New Brunswick Distilleries
New Brunswick's craft spirits scene is the newest chapter in the province's craft alcohol story — and it might be the most exciting one yet.
While breweries led the charge over the past decade, a growing wave of small-batch distilleries has been quietly raising the bar, producing gins, vodkas, rums, whiskies, absinthes, and liqueurs that are earning recognition at national and international competitions and finding their way into back bars and ANBL shelves across the province.
What makes NB's distillery scene so compelling is how deeply local it is. These aren't operations importing neutral grain spirits and slapping a label on a bottle — they're distillers sourcing potatoes from NB farms, pressing local blueberries into brandy, fermenting Crosby's molasses into rum, infusing spirits with maple syrup tapped from trees down the road, and even working with Ganong's iconic Chicken Bones candy to create something that could only exist here. The ingredients are New Brunswick, the water is New Brunswick, and the stories behind every bottle are too.
The craft distillery movement in NB really took off in the last ten years, built on the foundation laid by pioneering producers like Winegarden Estate — which has been making fruit-based spirits in Baie Verte since the 1980s — and Distillerie Fils du Roy, whose award-winning gins and whiskies have put the Acadian Peninsula on the international spirits map. Today the province has distilleries in every region, from urban tasting rooms in Moncton and Fredericton to rural operations tucked into river valleys and farm properties that are worth every kilometre of the drive.
NB craft spirits are available at ANBL stores across the province and at many distillery tasting rooms. This guide will help you find them.
A Note on Visiting: Many NB Distillery hours vary significantly and some operate by appointment only. Always check the distillery's website or social media before visiting.
Region 1: Greater Moncton & Southeast NB

733 Principale St, Memramcook
Hours:
Thursday-Saturday 12pm-9pm
Sunday & Wednesday 12pm-5pm
Their Story: The establishment of Crooked River Distillery represents a beautiful journey of agricultural revitalization, sustainability, and family devotion. In 2019, the Gauvin family embarked on a bold mission to bring a historic, 72-acre farm property back to life in the heart of the scenic Memramcook Valley. Recognizing the incredible agricultural potential of the region's microclimate, they carefully established their own estate orchard dedicated to cultivating nutrient-dense haskap berries.
Driven by a passion for liquid education and environmental stewardship, the family integrated an innovative, water-saving distilling system to craft high-quality, small-batch artisanal spirits. Overlooking the winding paths of the Petitcodiac River—famously known as the "Chocolate River"—the family has successfully transformed their vibrant, working farm into an immersive, multi-award-winning agro-tourism destination. Complete with free-range chickens, an adorable resident Miniature American Shepherd ambassador named Whisky, and a deep-rooted commitment to supporting neighbouring Maritime businesses, the Gauvins have built a proud family legacy that honours the spirit of local collaboration.
What They're Known For: Known for its exceptional, small-batch artisanal spirits crafted from farm-grown haskap berries and locally sourced ingredients, Crooked River Distillery delivers a vibrant and genuinely sustainable farm-to-bottle experience. The estate has earned national recognition and immense regional adoration for its creative, seasonally rotating cocktail flights paired with curated charcuterie boxes. Celebrated for its expansive outdoor terrace that boasts sweeping, dramatic views of the Petitcodiac River valley, it stands as an elite Maritime sanctuary where guests can relax, enjoy guided daily tours, and celebrate the rich flavours of New Brunswick's agricultural heartland.

