About Hansen Distillery
Hansen Distillery is family owned and operated. Our spirits are made right—right here in Edmonton, Alberta using recipes inspired by our family's recipes dating back to Prohibition.
Hansen Distillery Description
That Hansen Legacy
The Hansen Clan was forged from the fires of World War One, Prohibition and the Great Depression that followed.
Out of those decades emerged an iron-willed family that’s strength of resolve was matched only by its love for one another, for their craft and for the fiercely independent spirit that has shaped their Western Canada homeland.
A Legacy Sparks
It began with an exodus from the American Badlands where the German immigrants had originally settled. Embracing a new century and the hope it promised, they boarded a train for a better life and traveled until its railway ran out of tracks in the midlands of Alberta.
That’s where Carl, a widowed single father of one, met Amanda. Both had fled America on that same fateful train. Both sought refuge in a devoted partnership. And on a warm summer’s eve, over an ice cream at a baseball game, Carl and Amanda fell in love and the Hansen legacy was born.
Starting to Shine
Soon after they married and had two more sons, the Hansens began making moonshine.
Not like some big crime family, profiteering on US Liquor laws.
No. This was about survival.
It was the depths of the Depression. Carl was working odd jobs, but, like everyone, struggled to make ends meet and fend for his young family. They were proud people-they didn’t take handouts, even in the hardest of times.
So they made and sold moonshine to help put food in their boys’ mouths and clothes on their backs.
In Full Swing
Amanda made the shine in a shed out back. She used only the finest ingredients and distilled only the best of the batch.
News spread quickly of the fine Hansen hooch.
So Carl sold it at Socials and Dances, keeping Amanda safely at bay from any potential danger. He would stash the shine and give buyers the location once payment was made.
End of the Line
The little enterprise got them through the dust bowl summers and cold, dark winters of those Dirty Thirties. But only one thing could get Canada and the world out of the Depression itself. That was the Second World War.
As terrible as that next chapter in history was, it allowed the Hansen Clan to finally fulfill the dream that brought their families to North America in the first place—it meant they could farm full time again. Their shine selling days were over.
Of course, they didn’t pack up the still entirely.
That would have been a terrible waste and when you’ve lived through what the Hansen Clan endured in those hard years. Nothing ever went to waste.
Homegrown Hooch
So they continued to make small batches, shared with family and friends on special occasions and then passed down Amanda’s exacting recipe from generation to generation—all the way to great grandchildren, Kris and Shayna.
And that’s how the Hansen Legacy lives today.
It’s called The Hansen Distillery. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Open for business once again after 85 years.
Please join us in continuing the legacy, won’t you.
Reviews
LAST CHANCE to get your hands on our Blueberry Tea Moonshine. We are down to our final bottles. We are so happy so many of you liked this seasonal, small batch spirit. Enjoy this as a sweet sipper on ice, or add a splash of tonic and enjoy the final weeks of summer with a blueberry tea and tonic!
#HansenSpirit
Honey Rhubarb Gin is back, plus last chance seasonal spirits, and two more fan favourites are back on our shelves. Find out more in our latest newsletter.
https://mailchi.mp/…/honey-rhubarb-gin- is-back-and-so-much-…
#HansenSpirit
Heads up. Waaaayyyyyyyy up. We will be closed this Saturday, August 25 from 6 PM to closing for a private function.
BARRELED TROUBLE GIN back in stock at the distillery and online starting August 21 at Noon!
A heartfelt ode to the barrel and all the magic it provides. We’ve elevated our Trouble Gin with quarter cask oak and the irreplaceable element of time. Bright bouquets of botanical richness are balanced by the soft vanilla and caramel notes from its lengthy stay in our barrels. Classic gin and whisky lovers can unite.
MAKE YOUR OWN AT HOME
... Barrel Aged Negroni
1 oz Barreled Trouble Gin 1 oz Campari 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1. Stir as desired with ice and strained into a short glass with a rock of ice. 2. Garnish with an Orange Slice.
