Cirka Distilleries

What Cirka Distilleries does

Cirka Distilleries is a privately-held craft distillery founded in 2014 by Paul Cirka, with production commencing in 2016 at a single site on the Lachine Canal in Montréal, Québec. The company operates a fully verticalized grain-to-bottle production process, controlling mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation of local Quebec grain on premises using a 24-plate column still for vodka and custom copper stills for gin and whisky. Its portfolio spans four categories — gin (Gin 375, Gin Sauvage, Navy Strength Gin, Limonea), vodka (Vodka Terroir, Chili Vodka, Vodka Raspberry Cranberry), whisky (No.2, No.3, No.4, Monarque, Ephemeral Series No. 1, Burgundy Lion collaboration), and liqueurs (Passion, Pomelo, Folklore) — together with co-branded products such as Fraser & Thompson Whiskey developed with Michael Bublé and WES Brands.

The business operates a hybrid go-to-market: wholesale distribution through the SAQ provincial network covering all of Quebec, direct-to-consumer retail at the on-site distillery boutique and Shopify online store, international export via Arvida Signé Québec in France and select European/North American specialty retailers, and an experiential layer that monetises the distillery space through guided tours ($25 CAD per person), private cocktail classes ($120/person), and corporate event rentals ($1,195-$1,995+ for 20-100 guests). Pricing on retail SKUs ranges from approximately $28.49 CAD (entry-level vodka) to $156.55 CAD (Whisky Ephemeral Series No. 1).

CIRKA is the first grain-to-bottle distillery in Quebec, and the only Canadian distillery to have been awarded Gold Outstanding at London's International Wine and Spirits Competition; it has also collected World's Best Gin (Navy Strength, 2021) and World's Best Vodka (Chili Vodka, 2021) titles. The company is founder-owned, employs between 1 and 10 people, and shows no evidence of external institutional funding or public-market activity in the available material.

Name

Cirka Distilleries

Legal name

CIRKA Distilleries

Website

https://cirkadistilleries.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cirka Distilleries is Quebec's first grain-to-bottle craft distillery, founded in 2014 and operating from Montréal's Lachine Canal. It produces award-winning gin, vodka, whisky, and liqueurs from local Quebec grain for consumers across Quebec via SAQ wholesale, DTC retail, international export, and on-site tours and corporate events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Distilled Spirits

NAICS

Distilleries (312140), Distilleries (31214), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (42482)

SIC

Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Distilled Spirits Production & Distilling (AFAFAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC), Distilleries (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAG), Spirits Retail & Whiskey Shops (Off-Premise) (CRANAAAD), Mixed Alcohol Specialty Retail (Beer/Wine/Spirits Combined) (CRANABAH)

Keywords

• Craft spirits production
• Grain-to-bottle distillery
• Quebec craft distillery
• Whisky gin vodka
• Distillery tours events

Headquarters

HQ city

Montréal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Direct spirits sales (distillery boutique): Direct retail sales of gin, vodka, whisky, and liqueurs to consumers at the distillery shop in Montreal, including distillery-exclusive bottles not available at the SAQ.
2. SAQ wholesale distribution: Wholesale supply of CIRKA spirits to the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) provincial retail network, covering all of Quebec. Products carry SAQ codes for retail placement.
3. Distillery tours and whisky tastings: Direct-to-consumer experience revenue: guided distillery tours at $25 CAD per person (with optional whisky tasting upgrade at $15), serving tourists and locals as a discovery channel and revenue stream.
4. Corporate event space rental and private events: Private 5 à 7 events (starting at $1,195 + taxes for 20-30 guests), Signature evening events (starting at $1,995 + taxes for up to 100 guests), daytime meetings, corporate gifting, and cocktail workshops. Bar service additional, with signature cocktails at $12 each and whisky cocktails at $14 each.
5. Cocktail classes and whisky nights: Private cocktail classes at $120 per person (minimum 10 people), intimate whisky tasting and food pairing events, and virtual master classes for corporate team building.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Cirka Distilleries is a craft spirits producer that manufactures gin, vodka, whisky, and liqueurs from local Québec grain using a grain-to-bottle production process at its Lachine Canal distillery in Montréal. The company sells its spirits directly through its distillery boutique and online store, through the SAQ provincial retail network, and via international export partners, while also generating revenue from guided distillery tours, whisky tastings, cocktail classes, and corporate/private event venue rentals.

