The Local’s Guide to Lone Pine Distilling
A masterclass in "Sipping Culture" found in the heart of Edmonton’s industrial Hubcap District.
If you are looking for a true "destination" distillery that feels like a hidden oasis, you need to navigate the industrial streets of south Edmonton to find Lone Pine Distilling. Located just off Gateway Boulevard (the literal gateway to the north), this spot was founded by Bryan Anderson, a former tax planner who traded spreadsheets for spirits. It is sleek, nature-inspired, and focused on what they call "Sipping Culture"—the idea that a spirit should be good enough to enjoy slow, steady, and shared with friends.
The Story Under the Pine
The name "Lone Pine" isn't just marketing; it’s a tribute to a quiet family cabin in central Alberta that served as the original inspiration for the brand. Bryan spent three years cutting through red tape to open this facility in 2020, and he did it with a "Green" heart. Most people don't realize this is one of the most sustainable distilleries in the province.
The tech here is seriously eco-friendly. They use a geothermal insulation system and closed-loop cooling to ensure their entire facility uses about as much natural gas as two residential homes. Even their "spent grain" doesn't go to waste—it is sent back to local farmers to feed livestock, completing a perfect circular economy. When you sip a Lone Pine whisky, you are tasting a process that respects the Alberta land as much as the Alberta grain.
The Whisky Lineup
Lone Pine is the king of the "Limited Release." Because they are a smaller house, their dark spirits are often one-of-a-kind batches that will never be replicated. Here is what you need to track down:
2025 Single Barrel Whisky
This is their latest crown jewel. A corn and wheat mash aged for 49 months in oak, it is described by the distillery as "unrepeatable." It is rich, smooth, and exactly what a premium Alberta craft whisky should be.
Ginski 2.0
This is a wild, one-of-a-kind hybrid. It is essentially their gin aged for 33 months in oak barrels. It sits in that beautiful, confusing space between a botanical gin and a caramel-forward whisky. It’s a "must-try" for any spirit nerd.
Barrel Aged Gin
If you can't get your hands on a full whisky bottle, this is the next best thing. Their Gateway Dry Gin is aged in bourbon oak barrels, giving it a velvet caramel finish that bridges the gap for whisky lovers.
Beyond the Bottle
The tasting room at Lone Pine is a vibe all its own—warm, wood-filled, and very "West Coast" in its design. They don't serve food themselves, but here is the local pro-tip: they actively encourage you to order in. You can grab a flight of spirits and have your favorite local Edmonton food delivered right to your table while you sip.
Their cocktail game is elite. The "Canadian Revival" is a local legend, mixing their house whisky with creme de cassis and lemon for a drink that is refreshing but still holds that deep grain soul. If you want to see the "Science" behind the spirits, book a personal tour where they’ll walk you through the entire grain-to-glass journey.
🕵️ The Insider Secret
Here is the secret to getting the best value: The "Secret" Refill Program. Lone Pine is so committed to sustainability that they encourage you to bring your empty bottles back to the distillery. While they can't "refill" the exact bottle due to liquor laws, they often have "bottle return" incentives or unique distillery-only discounts for locals who help them keep their glass out of the landfill. Also, keep an eye out for their Earl Grey Gin—it uses wild bergamot (bee balm) harvested right here in Alberta prairies!
Other Things to Try Nearby
- The Flight: Get the "Lone Pine Full Flight" to try 4 gins and 2 vodkas—it’s the best $15 you’ll spend in Edmonton.
- The Collab: Try the Lone Pine & Growlery Vodka Sodas. They collaborated with local craft brewery Growlery Beer Co. to create some of the crispest canned drinks in the city.
- The Take-Home: Don't leave without a bottle of the Rocky Mountain Gin; it uses native mint and rosehips to literally taste like an Alberta hike.