#HansenSpirit
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Jam packed with all natural cinnamon with a hint of fire from chilli peppers, this product is named after the famous song from one of our distiller's favourite artists - Mr. Johnny Cash. It's bold and brash, just like Mr. Cash, and can be tasted on its own as a sweet sipper, or mixed into your favourite cocktail. It's perfect around the campfire, added to hot apple cider, or even your next BBQ sauce!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Quick-Whisky Apple Cinnamon BBQ Sauce
... 2 Tbsp Ring of Fire 1/2 cup Ketchup 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika 1 Tsp Garlic Powder 1/4-1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional) Salt and Pepper to taste
1.Whisk together all the ingredients.
Yields approx 1 cup. Great on ribs and chicken wings.
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We had a great time with the K-97 team today serving up some Bark at the Moonshine apple pie Moonshine samples, and playing some golf pong! All for a great cause!
HONEY RHUBARB GIN is back! Come see what all the buzz is about. This fan favourite, seasonal small batch gin features locally sourced, REAL honey and rhubarb and is available exclusively at the distillery while bottles last. This went FAST last year folks, so don't miss out on your bottle. It won't be back for another year! 🐝
Get your tickets for ZooBrew!!
It's the final week to enter to win a V8 Engine Grill valued at $1000. We will be drawing a winner THIS SATURDAY at 5pm, so be sure to come grab your bottle of Red Cask 47 Rye to enter for your chance to win! Full contest rules are up on the website.
Www.hansendistillery.com/spice-up-your-su mmer
Our distillery was transformed for a beautiful wedding last night. Thank you Ken and Lisa for allowing us to be part of your special day. We wish you both all the best in your journey together.
Photobooth test. Almost all set up for a very special private function tonight for two special people. We are closed at 3 PM today, but we will see you next week. We have the return of a fan favourite spirit coming your way next week. It rhymes with sunny shmooobarb bin.
Just a heads up as you're making weekend plans....
We have a private function at the distillery this Saturday the 11th, and will be open Noon until 3pm for BOTTLE SALES ONLY.
Thanks!
Here's to long weekends, summer nights, s'mores around the campfire, time outside with friends, and the wonder in a child's eyes. Summer is going by so fast but we still have some summer spirit left in us...literally. A fresh spirit will be making its return soon! #StayTuned
#HansenSupplyCo #HansenSpirit
Only six bottles left of the Spiced Peach Moonshine folks. It wont be back until next year. Come see Kris to grab your bottle. 🍑
Just a reminder that we won't be offering any new tours this weekend (please see previous post). Any existing bookings will be honoured. The distillery will be open for bottle sales or cocktails, so definitely come see us if you need to stock up on spirited supplies for the long weekend. And don't forget your Morning Glory chocolate hazelnut cream liqueur - it's perfect for S'mores around the campfire and your holiday weekend coffee!
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Donald Hansen - the third generation of distillers in the Hansen family, and beloved father and father-in-law to our co-owners Shayna Hansen and Kris Sustrik.
Shayna and Kris will be taking some time to be with family at this time, and there will be no distillery tours offered this week (August 2, 3, or 4). Any existing tours booked will be honoured, and the distillery will be open for bottle sales and cocktails. Please come see t...he rest of the team this week, as we'd love to have you.
Don Hansen played a big role here at Hansen, as he was instrumental in passing down the family distilling secrets to our distiller Kris, and showing him the ropes. He was loved by many of you, and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held this Saturday, August 4. For close family and friends, please reach out to a family member for these details.
Don's favourite radio station was K-97, and he was so excited about our collaboration with K-97 for the Bark at the Moonshine Apple Pie bottle. As such, donations can be made to the K-97 Little Miracles Trust Fund in lieu of flowers or gifts.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
https://www.k97.ca/little-miracles-trust- fund/
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What are you passing around the campfire this weekend? Stop in and stock up on your Alberta-made spirits as you adventure to the outdoors. 🔥
#HansenSpirit
Has anyone found a special bottle of the @classicrockk97 Bark at the Moonshine yet? Check your labels for some fun surprises from the K-97 team. And also, there is ONE very special bottle signed by the K-97 announcers. Look inside your bottle. If you have the signed bottle, you can return your bottle to K-97 to get a $973 bottle refund! Available exclusively at the distillery or shop online with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Little Miracles Fund.
