Liam TrudeauThe 5 best distilleries in Montreal that you have to visit
A few years ago, I found myself at a distillery overseas after a friend convinced me their gin would “change my life.” Spoiler: it did, just not in the way I’d hoped.
The first sip of their supposedly amazing gin tasted as though someone had steeped pinecones in surgical spirit. By the third sample, I was already eyeing the exit and feeling rather sorry for my liver.
Fast forward to Montreal, where I decided to give distilleries another shot—this time with better luck.
After countless tastings, a few questionable cocktails, and a fair bit of friendly debate, my friends and I managed to put together a list of distilleries that are genuinely worth a visit.
1. Distillerie de Montréal (Rosemont)
Media credit: distilleriedemontreal
Address: 5447 Rue Chapleau
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 4 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 12 PM
Phone: +1 514-585-3576
Price: $$
If you love discovering spirits, Distillerie de Montréal (Rosemont) is a must-visit. This homegrown distillery is all about creativity and authenticity. They have a lineup you won’t find anywhere else—each bottle proudly reflecting Montreal’s character.
What sets them apart? They fully ferment and distill every spirit in-house, using traditional Charentais stills for an artisanal touch.
Their rums are especially unique. They’re the only ones made entirely in Quebec and come with rich, complex flavors that show off their craftsmanship.
Don’t miss their Blue Agave Spirit, “El Chapleau”—crafted from organic Oaxacan blue agave, double-distilled and aged right in Montreal. The result is a smooth, complex spirit with a long, elegant finish.
For something playful, try the Rosemont Pineapple Rum: a blend of molasses rum, homemade caramel, and a hint of chamomile. It offers tropical aromas and a soft, fragrant sweetness.
| Pro Tip: Ask for a taste of their Orange Électrique—a bitter orange liqueur made with macerated oranges and a blend of botanicals like chicory, artichoke, and gentian. It’s half as sweet as most liqueurs, with floral notes and a beautifully balanced bitter finish. |
2. Cirka Distilleries
Media credit: cirka_distilleries
Address: 2075 Rue Cabot
Hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +1 514-370-2075
Price: $$
Cirka Distilleries should be at the top of your list if you like hands-on, engaging tours with staff who walk you through every step. You’ll get to sample spirits at different stages, making for a genuinely educational (and delicious) experience.
As Quebec’s first grain-to-bottle distillery, Cirka’s lineup is impressive. Their gin and vodka are crisp, aromatic, and made with regional botanicals and grains.
But whisky fans will want to seek out their small-batch releases, especially Whisky No. 3. It’s a standout rye whisky aged four years and finished in 30-year-old Oloroso sherry casks.
You can expect a palette of cocoa, raisin, and toffee. There’s also a hint of hazelnut and caramel.
| Pro Tip: Book your tour in advance—spots are limited, and tours are offered in both English and French. |
3. BluePearl Distillerie
Media credit: bluepearldistillerie
Address: 5500 Rue Hochelaga Suite 650
Phone: +1 514-317-2250
Price: $$
BluePearl Distillerie is a treat for anyone who loves gin and creative cocktails. This place is all about small-batch spirits made with local botanicals, served up in a bright, modern space that feels both artistic and welcoming.
Their star is the Gin BleuRoyal—a striking blue gin infused with Quebec wildflowers and berries. Add a splash of citrus, and it magically turns purple, making it a real showstopper for cocktails.
The flavour is fresh and floral, with a gentle berry sweetness and a crisp, clean finish. BluePearl also rolls out limited-edition gins, flavoured vodkas, and seasonal specials, so there’s always something different to try.
| Pro Tip: The tasting bar is relaxed and friendly, with staff who love sharing their passion for craft spirits. Meanwhile, the cocktail bar is a favourite for after-work drinks and date nights, thanks to its inventive drinks menu and lively vibe. |
4. Brasserie Distillerie Beauregard
Media credit: beauregard_micro
Address: 2253 Rue Dandurand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Phone: +1 514-865-2693
Price: $$
Dark beer lovers, this one’s for you. Brasserie Distillerie Beauregard is for anyone who gets excited about stouts, porters, and anything barrel-aged.
Their beers are packed with flavour—think roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and sometimes a cheeky hint of dried fruit or spice.
The barrel-aged stuff? Even better. Expect a bit of oak, a touch of vanilla, and a finish that sticks around.
But it’s not just about the beer. Beauregard’s spirits are all grain-based and full of personality, thanks to some clever use of botanicals. They’re smooth, tasty, and often a little bit unexpected.
| Pro Tip: Ask what’s new in the barrel-aged lineup. These limited releases are where Beauregard really lets loose. |
5. Projet Pilote – Distillerie & Brasserie Artisanale
Media credit: projectpilote
Address: 980 Rue Rachel E
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 1 AM
Phone: +1 514-688-0282
Price: $
If you’re the kind of person who gets excited about tasting something out of the ordinary, Project Pilote is your spot. This distillery and brewery is perfect for anyone keen to try experimental, small-batch spirits and beers you won’t find anywhere else.
The makers here are always testing new ideas, so there’s always something unexpected on the menu.
Take their Andro Gin: it’s bright and herbal with a lively citrus kick and a gentle floral finish. Amiso goes in a different direction— earthy and nutty, like roasted hazelnuts with a hint of dried fruit.
| Pro Tip: Try the jitter bird cocktail—a playful mix of coffee-infused Campari, dark rum, and pineapple. |
