Alberta whisky named 'Best in Class' in Canada

An international competition has named a made-in-Alberta whisky as Canada’s best. 

Eau Claire Distillery, located in Diamond Valley southwest of Calgary, won a Best in Class award at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where its Ruperts Exceptional Canadian Whisky took top honours in the Canadian Whisky Category. 

David Farran, founder and president of Eau Claire Distillery, said the company’s success is the David and Goliath story of the whisky world. 

“Winning ‘Best in Class' feels like we've just toppled a giant, and it's a testament to the passion and precision of our team,” Farran said. 

The whisky was judged alongside some of the largest distilleries in Canada and the world, and the win is the latest is a long-running streak of success at the international competition. 

Rupert's Exceptional Canadian Whisky was awarded Double Gold for three years is a row and earned Platinum status this year. 

“We're so proud of what we've achieved, and this award solidifies our place in the world of exceptional whisky," Farran said. 

Other accolades from the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition include Gold for the distillery’s Batch No. 7 Single Malt Whisky and Silver for its Parlour Gin. 

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition was founded in 2000 and is the oldest and largest competition of its kind. Each year, judges rate about 5,000 entries in all categories.