In the world of whisky, Scotland’s rich heritage of crafting the world’s most revered spirits stands alone. Graeme Macaloney, a visionary who hails from the land of scotch and centuries-old whisky distilleries, brought with him more than just a passion for distilling when he ventured to Canada. He brought a dream. A dream that would eventually become a reality thanks to some innovative ideas and the help of hundreds of enthusiasts through crowdfunding.
After moving to Canada and being blown away by British Columbia’s craft beer industry, he decided to combine his love of whisky and beer by opening Macaloney’s Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery in Saanich on Vancouver Island. Today, its concoctions have found global acclaim, winning multiple awards, including World’s Best Pot Still at the 2023 World Whiskies.
Macaloney’s story is not just about creating award-winning spirits but also about how community capital through Brewfundr transformed his vision into a global success. Macaloney’s Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery stands as a beacon of how traditional craftsmanship can merge with modern crowdfunding to create something truly exceptional.
In the competitive and dynamic world of craft brewing and distilling, standing out requires more than just creating excellent products; it demands ingenuity in business and innovative marketing Strategies.
Culture of Innovation
As his business started to grow, Graeme wanted to create more than spirits and beers. He wanted to create experiences, a sense of ownership. With the help of some innovative crowdfunding initiatives, he has been able to realize his dream while taking his most loyal customers along for the ride.
Macaloney’s Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery introduces the Whisky for Life program, offering a unique investment opportunity. Investors can buy preferred shares, earning an annual dividend that can be converted into store credit with a 15% bonus, used to purchase whiskies or beers. This program fosters a strong community, as investors gain access to the Whisky Academy, free tours, and unlimited tastings, blending investment with indulgence. The distillery also offers the Cask Program, where enthusiasts can design their own whiskey and choose from various cask types, creating a personal legacy. This allows them to participate in the bottling process and even design their own labels, offering a tangible connection to their Passion.
Additionally, the Whiskey Academy provides a comprehensive two-day distilling experience. Macaloney speaks of the immense networking benefits from their investor network, leading to international distribution opportunities and unique sourcing solutions like local peat. These initiatives highlight the distillery’s dedication to community involvement and innovative approaches in the craft distilling industry.
For those interested in supporting Macaloney Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery crowdfunding efforts or purchasing their medal award-winning whiskies with complimentary shipping across Canada, visit MacaloneyDistillers.com
Going Global
The global footprint of Macaloney’s Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery is expanding, with their whiskies making a mark in the European market and beyond. Graeme proudly outlines the distillery’s international reach, “Now we’re in Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, etcetera,” showcasing their growing presence in some of Europe’s most discerning markets. International expansion is high on Graeme’s agenda, “Right now we’re in 10 countries,” he says. “I want to be in 30 or 40 in very short order.” For owner-investors it is hard not to get excited about a Canadian creation you helped bring to life being enjoyed by enthusiasts in far off lands. What started as a dream on an island on Canada’s west coast can unite people across oceans.
Macaloney’s Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery demonstrates that combining quality craftsmanship with innovative community-focused strategies can lead to significant success. Their journey serves as an example of how aspiring producers can harvest the potential of community capital to turn their customers into long-term partners.
Read the full story HERE.
SOURCE: Brewers Journal Canada ISSUE 30 | 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: CrowdFundSuite