Things to See and Do

Visit the Compass Distillers spirits shop independently or sign up for a group tour. This unique distillery primarily uses locally sourced ingredients to craft high-end spirits, including gin, whisky, rum, vodka, and aquavit. Its blue-hued Gin Royal, coloured with butterfly pea blossom, was named Best Contemporary Gin in Canada at the 2020 World Gin Awards and later earned Best in Class – Contemporary Gin at the 2021 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition.  

Compass Distillers also produces an aperitivo, amaro, as well as a barrel-aged Negroni, and canned cocktails. The shop sells its house-made spirits, bitters, cordials, syrups, cocktail kits, and branded merchandise on-site. 

Grab a seat at the bar or hunker down at a table for full-service. Try a spirit flight—your choice of four half-ounce servings—to make the tough decision of which products to take home. Mixologist-designed craft cocktails are offered, featuring the distillery’s spirits, syrups, bitters and tonics. A collection of cans and bottles from local breweries, cideries, and wineries rounds out the offering, along with non-alcoholic options. Order tasty bar snacks like spicy nuts, olives, or truffle oil & Parmesan popcorn and stay a while. The service staff is knowledgeable and full of suggestions for first-timers. 

For a deeper dive, take a distillery tour with a tasting or a cocktail class. Cocktail classes are led by Compass’ bartenders, who guide attendees through crafting cocktails using the distillery’s lineup of spirits. The classes are suitable for all skill levels. 

Planning Your Visit

Reservations 

• The bar doesn’t take reservations, so just stop by on your own timeline. To book a tour or class, visit the website.  

Tours 

• Tours must be pre-booked and are available every other Wednesday at 6 pm. Private group tours can also be booked. 

Stay 

• Compass Distillers houses an Airbnb stay on the top floor of the tower. This two-bed apartment boasts a rooftop deck with a BBQ and easy, walkable access to the shops and restaurants in the North End. Accommodations can be booked via Airbnb directly; the website provides a link to the listing. 

What to bring 

• A designated driver and a reusable bag to transport your goodies. 

Getting there 

• Street parking is available, and nearby bus routes provide access. 

Insider Tips

Since the distillery only serves bar snacks, book a table at a nearby restaurant like Agricola Street Brasserie, or simply walk into The Stillwell Freehouse. 

If you don’t have time for a full visit, just opt for the spirit flight at the bar, where the bartender will walk you through it in detail.