Eau Claire Distillery: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Alberta's Eau Claire Distillery was founded in Turner Valley in 2013 and helped pioneer local craft distilling in the province. Its whisky builds on locally grown cereals and regional water, with a range stretching from Ploughman's single malt to Canadian blended whisky and rye.
In this guide
Distillery at a glance
History, owners and key people
How the whisky is made
Bottle range and releases
Awards, visiting and tours
Reader poll and frequently asked questions
Sources and image credits
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Eau Claire Distillery at a glance
History of Eau Claire Distillery
Founded in 2013, Eau Claire describes itself as the first craft distillery in Alberta. Its brick-fronted home in Turner Valley now forms part of Diamond Valley, following the merger of Turner Valley and Black Diamond.
The distillery promotes a farm-to-glass approach using locally cultivated grain, including crops associated with traditional horse-drawn agricultural methods. As its aged stock matured, it expanded into numbered single malt batches, Rupert's Exceptional blended whisky and rye expressions.
Ownership and key people
Alberta-founded grain-to-glass craft distillery. This is based on the producer information available in October 2026; roles and shareholders can change.
How the whisky is made
Eau Claire draws on Alberta grain and Rocky Mountain water before fermentation, distillation and barrel ageing. Different grains and cask choices explain why its blended, rye and malt whiskies are distinct products.
Ploughman's Single Malt is bottled at 46% ABV and finished in Pedro Ximénez solera casks from Jerez. The producer identifies notes of toasted oak, cocoa, coffee and dried fruit; Whisky Clan has not independently tasted this bottle for this guide.
Eau Claire Distillery whisky range
These are verified whisky expressions or historically significant releases. Where relevant the text distinguishes whisky distilled at the site from independent or sourced bottlings. Producer flavour notes do not replace an independent Whisky Clan tasting.
Ploughman's Single Malt Canadian Whisky
46% ABV single malt with PX sherry cask finish.
Rupert's Exceptional Canadian Whisky
Blended whisky associated with Alberta grain and Eau Claire's wider range.
Stampede Rye Whisky
Separate rye expression, not a single malt.
Historic numbered single malt batches
Earlier small releases such as Batch 003, 004 and 005 have their own awards record.
Pictured: Eau Claire Ploughman's Single Malt. The photograph is of an actual bottle associated with the producer or independently bottled range, rather than a generic whisky glass.
Awards and milestones
Eau Claire's official 2026 results include SIP Awards Double Gold and Consumer Choice honours for Ploughman's. The 2025 San Francisco competition brought reported Double Gold honours for Ploughman's and Rupert's Exceptional.
Visiting Eau Claire Distillery
The distillery operates a tasting and visitor site in Diamond Valley, near Calgary. Its precise daily opening times, special events and tour availability should be confirmed on the official site before travelling.
As of 23 October 2026, prices, visitor hours, tours and stock can change. Always confirm arrangements with the producer.
Keep exploring Whisky Clan
Explore related whisky regions, production methods and bottle ranges through our other detailed guides.
Share your Eau Claire Distillery experience
Take our four-question poll and compare your experience with other Whisky Clan readers.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Eau Claire Distillery?
Diamond Valley (Turner Valley), Alberta
When did production begin?
2013
Who is behind the distillery?
Alberta-founded grain-to-glass craft distillery
Which whiskies are associated with it?
Ploughman's Single Malt Canadian Whisky, Rupert's Exceptional Canadian Whisky, Stampede Rye Whisky, Historic numbered single malt batches. Check each release’s provenance and date.
Can you visit?
The distillery operates a tasting and visitor site in Diamond Valley, near Calgary. Its precise daily opening times, special events and tour availability should be confirmed on the official site before travelling.
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Sources and image credits
Research and visitor details checked on 23 October 2026. External links and image credits are intentionally grouped at the end.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches distilleries, production and bottles, and welcomes corrections supported by reliable sources.
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