4144 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malden
Hours:
Monday-Friday 10am–5pm
Note: The distillery tasting room and gift shop traditionally follow seasonal agricultural hours
Their Story: The foundation of Blue Roof Distillers represents a brilliant narrative of modern sustainability rooted deeply in a century and a half of family heritage. The story begins in 1855, when the Strang family first established their homestead and began cultivating the fertile soils of southeastern New Brunswick. For six successive generations, the family expanded the operation into Strang’s Produce—a massive 700-acre enterprise harvesting millions of pounds of premium potatoes annually for grocery chains across Atlantic Canada. However, a persistent agricultural challenge always remained: roughly ten percent of each year's harvest consisted of ""undersized"" potatoes that were completely unmarketable due to strict supermarket size guidelines.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to eliminate agricultural waste, commerce alumnus Devon Strang envisioned an innovative solution while studying at Mount Allison University. Rather than allowing thousands of pounds of small, nutrient-dense crops to go unused, he decided to convert them into a value-added asset. The family constructed a state-of-the-art facility directly on the farm beneath the property's signature blue metal roofs. Embracing absolute circularity, the distillery cooks and ferments whole, real potatoes rather than relying on standard industrial flakes or grain alcohol. To complete the sustainable loop, the nutrient-rich leftover mash from production is generously given back to neighbouring farmers as cattle feed. The operation further solidified its green legacy by integrating a massive NOREASTER solar farm to offset its electrical grid footprint, proving that deep-seated country tradition and sophisticated modern resourcefulness can thrive under one roof.
What They're Known For: Known for their ultra-premium, handcrafted potato spirits and exceptionally smooth gluten-free vodkas made from 100% estate-grown Strang potatoes and natural spring water.
Region 2: Fredericton & Captial Region

21 Fairway Dr, Hanwell
Hours:
The facility operates primarily as a micro-production facility and private craft distillery, with its premium spirits widely accessible year-round through the New Brunswick Liquor Corporation (ANBL)
Their Story: The creation of Devil's Keep Distillery represents a masterful marriage of local entrepreneurship, strict chemical science, and deep regional pride. The venture was brought to life by co-founders Joe Allen and Ray Fitzpatrick, two forward-thinking local visionaries who recognized an immense, untapped potential for small-batch, premium spirits that were completely distilled and sourced within the Fredericton region. To ensure their ambitious concepts translated into world-class spirits, the duo formed a vital academic partnership with renowned research chemist Mike Doucette and the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB).
Together, they engineered an uncompromising, meticulous production methodology that honours historical distilling terminology—referencing the "angel's share" lost to barrel evaporation by declaring that the magnificent liquid left behind is strictly the "Devil's Keep." Operating with a deep-seated commitment to supporting regional agriculture, they source real, high-quality corn, rye, and malted barley directly from New Brunswick farms to establish their foundational mash. This rigorous attention to liquid education and regional transparency successfully transformed a bold business plan into a highly decorated, pioneering household brand that set a new benchmark for provincial craft distillation.
What They’re Known For: Known for their ultra-premium, multi-tier distilled spirits crafted entirely from New Brunswick-grown grains—most notably their legendary, gold medal-winning Devil's Keep Vodka which swept top honours at the International Spirits Festival in California—this pioneering distillery is celebrated for its remarkable smoothness and scientific flavour purity.

73 Fairway Dr, Hanwell (Open for Private Events Only)
The Cove Micro-Distillery at 280 King Street, Fredericton
Hours:
Sunday-Tuesday 11am-10pm
Wednesday-Thursday 11am-11pm
Friday-Saturday 11am-12am
Their Story: The creation of First Light Distillery represents a beautiful narrative of homecoming, entrepreneurial vision, and local celebration. Co-founders Kevin and Jen Stewart were born and raised in Fredericton, but their path to professional distillation wound through Toronto, where they spent a decade living and working. While immersing themselves in Ontario's thriving craft culture, they frequented neighbourhood distilleries and developed a profound, sophisticated appreciation for artisanal spirits. Guided by a deep desire to bring that exact passion back to their hometown, they returned to New Brunswick with a mission to build a premium liquid education destination.
Embracing their roots, they established a state-of-the-art distillery and built a brand centered on connection—envisioning a welcoming community hub where friends can gather, loved ones can mark major life milestones, and locals can unwind after a busy week. Today, through hands-on mixology classes, guided behind-the-scenes facility tours, and a commitment to accessible craft culture, the Stewarts have successfully transformed their passion project into one of the region’s premier modern gathering spaces.
First Light Distillery is now carrying that same spirit of connection into its next chapter. While the Hanwell location will transition to serving exclusively as a space for private events, the Stewarts’ commitment to creating welcoming, memorable experiences continues in the heart of downtown Fredericton. At The Cove, their micro-distillery at 280 King Street, visitors can discover First Light’s locally crafted spirits, stock up on longtime favourites, or settle in and enjoy a drink. Open seven days a week, The Cove offers a new way for the community to experience the creativity, craftsmanship, and hospitality at the heart of the First Light story.
What They’re Known For: Known for their ultra-premium, handcrafted spirits and exceptionally smooth, flavour-forward portfolios—most notably their signature First Light Gin, Coastal Cream Liqueur, and crisp, locally celebrated Honeyberry Gin.

