In the heart of downtown Perth, a bold legacy is being bottled one barrel at a time. Top Shelf Distillers, founded in 2014 by entrepreneur John Criswick, is the first distillery in Perth in over a century. With a fearless approach to innovation, a deep respect for history, and a team of 30 passionate staff, Top Shelf is redefining what it means to be a modern craft distillery.
Top Shelf Distillers was born out of a passion for innovation — and a love for good spirits. Before distilling, John Criswick and General Manager Sara Ainslie Boomer had already teamed up on a music festival and an Airbnb venture in Ottawa. It was at the festival that inspiration struck: why not make their own spirits?
Their search for the perfect home for their distillery led them to Perth, a town rich in distilling history, which they now proudly honour through community partnerships, including work with the local museum.
And the name? “Top Shelf” reflects their mission to deliver premium-quality spirits at an accessible price. The upside-down logo? A cheeky nod to their unconventional spirit.
From starting with a focus on their in-house storefront, the business quickly expanded. Within just one year of working with the LCBO, Top Shelf products were available in 150 stores across Ontario — a testament to their quality and persistence.
Top Shelf isn’t just about creating exceptional whisky, vodka, and liqueurs. It’s about creating impact. With a motto of “ABL – Always Be Learning,” the team uses every challenge as a chance to grow. Top Shelf isn’t afraid to do things differently. They’re not just making spirits — they’re building a legacy. The team is actively working on green initiatives like a greenhouse powered by CO₂ from their own fermentation process, aiming to reduce environmental impact while increasing production.
Top Shelf offers immersive, sensory-rich tours every Saturday. Guests are welcomed with a cocktail before embarking on a behind-the-scenes tour with a distiller, followed by a curated whisky and cheese tasting experience that blends craftsmanship with storytelling.
One of Top Shelf’s greatest strengths is its team. With a rigorous hiring process and a workplace culture built on passion, collaboration, and fun, they’ve created an environment where people want to show up every day — and it shows in the product. Staff are empowered, involved, and deeply invested in the company’s success.
Their success has not come without challenges. When the pandemic hit, Top Shelf pivoted swiftly — shifting production to hand sanitizer and supplying front-line organizations including hospitals and IKEA. That adaptability paid off, opening new channels like online sales that continue to thrive.
As they celebrate 11 years in business, growth remains a central theme. From producing just 1 barrel of whisky per week to now 6 barrels, their goal is to hit 12 barrels/week by the end of summer.
After meeting with General Manager Sara Ainslie Boomer, her passion for Top Shelf Distillers was undeniable. With exciting plans on the horizon, it is clear that Top Shelf will remain a cornerstone of Perth’s community and heritage for years to come. Be sure to stop by — because where else can you sip on butter tart or maple whisky? Trust us, you won’t leave disappointed.
For more information on Top Shelf Distillers visit their location on Warren Cres., or contact them at 613-201-3333.
