Junction 56 Distillery is Stratford's craft distillery, making whiskey, gin and vodka in the city and opening its doors for guided tastings. The tasting is a short tour combined with a sampling session, usually 30 to 45 minutes, in which you hear how the spirits are made and then try the handcrafted range. Destination Stratford gives the usual slot as Saturdays between 11 am and 4 pm, and says other days can be arranged by contacting the distillery directly. The distillery also runs cocktail classes, which turn a tasting into a hands-on evening and suit small groups, birthdays and couples. In a town that is otherwise known for theatre, chocolate and bacon, it adds a grown-up stop to a food and drink itinerary, and it is a good wet-weather or off-season activity because it is indoors and does not depend on the Festival calendar. It is a small, owner-scale operation rather than a large visitor centre, so expect a personal explanation, a limited group and a conversation rather than a polished show. Tastings involve alcohol, so the legal drinking age applies; plan the visit around the drinkers in your party and keep the driver's share small.
What to do
Book a guided tasting and go with an open mind. You will learn the difference between the spirits the distillery makes, hear about the grain, botanicals and equipment behind them, and taste the range with someone who can answer questions. If you enjoy cocktails, ask about a class, which is a fun way to spend an evening and gives you a recipe or two to repeat at home. Bottles are usually available to buy, which makes a useful gift from Stratford that is a little different from chocolate.
Seasons and planning
Tastings are not walk-in affairs. Destination Stratford's event page says to book by calling 519-305-5535 or emailing info@junction56.ca, and it gives Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm as the regular time, with other days by arrangement. It describes a fee per person, so ask the distillery for the current price when you book.
Because the schedule can change, confirm the day, the time and the group size in advance. The distillery is open to this kind of visit all year, so it is a good fit for the months when the theatres are closed, and a Saturday visit sits neatly between the farmers' market in the morning and an afternoon walk.
Fitting it in
Allow about 45 minutes for the tasting itself and a little extra for travel and any shopping. Organise a driver, a taxi or a walk home, since a tasting involves several samples. Check whether children can join the tour before you bring them, as age rules are not stated on the event page, and the tasting itself involves alcohol. The Bacon and Ale Trail is the natural companion if you are building a day around local flavours, and a cocktail class works well as an alternative to a pub dinner.
If you only have time for one craft-drink stop and you like spirits more than beer, this is the one to pick. Wear comfortable shoes, since a working distillery has hard floors, and ask before taking photographs inside the production area.
What to expect
The experience
A guided distillery tour with a tasting of whiskey, gin and vodka, and cocktail classes by arrangement.
Best time
Saturdays between 11 am and 4 pm, or another day by arrangement; it works well in the off-season.
How long
Allow about 45 minutes for the tasting and a little more for shopping.
Tips
Book by phone or email in advance, confirm the price and day, and arrange a driver or a taxi.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adults who enjoy craft spirits and want a different evening or afternoon from the usual theatre and chocolate.
- Families
- This is mainly an adult activity because it involves alcohol; families are better served by the trails and the market.
- Couples
- Book a cocktail class or a tasting, then walk to dinner downtown.
- Pair with
- The Bacon and Ale Trail, the Stratford Farmers' Market and a downtown dinner fit around it.
- Time needed
- About 45 minutes.
Good questions
How long is a tasting at Junction 56?+
The guided tasting runs about 30 to 45 minutes and combines a short tour of the distillery with samples of its spirits.
How do I book a tasting?+
Call 519-305-5535 or email info@junction56.ca. Tastings are arranged by booking rather than walk-in.
When are tastings held?+
Destination Stratford gives Saturdays between 11 am and 4 pm as the regular time. Contact the distillery for other days.
What does Junction 56 make?+
Whiskey, gin and vodka, made in Stratford. Ask what is available to taste and to buy when you book.
Is it suitable for children?+
Tastings involve alcohol, so the legal drinking age applies. Age rules for the tour itself are not stated, so ask the distillery before bringing children.
