O’Dwyer Distillery: Gaspé Innovation at the Craft Spirits Festival

In November 2020, O’Dwyer Distillery, based in Gaspé, Quebec, had the honor of representing the region at the Craft Spirits Festival, an international event bringing together enthusiasts and professionals of craft spirits. This prestigious gathering gave us the opportunity to showcase our unique expertise: Gin Radoune, the world’s first wild mushroom gin.

A Recipe Inspired by the Gaspé Terroir

Founded by Michael Briand (engineer) and Frédéric Jacques (Ph.D. in organic chemistry), the distillery draws inspiration from the rich forests of Gaspé. Following the tradition of artisanal distillers, we use what grows naturally around us:

  • Chanterelle – soft and aromatic, forming the base of our recipe

  • Honey Mushroom (Armillaria) – with delicate sweet notes

  • Tube Chanterelle – intense and woody, used sparingly

  • Candy Cap – with a natural maple and caramel aroma

All mushrooms are hand-harvested by certified pickers, ensuring exceptional quality. The aromatic balance was fine-tuned over several weeks to create a harmonious flavor profile where each mushroom finds its place.

Regulatory Challenges and Official Recognition

When presenting our project to Canadian authorities, we encountered an unexpected regulatory hurdle: according to the official definition, a gin must contain “botanical substances” — mushrooms, being fungi, didn’t qualify.

We prepared a detailed scientific dossier proving the safety of our process and demonstrating that potentially toxic proteins do not transfer into the distillate. This evidence convinced the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, granting us permission to legally produce our mushroom gin.

A Launch Marked by Rapid Success

From the very first order with the SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec), demand exceeded all expectations: the initial order of 1,200 bottles quickly rose to 4,800. Gin Radoune has since expanded to other Canadian provinces and begun its journey into Europe — particularly Germany, where the culture of mushrooms and the demand for premium spirits make it a natural fit.

Flagship Products Showcased at the Festival

  • Gin Radoune – our signature gin made with four wild mushrooms

  • Aged Gin Radoune – matured 15 months in Canadian rye barrels, delivering refined woody notes

  • Acerum Gaspésienne No. 20 – a unique spirit made from fermented maple syrup, aged in the bottle with an oak stick

  • Pudding Stone Cream – a smooth cream liqueur with natural maple and caramel flavors, free of artificial aromas

Pairing Ideas and Tasting Notes

In cocktails, our dirty martini perfectly highlights the subtle mushroom notes. In the kitchen, Gin Radoune pairs beautifully with wild game meats such as moose or wild boar, enhancing their rustic, authentic character.