Lost things distillery wins national award for Alberta gins

Pincher Creek’s Lost Things Distillery has earned national acclaim, bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 2025 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition. In just 18 months of operation, the small-batch distillery has already made a name for itself with its commitment to locally sourced, wild-foraged ingredients that reflect the unique landscape of southern Alberta.

Lost Things’ Wild Foraged Gin won gold in the Classic Gin category, Rustic Rhubarb Gin took silver in Flavoured Gin, and Festive Foothills Gin secured bronze in the Fruit Liqueur category. In addition to these awards, each product was also recognized with Merit in Terroir, a distinction given to spirits that showcase distinctly local ingredients.

“I was so pleased, and so proud of Rachel’s hard work,” said Jennifer Parker, co-owner and self-proclaimed ‘Chief of Ginspiration’ of co-owner Rachel Van Bussel, “She holds herself to a high standard and would rather start over than release a sub-par product. Getting feedback from experts in the alcohol industry and being celebrated by other distilleries across Canada who agree that Lost Things makes great gin was a great feeling.”

What sets Lost Things Distillery apart is its dedication to crafting spirits that capture the flavours of Alberta’s foothills, mountains, and prairies. Each gin is made with hand-picked botanicals, some of which are unique to the region.

“Artisan gin is a reflection of the place it is made,” Parker said, “I like to say, ‘Good things grow here.’ Our flavours come from grain, herbs, and fruit that grow right here, picked by our own hands. Some of our botanicals only grow in this corner of the province. Some of the fruit grows wild around the creeks and slopes of southern Alberta.”

While rhubarb isn’t native to the region, Parker noted that it has been a staple in prairie gardens since homesteader times. Each bottle of Lost Things gin represents the heritage and natural abundance of the province.

The Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC) is dedicated to recognizing small-batch, Canadian-made spirits, meaning major international brands are absent from the competition. Instead, it showcases the country’s best locally crafted vodkas, whiskies, gins, and liqueurs.

“All samples are judged by a panel of spirits industry experts from across the country over several months,” Parker explained, “Nobody gets a participation medal.”

With entries from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland, the competition is highly regarded in the industry. Winning three medals in the distillery’s first year and a half of business is no small feat.

“To receive three medals for three products in the first 18 months of operation is encouraging,” Parker said.

Lost Things’ commitment to locally foraged ingredients is more than just a business model—it’s a tribute to the land and its history.

“Our gins and liqueurs are a reflection of where we live,” Parker said, “We have access to the best water, the most sunshine, and beautiful and fascinating flora. Our company honours the history of the area and the traditions of our pioneers and our own families, so all our recipes are authentic to where we live.”

Parker also highlighted the role the community plays in the process.

“Our friends and neighbours have been so supportive, giving us tips on where the juniper is growing out of control, sometimes picking the ripest ones for us and dropping off a kilo… or coming hiking and foraging with us,” she said, “The local greenhouses have been great about suggesting plants or offering to help grow our preferred flavours.”

Winning national recognition has already had an impact on the distillery, increasing interest in its products and leading to invitations to tasting salons, spirits festivals, and private events.

“Some people are skeptical to try a craft brand when they are used to hearing about major international brands,” Parker said, “I hope it reassures people that our product is tested and compared to other similar products. Rachel knows what she’s doing.”

The support of the local community has been instrumental in Lost Things’ success.

“At this moment, people are looking to support locally made products and keep their dollars in their community,” Parker said. “Not only are our gins made in Pincher Creek, but from the flavours that grow right here.”

With its growing reputation, Lost Things Distillery is looking ahead to future product releases and opportunities to showcase its signature flavours. While Parker hinted at upcoming seasonal releases, more details are yet to be announced.

Beyond new products, Parker sees the distillery becoming a must-visit stop for those passing through the region.

“When I travel, I look for that special item that is only available in that special place,” she said, “I hope Lost Things’ gins and liqueurs become that item for others. It makes a thoughtful gift when you want to offer a piece of southern Alberta to someone, and it can be enjoyed with your favourite people to mark a special occasion—even if that special occasion is simply seeing each other again.”

Lost Things Distillery’s award-winning spirits are available at select retail stores in Pincher Creek, Blairmore, and Fort Macleod. The distillery’s tasting room, located on Main Street in Pincher Creek, is open Thursdays through Saturdays and often features live local music. 

For those outside the region, online ordering is also available through their website at www.lostthingsdistillery.ca.