Page 14 - January 21, 2019
P. 14
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 14 MONDAY JANUARY 21, 2019 MONDAY DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 11
New distillery opens near Edson
Inspired to create “one of the best vodkas”
by Cassie Kushniruk
Inspired by a passion for distilling spirits and
the desire to re-enter the entrepreneurial field
with an emphasis on community, the Rocky
Mountain Bighorn Distillery is bringing a new
line of premium spirits to Edson and the
surrounding communities.
Having distilled spirits for years, Brain Yacke
decided to turn his passion into a career with the
help of his wife, Christal. “We've had an oilfield-
based business for about 15 years and decided
we wanted to do something entrepreneurial again
that had something to do with the community,”
said Christal.
After around a year of development, from
purchasing the required equipment to obtaining
their AGLC license, the Rocky Mountain
Bighorn Distillery opened its doors to the
community on December 18.
The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Distillery Rocky Mountain Bighorn Distillery, located in the Yellowhead County, is bringing a new line of premium
currently produces three types of spirits: vodka, spirits to Edson and the surrounding communities. Pictured are: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Distillery
employee Anwen Jeffreys, as well as distillery owners Christal and Brian Yacke. photo Cassie Kushniruk
gin, and cornshine, as well as cream liqueur, each
created with their own unique and distinct In a few years, the Yacke's plan to add whiskey 'alpine cream'.
flavors. to the distillery's menu, and they have already The Yacke's have already experienced a few
“When we started, my husband's goal was to begun the distilling process. “We have a couple learning curves entering this new business. Brian
make one of the best vodkas,” said Christal. of barrels of whiskey that we put in the cask in mentioned how he had to learn to distill products
Made from organic red wheat sourced from a December, and it takes three years in the cask,” in the right temperatures or risk ruining them.
relative's farm in Onoway, the couple has said Christal. “We've been smelling it and it's “Winter makes it particularly difficult because it
received an array of compliments for their vodka amazing.” is so sensitive to temperature,” he said. “When
product. “From what we've been hearing from Rocky Mountain Bighorn Distillery pride I'm distilling it, I can't have the exhaust fan on
people, I've gotten compliments that it's one of themselves on sourcing ingredients from local because it can stall the still.”
the best vodkas they've ever had,” said Christal. farms and producers, but they do not deem their Christal also mentioned how Brain had to take
Another popular product is the distillery's products as 'certified organic' because enzymes time to learn how to perfect the products, as the
'alpine cream' liqueur, which is made with their in the yeast they use in the distilling process is distilling course taught him how to do it, not
homemade vodka, local honey, and dashes of “almost impossible to find in North America”, what to do.
caramel, chocolate, and espresso flavors. “Over according to Christal. So far, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Distillery
the Christmas holidays, we couldn't keep it on The distillery is also proud of their stunning has received excellent response from local
the shelves,” said Christal. “We couldn't make it location in the Yellowhead County.“It's super community members as well as surrounding
fast enough.” peaceful here and people can enjoy the nature,” communities, such as Hinton. “The response has
Their handcrafted vodka also acts as a base for said Christal, adding that it is close enough to been overwhelming and we are very proud,”
their gin product, which has distinct tastes of Edson for community members to enjoy, and far Christal said.
spruce mixed with hints of citrus. “I never used enough from major highways to provide serenity.
to be a gin drinker and I drink our gin now,” said When asked what inspired the couple to name The distillery will be hosting an Open House
Christal. “We'd like to develop one that has a their distillery 'Rocky Mountain Bighorn', Brian on January 25 and 26, which will include
little bit of different flavors, like lavender.” replied that he is an avid Bighorn sheep hunter, samples, snacks, and tours through the distillery.
The distillery's cornshine product had also although he has never caught any. “We also have “We're proud to be a part of Edson and the
received a lot of love, but primarily from a a cabin in Cadomin and we like to go there to see community,” said Christal. “I hope that they
certain age demographic. “We're finding that the the sheep, so we came up with the name from leave here with a sense of pride that there's
50+ people really like it, and the others don't care there,” Christal added, mentioning that it is the something like this in our community.”
for it as much,” Christal explained. same reason they named their cream liqueur
photo Deanna Mitchener
Fury, friendly friends are always welcomed at Parkland Lodge for a visit. This is a very special visit for
Dorothy Hodgson as her daughter brought two canine pets for a visit on January 7. Dorothy just moved
into the lodge on December 3rd last year. Dorothy says, "I am enjoying being here and starting to get to
know where everything is. It was hard leaving my dog Sassy (14) behind. But my daughter is taking
great care of her for me and even brings her dog Newman (4) at the same time for a visit." Pictured are
Dorothy Hodgson and her dog Sassy, and daughter Debbie Janzen with her dog Newman.
