Saskatchewan’s Last Mountain Distillery is poised to provide 22,500 liters of a signature cooler for this weekend’s Country Thunder.
That number although impressive – is the tip of the iceberg for the local business. Every drop of alcohol consumed at Country Thunder this year will have been created locally by Last Mountain Distillery.
Originally started in a two car garage, Last Mountain Distilleries journey to become the premier liquor sponsor for Saskatchewan’s largest music festival – has been 11 years in the making.
“We have been working on this since March. It’s unlike anything else we have ever done. We just had a 52 foot trailer leave the facility for the grounds with all the alcohol for the weekend. We have a feeling we will have to restock some of that. It’s CRAZY.” Meredith Schmidt – cofounder of the distillery shared the excitement of the last few months working toward this big event.
“Our entire yearly production will happen – JUST for this weekend. We are the first Saskatchewan producer to be able to provide all of the hard alcohol for Country Thunder.”
The coolers being provided for the event are a special product that was manufactured just for the music festival, additionally the distillery is also producing a unique “7 year whiskey” that has been created especially with Country Thunder attendees in mind, close to 1000 liters of that product have been produced.
Schmidt says the last 8 weeks have seen 2 shifts of workers working 7 days a week to meet the demand of the festival. Changes needed to take place in order to produce the monumental amount of product necessary for the days ahead.
11 years ago Last Mountain Distillery started in a dusty little two car garage. Meredith and her husband Colin began the roots of their dream in that 24 x 24 space, generating 3000 liters in their first year of production. Today that number is less than half of the spirits they are providing for Thunder.
“It’s a pretty big jump from where we came from. We are proud of how much we have grown, and the quality products we are bringing to the Country Thunder Audience. It’s so exciting for us.”
In recent years a social push to support local businesses, and organizations has been highlighted amidst the struggles faced by business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last Mountain Distilleries local product recommits 10% of sales back to local charities. “When you support local business, the province thrives. Saskatchewan is such an amazing place with so many giving people – we’re thrilled to be able to give back”.
“Even is you don’t necessarily know what you’re drinking at Country Thunder this weekend – know that you are supporting local!” adds Meredith Schmidt.
Country Thunder attendees have a unique opportunity this weekend to redeem their tickets for a free tour of the distillery and a tasting. Every bottle purchased at the distillery will also be gifted a free bag of ice – a very necessary accessory for what will undoubtedly be a hot weekend in Saskatchewan.