Today....at the distillery. Spiced Peach Moonshine takes centre stage in today's special created by dashmixology.
Your tastebuds will thank you, this place is a must see!! Excellent service and even better drinks.
Wow what a wonderful afternoon spent at the tour and tasting! Would definitely recommend everything we tasted!
What an amazing experience. Enthusiastic owners, excellent staff, and one kick ass tour. Highly recommended. Cant wait to return. Thanks again!
We booked a tour of the distillery, and stuck around for more cocktails afterwards. It was a wonderful experience, and we walked away with many bottles!
It's a wonderful room for any small function, and I highly recommend it to my friends.
Visited tonight and was super fun! Great drinks! Great service! Love the decor!
Very cool rustic elegance charm! Beautiful bar & unique touches. And I love how the history has been brought to life. We are excited to start using some of your great products at Huckleberry’s Cafe!
The owners and staff are super friendly. The tour is informative. The product is fantastic. The distillery supports local farmers. I have no problem supporting this local business.
The atmosphere in this distillery is amazing. I have learned so much about the spirits and how they are made. The dedication and effort by the owners show that they are a class act outfit. I encourage everyone to come and visit and take a tour and tasting you will not be disappointed also stay tuned for their limited edition runs they are amazing.
Thanks to Kris and Shayna for an awesome team event yesterday. We all had a blast and cant wait to be back. Thanks for the hospitality ��� the Newcap radio crew
So delicious highly recommend to anyone wanting something tasty go try a tasting you won’t regret
Shout out to the staff at Hansen Distillery! We went on the tour tonight and We were treated like gold! Thank you!!! We had so much fun! ALBERTA PROUD!!!
One of the highlights of my bachelorette party! The staff was absolutely amazing and the drinks were fantastic!
OUTSTANDING!!! If I could make those five stars “gold” I would!!! So much love and care poured into the products ... nothing but time honoured tradition and quality ... amazing!
The tour was fantastic and I gained a new appreciation for spirits I don’t normally reach for. Also, I live in Manitoba and being able to order online is a fantastic option!
Never stop being YOU Hansen Distillery!
My husband and I went for a tasting tour on Saturday and were grouped with a Bachelorette party! We had a BLAST!
The drinks menu is awesome and the bartenders are great!
The tour itself was really fun and informative as we got to see the equipment they use and how their alcohol is distilled. The tasting itself was the best part (obviously) - a ton of different alcohols to try (Rye, Vodka, Liqueurs) which you can purchase at the bar.
Kris was an excellent host! Gave the run down of how the distillery works and break down of how each type is made. Kris added to the experience through his enthusiasm and love for what they do at Hansen.
It was a great birthday gift for my husband! We will DEFINITELY go back and this time... bring all our friends!
My friends and I had a blast! all the product is amazing, and I will continue to support this amazing local family run company!!
Love, love, Love best service! Best drinks! So great! Decorations are beautiful!! It’s so festive!!! ���
Love the atmosphere of the place! The purple cow and the cherry are my favorites
Just picked up 4 bottles of Howling at the Moonshine and Kris was so helpful. What a cool place to hang out..
Just left the distillery after a wonderful afternoon with an interesting tour and a wonderful tasting afterwards. The owners and staff are amazing, know what they are talking about and create a cozy atmosphere. I also loved the cocktail I tried afterwards. We will definitely be back and can't wait to offer the "Trouble Gin" we bought to friends and family.
Just incredible spirits, made by even better people! There are so many cool things happening in the Alberta Craft Distillery scene, and Hansen is right at the top of the pack! If you're in the neighborhood, go do a tour and tasting!
It was a great tour and the product is top notch.
In one word: WOW! just had a tour today, which includes tasting of their products and really, this place is a rare gem. Great staff, and their gin, vodka and other drink they do are simply phenomenal! Glad I’ve discovered that place. I’ll be back for sure to revisit and buy more!
Keep up the awesome work, you really do have a business to be proud of!!!
