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 & Michael Dwyer Briand co-founded O'Dwyer Micro-Distillerie Gaspésienne. The distillery—named after Michael's second family name—became the first of its kind in Gaspésie.
Michael Dwyer Briand
Frédéric Jacques
With studies in business management and a PhD in organic chemistry, Frédéric applied his scientific expertise to create innovative all-grain whisky recipes. In addition to administrative tasks, he managed production, ensuring that each bottle 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 the history of resilience, resourcefulness, and quiet rebellion.
As the world turned dry, the fishermen of Gaspé saw opportunity in the waves, navigating treacherous waters to the French territory of St. Pierre et Miquelon, where alcohol flowed freely.
They returned under the cover of night, slipping past patrols to land their cargo on the rugged shores of Gaspé, where shadowy figures waited.
Among them were men working for none other than Al Capone, their trucks lined up, ready to transport the contraband down the long road to Chicago.
This wasn’t just smuggling—it was survival, a testament to the grit and ingenuity of those who called this place home.
That daring spirit still runs in the veins of Gaspé today, where history, heritage, and the wild heart of the coast remain as strong as ever.
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.
