Black Velvet Distillery: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Updated: 2 days ago
The Black Velvet brand began in 1951 in Toronto, originally under the Black Label name. The whisky was renamed after original distiller Jack Napier described its particularly smooth texture. A larger purpose-built distillery began operating in Lethbridge in 1973.
Heaven Hill acquired the distillery and brand in 2019. A packaging operation was closed in 2024 while distilling continued. In September 2026 the producer celebrated 75 years of Black Velvet and announced plans to restart a modest bottling line for the Canadian market.
In this guide
Explore the distillery history, grain production, actual bottles, notable milestones, visitor information, FAQ and sources.
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Black Velvet Distillery at a glance
Distillery history and founders
The Black Velvet brand began in 1951 in Toronto, originally under the Black Label name. The whisky was renamed after original distiller Jack Napier described its particularly smooth texture. A larger purpose-built distillery began operating in Lethbridge in 1973.
Heaven Hill acquired the distillery and brand in 2019. A packaging operation was closed in 2024 while distilling continued. In September 2026 the producer celebrated 75 years of Black Velvet and announced plans to restart a modest bottling line for the Canadian market.
Owner and people
Heaven Hill Brands since 2019. The current owner should not be confused with the original founders.
How whisky is produced
Canadian rye, barley and corn are fermented and distilled, blended and aged in used bourbon barrels. The Black Velvet house method involves blending lighter whisky with flavouring whisky before further maturation in oak.
The original 40% ABV Canadian blended whisky is different from Reserve 8 Year Old and flavoured extensions. Neither is a Scotch single malt.
Whisky bottle range
Black Velvet Original
Three-year-minimum Canadian blended whisky, 40% ABV.
Black Velvet Reserve 8 Year Old
Age-stated Canadian blended whisky at 40% ABV.
Golden Wedding Canadian Whisky
A separate whisky also produced in the Lethbridge operation.
Pictured: a genuine Black Velvet Blended Canadian Whisky bottle associated with this whisky producer.
Awards and important developments
2026 marked Black Velvet's 75th brand anniversary. The recent return to Canadian-market bottling is a development distinct from whisky awards.
Visiting Black Velvet Distillery
The industrial working site is not promoted as a daily walk-in whisky attraction. Some invited tours were conducted for the 2026 anniversary, but routine visitor access should not be assumed.
Tour programmes, prices, opening hours and whisky stock are date-sensitive. Confirm them with the operator before travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the distillery?
2925 9 Avenue North, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
When did it begin?
The Lethbridge distillery opened in 1973; the brand began in 1951
Who owns it?
Heaven Hill Brands since 2019
What whisky does it make?
Black Velvet Original, Black Velvet Reserve 8 Year Old, Golden Wedding Canadian Whisky.
Can I visit?
The industrial working site is not promoted as a daily walk-in whisky attraction. Some invited tours were conducted for the 2026 anniversary, but routine visitor access should not be assumed.
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Sources and image credits
Researched 23 October 2026. All external sources and image credits are at the end.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches whisky production and authentic bottles using published and verifiable sources.
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