About
Like our bootlegger grandfather Perc, Rockhaven is farm based but with a refined distilling process. There is no doubt that Perc would relish the chance to operate our 400-liter seven plate column still. A step up from the 5-gallon milk can and ice bucket he used.
Like our Uncle Jack, owner of a legal distillery, we aspire to make excellent whisky. Jack was a master blender and knew the vital role minerals play in making good whisky. He would be pleased that the water we use to craft our spirits is filtered compliments of the Niagara Escarpment.
That water, combined with the abundance of copper in the still column, allows us to create clear, crisp distillate that is the base for our spirits. As third generation distillers refining our craft, we enjoy offering our whisky, gin, vodka and whatever else stirs our creativity.
Grandfather Perc lived in Southern Saskatchewan near a small town called Climax; a town that was centre stage for bootleggers and “rumrunners.” This was due to the movement called prohibition that swept Canada in 1915. Then across the US border, Montana implemented prohibition in 1916.
The family farm was located between Climax and Shaunavon. This was the base for Perc’s operation. He set a mash in a five-gallon jar and used anything that would make it ferment. With a still made from a five-gallon milk can, a 10ft gas line off a Chandler car and an ice bucket – he was making moonshine.
Perc drove a Model T Ford Sedan and made use of the “rum running” trail that ran from Gull Lake, through Shaunavon and Climax, enroute to Harlem and other Montana towns. He created a storage space in a false back seat and added springs to the car for support. When remembering the days of transporting moonshine to buyers, he always smiled. But the cross-border excitement ended in 1926 with the repeal of prohibition in Montana.
In Saskatchewan, prohibition was repealed in 1924. But Perc continued in his bootlegging ways for a purpose beyond craftsmanship. Tough times were on the horizon. 1929 saw The Great Market Crash which coincided with the “Dust Bowl”; a long era of drought on the prairies. It devastated farmers and bootlegging helped support the family during these hard times.
Perc’s days of making moonshine came to an end in 1936 when he walked away from the farm to get a job. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1939 to fight in World War II then returned to a life without a still – but with lots of stories.
Jack Baker is the second-generation distiller with family ties. He was a bit of a legend in Madoc, Ontario. He had an eye for business opportunities and embarked on several initiatives including a construction company and a service station before settling into the spirits industry.
He was pivotal in setting up the first LCBO in Madoc when he noticed that locals drove a long way to buy liquor. Legend has it that he built the LCBO building with a roller rink on top. He went on to manage the LCBO and during that time he met a like minded man with a shared interest in whisky. That man was Mud Cook and the two spent hours talking about blending and the importance of minerals in the water. It was no secret that Jack wanted to make his own whisky and thought he could do it better then most.
Jack made his way to an executive position with Seagram’s but eventually established Jack Baker Distillers Ltd. He maintained his good relationship, both personal and business, with Seagram’s where his “ghost” distillery operated. He enjoyed demonstrating his blending skills with the support of Seagram’s production in Waterloo. The most celebrated products developed were two whiskies called Jack Baker’s Secret and Jack Baker’s Top Secret. Both are now considered rare. We regret not stocking up when we had the opportunity.
In the distillery world, Big Jack Baker was the consummate salesman who had a way with words. To us he always had a smile, words of wisdom and a generous spirit. He was the face of the brand which sadly ceased operations after his death. But we are going to do our best to make a whisky that meets Jack’s standard and he set the bar high.
Experience Rockhaven
Rockhaven Distillery sits on a picturesque 100-acre family farm located outside the town of Rockton in Flamborough; part of rural Hamilton. Our family has been farming the land with pride for over 40 years. The surrounding farm fields, forest and manicured lawns combine to create a beautiful location. The distillery is a converted out-building that now houses our 400-litre, 7 plate still.
As we start this new venture, we invite you to come and enjoy a taste of our small batch gin or vodka and savour it while relaxing on the patio and taking in the fresh air and serene views.
Our raised gardens are full of botanicals, herbs, various peppers and flowers. They are easily approached to enjoy a tactile and aromatic experience.
