Whisky Rooted
in Nature. Crafted FOR GENERATIONS.
Discover how we are raising the bar for Ontario whisky. Every bottle is a promise to protect the land, water, and people that make it possible.
Sourced close to home
Every bottle of Top Shelf whisky begins in the Lanark Highlands. Our commitment to sustainability starts with how we source:
Using local ingredients reduces our carbon footprint, supports our neighbours, and gives each spirit its distinct sense of place.
Exceptional Whisky Needs a Healthy Ecosystem
The quality of our whisky depends on the health of the environment around us. That is why our focus extends beyond the glass.
We are not just distillers. We are caretakers of the soil, water, and forest that make our products possible. To keep doing this for the next 100 years, we need to act with care today.
A Promise worth working for
The quality of our whisky depends on the health of the environment around us. We are committed to being a force for good in how we do business, both now and into the future. This means prioritizing:
Healthy soil to grow grains for our grain-to-glass products
Clean water to preserve the quality of our whisky
A thriving supply of Ontario white oak for future barrels
Reliable and sustainable energy to run our operations
This work takes planning, accountability, and long-term commitment. We take that seriously.
More Than Just Local. Meaningfully Local.
When we say “local,” we mean more than geography. We mean trust, transparency, and a deep respect for place.
By sourcing close to home, we:
- Support the Ontario economy
- Cut freight emissions
- Build spirits that reflect their origins
It is not just about reducing our impact. It is about making something we are proud of—something that belongs here.
Clear Goals. Measurable Change.
We do more than talk about sustainability. We track our actions and hold ourselves accountable. Examples of our current sustainability commitments and goals include:
- Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
- NWNC Dark Skies Project to reduce light pollution
- GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Pledge to back up our words with action
- Annual tracking of energy and water use, emissions generation, and supply chain impact
Turns out, good taste comes naturally when you let the land do the talking.
A Decade of Progress
We have been building this path for over ten years. Here are some of the moments that matter to our environment, community, and local economy.
Looking ahead
Top Shelf is creating a climate movement in Ontario's craft distilling market.
We are future-proofing our distillery for more efficient, sustainable production and supply chain sourcing.
This makes business sense - what's best for the environment and the community is best for our business.
Proof in the Numbers
Transparency is key. Here is where we are making real progress:
- Energy efficiency gains
- Greenhouse gas emissions reductions
- Water conservation wins
net-zero emissions program
Top Shelf is the first and only distillery in Canada to commit to Canada’s Net-Zero Emissions Program. We are committed to develop and implement credible and effective plans to transition our facilities and operations to net-zero emissions.
Top Shelf Distillers commits to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions through the following targets:
- By 2030, reduce on-site emissions by 50% of 2023 values.
- By 2035, reach net zero on-site emissions.
- By 2040, reduce supply chain emissions by 50% of 2023 values.
- By 2050, reach net zero supply chain emissions.
Emissions by Scope (2023)
On-site Emissions Breakdown (2023)
Supply Chain Emissions Breakdown (2023)
Our Sustainability Plan
IN HOUSE
Supply chain
A Commitment That Keeps Growing
We are proud of what we have done, but this work is ongoing.
Building a distillery that lasts for generations means doing better, year after year.
If you believe in the power of local, the importance of responsibility, and the value of craft done right, we invite you to follow our progress:
Contact Our Sustainability Engineer
We welcome conversation, questions, and collaboration. If you would like to learn more about our sustainability efforts or explore partnership opportunities, please reach out.
Shannon Kazia Norbert
Sustainability Engineer