Welland in the News
Rose City Gin a nod to Welland, says NB Distillers’ Neeraj Bakshi
June 28, 2021
Rose City Gin a nod to Welland, says NB Distillers’ Neeraj Bakshi
NB Distillers' owner Neeraj Bakshi holds a bottle of the company’s recently released Rose City Gin. The label features a lift bridge with a boat going underneath it. DAVE JOHNSON / TORSTAR
Launched on World Gin Day, NB Distillers’ Rose City Gin is a nod to the company’s new home in Welland.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to the city for having us and for the welcome we are receiving,” said owner Neeraj Bakshi, adding the company will look to name future around based on Welland places, landmarks and history.
NB Distillers formed in 2002 after it bought Mississauga-based Canadiana Organic Distillery Corp., which produced Canadiana Premium Red Vodka.
The company moved to Welland earlier this year and opened a retail store and temporary distillery at 36 Darte Dr., Unit 1, in the south end. It purchased 2.28 hectares of surplus land west of Welland International Flatwater Centre and will build a permanent home there.
With 14 botanicals in the gin, it also features a touch of India with ginger and red peppercorn that hits at the end of a sip.
Rose City Gin joins the company’s Red Admiral Vodka and Liquid Gold and Chak De whiskies at the retail store.
Bakshi said gin had been on his mind for a while and spent time in development, with different batches distilled and tested before being released on June 12.
With Red Admiral Vodka on LCBO shelves and Chak De Whiskey to join it in the next couple of weeks, Bakshi said he’ll wait until next year to see if the gin will be accepted by the agency.