30 Court House Road, Gagetown
Hours:
Friday & Saturday 11am-4pm
Note: The storefront adjusts dynamically to winter and summer schedules. Additionally, the cidery maintains a strong weekly presence at the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market on Saturdays from 7am to 1pm.
Their Story: The foundation of Gagetown Distilling & Cidery represents a profound masterclass in agricultural adaptation, circularity, and familial devotion. Settled in the scenic, historic village of Gagetown along the Saint John River, the underlying family farm has proudly operated in the apple sector for seven remarkable generations. Over time, like many small-scale Canadian farms, the estate faced intense modern market pressures and strict commercial supermarket requirements, leading to the heartbreaking reality of seeing beautiful, perfectly nutritious excess fruit go to waste simply due to size constraints.
Refusing to let the fruits of their ancestral land wither, owners Matt and Heather embarked on an innovative, value-added journey. By converting a portion of the family farm into a state-of-the-art craft distillery and cidery, they learned the delicate science of transforming their estate-grown harvests into high-end spirits and premium hard ciders. This creative transition not only preserved the multi-generational farm's financial sustainability but also created an educational agritourism hub that proudly shares the literal fruits of New Brunswick's historical river valley with flavour enthusiasts across the country.
What They’re Known For: Known for their exceptional, award-winning lineup of estate-grown apple ciders and small-batch spirits—including gold-medal-winning strawberry and cherry liqueurs alongside a highly acclaimed premium rye whiskey.

2048 Route 3, Harvey
Hours:
Friday & Saturday 12pm–7pm
Sunday-Thursday Closed
Their Story: The establishment of Big Fiddle Still represents a brilliant narrative of hometown pride, family collaboration, and an immersive devotion to regional lore. Founded by Trent Jewett alongside his family—including Crystal and Tammy—this delightful enterprise was built from the ground up to serve as a modern "town hall" for the historic community of Harvey Station. The distillery's name and identity pay direct, beautiful homage to the cultural roots of the area, most notably its deep ties to the regional forestry industry and the historically significant musical legacy of Canadian folk icon Don Messer.
Stepping inside the venue is an immersive lesson in liquid education and historical storytelling. The family curated a gorgeous, cozy interior anchored by heavy wooden tables and custom copper stills, styled meticulously to mirror an authentic prohibition-era operation. Complete with unique memorials to legendary historical moonshiners like Popcorn Sutton, the Jewetts have successfully transformed a local passion for distilling into a highly interactive, award-winning agritourism destination that feels like stepping back in time while enjoying the finest modern comforts.
What They’re Known For: Known for their highly creative, award-winning lineup of natural and flavour-infused vodkas and liqueurs—including their nationally recognized, gold medal-winning After Five (chocolate-mint) and Salted Caramel expressions.

