gommeaux saying, “They clearly are aiming for the con- noisseurs and whisky lovers, and this first whisky is going to get them a lot of favourable comments from people who know their whisky.” The respected whisky writer and author of Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert then goes on to say, “This is not a gimmick or cynical line extension of the Gretzky brand. It is a serious attempt to make good whisky in Niagara.” Gretzky knows a good thing on and off the ice and that is why the same soils that produce the grapes for his wine in Niagara- on-the-Lake is also used to grow the grains that are used to produce his No. 99 signature blend. Gretzky, who acknowledges that people buy celebrity brands the first time out of curiosity for the product, however he followed that up with “people are smart” so it’s important to have a top quality product to keep them coming back for more. The Great One is definitely keeping himself busy these days as he recently opened up a wine and whisky bar at the Edmonton International Airport. Plus signed on as partner and vice-chair of the Oilers Entertainment Group last week and just released a new book 99: Stories of the Game to coincide with the 99-year anniversary of the NHL. If this was not enough to keep Gretzky busy, his new Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery in Niagara-on- the-Lake will open to the public next spring. This amazing 23,000-square-foot facility is the first of its kind in the region and will feature both wine and distilling production along with tasting rooms. Like at his restaurant in Toronto I am sure that the Great One will visit often and in true Gretzky fashion happily autograph a few bottles for cus- tomers, while chatting happily about his days on the ice.
By Katie Davis
Y ou do not need to be from Canada or a hockey fan to know about know who Wayne Gretzky is. But it seems that the Great One is looking to go back on the ice again and we are not talking about the outdoor classic game that was recently held in Winnipeg. After more than 10 years in the wine business with partner Andrew Peller Ltd., Wayne Gretzky recently launched his No. 99 Red Cask Whisky at a private tasting in Maple Leaf Square’s LCBO. As Wayne Gretzky was and is passionate about the sport of hockey, he also brings this passion to his other business inter- ests. The Great One did not want to just release another celebrity-branded booze saying recently, “We wanted to do something first class. . . to bring something different and unique to separate ourselves from other whiskies.” Known for a different twist on the sport of hockey, Gretzky looks to do the same with another Canadian classic, the spirit is finished in his winery’s red wine casks, which give the whisky a pale amber hue. Gretzky knows a good thing on and off the ice and that is why the same soils that produce the grapes for his wine in Niagara-on-the-Lake is also used to grow the grains that are used to produce his No. 99 signature blend. Very much like the Great One’s moves on the ice, this new product is receiving high praise from experts in the industry. With Canadian whisky expert Davin de Ker-
For some they say that the Great One retired in 1999, as for us we say that Wayne Gretzky was just getting started.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS • DECEMBER 2016
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