A Calgary-based distillery faces a setback after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered the removal of select popular spirits from store shelves due to labeling concerns.
Bridgeland Distillery’s Key Products Affected
Bridgeland Distillery, operational for seven years, produces acclaimed brandies and whiskies. Among them, Berbon—a corn mash spirit sourced from Taber, Alberta—and a one-year-aged Taber corn mash spirit, which does not qualify as whisky under regulations requiring three years of aging. These products account for roughly 50 percent of the distillery’s sales.
The CFIA Inspection Process
On June 27, 2025, distillery owners learned of an anonymous complaint prompting a CFIA inspection. Officials examined the products, focusing on Berbon, spelled B-E-R-B-O-N.
“They indicated that we were trying to mislead our customers into thinking it was a bourbon,” said Daniel Plenzik, co-owner of Bridgeland Distillery. “We were in disagreement because bourbon whiskey, spelled B-O-U-R-B-O-N, is not allowed to be labelled on a bottle. Our spelling is associated with the town of Taber, where our corn comes from, along with the barley and wheat from Penhold.”
Inspectors returned in July for further details, advising owners to expect updates in September. Silence followed until February 4, 2026, when CFIA officials phoned to relay the inspection report and mandate product removal until compliance issues resolve.
No Health Risks Identified
Jacques Tremblay, the other co-owner, emphasizes no health or safety issues exist with the spirits. “On the use of bourbon, we explained our rationale, why we spell it the way it is,” Tremblay noted. “The word B-O-U-R-B-O-N is not on the label.”
Plenzik argues bourbon lacks geographical protection, unlike champagne or cognac. “Bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S. There is no geographical identification as long as you do not use the word B-O-U-R-B-O-N,” he added.
The distillery adjusted social media posts to address concerns but made no label changes, as products sell under the name Berbon. Owners await CFIA feedback nearly two weeks later.
CFIA’s Official Stance
The CFIA confirms it received a complaint about Bridgeland Distillery products, conducted an investigation to check compliance with distilled beverage standards, and is collaborating with the company to review findings and decide next steps.
“A misinterpretation of the rules,” Plenzik described the situation. “Our issue is that there was no discussion. It was just handed down. You must put these products in detention because that is our process.”
Owners view the matter as a potential misunderstanding and call for improved CFIA processes to allow dialogue before enforcement.
