You already know about farm to table because, as a small farmer, it’s something that you’d live and breathe! But how familiar are you with grain to glass?
Canadian farmers are remarkable at taking their crops a step further and creating value-added products. One shining example is farm distilleries and the production of gin. On top of food from fields filling grocery stores, farmers are using their crops to make spirits right on their farm.
Farm distilleries have become popular extensions of small farms as an addition to a farmer’s farm to table production. They often cater to a local audience and feature unique flavours that you can’t find anywhere else - making them serious contenders to traditional distilleries.
Gin is a simple and versatile option for farmers who are exploring the world of distilling. The process begins by creating a base spirit, such as vodka, then infusing it with the key ingredient of gin, juniper berries. The base spirit can be made with almost any crop such as wheat, potatoes, corn, barley, rye sorghum, grapes, and more.
After the base is created, farmers get to put their creativity to work during the distillation process. Although gin is always infused with juniper berries, farmers can choose to add in other botanicals to create unique gin blends.
If you’re curious to learn about the locally made craft gin, there is no better way than by engaging with nearby farm distilleries and attending events where their creations are showcased. For those in Southern Ontario, you have the chance to explore Ontario gins at the upcoming Craft Gin Festival on June 10 & 11, 2023.
This event is hosted by the Ontario Craft Gin Trail to bring together local distilleries. Distillers will be travelling from Stratford, Guelph, Arthur, Vaughan, London and more to show case their exceptional craft gins.
Looking for recommendations on what to try at the festival? Check out these top gins from the featured distilleries:
- Black Raspberry Gin: Junction 56 Distillery | ABV: 33% | Tasting Notes: Black Raspberry, Citrus, Lavender
- Great Expectations Ontario Terroir Gin: Elora Distilling Company | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Staghorn Sumac, Sweet Gale, Burdock root
- Strawberry Rhubarb Gin: Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery | ABV: 37% | Tasting Notes: Rhubarb, Strawberries, Sarsaparilla
- Midnights Summer Gin: Paradigm Spirits Co.| ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Lavender, Chamomile, Angelica Root, Horehound
- Golden Gin: Last Straw Distillery | ABV: 44% | Tasting Notes: American Oak