RIG HAND DISTILLERY
On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, our shedders had the opportunity to go to Rig Hand Distillery in Leduc for a tour.
Our Shed Coordinator, Grant Schneider who is also the co-owner of Aligra Wine & Spirits in WEM arranged for the tour and the guys all owe him a big thanks for such a unique opportunity!
THE TOUR
Rig Hand has a huge facility that features a restaurant, distillery, brewery and general store. Our tour started off being met by Mike, who took our Shedders into the distillery, formally introduced himself and then started with a colorful, entertaining, and sometimes humorous description of the operation, the spirits that are made and how they came to be. He told us how the owner, Jeff, had a goal to build a community-centred business that bought from the community, sold to the community, and gave back to the community.
We were shown the equipment and processes, and given an insider’s view of how private distilleries started in Alberta. We heard that Rig Hand was the second distillery to open in Alberta!
Mike also entertained us with stories about his and Jeff’s history – Jeff’s resources and innovative ideas, and Mike’s distillery talents combined with their combined thirst for knowledge to produce world-class spirits have resulted in a facility that produces 86 different spirits and products!
Rig Hand is in the unique position of being the first craft distillery in the greater Edmonton area. Their family‑based business makes exceptional handcrafted liquor that is locally sourced, produced, and distributed. Their products are packaged in a distinctive trademarked bottle that replicates the Leduc #1 drilling rig, paying tribute to Alberta’s rich history of agriculture and resource development.
THE TASTING
After the tour, the Shedders were invited to stay for dinner. Once in the restaurant, they were invited to visit tables that featured Caesar with various liquors and toppings, a lemonade with spirits and fruit to make hard lemonade cocktails, and a table where Old Fashions were made with a variety of liquors and bitters.
All of the Shedders took the opportunity to try a couple or few of the different drinks and then were surprised to be invited to stay for a 5 course dinner, prepared by a local chef and his team!
The food was in one word, fantastic.
Scallop Ceviche and Doritos
Grilled tenderloin with potatoe pove
Creme Brulle for dessert!
THANK YOU RIG HAND DISTILLERY
A huge thank you to Rig Hand for hosting our Men’s Shed. It was a fantastic tour and you guys went way above and beyond to invite our shedders to stay for the evening.
We will definitely be returning and we look forward to hosting some of our own events at your amazing facility!