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 14 MONDAY JANUARY 21, 2019 MONDAY DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 11
New distillery opens near Edson
Inspired to create “one of the best vodkas”
by Cassie Kushniruk
Inspired by a passion for distilling spirits and
the desire to re-enter the entrepreneurial field
with an emphasis on community, the Rocky
Mountain Bighorn Distillery is bringing a new
line of premium spirits to Edson and the
surrounding communities.
Having distilled spirits for years, Brain Yacke
decided to turn his passion into a career with the
help of his wife, Christal. “We've had an oilfield-
based business for about 15 years and decided
we wanted to do something entrepreneurial again
that had something to do with the community,”
said Christal.
After around a year of development, from
purchasing the required equipment to obtaining
their AGLC license, the Rocky Mountain
Bighorn Distillery opened its doors to the
community on December 18.
The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Distillery Rocky Mountain Bighorn Distillery, located in the Yellowhead County, is bringing a new line of premium
currently produces three types of spirits: vodka, spirits to Edson and the surrounding communities. Pictured are: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Distillery
employee Anwen Jeffreys, as well as distillery owners Christal and Brian Yacke. photo Cassie Kushniruk
gin, and cornshine, as well as cream liqueur, each
created with their own unique and distinct In a few years, the Yacke's plan to add whiskey 'alpine cream'.
flavors. to the distillery's menu, and they have already The Yacke's have already experienced a few
“When we started, my husband's goal was to begun the distilling process. “We have a couple learning curves entering this new business. Brian
make one of the best vodkas,” said Christal. of barrels of whiskey that we put in the cask in mentioned how he had to learn to distill products
Made from organic red wheat sourced from a December, and it takes three years in the cask,” in the right temperatures or risk ruining them.
relative's farm in Onoway, the couple has said Christal. “We've been smelling it and it's “Winter makes it particularly difficult because it
received an array of compliments for their vodka amazing.” is so sensitive to temperature,” he said. “When
product. “From what we've been hearing from Rocky Mountain Bighorn Distillery pride I'm distilling it, I can't have the exhaust fan on
people, I've gotten compliments that it's one of themselves on sourcing ingredients from local because it can stall the still.”
the best vodkas they've ever had,” said Christal. farms and producers, but they do not deem their Christal also mentioned how Brain had to take
Another popular product is the distillery's products as 'certified organic' because enzymes time to learn how to perfect the products, as the
'alpine cream' liqueur, which is made with their in the yeast they use in the distilling process is distilling course taught him how to do it, not
homemade vodka, local honey, and dashes of “almost impossible to find in North America”, what to do.
caramel, chocolate, and espresso flavors. “Over according to Christal. So far, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Distillery
the Christmas holidays, we couldn't keep it on The distillery is also proud of their stunning has received excellent response from local
the shelves,” said Christal. “We couldn't make it location in the Yellowhead County.“It's super community members as well as surrounding
fast enough.” peaceful here and people can enjoy the nature,” communities, such as Hinton. “The response has
Their handcrafted vodka also acts as a base for said Christal, adding that it is close enough to been overwhelming and we are very proud,”
their gin product, which has distinct tastes of Edson for community members to enjoy, and far Christal said.
spruce mixed with hints of citrus. “I never used enough from major highways to provide serenity.
to be a gin drinker and I drink our gin now,” said When asked what inspired the couple to name The distillery will be hosting an Open House
Christal. “We'd like to develop one that has a their distillery 'Rocky Mountain Bighorn', Brian on January 25 and 26, which will include
little bit of different flavors, like lavender.” replied that he is an avid Bighorn sheep hunter, samples, snacks, and tours through the distillery.
The distillery's cornshine product had also although he has never caught any. “We also have “We're proud to be a part of Edson and the
received a lot of love, but primarily from a a cabin in Cadomin and we like to go there to see community,” said Christal. “I hope that they
certain age demographic. “We're finding that the the sheep, so we came up with the name from leave here with a sense of pride that there's
50+ people really like it, and the others don't care there,” Christal added, mentioning that it is the something like this in our community.”
for it as much,” Christal explained. same reason they named their cream liqueur
photo Deanna Mitchener
Fury, friendly friends are always welcomed at Parkland Lodge for a visit. This is a very special visit for
Dorothy Hodgson as her daughter brought two canine pets for a visit on January 7. Dorothy just moved
into the lodge on December 3rd last year. Dorothy says, "I am enjoying being here and starting to get to
know where everything is. It was hard leaving my dog Sassy (14) behind. But my daughter is taking
great care of her for me and even brings her dog Newman (4) at the same time for a visit." Pictured are
Dorothy Hodgson and her dog Sassy, and daughter Debbie Janzen with her dog Newman.