Product overview

Cirka Distilleries is Quebec's first grain-to-bottle distillery located on the Lachine Canal in Montreal. The company produces a portfolio of craft spirits organized into four core categories: Gin (Gin 375, Gin Sauvage, Navy Strength Gin, Limonea), Vodka (Vodka Terroir, Chili Vodka, Vodka Raspberry Cranberry), Whisky (Whisky No.2, No.3, No.4, Monarque, Ephemeral Series No.1, Burgundy Lion collaboration), and Liqueurs (Passion, Pomelo, Folklore). All spirits are crafted from Quebec grain, distilled on-site using a grain-to-bottle approach. Beyond product sales, the company generates revenue through experiential services including distillery tours and tastings, space rentals for corporate events, and cocktail classes including whisky tasting nights. The distillery also collaborates on co-branded products such as Fraser & Thompson Whiskey with Michael Buble.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fraser & Thompson: Collaboration with Michael Bublé to create an elegantly blended North American whiskey, partnered with WES Brands.

Products and services

• Navy Strength Gin High-proof citrus-driven gin at 57.1% alc./vol., built on 100% Quebec corn and rested 2 months in corn whisky barrels. Features sweet orange and lemongrass with barrel-influenced warmth and depth, targeted at gin enthusiasts and craft cocktail consumers.
• Gin 375 Old Tom style gin created for Montreal's 375th anniversary, built from 100% Quebec corn with indigenous botanicals including boreal plants, Eastern Townships fruit, and Laurentian Mountains honey. Lightly sweetened with amber color, targeted at craft gin drinkers and gift purchasers.
• Gin Sauvage Botanical-forward gin inspired by Quebec's wild landscapes, sold in the core CIRKA gin lineup. Targeted at craft gin enthusiasts and cocktail drinkers.
• Limonea Citrus-forward flavoured gin distilled in Montreal with Quebec grains, infused with lemongrass, mint and lemon peel, inspired by travel in Thailand. Bottled at 36% alc./vol., 750ml, targeted at summer cocktail drinkers and flavoured-gin consumers.
• Vodka Terroir Clean, grain vodka made from Quebec corn, distilled over twenty hours in a 24-foot vodka column for velvety texture. Targeted at vodka enthusiasts and bartenders seeking a textured, terroir-driven spirit.
• Chili Vodka Smoky, spicy vodka at 40,000 Scoville heat units with peppers sourced from Turkey, Peru and Mexico. Bold chili heat with soft fruity notes and long warm finish, targeted at flavoured vodka and Bloody Mary consumers.
• Vodka Raspberry Cranberry Fruit-forward vodka made with Quebec corn, raspberries and cranberries. Bottled at 30% alc./vol. with balanced sweetness and bright berry notes, targeted at flavoured vodka and casual cocktail drinkers.
• Whisky No.2 Four year Quebec single grain whisky, triple cask finished in new American white oak, ex rye and Sauternes casks. Made from 100% local Quebec corn. Bottled at 48% alc./vol., non chill filtered, no added colour, targeted at craft whisky drinkers.
• Whisky No.3 Four year Quebec rye whisky made from 93% Yamachiche rye and 7% German chocolate malted rye, finished in 30 year old Oloroso sherry casks. Silver Medal (93 points) at IWSC 2022, bottled at 46% alc./vol., targeted at rye whisky enthusiasts.
