Confluence Distilling

Confluence Distilling is an independent craft distillery based in Calgary, Alberta. The company was founded by Ross Alger and Pheelan Mah and opened its commercial distillery in 2018. Confluence was the second independent distillery to open in Calgary, while Pheelan Mah became the city’s first female distillery owner and distiller.

The name Confluence refers to the meeting of the Bow and Elbow rivers in Calgary. The company uses this idea of two rivers coming together as part of its identity, connecting its spirits with the city and its surroundings.

Ross Alger had been experimenting with distillation before the company was established. According to Confluence, he built his first still at the age of 18 to make homemade vodka. More than a decade later, he and Pheelan Mah turned this interest into a commercial distillery.

Confluence Distilling produces a range of spirits, including Vinland Aquavit, gin, vodka, amaro, vermouth and apple brandy. Its products combine traditional and international spirit styles with ingredients and flavours associated with Alberta.

Vinland Aquavit is one of the distillery’s signature spirits. It uses more than 20 spices and herbs, including locally grown caraway and dill, and represents Confluence’s approach of combining a traditional spirit style with local ingredients.