Lucky Bastard Distillers

In the heart of the Canadian prairies, where golden wheat meets modern craft artistry, lies Lucky Bastard Distillers. Located in the city of Saskatoon, this unique destination has become a true symbol of the revival of old traditions, being the first such enterprise to open here after a long era of prohibition.

Today, this distillery in Canada is famous for its uncompromising approach to quality, using exclusively premium Saskatchewan wheat for its spirits. The master distillers boast a portfolio of over 30 products, including exotic flavored vodkas (ranging from vanilla and espresso to dill pickle), as well as liqueurs made from local haskap and saskatoon berries. A special place in the collection is held by their traditional honey-pepper vodka, crafted according to Ukrainian recipes.

Visitors are drawn not only by the extensive range but also by the open, friendly atmosphere. Having moved in 2015 to a spacious 15,000-square-foot facility, Lucky Bastard has transformed from a modest workshop into a major tourist attraction with its own tasting room and a stylish event space where every guest can experience the culture of creating premium spirits.

To book a tour or check the availability of a specific liqueur, you can contact the distillery directly. The team is always happy to answer questions and help organize private events in their banquet hall. Below are the current contact details.

The main reason to visit Lucky Bastard Distillers is for their fascinating free tours. During the tour, you will see the entire cycle of transforming grain into a fine spirit and learn how innovative humidity control systems help age whiskey in barrels to perfection. The distillery staff are incredibly enthusiastic about their craft, turning a simple walk through the facility into a true industry immersion.

In the tasting area, guests can discover the distillers' boldest experiments. Be sure to try the dill pickle vodka—it is considered the perfect base for the famous Canadian Caesar cocktail. Those who prefer milder flavors will enjoy the berry liqueurs and the signature Saskatoon berry iced tea, which is so popular that batches often sell out in just a few days.

The onsite shop offers more than just spirits; you can also find ready-to-drink canned cocktails that are perfect for taking on the go. If you're lucky, you might catch the bottling process in action or see barrels of single malt whiskey being laid down for years of aging. For those looking for a celebration venue, the distillery offers a banquet hall where industrial charm meets premium service.

You can find Lucky Bastard Distillers in the industrial part of the city at 814 47th St E. Although the distillery is surrounded by industrial buildings, it remains easily accessible for both tourists and locals. A drive from the city center takes only about 10–15 minutes, and convenient parking is available right at the entrance.

If you prefer not to drive, using a taxi or rideshare service is the most convenient option. This is especially relevant if you plan to participate in a tasting of high-proof spirits. The trip from downtown Saskatoon hotels is reasonably priced and saves you the trouble of navigating the industrial zone.

For those choosing public transport, there are bus routes serving the area; however, it is advisable to check the schedule and nearest stops in advance. Most tourists agree that a personal vehicle or taxi is the most comfortable way to reach this Saskatchewan "hidden gem."

The story of this ambitious project began in 2010 in a rather unusual way: the idea came to Cary Bowman during a flight to Europe while he was reading an article about micro-distilleries. Inspired by the dream, he brought in his friends—physician Michael Goldney and financier Lacey Crocker. Interestingly, the brand name Lucky Bastard refers to a lottery win that helped one of the founders realize their plans.

Opening in May 2012, the facility became the city's first craft distillery since the end of Prohibition. The founders had to navigate a complex bureaucratic struggle, essentially helping local authorities develop policies to support small-scale spirit production in the province. Initially, they operated out of a small space, testing and perfecting recipes—it is said they had to pour out many unsuccessful batches before finding "the one" for their gin.

Success came quickly: demand for a high-quality local product was so high that in 2015, production moved to a spacious building, increasing capacity tenfold. By 2022, the distillery celebrated its tenth anniversary in style, having already received the prestigious SABEX business award and inspiring dozens of other micro-distilleries to open across the region.

For a standard visit, including a look at the range of products and a short tasting, 1 hour is usually sufficient. This is enough time to browse the retail area and pick out a few bottles of unique spirits as souvenirs.

If you plan to join a full production tour, which explains the secrets of "grain-to-bottle" distillation, we recommend scheduling about 2 hours. This will allow you to soak in the atmosphere without rushing, chat with the staff, and sample rare liqueurs or aged whiskies.

The distillery welcomes guests from Monday to Saturday, typically opening its doors at 12:00 PM and closing at 6:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays.

Since the schedule for tours and tastings can change depending on the season or private events, it is highly recommended to check the official website or call ahead to confirm current opening hours before your visit.

A visit to the distillery in the industrial district can be combined with exploring other interesting parts of the city. Saskatoon offers many options for active recreation, walking, and cultural discovery to complement your trip.

Below are some attractions located within a few kilometers of the distillery: