Shane Beehan, 30, took up the bartending profession four years ago. He hails originally from St. John’s Newfoundland, but is now working and living in Halifax NS. When you mix his East Coast hospitality, a penchant for local lore, a fascination with rum’s history and an interest in telling a good story it’s hard to imagine anyone better suited to being a barman. His inspiration behind the bar comes form meeting his guests and being able to share a bit of his knowledge of cocktail history with them.

Former mixologist for The Bicycle Thief, Matt has now joined forces with fellow bar man, Jeff Van Horne in their enterprise “The Clever BarKeep”. Created as a unique bar tending service their aim is to develop & present eloquent and luxurious beverage experiences, crafted specifically to meet the needs of any special event. This will be Matt’s first appearance at Spirited Away in Lunenburg and we are eager to partake of his knowledge and cocktail creations!

Since a very young age, Anne-Marie has held jobs that require a lot of presence and a high level of attentiveness. But when she began bartending it opened a door to something more; she found a craft that so perfectly combined her passions for creativity and hospitality. You can find her behind the bar or approaching your table at The Middle Spoon & Noble, where she has learned the trade of bartending from the ground up. She is continuously educating herself further on the subject of cocktails and spirits and, being so approachable, is always up for conversation on the subject. Every time Anne-Marie steps into work, she strives to build something special with every guest, to pull them into an experience. When you see her this fall at Spirited Away, beware – her excitement and passion are contagious.

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Not many people can say that they love their job but I can confidently say that I love bartending. There is always something new in this industry to learn. Sharing interesting facts about spirits and cocktails in an approachable way creates a unique drinking experience this is something I have become very passionate about. I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of the Nova Scotia Craft Spirit Festival and look forward to sharing my spirited tales, expertise and of course cocktails with everyone joining us in Lunenburg. I hope to see you there for an amazing spirit filled weekend, Cheers!

Originally from Halifax, Michael ventured into the world of bartending after he wrapped a career playing football in both Canada and Europe. Learning from the leaders in the bartending industry Michael carefully honed his craft, which propelled him to numerous national bartending competitions. Now spending his time behind the bar at Highwayman in Halifax as both an owner and operator he continues to help grow the industry and be a representative of true east coast hospitality.

Joining us this year is Michael Webster, who describes himself as “an impassioned, alchemically-inclined barman from Toronto” has bee curating guest experiences and creating cocktails for 20 years.

Joining us from Edmonton, Natasha Trowsdale is the Bar Manager at Clementine, bartender at El Cortez Mexican Kitchen as well as “Slurpee Master” at SpeakTiki!

Bartender Manager at Clementine, Bartender at El Cortez Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar and Slurpee Master at SpeakTiki

Situated in the picturesque village of Port Williams, NS., on the shores of the bay of Fundy, newly opened Barrelling Tide Distillery produces hand crafted spirits and seasonal liqueurs using the produce of the Annapolis Valley.

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Handcrafted in the historical shipbuilding community of River John, Caldera Distilling, and its fine whisky pay tribute to the heritage of craftsmen and explorers across the province. Their spirits are proudly distilled, barreled, aged and bottled using ingredients grown on their property.

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Coldstream Clear Distillery is located in the very heart of Nova Scotia, in the rural community of West St. Andrews. They create premium spirits such as vodka, with several popular flavour varieties and an unaged rum called Original Spirit.

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The festival is happy to welcome Compass Distillers this year.
“Compass Distillers is located in the North End neighbourhood of Halifax. As a craft distiller, we are proud to be woven into the fabric of a vital neighbourhood, in the heart of a thriving city. Our production facility includes everything needed to take raw ingredients and craft them into fine spirits.”

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Glenora Distillery is the only one of its kind. They’ve been recognized as the first single malt whisky distillery in North America, and they’ve also produced the world’s first single malt whisky aged in icewine barrels. Their copper pot stills and time-tested traditions mean the whisky they produce is on par with the greatest single malts in Scotland.

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J.D.Shore Rum is handcrafted in a small-batch copper still with passion, pride and can-do spirit by Julie Shore, Master Distiller at the Halifax Distilling Co. Visit their distillery right downtown in Halifax’s historical port.

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They truly love the process of creating their spirits and liqueurs from scratch. They never fail to get excited by the first loads of fresh apples in the fall, by the sweet aromas of the fermentations, by the delight of the first taste of pear eau-de-vie coming off the still.  They feel privileged to be able to work with great growers, and their exceptional produce.  They welcome you to share the tastes of Nova Scotia in our spirits and liqueurs. Visit the distillery in while visiting in historical Lunenburg.

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Steinhart Distillery is located in Arisaig. Craft distilling is a rich Steinhart family tradition over 300 years in the making. Thomas Steinhart still remembers coming of age in rural Germany, where he spent many happy hours helping his grandfather stoke the wood-fired still. Though the fire has long since extinguished and the family farm has been sold, the joy of using natural ingredients to craft superb spirits is still ablaze in Thomas’ memory.

We are a small batch craft distillery located in Annapolis Royal, NS.  We are delighted to bring you high quality spirits from all natural, locally sourced ingredients, that we hope you can share with friends and family time and time again.

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The fruits and herbs in our Tangled Garden liqueurs are harvested from the warm fertile Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. We pick at the height of ripeness to bring you a product full af the freshness and quality for which Tangled Garden products are known. Steeped, the fruit and herbs yield a magical elixir. Serve chilled or mix with sparkling water, white wine, champagne or add to a martini for a novel touch. Our liqueurs are best enjoyed young for peak flavours but will keep for many years.

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Joining us this years as one of our guest distilleries from outside Nova Scotia. It all began with some “tests” in a Rimouski basement, where two pigheaded friends disregarded conventions and were inspired by their own terroir to create whimsical and distinctive spirits.

“We are Proud to be amongst Quebec’s micro-distillation pioneers, Stubborn to produce spirits in a traditional way with our region’s raw resources while remaining Independent facing large corporations that are flooding the shelves with cheap generic products.”

Website 1-418-800-4694

We welcome from our neighbour, New Brunswick, one of the most highly regarded craft distillers in Canada. Distillerie Fils du Roy is located in Petit-Paquetville in the north-east area of New Brunswick. Sebastien Roy, founder and distiller, has created many award winning and creative spirits since he opened the doors of his distillery in 2011.

Website 506-764-2046

Nova Scotia’s Craft distiller’s newly created association – founded to promote this new and expanding industry in our province.

Cheers! Tap into something new on the Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail, Canada’s first and only winery, brewery, cidery and distillery trail. Collect stamps by visiting our stunning wine region, trying a craft beer tasting, sampling a cider or taking a distillery tour.

Let the stories behind Nova Scotia’s local experiences inspire you to explore our province — with taste, adventure and passion as your guides. The Good Cheer Trail is crafted by family traditions, compelling history and exciting innovation.

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The NSLC joins us for another year – supporting the festival with much needed advertising and promotion through Occasions magazine and our “Pre-Festival Warm Up” event at their downtown Halifax flagship store, The Port.

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The Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage have joined in to help support the festival this year and we are very grateful to have their help!

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Lallemand Biofuels and Distilled Spirits is dedicated to supporting the industry with high quality, cutting edge products.

Website 514-796-7848

At the Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre, we celebrate the spectacular setting that is Nova Scotia’s south shore. Just a 45-minute drive from Halifax, our seaside hotel effortlessly blends the comforts of a scenic retreat with all the fun of an elegant, full-service resort.

Website (800) 565-5075

Located in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, The Mariner King Inn majestically stands in the heart of Old Town Lunenburg. The Inn, built in 1830, has undergone extensive renovations restoring the old and melding it with the needs of today’s travellers. The Inn has three rooms and two suites in the original building, while the Cranberry and Candy Apple additions add six suites and three rooms with a more contemporary, mariner theme in mind.

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A Canadian fishing company located in old town Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, established in 1897, Adams & Knickle was an exporter of salt fish in its early years. It presently fishes for deep-sea scallops. The collection of bright red buildings that house Adams & Knickle is an integral part of the visual iconography of this UNESCO site.

Relaxed cafe and wine bar in Lunenburg NS.

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Our boats are strong, durable, seaworthy, and beautiful in their simplicity. But the place we work is special too. The Dory Shop is located on the harbour shore of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, a port renowned for shipbuilding and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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A nautical museum, inclusive social venue and makerspace, striving to promote learning, provide experience and harbour appreciation of maritime history and culture, with an emphasis on “Simply messing about in boats”.

Come aboard to explore, gather and create.

Website 902-541-7317

The Lunenburg Makery is a place for learning, making and gathering around craft. We are a multi-purpose craft space including sewing facilities, a library and reading area, a retail space and studios. We offer workshops and courses as well as drop-in projects, sew-by-the-hour, evening craft circles, and studio space.

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The FARBLACK philosophy is simple – the world will be better, more fun and ultimately sustainable when:

• The Historic World is preserved;
• The Natural World is protected; and
• Those in the Creative World have a platform to be heard, seen and enjoyed.

We are passionate about these complimentary beliefs and use them as our foundational approach to investing in people, growing companies, and taking on a variety of projects.

The result is an eclectic portfolio of brands all striving to create unique value by making a difference in a different way.

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The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic provides the ultimate waterfront experience, in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While at the Museum, you experience life in a fishing community and discover, up close, life at sea

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An architectural landmark named for Admiral Edward Boscawen, you can’t miss this lovely Queen Ann style mansion on the hillside. Overlooking Lunenburg Harbour and the Old Town below, with the sea beyond and the leafy shade of Parade Square Park in our back yard, this is a special place to stay. Just 3 short blocks up from the docks and the crowds, you’ll get the best of both worlds.

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Skullduggery gallery is a venue for uncommon and unexpected works of art. The gallery features the works of Artist / Craftsman Douglas Bamford and at the same time it strives to highlight established and emerging artists. Skullduggery Gallery is a recent addition to our festival and serves as one of the stops on our Sip and Dash.

Website 902-210-4242

The newest contemporary Art Gallery in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia this establishment showcases the work of Sharon Fox Cranston, Guy Cranston, and Toller Cranston.

Website (613) 393-3900

Lunenburg’s only 4.5 Star Inn. The Mariner King Inn majestically stands in the heart of Old Town Lunenburg. The Inn, built in 1830, has undergone extensive renovations restoring the old and melding it with the needs of today’s travellers. Check our web site for Spirits Festival Packages.

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An architectural landmark named for Admiral Edward Boscawen, you can’t miss this lovely Queen Ann style mansion on the hillside. Overlooking Lunenburg Harbour and the Old Town below, with the sea beyond and the leafy shade of Parade Square Park in our back yard, this is a special place to stay. Just 3 short blocks up from the docks and the crowds, you’ll get the best of both worlds.

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Whether for an overnight or seasonal stay, the Brigantine Inn is the perfect home away from home, offering panoramic views in the heart of the Lunenburg waterfront, an onsite restaurant, the Grand Banker Bar & Grill, and modern amenities in a rustic setting.

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Nestled in the heart of historic Lunenburg, we welcome you to savour the sights of our seaside town as we set our focus on providing you with the exceptional customer service experience you deserve. Whether you’re here for business or for pleasure, ensuring excellence is our mission.

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Offering a great variety of rooms, the Smugglers Cove Inn is here to accommodate any of your needs. Renowned for its service and attention to detail, our Nova Scotia Inn will surely make your stay a memorable one. Conveniently located right across the famous docks, you will find numerous attractions – the living waterfront, galleries, museums, cafes and fine stores – to keep you busy all day.

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Ideally located to enjoy the sights and sounds of Lunenburg’s historic harbour front, the Salt Shaker Deli and Inn is within a few moments stroll of all the festival events.

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Right in the centre of town, harbourside on the historic Lunenburg waterfront the Grand Banker Bar & Grill features a fresh menu with a stellar commitment to local artisans, farmers and fisherman. Owner, Adam Bower features a large selection of local wines and craft brews on tap, and stunning waterfront view ensures a true Nova Scotian experience for lunch and dinner!

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As our Lunenburg Market bounty expands with the fall harvest so does the creativity of their kitchen. Lincoln Street Food strives for simple, tasty, market -inspired dishes including vegan & vegetarian, sustainable fish & meat options with vegetables always taking centre stage. This year they will host our Spirited Away Official Wind Down Breakfast.

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Seriously good ingredients prepared with Nova Scotia’s seasons in mind.

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With spectacular views of Lunenburg Harbour and a carefully crafted menu to please a variety of tastes, the Salt Shaker Deli is must stop when you’re visiting in Lunenburg.

Their menu, created by award-winning chef, Martin Ruiz Salvador, pays special attention to showcasing our region’s fresh seafood, locally-grown produce and artisanal products. Some of the Salt Shaker’s customer favourites include our smoked seafood chowder, pad thai and our hand-rolled thin crust pizzas. In addition to our delicious menu we also offer a range of local wines and craft beers on tap.

Website (902) 640-3434

If the weather gods are kind to us, there’ll be excellent dining at the new Half Shell on Montague, Lunenburg’s own oyster bar. Seafood brought to you by the wizardly chefs of The Salt Shaker and Fleur de Sel, with cocktails to match. If it rains? We’ll figure something out! Either way it will be delicious.

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Come experience the outstanding view of Lunenburg’s harbour from the dining room, bar, or wharf side patio. Their menu features a wide variety of the freshest local Atlantic Seafood including lobster, scallops, haddock, mussels, oysters, and our homemade seafood chowder. For land-lovers we also offer choice steaks, pastas, and chicken – there is something to please everyone at the table. It is also a great place to relax and indulge in a glass of wine or a fine cocktail while you drink in the seascape.

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