O’Dwyer Distillery: A Project Born from the Gaspesian Terroir

Founded by Michael Briand and Frédéric Jacques, O’Dwyer Distillery was born from a clear ambition: to create a unique craft product in a region where no one had yet dared to try.
Beyond their passion for distillation, the goal was to stimulate the local economy and showcase the natural treasures of Gaspésie.

The Key Role of Accès Microcrédit Gaspésie

Turning this vision into reality required more than craftsmanship — it needed strategic support.

Accès Microcrédit Gaspésie (AMCG), a non-profit organization active in the five MRCs of the Gaspé coast, provided:

  • Advantageous micro-loans to finance initial investments.

  • Personalized guidance to build a strong business plan.

  • Assistance navigating the administrative and regulatory steps specific to the spirits industry.

This support laid a solid foundation for the distillery’s successful launch.

The Challenge of Being a Pioneer

Being the first distillery in the region came with significant risks:

  • Uncertainty about public reception.

  • Unknown economic viability.

  • Regulatory hurdles specific to the sector.

“When you’re the first business of its kind in a region, you don’t know how the market will react. It’s a leap into the unknown,” explains Michael Briand.

Calculating Risks and Aiming High

The team’s philosophy: dare to try, but do it thoughtfully.

“There will always be risk in launching a business. The important thing is to calculate it and be prepared. Sometimes you lose, but sometimes you win.”

This mindset, combined with a passion for products that reflect Gaspésie’s identity, helped O’Dwyer Distillery become a key player in Quebec’s craft spirits scene.

A Message to Future Entrepreneurs

O’Dwyer’s experience shows that in Gaspésie, opportunities for development are abundant — and the community is ready to support new ventures.

“Put yourself out there — there will always be someone to support you.”

Conclusion

The story of O’Dwyer Distillery proves that with a solid project, a strong support network like AMCG, and unwavering determination, an ambitious idea can become a lasting success.
It’s proof that Gaspesian entrepreneurship can shine far beyond regional borders.