Get ready for a completely new take on a classic spirit with Skunkworks Distillery, a small-batch, family-owned distillery in Calgary’s Barley Belt. Co-founded by Faye Warrington, Skunkworks is on a mission to redefine moonshine, proving it can be premium, approachable, and versatile.
Their moonshine is crafted from Alberta sugar beets, giving it an exceptionally smooth, clean finish that’s perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails. Everything they do, from their spirits to their ready-to-drink cans, is designed to stand out. With a unique space-themed brand and a commitment to bold, unexpected flavours, Skunkworks Distillery is challenging old perceptions and bringing creativity to the world of spirits.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Skunkworks Distillery opened in 2019 & is one of the smallest distilleries in Alberta. We make premium Moonshine using sugar sourced from Taber-grown sugar beets, making our product ground-to-glass Southern Alberta & 100% gluten-free. Everything we do is small-batch (our still is only 200 litres), handcrafted, and designed to stand out—from our spirits to our space-themed branding.
What made you want to do this work?
My business partner, Marty, and I have moonshine in our family history – our grandfathers both made really nice moonshine. We have a huge appreciation for the high-quality smooth ‘Shine that was saved for special family occasions like weddings, but couldn’t find that quality of spirit on the liquor store shelves. The thought of making a high-quality product like this for people to try and enjoy really excited us. We have one simple rule: If we won’t drink it straight, we won’t put it in a bottle.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
We wanted to challenge the old perception of Moonshine—that it’s rough, harsh, and a little bit outlaw—and prove that it can be high-quality, approachable, and versatile. Skunkworks was born to create a premium version of this misunderstood spirit, crafted from Alberta sugar beets for a smoother, cleaner finish.
From there, we set out to reimagine how people enjoy cocktails. Our ready-to-drink line isn’t just another canned drink—it’s built the same way a bartender would make it, with our own simple syrups crafted from real ingredients, balanced to highlight the spirit rather than mask it. The result is a lineup of high-quality cocktails you can crack open anywhere, without sacrificing flavour or authenticity.
At the heart of it all, we wanted to bring more creativity and fun into the spirits world. That’s why our space-themed brand leans into bold, unexpected flavours and an experimental approach—we’re not trying to fit into the traditional spirits mould. We’re here to stand out.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our clientele is surprisingly diverse, but they all share an appreciation for something a little different. We attract curious spirit drinkers, cocktail lovers, and people who care about local, small-batch products. That includes everyone from young professionals looking for unique RTDs (ready-to-drink cocktails) to older customers who are intrigued by Moonshine’s revival and rebrand. Our space-themed branding and bold flavours also resonate with people who are drawn to creativity, storytelling, and a bit of rebellion in their drink choices.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We make money by producing and selling our handcrafted Moonshine and ready-to-drink cocktails. We sell through multiple channels: directly to customers at our distillery, through liquor stores across Alberta, and at events and festivals (we just had our Moonshine Mule featured at Country Thunder Alberta). We also supply some bars and restaurants. Everything we make is produced in-house, which gives us control over quality and allows us to experiment with bold flavours and new formats. Our products are designed to stand out on shelves and spark curiosity, which helps drive repeat business and word-of-mouth.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
You can find us in Calgary’s thriving Barley Belt, a hub for local breweries and distilleries. Our distillery and tasting room are open to the public – It’s where we produce our Moonshine, host tastings & private events, have live music (we even have a rehearsal/recording space for bands attached to our distillery). Beyond that, you’ll find our products in liquor stores across the province and featured on the cocktail menus of select local bars and restaurants.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
“What makes your Moonshine different from traditional spirits like vodka or whisky?”
It opens the door for us to talk about how we reinvented Moonshine as a premium, locally made spirit using Alberta sugar beets – not grain – which gives it a smoother profile and a cleaner finish. That choice gives our spirit a smooth profile, a clean finish, and a touch of natural sweetness. Some people pick up hints of coconut or banana, others compare it to a nice tequila, but the most consistent feedback is that it’s exceptionally smooth and never harsh. It also gives us a chance to share our story, our process, and how versatile Moonshine really is – whether sipped neat, mixed in cocktails, or enjoyed in our ready-to-drink cans. Beyond the spirit itself, we embrace bold, unexpected flavours and a playful, space-themed brand that reflects our creative and experimental approach. Our Moonshine isn’t just for sipping neat – it’s versatile in cocktails and forms the base of our ready-to-drink cans. We’re not here to blend in with vodka or whisky. We’re here to stand out.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is the creativity—we get to experiment with flavours, build a brand with personality, and watch people discover (or rediscover) Moonshine in a whole new way. Seeing customers light up when they try something unexpected and love it—that’s incredibly rewarding.
The worst part is probably the behind-the-scenes grind. Running a distillery involves a ton of logistics, paperwork, and compliance, especially in a regulated industry like alcohol. It’s not all fun and cocktails – there’s a lot of heavy lifting, literally and figuratively.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
We hear these a lot:
Moonshine…..
-Will I go blind?
-Is it made in a bathtub?
-Isn’t it illegal?
Our favourite answer is: Our Moonshine won’t start your chainsaw!
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Our new friends at Buffalo 9 Brewing Co.
