One-of-a-Kind Whisky Commemorates One of Canada's Most Devastating Wildfires

Albertan Distillers Produce “The Beast” in Remembrance of 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfire and Efforts of Local Fire Fighters

“The Beast Wildfire Whisky” by Alberta’s The Maligne Distillery.

Bearhill, parent company to five artisan distilleries, has announced it is releasing a new, commemorative whisky dedicated to the destruction wrought by the raging blaze of the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire and efforts to save the small but vibrant urban centre in Alberta’s northeast.

The Beast Wildfire Whisky is “a singular expression of the resilience and rebirth of the Fort McMurray community”. Produced by the master distillers behind Campio Brewing Co., Jasper Brewing Co., Last Best Brewing & Distilling, Banff Ave Brewing Co., and the not yet open Maligne Distillery, supporting fundraising efforts have already resulting in over $100,000 raised for the Fort McMurray Fire Fighters Charities Association.

The 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire—called “The Beast”—was the costliest natural disaster in Canadian history, and extinguished thousands of buildings and livelihoods. However, the work of fire fighters resulted in many buildings and businesses saved from destruction, including Wood Buffalo Brewing, a small craft brewery and distillery. Bearhill distillers Bryce Parsons and Spike Baker noticed a pallet of peated malt outside the distillery, discovered it had been exposed to smoke from the nearby smouldering forest, and were able to salvage the grain. Parsons and Baker sent samples to Canada Malting Co., the country’s largest malting business, which provided conclusive analysis of the absorbed smokiness, and the unique inherited flavour characteristics resulting from the malt’s proximity to the wildfire.

“This was an opportunity to create something positive after a massive tragedy,” said Baker. “We wanted to celebrate the Fort McMurray spirit when everyone came together as a community, and to thank the fire fighters for their incredible efforts.”

The whisky aged for six years in oak barrels and will be released by The Maligne Distillery. During production, Wood Buffalo Brewing auctioned future bottles of whisky and raised over $100,000 for the Fort McMurray Fire Fighters Association. The highest bid bottle went for $10,000, making it the most expensive Canadian whisky ever sold.

“The Beast captures the spirit of the Fort McMurray community in a timeless product,” said Parsons. “People in the community can enjoy this whisky over time while reflecting on that part of their life, or pass it onto another generation. We feel that time heals, and we hope this Beast can be part of that.”