Lumsden Distillery Shocks Industry with Clean Sweep at National Awards

LUMSDEN (April 16th) — Every once in a while, a story comes along that makes you stop for a second and think, that’s a big deal for a town like ours.

We came across a national piece this week about Last Mountain Distillery, and this isn’t your everyday recognition, especially not for a small Saskatchewan operation. At the recent Whisky Explorer Awards in Ontario, they didn’t just show up, they owned the category. Gold, silver, and bronze, all three top spots, in the Best Canadian Whisky (aged six to 10 years) category went to their Baldur’s whisky line. That’s more than a win. That’s a message.

From what’s being reported, they were up against established names in Canadian whisky, brands that have been around for decades. What makes it even more impressive is how the judging is done. It’s all blind tastings. No labels, no brand names, no reputation, just the whisky itself. And in that setting, a distillery from right here in Lumsden came out on top across the board.

When you think about where they started, it makes the moment even more meaningful. Back in 2010, Last Mountain Distillery began in a two-car garage. Since then, they’ve grown into a major player in Saskatchewan’s craft distilling scene, often recognized as the province’s first micro-distillery. This kind of national recognition doesn’t just reflect growth, it signals that they’ve reached a new level.

There’s also a strong local connection behind the success. The grains used in their whisky are sourced right here in Saskatchewan, tying the achievement directly back to local farmers and the province itself. It’s not just a win for the distillery. It’s a win for local agriculture, local business, and a reminder that something built in a small town can compete with the biggest names in the country and come out ahead.

Part of what sets them apart is how they operate. Unlike large producers focused on consistency, Last Mountain works in small batches. Each release can vary, with different grains, finishes, and aging approaches. That flexibility allows for creativity, but it also means once a batch sells out, it’s gone for good. With some batches limited to only a few hundred bottles, these releases don’t tend to stay on shelves very long.

There’s no major cash prize tied to these awards. No big ceremony or oversized cheque. Just recognition from industry experts. But in many ways, that kind of recognition carries more weight.

For a distillery in Lumsden to enter a national competition and sweep an entire category says everything that needs to be said. This is one of those moments where local pride isn’t just deserved. It’s earned.