Sternwheeler Nordic Akvavit
Creston, British Columbia, Canada
Nordic Akvavit is made by Sternwheeler Craft Distillery using its Saskatoon Schnapps, infused with caraway and coriander. The distillery describes the result as smooth, with mild yet distinctive flavours. It is recommended with fish, alongside a celebratory meal, or simply served as a shot.
Sternwheeler recommends serving Nordic Akvavit chilled in a shot glass. The distillery also presents it in the broader Scandinavian tradition of aquavit, mentioning its association with festive meals, Christmas celebrations and Swedish crayfish parties.
The spirit received a Bronze Award at the 2024 Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition, representing Sternwheeler Craft Distillery in the Akvavit category.
Bottle gallery
About the producer
Sternwheeler Craft Distillery
Creston, British Columbia, Canada
Sternwheeler Craft Distillery is a family-owned distillery in downtown Creston, British Columbia, operated by Pat and Jeanette Meerholz. The business began in 2017 as Wynndel Craft Distillery and moved from its original rural location to 1628 Canyon Street in Creston in 2024, when it also adopted the Sternwheeler name.
The idea for the distillery developed from the couple’s farming operation. After moving to British Columbia and establishing their farm, they began looking for ways to make better use of their agricultural production. Pat eventually became interested in producing fruit-based spirits, obtained a Master Distilling Certificate and began experimenting with distillation. The distillery was subsequently built on the farm and opened in 2017.
The business remains family operated. Pat Meerholz is the master distiller, responsible for producing the spirits, while Jeanette manages the liqueurs as well as the farm, warehouse and product inventory. The original 16-acre farm in Wynndel is still part of the operation and continues to host the seasonal U-Pick.
Sternwheeler’s range includes brandy, gin, liqueurs, moonshine, rum, schnapps, vodka and aperitifs, with the distillery producing its spirits in-house and in small batches. Its products are based on fruit and berries from the Creston Valley, with additional fruit sourced locally when necessary.
The distillery has received recognition at the Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition, including Gold, Silver and Bronze awards over several years. In 2024, its first year competing under the Sternwheeler name, Nordic Akvavit received a Bronze Award.
Today, the Creston location combines the distillery, tasting room, lounge bar and retail store at 1628 Canyon Street, Creston, BC.