In recent years, Quebec has developed a true passion for locally made gin. And thanks to the proliferation of micro-distilleries, there’s never been such a diverse, high-quality assortment to choose from. But one that’s sure to turn heads every time is Conifère Gin, by the Wabasso artisanal distillery in Trois-Rivières.

A nod to spruce beer

Launched last December, Conifère Gin represents the art of combining local aromatics with novel flavours to create a spirit that tastes just like home. Distilled in small batches, it stands out for its flavours and aromas, directly inspired by a true Quebec classic: black spruce beer. The artisans at Distillerie Wabasso put their creativity and passion for terroir to work to create a gin formulated using the original English London Dry-style. Think of it as a classic distillation of an old-time Quebec spruce beer. Sporting the Forest Plant/Boreal taste tag, this gin is typical for its genre. It’s produced from a skilful blend of juniper berries, lemon peel, red clover, wintergreen, and lemon balm, and releases remarkably delicate notes such as balsam pine, sweetfern, and raspberry leaf, with a hint of citrus. It has a gentle, rosemary finish that becomes more refined in the glass and with exposure to air. Very dry in the mouth, yet remaining round and delicate, Conifère Gin closes on a wonderfully bitter note. It has something to offer both amateurs and connoisseurs alike.

In a cocktail or ready-to-drink

With its natural, subtle flavours, Conifère Gin is an obvious choice for those who love to experiment with new spirits in their cocktails or want to add a unique touch to classics such as the Tom Collins or the gin-tonic. If you want explore and feed your curiosity without becoming a mixologist, try Wabasso’s 250-mL ready-to-drink version. It’s a quick, fun, and effective way to sample the refined freshness of a product issued from the boreal forests of Quebec.

Creative, passionate artisans

The artisans behind this Quebec beverage and other unique flavours, businessmen Guyaume Parenteau and Maxime Vincent, founded Distillerie Wabasso. Despite these uncertain times, they wisely looked to the future, investing in equipment and facilities. In addition to increasing production in order to meet the growing demand for local products, their smart move also led to this exceptional new product, all while revamping and updating their brand image.

“Rabbit as white as snow”

The name of the distillery, Wabasso, was inspired by Wabasso Cotton Company Limited, a plant founded in 1907 in Trois-Rivières by Charles Ross Whitehead and specializing in the production of fine white cotton. The term “Wabasso” means “rabbit as white as snow” in Ojibwe, a First Nations language. Given the association between the white rabbit and the purity and clarity of the gin produced by Wabasso, the animal became an emblem of the brand. The new brand image and label for Conifère Gin was created by the team at Acolyte, a creative ad agency based in Trois-Rivières. The illustration on the bottle was created by Franco-Albertan artist Jordan Blackburn.

The Trois-Rivières company was founded in 2017 and has quickly expanded since. Conifère Gin is the fourth beverage created by Wabasso, the first three being the classic Wabasso Gin, Bourgeon (an aromatic gin liqueur made with maple syrup and organic botanical syrup), and Gin Ginger, another ready-to-drink concoction made with organic ginger and organic cane sugar. Born out of a thirst for adventure, inspired by the unrivalled purity of Radnor spring water, and infused with many local aromatics, Wabasso takes great pride in each and everyone of its products.

To discover

In collaboration with Acolyte