Islanders are a friendly bunch.
When Doctor Paul Barrow and his family first moved to the Island in 2003, they were being invited to many social gatherings. At every event, from family reunions to weddings, wakes, births, deaths and everything in-between, homemade moonshine would make an appearance. It seemed every family had a still!
Coming from away, Doctor Barrow naively asked if everyone drinks shine, why isn't it available in the liquor stores. With hoots of laughter and a slap on the back people told him to try and see if it was possible. The idea was set. Three years later new legislation was drafted to permit distilling on the Island and Myriad View Artisan Distillery opened its doors.
Ironically, the word moonshine could not appear on any labels at the time thus the illustration of the moon that appears on many of its labels. The word Strait on many of the products represents both the Northumberland Strait and straight goods.
With PEI having endured 48 years of Prohibition, the distillery can't claim to be the first maker of moonshine on the Island, but it can claim to be the best!
Moonshine has been around as long as people not wanting to pay taxes. It’s a slang term for illegally produced and usually high proof distilled spirits. In recent years moonshine has been legalized in many countries...so long as government taxes are paid!
Most moonshine in North America is made from a corn mash and is essentially an unaged whiskey. Uniquely on Prince Edward Island, moonshine was traditionally made from agricultural molasses and icing sugar. Updating this the distillery now uses top quality molasses and cane sugar and a time honored family recipe.
Since that time, the distillery has added a number of medal winning products including gin, vodka, rum, whisky, pastis and brandy produced from its own vines.
Moving to PEI from China, Guangzhi Guo, Liling Bai and their son Channing bought and completely renovated Gateway to Greenwich Suites in St. Peter’s to become a well-reviewed destination. In the process of getting to know the businesses in the area, they discovered Myriad View Artisan Distillery. Intrigued and interested, they eventually purchased the distillery in 2024 as Doctor Barrow wished to retire. Guangzhi and Liling are committed to keeping the excellent quality of the products developed by the Doctor who will continue to mentor them along the way.
Situated in Rollo Bay overlooking The Northumberland Strait. With an ever-changing view that gave the distillery its name: The Myriad View.