Badlands Distillery
Shaun Bodnaruk - Owner / Operator
1. What was the first spirit you had that made you realize craft distilling was going to be a bigger part of your life?
I grew up a rum consumer for many years. One day I told my wife, I'm going to learn how to make this. Determined to learn, I went out and started researching. I read nearly 2 dozen books which took me down a rabbit hole of distilling. Eventually what started as a question of what is this led to how do I make this and could I actually distill something. In the beginning it was terrible, but as years passed with several hundred if not thousands of distills it eventually started to get good and eventually became really good. First was the question which turned into a hobby, which turned into where we are today operating a legal distillery.
2. What is your favourite type of spirit to distill and why?
All distillations start with a base, my choice is corn. I love the sweetness from corn which I find the other grains don't have. Each has their own flavour profile but corn is my choice. Corn can be difficult to work with because of the husk but if you love it, it's workable. From the base being your classic generic "moonshine", it can be transformed into whatever category you want to work with, being Vodka, Whisky, Gin, etc.
3. If you were stranded on an island (with all the necessary items for a drink that automatically replenished itself) and you could only have one drink/spirit for the rest of your life in that fridge, which would it be?
Tough one but if it was only one, I would have to say cherry. Simple combo of cherry shine and coke, you got exactly what it is, "cherry coke". It's refreshing and not harsh at all.
4. What is your favourite music to listen to in the distillery?
Music of choice will always be 90's alternative / metal. There is a high chance that you'll hear either Rammstein or Tool playing in the background.
5. Which other distillery has inspired you the most? Why?
I did a mentorship in Virginia USA with a distillery down there that is hidden little gem. They don't advertise and barely even have a name. They are a legal distillery and the towns surrounding them know them by reputation. They showed me their version of moonshine or shine which is what I'm bringing to the table for our community.
6. Best ingredient for spirits?
Sticking with Corn, that is what I know and my go to for my spirits.
7. What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone who thinks they want to get into the craft distillery industry?
You need to find someone, sit down with them. Distilling is the easy part; the red tape is real. It took me nearly 2 years to get through for all my approvals in place.
8. Dogs or cats?
Dogs no question, plus I'm allergic to cats so it's easy pick.
9. Why did you choose to start a craft distillery in Leduc?
Leduc is my home and has been for the past 20+ years since I move to Alberta. Previously I was in the military which I got stationed in Edmonton AB. Met my wife here who also grew up in Leduc and we decided to reside here. My wife and I have raised our kids here, they attend the schools and play for LMHA Roughnecks hockey teams. Couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
10.What would you consider the “hidden gem” of your distillery?
I consider myself to be a realist. Not here to upsell or push any product on anyone as I'm proud of my spirits and I believe they speak for themselves. Come for a chat and a sample, if you like it great if not, that's cool some are not for everyone.
Well worth the drive to Leduc to check out some great shine! Check out their webpage at: https://badlandsdistillery.ca/