Top 4 Distilleries Worth a Visit in Toronto, and the GTA

Spring is here, a great time to get out and visit some local distilleries. Whether you’re looking for a cocktail class, a gin workshop, an event space for a wedding or private party, or just a simple tour and tasting, I’ve got you covered.

Below is a curated list of 4 of the top distilleries in the Toronto area, and the GTA that offer great experiences for you to enjoy this weekend.

These distilleries are all great locations offering top notch experiences, ranked according to their Google rating. Simple, I know, but reviews from real users offer the most honest opinion of a product or service, so let’s not re-invent the wheel. The fewest number of reviews for any distillery on this list is 65, more than enough to be credible.

Here’s my list of the top 4 distilleries that are worth your time in the Toronto area, compiled for you.

Durham Distillery

5 stars from 65 reviews

Topping the list is Durham Distillery, located in the Old Fire Hall in Ajax, ON. Here they craft some of the finest spirits in the region using local ingredients. The retail shop offers a unique experience, having a ‘speakeasy’ feel to it, with barrel tables throughout.

Feel free to sample any of their products at the bar prior to purchase. Here you’ll find a wide variety of spirits including gin, vodka, rum, specialty liqueurs and whisky. A number of flavoured gins and vodkas are available. Purchase online through the Durham Distillery website, or at the distillery.

Experiences

Cocktail Classes

Craft 3 different cocktails during a 90 minute session with a Durham Distillery mixologist.

Guided Whisky Tasting

This one hour experience features a guided tasting of 3 of their whiskies, hand-picked for each session.

The Distiller’s Experience

Receive 3 bottles of whisky, 1 each year over a 3 year period and discover how the aging process changes the whisky. You also receive 2 whisky tasting glasses and an experience guide.

While they do not offer distillery tours, they do offer online sales, and you can taste any of their spirits before you buy in their on-site retail store.

The Takeaway

What stands out at Durham Distillery is the friendly service, the lively, engaging cocktail classes, and the quality of their spirits with the Fear the Reaper Vodka among many peoples favorite vodka. Durham Distillery is certainly worth a visit.

Reid’s Distillery

4.9 stars from 600 reviews

Second on our list is Reid’s Distillery, a project that was born out of a love of gin, the thrill of a good challenge, and the desire to create something new. With a rating of 4.9 stars from 600 reviews you know this is a top notch distillery. Established in 2019, Reid’s Distillery crafts world class Canadian gin in Toronto, on their stills ‘Matt’ and ‘Maureen.’

Their hand-crafted gin is made using Canadian wheat and juniper, along with a whole host of botanicals to create gins that are adventurous in flavour. They offer premium gin, flavoured gin, and Ready to Drink (RTD) gin cocktails. Purchase online through the Reid’s Distillery website, or at the distillery.

Experiences

Distillery Tours and Tastings

A group experience where you begin with a welcome cocktail, followed by a 90 minute behind the scenes tour where you will see how Reid’s gins are made, including a tasting flight, followed by a finishing cocktail to enjoy in the lounge following your tour. Be sure to take an Uber, or have a DD for this one.

Cocktail Classes

90 minute experience where you will make 3 cocktails using Reid’s Distillery gin.

Cocktail High Tea

Finger sandwiches, scones, and more served with hot tea for an authentic English high tea experience. Option to add specialty tea-infused gin cocktail teapots served over ice, or other classic cocktails (not included).

Reid’s Concert Series

An eclectic mix of blues, jazz, folk and more.

Event Space

Host your private event including corporate parties, weddings, birthday parties, or any other celebration. Private cocktail classes, tastings, and tours available.

The Takeaway

The thing people seem to enjoy most about Reid’s is their cocktail classes. A fun and engaging experience. The tastings and tours, and high tea are highly enjoyable as well. Be sure to put Reid’s Distillery on your list.

Nickel 9 Distillery

4.8 stars from 132 reviews

Founded in 2017, Nickel 9 Distillery is a top destination for people looking for great craft distillery experiences. Nickel 9 takes great pride in their meticulous craftsmanship, commitment to quality, innovation, and community, and a dedication to using local ingredients to create unique, exceptional spirits.

Visit Nickel 9 to sample some of their crafts bitters, vodka, gin, brandy, and whisky along with Limoncello and other specialty spirits. Purchase online through the Nickel 9 Distillery website, or at the distillery.

Experiences

Distillery Tours and Tastings

3 different tour options are available offering different tour and tasting options.

Cocktail Classes

A mixology and cocktail class hosted by Nickel 9 Distillery’s professional bartenders. Craft 3 cocktails using Nickel 9’s premium spirits.

Event Space

Book your own private event including corporate parties, weddings, and bachelor and bachelorette parties.

The Takeaway

People love the chill vibe at Nickel 9. Highlights include the fun cocktail classes, spirit tastings, and the overall experience with the relaxed, knowledgeable, and fun staff. Not to mention the overwhelming positive feedback on the quality of their spirits. Be sure to make time to visit Nickel 9.

Spirit of York

4.2 stars from 372 reviews

Founded in 2009, and located in the heart of Toronto’s historic Distillery District, Spirit of York is producing some of the best premium spirits in the Toronto area. The heritage building housing Spirit of York, formerly the Gooderham and Worts malting facility, combines rustic red brick with a stunning floor to ceiling glass wall giving an amazing view of both pot and column copper stills.

Spirit of York combines pure spring water, local rye, and specially curated strains of Distiller’s yeast along with time honoured distilling techniques to produce the highest quality spirits possible.

Spirits available include aquavit, gin, vodka, and whisky along with a few specialty spirits and vodka seltzers. Purchase online through the Spirit of York Distillery website, the LCBO, or in person at the distillery.

Experiences

Tours and Tastings

Receive a welcome G&T followed by a guided tour of the distillery including a guided spirit tasting of their core spirits.

Make Your Own Gin

The Make Your Own Gin Experience begins with a tasting flight and an exploration of the rich history of gin, including a distillery tour, followed by the workshop. During the workshop you will blend your own gin.

Cocktail Workshop

Explore the art of cocktail making with one of the distilleries professional bartenders. Make 2 cocktails, one shaken, and one stirred and learn when each technique should be used. Bring home a bottle of your preferred cocktail.

Event Space

From small private parties to corporate events and weddings, Spirit of York’s 2,500 sq. ft. restaurant can be customized to suit your needs, all with a clear view of the distillery through the stunning floor to ceiling glass wall. An expert in-house team works directly with clients to bring their vision to life.

Cocktail Bar and Restaurant

The distillery has a craft cocktail bar serving handmade cocktails with Spirit of York spirits, and a restaurant. Have a look at the menus on the Spirit of York website.

The Takeaway

High quality premium spirits, guided tours and tasting, and gin and cocktail workshops make Spirit of York on of the top distilleries to visit in Toronto and the GTA. Be sure to put them on your list of distilleries to visit.