Two Rivers Distillery: Where 50+ Spirits Come to Life
I recently visited Two Rivers Distillery in Calgary for my CBC Radio Local Drinks column—you can listen to the full segment here and hear the story straight from the source.
Located at 453 – 42 Avenue SE, Two Rivers Distillery is the kind of place you want to explore in person at any time of year.
Founded by Mark Freeland, who also serves as master distiller, the distillery’s taproom opened in 2019 with a sleek cocktail lounge vibe. Think upscale military barracks. The military connection runs deep: Mark’s father served in Korea, his grandfather and great uncle fought at Vimy Ridge, and Mark himself was in the Reserves during university.
The name Two Rivers nods to Calgary’s Bow and Elbow Rivers, and the distillery’s theme celebrates early Calgary history from 1875 through the end of WWI. Bonus: the resident pup, Winston, a friendly Springer Spaniel, will charm you instantly.
Two Rivers Distillery owner Mark Freeland (left), Winston (the resident dog) and Sales Manager & Spirit Specialist, Tyler Strang (right)
Mark’s journey to master distiller began 15 years ago at home, eventually earning certification in the United Kingdom. Curious and inventive, he’s passionate about Alberta’s natural ingredients, aiming to “do them justice.”
At Two Rivers, they craft over 50 spirits, from whisky to gin, vodka, rum and liqueurs. Whisky was his first creation but while it aged, he focused on vodka -distilled to 95% purity - which forms the base for gins and liqueurs.
Eleanor - the queen of the distillery
A standout feature? Eleanor, their 1,000-litre copper pot still, named after Mark’s mother. Custom built in Victoria, Eleanor is essential for clean, flavourful spirits, capturing unwanted compounds during distillation.
I was also surprised to see absinthe on the menu. It is super bitter, high in alcohol with a hint of licorice. Fun fact: it’s perfectly legal here in Canada!
Gin is a big focus. Mark makes batch-distilled London Dry gin, putting botanicals directly into the pot still. The Two Rivers Cockscomb Gin, distilled four times for purity, was inspired by Mark’s UK travels (cockerels!). A classic gin and tonic = one part gin to two parts tonic, with lime or cucumber, lets its bold juniper shine.
Other must-tries include the Nanaimo Bar Liqueur, Vimy Rum (a navy-strength tribute to Mark’s WWI ancestors), and the distillery’s barrel-finished whiskies.
Mark also leads distillery tours with behind-the-scenes access, tastings, and mini-cocktail-making. For details and bookings, check out Two Rivers Distillery’s website.
Two Rivers Distillery blends history, craft and community. I think it a must-visit for any spirit lover - visitor and Calgary resident alike.