• Whisky No.4 Four year Quebec whisky blending 95% St Jean corn with 5% Yamachiche rye, using spring water from St Maurice discovered in 1894. Corn component finished 15 months in Sauternes barrels, bottled at 42% alc./vol., targeted at blended whisky enthusiasts.
• Monarque Limited edition blended whisky combining 6 year old corn whisky, 4 year old Sour Mash whisky, and exploratory cask. Inspired by Sour Mash traditions. Bottled at 43% alc./vol., 750ml, targeted at limited-release whisky collectors.
• Whisky Ephemeral Series No.1 Experimental single malt whisky built around deliberately caramelizing sugars in the mash tun. Aged 8 years in first fill American white oak barrels. Only 281 bottles produced. Bottled at 43% alc./vol., targeted at collectors and experimental whisky enthusiasts.
• Burgundy Lion Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky Cask strength single malt whisky in collaboration with Toby Lyle of Burgundy Lion. Mash bill with 75% Quebec malt and 25% English malt, aged in custom charred American oak barrels. Bottled at 60.4% alc./vol., 750ml, targeted at cask strength whisky enthusiasts.
• Fraser & Thompson Whiskey Collaborative blended North American whiskey produced with Michael Bublé and WES Brands, positioned as an elegantly blended whiskey accessible to a wide audience. Targeted at celebrity-curated whiskey consumers and gift purchasers.
• Passion Liqueur Tropical passion fruit liqueur made from Quebec corn distilled with botanicals, delicately sweetened with ethically grown cane sugar. Bottled at 23% alc./vol., 750ml, targeted at cocktail enthusiasts and tropical-flavour consumers.
• Folklore Maple & Rye Liqueur Maple and rye liqueur blending distilled Yamachiche rye, 100% Quebec maple syrup and organic cascara. Rich, silky and deeply comforting. Bottled at 34% alc./vol., 750ml, targeted at maple liqueur and dessert-cocktail drinkers.
• Distillery Tour & Tasting Guided tour of the Cirka distillery including a welcome cocktail, walk through production areas, a grain-to-bottle process overview, and tasting of core range spirits. Optional whisky tasting upgrade, approximately 1.5 hours, $25 CAD per person. Targeted at consumers and tourists in Montréal.
• Space Rental & Event Venue Corporate event venue rental at the working grain-to-bottle distillery on Lachine Canal. Private 5 à 7 (3 hours, 20-30 guests) from $1,195+ taxes, Signature Evening (up to 6 hours, 30-100 guests) from $1,995+ taxes, including bar team and optional distillery tour. Targeted at corporate event planners, private party hosts, and team-building buyers.
• Cocktail Classes Private cocktail classes led by the Cirka brand ambassador or local mixologists, including a distillery tour. $120 per person with a 10-person minimum, with virtual options available for corporate team building. Targeted at cocktail enthusiasts, private groups, and corporate team-building clients.
• Whisky Nights Intimate whisky tasting and food pairing events led by founder Paul Cirka and master distiller Isabelle Rochette, a three-hour exclusive event with best CIRKA whisky releases paired with curated food sampling. Targeted at whisky collectors, connoisseurs, and high-spending enthusiasts.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4.9/5 average rating based on 250+ Google and Tripadvisor reviews for the distillery tour experience.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.

