January 12, 2024
Specializing in gin made with botanicals hand-foraged from the banks of the Oldman River, Lost Things Distillery pays tribute to the things we cherish that are lost, only to be found again.
While the South Canadian Rockies region is quickly becoming well-known for its emerging Ale Trail, there’s also a new distillery in Pincher Creek that’s worth a visit.
Lost Things Distillery offers hand-crafted gin distilled with botanicals from the banks of the Oldman River, giving it a truly authentic local taste.
What’s In a Name?
Lost Things Distillery is a nod to the name Pincher Creek, the town it calls home. Legend has it that Pincher Creek received its name after a pair of lost pincers (a tool used by ferriers) was found along its banks.
Says Dr. Gavin Parker, one of the owners of Lost Things Distillery, “Our brand and story is a tribute to things that are lost and then found again.”
The distillery started as a passion project between the four owners, two couples who call Pincher Creek home with their families. They started crafting the product during the pandemic, and as Parker says, “We found ourselves starting to set up a business. We found a great location along Main Street. Years and years ago, the location had served as a car mechanic shop, so the bones of the building included a thick cement slab base which worked well as a foundation for our heavy stills and distilling equipment.”
Today, the distillery is quickly becoming a community space for socializing, gatherings and workshops. In addition to merchandise and product sales, the distillery offers a Tasting Room on Fridays and Saturdays between noon and 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. (the tasting room can also be open for groups and visitors by special arrangement – always check their website for the most up to date tasting room times).
A Love for Local
As Lost Things set up their distillery in their current home, their gin was quick to turn heads and gain accolades and momentum. Says Parker, “We are selling our product as quickly as we can produce it right now. The feedback from the community has been phenomenal so far.”
The botanicals are sourced locally, and the grain used in the spirit is purchased from a local-area farm and milled onsite in the distillery. Says Parker, “All of our ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. It is truly a grain-to-glass establishment, all under one roof”.
The addition of the tasting room provides a chance for locals and visitors alike the chance to sample hand-crafted cocktails and tasting flights.
Some of Pincher Creek’s beloved food trucks also make regular appearances during tasting room hours, making the distillery a great one-stop-shop for a great cocktail and meal.
Lost Things Gin is available in select liquor stores and direct from the distillery. The enthusiasm from the ownership team is infectious, you can’t help but raise a glass to their success so far.
Lost Things Distillery is located at 967 Main Street in Pincher Creek.
The Last Word
Take home a bottle of Wild Things Gin and enjoy their The Last Word cocktail:3/4 oz Wild Foraged Gin
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz Green Chartreuse
3/4 oz Cointreau
Shake with ice and serve with a twist of lime.
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