The Local’s Guide to Hansen Distillery
A deep dive into the "Liquid Legacy" where outlaw history meets world-class Alberta rye.
If you want to understand the true "rebel spirit" of the north, you have to visit Edmonton's west end. Tucked away in an unassuming industrial space is Hansen Distillery. This isn't just a business; it’s a family reunion in a bottle. Founded by Shayna Hansen and Kris Sustrik, this distillery is built on secret recipes that were whispered through the Hansen family since the Great Depression. It is gritty, authentic, and arguably the most "Edmonton" distillery you will ever set foot in.
The Story Under the Soil
The Hansen legacy began during the 1930s when Shayna’s grandparents, Carl and Amanda, started making "sugar shine" to keep their family fed during the dust bowl summers. For decades, the recipe was a closely guarded secret, known only to those "worthy" of the craft. When master distiller Kris Sustrik joined the family, Grandma "Jingle Bells" Hansen finally handed over the torch.
While they honor the past, the technology is strictly modern. They source 100% of their grain from family members in Stettler, Alberta, moving through roughly 1,500 kilograms of local barley and rye every week. This is true farm-to-glass production, handled by a team that isn't afraid to get their boots dirty in the same soil that grows their ingredients.
The Spirit Lineup
Hansen is famous for their Northern Eyes line, which has become a staple for Alberta whisky collectors. They specialize in high-proof, single-barrel expressions that don't apologize for their bold character. Here is what you should be looking for:
Northern Eyes 5 Year Whisky
Their flagship 100% Alberta rye. Aged in new American oak and bottled at 100 proof, it hits you with rich butterscotch and vanilla custard before finishing with a spicy tobacco kick. It is the gold standard for northern rye.
Distiller’s Edition: Sherry Cask
This connoisseur's choice is aged for 22 months in French oak followed by 41 months in sherry casks. It’s a complex beast with notes of black currant, cassis, and subtle walnut that pairs perfectly with a sharp cheese board.
Northern Eyes Whisky Cream
Forget the mass-market brands. This is a bold, velvety cream liqueur made for "the harshest winters." It uses their real rye whisky base and is a local favorite for Sunday morning coffee or "rink coffee."
Beyond the Bottle
The tasting room is a shrine to the family's history, featuring antiques and even the old car Shayna's grandparents drove during their moonshining days. It is a warm, welcoming space where you can grab a flight or one of their legendary seasonal cocktails.
They are open Tuesday through Saturday, with the energy really picking up on Friday and Saturday nights. If you want the full experience, book a Distillery Tour for a Thursday or Saturday afternoon. You’ll get to walk through the production floor, see the stills in action, and hear the "outlaw" stories that didn't make it into the history books.
🕵️ The Insider Secret
Here is the "super secret" detail for the true collectors: Ask about Brock's Barrels. When Shayna and Kris's son was born in 2019, they laid down two specific barrels of whisky that are currently aging in the back. They are strictly "off-limits" until his 18th birthday. While you can't buy those, asking the staff about the "Secret Stash" often reveals limited-run moonshines or experimental small batches that are only available for purchase at the distillery counter.
Other Things to Try Nearby
- The Cocktails: Try the "Sazerac" featuring Northern Eyes 5 Year—it’s a masterclass in how to use high-proof rye.
- The Sweets: Keep an eye out for their Coffee Cupcakes made with house cream liqueur icing, often available during special events.
- The Neighborhood: You are right near the west end’s industrial heart, but a quick 10-minute drive will get you to West Edmonton Mall if you need to walk off the tasting flight with some window shopping.