Donwriver Bev. Co. (formerly Moonshine Creek Distillery)
11377 Route 130, Waterville
Hours:
Monday & Tuesday 10am–5pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday-Saturday 10am–5pm
Sunday 12pm–5pm
Their Story: The foundation of Downriver Bev. Co. (formerly Moonshine Creek) represents a brilliant narrative of heritage, resilience, and evolution. The operation was originally established in 2018 under the "Moonshine Creek" banner by brothers Jeremiah and Joshua Clark. Driven by the deep, legendary lore of their late grandfather, Marlin Henderson—a partially paralyzed butcher, barber, and infamous local bootlegger who defiantly smuggled alcohol over the Maine-New Brunswick border to feed his ten children—the brothers set out to bring moonshine out of the shadows and into the legal mainstream. Collaborating with research chemists at the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB), they built a state-of-the-art steam-heated facility to safely craft authentic, high-end spirits rooted in regional culture.
A dynamic new chapter unfolded when the distillery was acquired by entrepreneurs Matt and Ashley Graham, owners of the nearby Homestead Orchards in Woodstock. Relaunching the brand as Downriver Bev. Co. (formerly Moonshine Creek), the Grahams infused the operation with a passion for sustainable agritourism and circular farming. With founding head distiller Jeremiah Clark remaining at the helm to protect the liquid's exceptional quality, the distillery has expanded its vision—integrating orchard-grown barrel-aged hard ciders and exploring non-alcoholic sparkling lines, transforming an ancestral bootlegging legacy into an elite regional cooperative that champions local growers.
What They’re Known For: Known for their historic, overnight cultural sensation—the iconic Chicken Bones Liqueur™, a wildly celebrated festive spirit created in an official partnership with New Brunswick's legendary Ganong chocolatier to perfectly capture the cinnamon-and-chocolate flavours of the classic Maritime candy.
Region 3: Saint John & Southwest NB

119 Cougle Rd, Sussex Corner
Hours:
Monday-Friday 9am–5pm
Saturday 10am–5pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm
Their Story: The foundation of Sussex Craft Distillery represents a masterclass in economic resilience, community grit, and agricultural innovation. The venture traces its origins back to May 2016, a critical turning point for the historic town of Sussex. Following a sudden, local mining closure that resulted in the heartbreaking loss of over 400 regional jobs, a passionate group of nine local professionals, entrepreneurs, and businessmen came together with a unified goal: to prove that Sussex was far more than a mining town and to transform it into an elite Maritime tourism destination. Recognizing that southern New Brunswick possessed an incredible abundance of fresh fruits and grain yet lacked local craft spirits, they decided a micro-distillery would be the perfect vehicle to honour the region's proud beverage history, which includes legacy brands like Sussex Ginger Ale.
That commitment to community and local experience expanded last year with the opening of The Backyard Bar, an onsite outdoor gathering space designed to showcase Sussex Craft Distillery’s spirits in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Serving cocktails made with the distillery’s own products, the bar gives visitors another way to experience the craftsmanship behind the brand while spending time outdoors. With local food trucks adding to the atmosphere, The Backyard Bar has quickly become a lively place to gather with friends, enjoy great food and drinks, and experience the community spirit that has been central to the distillery from the beginning.
What They’re Known For: Known for their multi-award-winning, small-batch rums and beautifully infused local liqueurs—most notably their signature Northern Maple rum liqueur, which has captured prestigious honors including silver at the Canadian Artisan Awards.
Region 4: Northern NB

599 Chem. Principale, Petit-Paquetville
Hours:
Monday-Saturday 10am–5pm
Their Story: The story of Distillerie Fils du Roy is rooted in family, Acadian identity, and a commitment to local craftsmanship. Founded in 2012 in Petit-Paquetville by the mother-and-son duo, Diane and Sébastien Roy, the distillery began with Thuya Gin and La Courailleuse absinthe and quickly gained recognition well beyond New Brunswick.
As master distiller and brewer, Sébastien has developed a wide range of award-winning spirits, while the brand itself reflects a strong connection to Acadian culture through labels inspired by regional stories and history.
That local focus expanded in 2018 with the creation of Maison Fils du Roy and later Maritime Malting, helping support breweries and distilleries with locally produced malt, research, and other resources. Together, these ventures reflect a broader mission to strengthen New Brunswick’s craft beverage industry while creating economic opportunities close to home.
What They’re Known For: Known for their legendary, multi-award-winning Gin Thuya—which captured the highly coveted Double Gold Medal and "Best Gin" honours at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

