O'Dwyer Distillery,
Fresh From The Nature
Why name our distillery "O'Dwyer" ?
At the heart of our distillery lies a deep desire to honour the rich history of our region. Among its defining stories, that of the Irish settlers stands out. Their journey has shaped the cultural fabric of Gaspésie, leaving a legacy that still resonates today.
Between 1845 and 1849, the Great Famine—also known as “The Great Darkness”—claimed the lives of millions in Ireland. Fleeing despair, thousands sought refuge abroad. Some found in Gaspésie a welcoming land, where they could survive and begin life anew.
We named our distillery O’Dwyer in tribute to that legacy. “O’” means “descendant of,” and “Dwyer” evokes darkness. This name carries memory, resilience, and the light born from hardship. It symbolizes the strength of those who move forward despite the shadows.
Our Mandate
From forest-infused gin to maple-based acerum, smooth amaretto, aged rum, refined whisky, and bold cream liqueur — our spirits reflect the richness of Gaspésie’s terroir and the creativity of our craft. Each expression is rooted in tradition and elevated by innovation.
Our Vision
O'Dwyer Micro-Distillerie Gaspésienne Inc. has the mission to honor the rich history and culture of Québec, by crafting exceptional spirits such as gin, whisky, and liqueurs using locally sourced grains, mushrooms, botanicals, and innovative techniques, which are distributed to niche markets worldwide, with a particular concentration in Québec.
Our Mission
O'Dwyer Micro-Distillerie Gaspésienne Inc. is dedicated to honoring Québec’s rich history and culture by crafting exceptional spirits — gin, whisky, and liqueurs — using locally sourced grains, mushrooms, and botanicals, combined with innovative techniques. Our products are distributed to niche markets worldwide, with a particular focus on Québec.
Our Values
At O'Dwyer, our core values shape how we craft our spirits, engage with the community, and approach our work. They reflect our identity and a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and authenticity. Simplified through the GRIT framework for clarity and impact, each value is grounded in principles that define who we are and how we grow...
Founders
In February 2016, Frédéric Jacques and Michael Briand co-founded O'Dwyer Micro-Distillerie Gaspésienne, the first of its kind in Gaspésie.
Michael Briand
As co-owner, Michael is in charge of production and business expansion, managing multiple portfolios and team members. His background in engineering and passion for distillation have played a key role in shaping the company’s innovative approach to crafting distinctive, high-quality spirits.
Michael Dwyer Briand
As co-owner, Michael is in charge of production and local events, managing multiple portfolios and team members. His background in engineering and passion for distillation have played a key role in shaping the company’s innovative approach to crafting distinctive, high-quality spirits.
Frédéric Jacques
With studies in business management and a PhD in organic chemistry, Frédéric put his scientific expertise to use, notably creating innovative whisky recipes. In addition to administrative duties, he oversaw production, ensuring that every bottle consistently met the same high standards of quality and flavor.
Introduction
Co-founder, Michael Briand, has very deep roots in Gaspé. For over 200 years, these roots have woven into the fabric of the land by the resilience of the Irish who came seeking a better life.
They arrived in Douglastown with little but their determination, carving out an existence against the harsh winds and rugged shores. Through poverty, hardship, and the unforgiving elements, they built homes, raised families, and fostered a spirit of strength that still echoes in every tide and every tree.
Their legacy is not just survival—it is the proof that perseverance, community, and a connection to the land can create something enduring. O’Dwyer, and its dedicated team, stand on their shoulders, carrying forward that same grit and passion, honoring their journey with every step I take in this place we call home.
Boreal Forest Connection
One of the values of our distillery is to shine the history of our region. A big piece of the history of the Gaspésie is the history of the Irish settlers.
The potato famine in Ireland between 1845-1849 which killed millions of people has been given the name 'The big blackness'. This forced thousands of Irish to find a new home and some found their home to be the Gaspésie.
As a hommage to this part of history we called the distillery O'Dwyer. 'O' meaning 'descendent of' and 'Dwyer' meaning blackness in gaelic. This is also the reason we put mushrooms in all of our products (with the exception of Acerum and St. Pierre), because the thing that caused the famine was a mushroom that infected the potato, receiving the name Blithe.
Prohibition Era Significance
The Prohibition era etched Gaspé into history as a place of resilience, resourcefulness, and quiet rebellion. As the world went dry, Gaspé’s fishermen seized the chance, sailing to the French territory of Saint Pierre et Miquelon where alcohol still flowed freely.
Under cover of darkness, they returned, slipping past patrols to unload their cargo on Gaspé’s rugged shores. Waiting there were men tied to Al Capone, their trucks lined up and ready to carry the contraband all the way to Chicago.
This was more than smuggling—it was survival, a testament to the strength and ingenuity of the people who called Gaspé home. That daring spirit still pulses through the region, where history, heritage, and the wild heart of the coast remain alive.
Core values
At O'Dwyer, our core values shape how we craft our spirits, engage with the community, and approach our work. They reflect our identity and a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and authenticity. Simplified through the GRIT framework for clarity and impact, each value is grounded in principles that define who we are and how we grow.
Growth
- We embrace a growth mindset, staying open to new ideas and experiences while thinking big and solving problems creatively.
- We strive for equity and dignity in all interactions, recognizing the importance of encouragement and respect.
- We believe success comes from effort and collaboration, with individual achievements rooted in collective performance.
- We commit to merit-based progress, ensuring innovation and inspiration thrive without complacency.
Rigor
- We relentlessly pursue efficiency by reducing waste in time, resources, and processes while fostering creativity within structured frameworks.
- We uphold perseverance and a commitment to quality through collaborative teamwork and shared learning embedded in our practices.
- We champion respect and good faith in all collaborations, striving to eliminate prejudice and foster inclusivity.
- We approach every challenge with a comprehensive, end-to-end perspective for clarity and thoroughness.
Integrity
- We hold ourselves accountable for our actions, maintaining a high standard of self-awareness, morality, and fairness.
- We believe success is achieved by uplifting others—clients, colleagues, communities, friends, or family—through mutual support.
- We prioritize transparency wherever possible to build trust and reduce ambiguity while honoring confidentiality and mission alignment.
- We promise clarity in our methods and progress to all stakeholders we choose to engage with.
Tempered
- We apply logic and reason to our decisions while maintaining a balanced sense of purpose across people, profit, and planet.
- We recognize the value of silence alongside action—understanding its power as a meaningful form of communication.
- We build diverse teams that operate with excellence, uphold integrity, and foster feedback-driven growth.
- We stay adaptable, embracing change as an opportunity to learn, improve, and evolve with purpose.