Artisan Distilling students are ready to share their final liquid masterpieces with the world.
For the first time, the annual Capstone Release Party will open its doors to the public. On April 24 at 5 p.m., the Wine Visitor and Education Centre will host the unveiling in conjunction with its popular Friday Night Pints event. While previous years featured private presentations for faculty and peers, this new public format, led by the Niagara College Learning Enterprises Corporation, will allow the community to get a taste of the students’ hard work.
Head Distiller David Dickson noted that the event will serve as a professional showcase as well as a celebratory send-off for the students as they conclude the program.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample three distinct student creation which will be available for purchase: Maple Banoffee, Eh: a liqueur by Shiamak Mehta and Monique Toronyi; Agrumo Amaro: a bitter by Myles Prior and Evan Reichert; and Borealis Spruce Gin: a spirit by Kade Bound and Tanner Cuthbert.
In the spirit of the occasion, the students have also developed signature cocktails based on timeless classics like the Bee’s Knees, Old Fashioned, and Paper Plane. Cocktails will be available for purchase by the glass, and a limited number of bottles will be available for purchase while supplies last.
“It’s a nice send off to put a cap on the year,” said Dickson.
Interested in attending?
Reservations are encouraged, as space is limited. Book a reservation at .ncteachingwinery.ca/event/friday-night-pints/
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- Tanner Cuthbert.and ade Bound are ready to roll out their capstone spirit Borealis Spruce Gin.
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- Agrumo Amaro, a bitter by Myles Prior and Evan Reichert, will make its debut on April 24.
Recipe for success
This year’s public debut offers a rare chance to taste the Teaching Distillery’s next potential medal-winning spirit, considering recent successes from previous capstone projects.
Earlier this year, Class of 2025 student capstone project Bees and Blooms won gold at the 2026 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition.
Last year, three Class of 2024 capstone projects won medals at the 2025 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition: Canadian Rum won Best in Class (Alternative Rum category) and a gold medal; Hail Caesar Vodka won gold in (Infused Vodka category); and Grandma’s Apple Pie won bronze (Fruit Liqueur category).
In addition, two Class of 2024 capstone projects won medals at the 2025 U.S. Open Spirits Championship: Absinthe won gold ( Specialty Spirits category) , and Canadian Rum, captured bronze ( Spiced/ Flavoured Rum category).