If you have not stopped by for a tour or tasting it is a must! Excellent spirits and an even better atmosphere. Even if you are a beer person they have it on tap too! No excuses to not get down there! Thanks again Kris for showing my stag a good time!
I took my men's basket weaving group here for an outing. It was even better than expected! Actually we carry their product in out restaurant and it is by far the best local distillery for spirits (trust me we have tried a lot). The tour is fantastic and way better than others I've been on. They are very passionate and the customer service is amazing. Shayna has even driven product to us because we couldn't get in. Their staff is great as well.
I stopped in today to check out Hansen Distillery and loved it what a beautiful place bought a 4 pak and Ring of Fire for gifts Shayna was so helpful and awesome thank you so much will be booking for a tour soon !!! Thanks again Hansen Distillery
I live in British Columbia and have heard, read and have seen only from afar. Via TV, Facebook and write ups. So I ordered a bottle of everything they had to be shipped to us here... And it was perfect timing for on of our spring staff (and family) backyard BBQ's. Everyone was truly impressed by each product. I now have a larger order to call in for, once my staff hand in their personal orders. They are finding it hard to choose between their faves!!
Absolutely love their products, the looks of their distillery (as well themselves), but most of all I love their history!! I truly look forward to seeing them well into the future and being a small part of their own history! Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to pop in and see it all in person! :) Until then, take care and enjoy!
Cheers,
Tammy Kieselbach.
I have only ever had an amazing experience here. Extremely accommodating and Amazing staff. Excellent spirits. Great tours with a rich history. I've been to other tours and they can't compare to Hansen's tour and beautiful atmosphere.
I had a special order sent by mail to a friend after I lost a bet, and Hansen Distillery threw in a few extra’s for me and a note acknowledging my victor’s win! Very personable and down to earth people! I’ve also done a tour of the distillery and loved it! I highly recommend their products!
Had fantastic time at a beautiful place! Started off our stagette here and so glad we did. Had so much fun trying all the terrific products. Thank you Kris for an informative and fun time at your establishment! Will definately be back! Alberta Proud
Had a great tour and really enjoyed the samples, was pretty cool to see the history behind the place! Thanks again Chris and crew!! �� oh and the cherry whiskey is amazing!!!
Great time, super friendly staff, and of course some awesome drinks! We will be back for sure!!
First Class...amazing experience, the history, culture. Delicious tastes...everything is made right in Alberta including the grain. Sample several different drinks....just speechless to be honest....drink menu is awesome...I purchased 4 bottles...my friends purchased the gift baskets which include multiple bottles and other items for your enjoyment.
Fantastic ambiance, impeccable service and outstanding flavours and choice of Alcohol. They have competitive pricing and a locally owned store. Definitely worth the trip into the city for me. I wouldn't go anywhere else. 👍🏻
Excellent, we did the tour & tasting, was alot of fun and the service there was above expectations. We really enjoyed ourselves and will be going back again
By far the best distillery tour I have been on yet. They give a good amount for tasting. The history of the family is all over in the distillery. If you go during the week you will have good company at the bar. Staff are awesome. Wish the owners were there but they were away mastering their craft. Had an awesome time I will be a regular. P.s the rye is awesome can't wait for the whiskey to be done.
Amazing people doing amazing things in Edmonton. If you have a chance, go enjoy a great drink and some serious hospitality! #DrinkLocal
Amazing experience to learn about history and how spirits are made!! The ambiance is relaxing, warm and receptive! The owners Kris and Shayna as well as their staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome ~ they also make the World’s most Delicious Caesar with their Peppered Garlic Bacon Moonshine!!! It is a must ~ do not hesitate to book a tour or stop in for a delicious drink! *Cheers* we will be back!!
All I can say is Awesome!! Had the pleasure of doing a tour this past weekend with my bf, and the atmosphere was so inviting. The tour itself was extremely well run, fun and super informative. The tasting was stellar (lots of options) and we ended up taking home a bottle of the Cherry Rye. Also ended up staying for a few drinks after and the Caesar is hands down one of the best I’ve had (plus the popcorn was just an added bonus). We will definitely be back for more of that Cherry Rye, and maybe a few Caesar’s and possibly a few extra's.
