Founded by two whisky geeks, Kevin Donde and Jeff Syrja, who met at various virtual tastings during COVID-19 and connected over their shared passion for whisky. Starting an independent bottler company is new to them, and they understand that they are neither experts nor distillers. Instead, they rely on industry professionals to guide them. Understanding the pulse of whisky enthusiasts, Spirit for Us plans to engage their audience through popular platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. They are on a mission to normalize independent bottling in the Canadian market, connecting whisky enthusiasts with each other and with the finest Canadian craft distilleries. Pricing is one of their critical considerations. They prioritize fairness and accessibility, recognizing that $135 for a bottle of Canadian whisky can be a significant investment for many. Their goal is to offer exceptional value, ensuring that their products are worth every penny spent. At the heart of Spirit for Us is a commitment to authenticity and quality. Their whiskies are non-chillfiltered and uncoloured, released at cask strength when it makes sense, but always at the strength that brings out the best flavour. Each bottle is co-branded, prominently featuring the original distillery alongside details that whisky enthusiasts cherish. By providing unique bottlings from Canadian distilleries, Spirit for Us introduces enthusiasts to the diverse and high-quality offerings from the best craft producers in the country. They are a promising new brand not only showcasing Canada’s finest craft distilleries but priding themselves on: Interactive engagement, supportive nature, caring attitude, innovation, and honesty with a promise to being straightforward with their customers and fostering a community of whisky lovers. Their debut bottle, Still Waters distilled on March 31/15 and bottled on April 12/24, is now for sale and is available at Last Straw Distillery for $135.00 per bottle. This whisky has matured for 8 years and 9 months in a bourbon barrel, followed by an additional 3 months in an Amburana barrel. With an exclusive outturn of 187 bottles at 55% ABV, this release showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and unique finishing process that defines Spirit for Us.
What’s Coming to Canada
Mike’s Tasting Notes: Nose: Cinnamon, baking spices, cedar, ginger, and vanilla.
Mouthfeel: Not thin but not very oily either. Mouthwatering, slightly drying.
Spirit for Us is making waves in the Canadian whisky scene with their unique approach to independent bottling. Their brand, “Whisky for Us,” offers enthusiasts a delightful array of whiskies sourced from the best craft distilleries across Canada. Available for purchase on their website with Canada-wide shipping (except for a few restricted postal codes), and in stores in Alberta and British Columbia. Spirit for Us, A New Gateway to Canada’s Finest Craft Distilleries BY MIKE BRISEBOIS
Palate: Cinnamon candies, nutmeg, winter spices, ginger, hint of camphor or cedar, lemon zest, hints of vanilla.
Finish: Friendly Canadian cinnamon hug finish. Medium to long.
While whisky is their primary focus, Spirit for Us has ambitious plans to expand into other spirits, including rum and mezcal, under the banners “Rum for Us” and “Mezcal for Us.” This expansion reflects their commitment to offering a wide range of high-quality, unique spirits that celebrate the craftsmanship of distilleries across Canada and beyond. So, whether you’re a seasoned whisky aficionado or a curious newcomer, Spirit for Us invites you to join their journey and discover the exceptional flavours Canada has to offer.
Look for their tagline = “Whisky for Us - If you enjoy whisky then you’re one of us”
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the whisky explorer magazine
the whisky explorer magazine
SUMMER 2024
SUMMER 2024
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