A new distillery in Hawkesbury, Ont. is producing a smoked maple whisky [Video]

Raise your glass and make a toast to a new Distillery in eastern Ontario.

Artist in Residence (AIR) Distillerie has launched in Hawkesbury. This is the second location for the company, who has an existing operation in Gatineau.

“I want this to be a local distillery. So, this will be the local Ontario distillery,” owner Pierre Mantha tells CTV News Ottawa.  “You have an advantage when you’re in Ontario – for LCBO, it’s easier to get in. LCBO is the biggest spirits seller in the world. If you can do LCBO, I’m set up for anywhere in the world.”

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Mantha says the company will eventually expand to the United States.

The Hawkesbury site is located on Tupper Street, and Mantha says it is currently running two days a week, with a plan to operate more starting next month.

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