P.S. Love the décor, and the cute furry companion that made an appearance during the tour!
Great place , service top notch
Your tastebuds will thank you, this place is a must see!! Excellent service and even better drinks.
Wow what a wonderful afternoon spent at the tour and tasting! Would definitely recommend everything we tasted!
What an amazing experience. Enthusiastic owners, excellent staff, and one kick ass tour. Highly recommended. Cant wait to return. Thanks again!
We booked a tour of the distillery, and stuck around for more cocktails afterwards. It was a wonderful experience, and we walked away with many bottles!
It's a wonderful room for any small function, and I highly recommend it to my friends.
Visited tonight and was super fun! Great drinks! Great service! Love the decor!
Very cool rustic elegance charm! Beautiful bar & unique touches. And I love how the history has been brought to life. We are excited to start using some of your great products at Huckleberry’s Cafe!
The owners and staff are super friendly. The tour is informative. The product is fantastic. The distillery supports local farmers. I have no problem supporting this local business.
The atmosphere in this distillery is amazing. I have learned so much about the spirits and how they are made. The dedication and effort by the owners show that they are a class act outfit. I encourage everyone to come and visit and take a tour and tasting you will not be disappointed also stay tuned for their limited edition runs they are amazing.
Thanks to Kris and Shayna for an awesome team event yesterday. We all had a blast and cant wait to be back. Thanks for the hospitality ��� the Newcap radio crew
So delicious highly recommend to anyone wanting something tasty go try a tasting you won’t regret
Shout out to the staff at Hansen Distillery! We went on the tour tonight and We were treated like gold! Thank you!!! We had so much fun! ALBERTA PROUD!!!
One of the highlights of my bachelorette party! The staff was absolutely amazing and the drinks were fantastic!
OUTSTANDING!!! If I could make those five stars “gold” I would!!! So much love and care poured into the products ... nothing but time honoured tradition and quality ... amazing!
The tour was fantastic and I gained a new appreciation for spirits I don’t normally reach for. Also, I live in Manitoba and being able to order online is a fantastic option!
Never stop being YOU Hansen Distillery!
My husband and I went for a tasting tour on Saturday and were grouped with a Bachelorette party! We had a BLAST!
The drinks menu is awesome and the bartenders are great!
The tour itself was really fun and informative as we got to see the equipment they use and how their alcohol is distilled. The tasting itself was the best part (obviously) - a ton of different alcohols to try (Rye, Vodka, Liqueurs) which you can purchase at the bar.
Kris was an excellent host! Gave the run down of how the distillery works and break down of how each type is made. Kris added to the experience through his enthusiasm and love for what they do at Hansen.
It was a great birthday gift for my husband! We will DEFINITELY go back and this time... bring all our friends!
My friends and I had a blast! all the product is amazing, and I will continue to support this amazing local family run company!!
Love, love, Love best service! Best drinks! So great! Decorations are beautiful!! It’s so festive!!! ���
Love the atmosphere of the place! The purple cow and the cherry are my favorites
Just picked up 4 bottles of Howling at the Moonshine and Kris was so helpful. What a cool place to hang out..
Just left the distillery after a wonderful afternoon with an interesting tour and a wonderful tasting afterwards. The owners and staff are amazing, know what they are talking about and create a cozy atmosphere. I also loved the cocktail I tried afterwards. We will definitely be back and can't wait to offer the "Trouble Gin" we bought to friends and family.
Just incredible spirits, made by even better people! There are so many cool things happening in the Alberta Craft Distillery scene, and Hansen is right at the top of the pack! If you're in the neighborhood, go do a tour and tasting!
It was a great tour and the product is top notch.
In one word: WOW! just had a tour today, which includes tasting of their products and really, this place is a rare gem. Great staff, and their gin, vodka and other drink they do are simply phenomenal! Glad I’ve discovered that place. I’ll be back for sure to revisit and buy more!
Keep up the awesome work, you really do have a business to be proud of!!!
If you have not stopped by for a tour or tasting it is a must! Excellent spirits and an even better atmosphere. Even if you are a beer person they have it on tap too! No excuses to not get down there! Thanks again Kris for showing my stag a good time!