• WES BrandsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023WES Brands partnered with Michael Bublé and CIRKA founder Paul Cirka to create Fraser & Thompson Whiskey, an elegantly blended North American whiskey. WES Brands brought their industry experience and knowledge to the collaboration. The product originated from conversations during the pandemic and was nurtured into existence over years of shared development.
• Michael BubléflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023Michael Bublé collaborated with CIRKA founder Paul Cirka to create Fraser & Thompson Whiskey, an elegantly blended North American whiskey. Michael Bublé brought celebrity endorsement, creative vision, and marketing reach to the partnership, aiming to create a quality product accessible by all.
• The Unscented CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anie Rouleau (Founder & CEO of The Unscented Company, a neighbour of CIRKA) initiated a collaboration to produce hand sanitizer for the community. CIRKA used its production capabilities to help meet community needs during the health crisis. The collaboration lasted only a few months but reflected strong community values.
• Toby Lyle / Burgundy LioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerToby Lyle, founder of Burgundy Lion (a Montreal establishment), collaborated with CIRKA to produce the Burgundy Lion Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky. Toby Lyle's support and encouragement enabled this original cask strength single malt release. The whisky is distilled under Toby's supervision using five different malts (75% Quebec malt, 25% English malt) and aged in custom charred American oak barrels.
• Beauregard Brasserie & DistillerieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeauregard Brasserie's dark beer was enhanced by the addition of CIRKA Navy Strength Gin, which was then rested in Navy Gin barrels. The collaborative beer sold out in less than 2 hours, demonstrating strong consumer demand for the joint product.
• La Petite BoulangerieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaster baker Jacques Morin's La Petite Boulangerie, described as making the most delicious baked goods in Montreal, collaborated with CIRKA on unspecified initiatives tied to the distillery's culinary and sensory experiences.
• Boucherie Ça Va BarderminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreative butchers at Boucherie Ça Va Barder used CIRKA's gin-infused cranberries (leftover from the maceration of Gin 375) to create a dry cured sausage. This sustainable food collaboration produced a distinctive charcuterie item for their offerings.
• Rebon QuebecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIRKA partnered with Rebon Quebec to transform leftover stillage (high-protein corn waste from distillation) into grain crackers. Rather than sending waste to pig farmers or spreading it on fields, CIRKA converted it into a food product that pairs with Quebec cheese and cocktails.
• KPMGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCIRKA created a custom look for KPMG's top tier clients featuring CIRKA's unique Gin 375, showcasing Montreal and the distillery's offerings. The custom-label bottles made KPMG's clients appreciate the local craftsmanship.
• Arvida Signé QuébeccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorArvida Signé Québec is CIRKA's international distribution partner in France, carrying select CIRKA products including Whisky No.2, Whisky No.3, Whisky No.4, and Folklore liqueur for sale to French consumers.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Diageo: Global spirits giant with broad portfolio including Bulleit Bourbon and Tanqueray Gin. Operates across all spirits categories where CIRKA competes but at vastly greater scale; relevant as the competitive ceiling and potential acquirer.
• Pernod Ricard: Global spirits conglomerate owning Jameson, The Glenlivet, Beefeater, and Absolut. Competes broadly in gin, vodka, and whisky with deep marketing budgets; relevant incumbent that acquires or partners with craft players.

Direct peers

• St. George Spirits: California craft distillery producing gin, vodka, whisky, and liqueurs with experimental and limited-edition releases. Comparable craft innovation, botanical-driven portfolio, and tasting room experience.
• Distillerie Menaud: Charlevoix, Quebec craft distillery producing gin and spirits from local grains and foraged botanicals. Comparable grain-to-glass craft approach with similar Quebec terroir narrative and SAQ listings.
• Distillerie des Appalaches: Quebec craft distillery producing whisky, gin, and liqueurs with on-site tasting experience. Comparable Quebec craft positioning, product portfolio breadth, and SAQ distribution.
• Distillerie du Fjord: Quebec craft distillery producing gins, liqueurs, and eau-de-vie from locally sourced botanicals. Directly comparable craft spirits producer with regional terroir focus and SAQ distribution.
• Eau Claire Distillery: Alberta-based craft distillery producing gin, vodka, and whisky from local grains with tasting room and tours. Comparable craft scale, experiential GTM, and award-driven brand strategy.
• Shelter Point Distillery: British Columbia craft distillery producing single malt whisky and other spirits from locally grown grain. Comparable in craft scale, whisky focus, and farm-to-bottle provenance narrative.
• Distillerie St-Roch: Montreal-based craft distillery producing gin and spirits with similar Quebec provenance positioning and on-site experience offerings. Comparable in product mix, scale, and target consumer.
• Dillon's Small Batch Distillers: Ontario-based Canadian craft distillery producing gin, vodka, and whisky with a similar small-batch, locally sourced grain approach and LCBO/SAQ distribution. Closest non-Quebec Canadian craft peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtBGrJxKsR7wsvAnDjkyz_A
• Facebookfacebook.com/cirka
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cirka-distilleries
• Instagraminstagram.com/cirka_distilleries
• TikToktiktok.com/@cirkadistilleries

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cirka Distilleries