Stefanyshyn-Cote and her husband started as grain farmers before transitioning to distillers, and their success has led to their products being sold globally in countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, China, and Dubai.
The alliance plans to launch a licensing program next year to authenticate estate whisky certified products, allowing members who meet the requirements to display the “estate whisky certified” logo on qualifying bottles. This initiative aims to bring awareness to the advantages of local sourcing in the whisky industry and provide consumers with quality assurance in their whisky purchases. Stefanyshyn-Cote sees the potential for the alliance to foster partnerships in research, education, and economic development among its members, ultimately contributing to the growth and innovation of the industry.
Black Fox Distillery’s participation in the Estate Whisky Alliance reflects a growing trend in the whisky industry towards promoting transparency and sustainability in sourcing and production. By certifying whiskies that meet the estate standard, the alliance aims to differentiate and elevate products that prioritize quality and traceability. Stefanyshyn-Cote emphasizes the control they have over their process, from selecting grains to aging outdoors, as crucial in producing whiskies that embody the unique flavors of Saskatchewan and showcase their agricultural expertise.
The partnership with the University of Kentucky and the opportunity to be a part of the Estate Whisky Alliance highlights the commitment of Black Fox Distillery to innovation and excellence in the whisky industry. By aligning with like-minded distilleries and researchers, they can exchange knowledge and best practices to further improve their products and contribute to the overall advancement of the industry. The global reach of Black Fox’s products demonstrates the impact of their dedication to quality and craftsmanship, as well as the growing demand for locally sourced and sustainable whiskies in the market.
Overall, Black Fox Distillery’s involvement in the Estate Whisky Alliance signifies a significant step towards promoting and certifying whiskies with a focus on local sourcing, sustainability, and quality. By championing the estate standard and participating in initiatives that prioritize transparency and innovation, Black Fox is positioned to continue making its mark on the whisky industry and further establishing its reputation as a producer of high-quality, distinctively flavored whiskies. With the support of the alliance and its members, Black Fox and other distilleries can collectively drive positive change and advancements in the industry while offering consumers a trustworthy and fulfilling whisky experience.