I took my men's basket weaving group here for an outing. It was even better than expected! Actually we carry their product in out restaurant and it is by far the best local distillery for spirits (trust me we have tried a lot). The tour is fantastic and way better than others I've been on. They are very passionate and the customer service is amazing. Shayna has even driven product to us because we couldn't get in. Their staff is great as well.
I stopped in today to check out Hansen Distillery and loved it what a beautiful place bought a 4 pak and Ring of Fire for gifts Shayna was so helpful and awesome thank you so much will be booking for a tour soon !!! Thanks again Hansen Distillery
I live in British Columbia and have heard, read and have seen only from afar. Via TV, Facebook and write ups. So I ordered a bottle of everything they had to be shipped to us here... And it was perfect timing for on of our spring staff (and family) backyard BBQ's. Everyone was truly impressed by each product. I now have a larger order to call in for, once my staff hand in their personal orders. They are finding it hard to choose between their faves!!
Absolutely love their products, the looks of their distillery (as well themselves), but most of all I love their history!! I truly look forward to seeing them well into the future and being a small part of their own history! Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to pop in and see it all in person! :) Until then, take care and enjoy!
Cheers,
Tammy Kieselbach.
I have only ever had an amazing experience here. Extremely accommodating and Amazing staff. Excellent spirits. Great tours with a rich history. I've been to other tours and they can't compare to Hansen's tour and beautiful atmosphere.
I had a special order sent by mail to a friend after I lost a bet, and Hansen Distillery threw in a few extra’s for me and a note acknowledging my victor’s win! Very personable and down to earth people! I’ve also done a tour of the distillery and loved it! I highly recommend their products!
Had fantastic time at a beautiful place! Started off our stagette here and so glad we did. Had so much fun trying all the terrific products. Thank you Kris for an informative and fun time at your establishment! Will definately be back! Alberta Proud
Had a great tour and really enjoyed the samples, was pretty cool to see the history behind the place! Thanks again Chris and crew!! �� oh and the cherry whiskey is amazing!!!
Great time, super friendly staff, and of course some awesome drinks! We will be back for sure!!
First Class...amazing experience, the history, culture. Delicious tastes...everything is made right in Alberta including the grain. Sample several different drinks....just speechless to be honest....drink menu is awesome...I purchased 4 bottles...my friends purchased the gift baskets which include multiple bottles and other items for your enjoyment.
Fantastic ambiance, impeccable service and outstanding flavours and choice of Alcohol. They have competitive pricing and a locally owned store. Definitely worth the trip into the city for me. I wouldn't go anywhere else. 👍🏻
Excellent, we did the tour & tasting, was alot of fun and the service there was above expectations. We really enjoyed ourselves and will be going back again
By far the best distillery tour I have been on yet. They give a good amount for tasting. The history of the family is all over in the distillery. If you go during the week you will have good company at the bar. Staff are awesome. Wish the owners were there but they were away mastering their craft. Had an awesome time I will be a regular. P.s the rye is awesome can't wait for the whiskey to be done.
Amazing people doing amazing things in Edmonton. If you have a chance, go enjoy a great drink and some serious hospitality! #DrinkLocal
Amazing experience to learn about history and how spirits are made!! The ambiance is relaxing, warm and receptive! The owners Kris and Shayna as well as their staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome ~ they also make the World’s most Delicious Caesar with their Peppered Garlic Bacon Moonshine!!! It is a must ~ do not hesitate to book a tour or stop in for a delicious drink! *Cheers* we will be back!!
All I can say is Awesome!! Had the pleasure of doing a tour this past weekend with my bf, and the atmosphere was so inviting. The tour itself was extremely well run, fun and super informative. The tasting was stellar (lots of options) and we ended up taking home a bottle of the Cherry Rye. Also ended up staying for a few drinks after and the Caesar is hands down one of the best I’ve had (plus the popcorn was just an added bonus). We will definitely be back for more of that Cherry Rye, and maybe a few Caesar’s and possibly a few extra's.
P.S. Love the décor, and the cute furry companion that made an appearance during the tour!
Great place , service top notch