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Our Heritage
OLDEST DISTILLERY IN WESTERN CANADA
Our Founders
Frank McMahon, Max Bell, and legendary master distiller George Reifel have an ambition to make world class Canadian spirits for all Canadians to enjoy.
Heading to Calgary, they open Alberta Distillers; one of the first distillery in Western Canada
From the beginning their philosophy was strongly influenced by their western heritage and rural values. They were Prairie boys to the core. The distillery began producing Alberta Premium over 50 years ago and since then has become Canada’s largest buyer of rye grain. Most often it purchases the grain directly from farmers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, many of whom still deliver it themselves by truck.
ADL FOUNDER - PRESIDENT
Frank McMahon 1902 - 1986
Born in the village of Moyie in British Columbia’s East Kootenays, McMahon was the son of a hard-rock miner.
He was one of many who had set out to make his fortune in oil and gas. He became an oil baron and built the first major gas pipeline in Canada.
A founding member of the Jockey Club of Canada, McMahon saw racing success as a partner in Alberta Ranches, and went on to eventually win the Kentucky Derby in 1969 with his horse Majestic Prince. McMahon and ADL co-founder, Max Bell, shared not only a common enthusiasm for whisky but also horses. Bell and McMahon had earlier also partnered with singer Bing Crosby who he met while attending Washington State’s Gonzaga University.
They estimated his worth in 1957 at $50-million adding that he controlled assets in partnership with others that exceeded $500-million.
ADL FOUNDER
Max Bell 1912 - 1972
George Maxwell "Max" Bell, was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. He received his BA in commerce from McGill University in 1932, and in 1935 became business manager for the Calgary Albertan in Calgary, Alberta, owned by his father. After his father's death in 1936 he became president and publisher.
He invested in the oil industry, amassed a fortune, and launched a successful career as a businessman, philanthropist and sportsman. Much of Bell's fortune was built on Alberta's burgeoning oil and gas industry. In 1959, he and Victor Sifton formed FP Publications, which eventually owned or controlled the Winnipeg Free Press, Calgary Albertan, Ottawa Journal, Victoria Times, Victoria Colonist, Toronto Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun and Lethbridge Herald and became the Canada's largest newspaper syndicate in the 1960s.
He was a renowned sports promoter, and racehorse breeder, and collected Canadian art. Mr. Bell’s other involvements in sports included part ownership for a number of years of the Vancouver Canucks Hockey Team and the creation of Hockey Canada of which he was the first Chairman.
BREWMASTER - VP & GENERAL MANAGER
George Henry Reifel 1922 - 1992
The Reifel family are renowned for establishing numerous breweries in British Columbia. The family also built the historic Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, which was a popular venue for celebrity musicians like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.
OWNERSHIP OF ALBERTA DISTILLERS
Explore the rich history of Alberta Distillers through our ownership timeline. Discover how each chapter has shaped our commitment to quality and innovation, leading us to become a leader in premium spirits. Join us in celebrating our legacy!
MORE TO EXPLORE
Discover Alberta Distillers
Discover the bold spirit of Alberta. Explore our award-winning rye whiskies and crisp, clean vodkas — crafted with pride, tradition, and the finest Canadian grains. Taste Alberta Distillers.
Explore Our Commitment to Sustainable Spirits
Join us on our journey towards sustainability and see how Alberta Distillers is dedicated to crafting spirits that honor both tradition and the environment.
