Alberta’s government is moving to formally define what qualifies as “Alberta whisky,” introducing legislation it says will strengthen the province’s spirits industry and raise its profile on the global stage.Premier Danielle Smith announced Bill 24, the Alberta Whisky Act, which would set legal standards for labeling whisky as an Alberta product, tying it directly to locally sourced ingredients and production.The legislation aims to give Alberta whisky a distinct identity similar to internationally recognized categories like Kentucky bourbon and Scotch whisky, while promoting products distilled in the province using Alberta-grown grains and water.If passed, the law would require whisky marketed under the Alberta name to use 100% Alberta water and a defined proportion of locally sourced grains, linking the industry more closely to the province’s agricultural sector.Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally said the proposal is intended to support local distillers and ensure their products are recognized for quality and craftsmanship.Industry groups have backed the move, with Spirits Canada saying the legislation would help elevate Alberta’s whisky sector internationally. .The Alberta Craft Distillers Association also welcomed the proposal, pointing to growing demand and award-winning products coming from the province.Alberta currently has 45 whisky distillers, most of them small craft operations. Producers have earned top honours at national and international competitions in recent years, including awards at the Canadian Whisky Awards and global spirits competitions.The government says the legislation could also support tourism by encouraging development of an “Alberta Whisky Trail,” drawing visitors to distilleries and contributing to a broader goal of increasing annual visitor spend to $25 billion.If approved, oversight and enforcement would fall to the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission, while participation in the Alberta whisky designation would remain voluntary. Distillers would still be free to produce other whisky products that do not meet the new criteria.Officials say the proposed law would not affect pricing, availability or retail access, but is intended to give Alberta-made spirits a clearer identity in increasingly competitive global markets.