279 Newcastle Blvd, Miramichi
Hours:
Wednesday & Thursday 12pm–10pm
Friday & Saturday 12pm–11pm
Sunday-Tuesday Closed
Their Story: The establishment of Three Dog Distilling Company is an intersection of local architectural vision, meticulous scientific craftsmanship, and an enduring commitment to community. Founded by Cheryl and the late J. Francis Malley. The distillery was designed to be much more than a production house. Francis applied his immense creative eye and passion for structural detail to engineer a gorgeous, highly interactive facility where every batch of alcohol is fully fermented and distilled on location.
Deeply rooted in the storytelling traditions of Northern New Brunswick, the Malleys created an environment that emphasizes liquid education and warm Maritime hospitality. The venture operates as a true family affair, combining a love for small-batch spirit production with a curated boutique shopping experience.
What They’re Known For: Known for proudly distilling the spirit of Miramichi through an exceptional, small-batch lineup of traditional rums, ryes, and gins alongside highly unique regional creations. The facility is highly celebrated for its beautifully designed, community-centric tasting room, known affectionately as The Durty Dog Bar, and an eclectic on-site shoppe featuring Canadian-made pottery, jewelry, and home decor. It stands as a premier gathering destination where visitors can enjoy complimentary samples, savour signature craft cocktails, and experience the absolute best of local hospitality.

Distillerie New Brunswick Distillery
12 Main St, Bathurst
Hours:
Monday 10am–4pm
Tuesday-Thursday 10am–5pm
Friday 10am–8pm
Saturday 12pm–8pm
Sunday Closed
Their Story: The foundation of Distillerie New Brunswick Distillery is an inspiring tapestry of cross-cultural heritage, entrepreneurial vision, and local circularity. The venture was brought to life by husband-and-wife team Michael Petrovici and Katherine Lanteigne, who envisioned a landmark destination that would beautifully enrich the local tourism landscape. The core philosophy of the distillery is deeply rooted in Michael’s childhood memories of growing up in Romania, an extraordinarily fertile region where crafting small-batch homemade fruit brandies alongside his father, grandfather, and uncles was an integral part of community life. Seeking to plant those exact traditions into northern New Brunswick, the couple spent four meticulous years bringing their vision to fruition on Main Street.
Operating in tandem with their adjacent local landmarks, Kaffeine Espresso Bar and Au Bootlegger Pub, the couple teamed up with skilled distiller Chris Bartkow to engineer an elite farm-to-bottle craft program. Dedicated to genuine environmental stewardship, the distillery actively pursues zero-waste goals by donating all of its leftover grain stillage to neighbourhood livestock farmers as nutrient-rich feed and continuously discovering creative ways to repurpose spent botanicals. Through academic collaboration and immense community focus, the founders have beautifully transformed a multi-generational European spirit-making lineage into a shining beacon of modern Maritime craftsmanship.
What They’re Known For: Known for being the historic pioneer of craft distillation in the Chaleur Region and for their highly acclaimed, award-winning spirits—including their "Foodie's Choice" awarded Vodka Lemonade and the meticulously foraged Arboré Gin made with Acadian forest spruce tips and cedar bark.
New Brunswick's distillers are doing something remarkable.
Taking the raw materials of this province and transforming them into world-class spirits one small batch at a time. Whether you're a gin enthusiast, a whisky collector, or just someone who appreciates a well-made local cocktail, there's a distillery in this province worth going out of your way for.
Did we miss someone great?
Probably — and that’s the beauty of New Brunswick. There are so many local businesses, makers, restaurants, breweries, and experiences to discover that we can’t fit them all into one blog. If you know a spot we should feature in a future post, send us a note.
Email Us Here









