Spring Mill Distillery

Distilled through generations.

Sitting on the banks of the Speed River in Guelph, Ontario, Spring Mill Distillery is draped in history and rooted in tradition. Since it's conception over a decade ago, our mission has always been to deliver the highest quality Canadian spirits. Our conviction to offer premium spirits starts with the choicest Canadian grains and a selection of renowned equipment from the finest makers world-wide. Produced using time-honoured techniques true to traditional practices, each batch of spirit is carefully tended to from grain-to-glass.

All in the family.

Keeping the cooperage tradition close to home, our apprentice Cooper, Quinn Sleeman, brings a uniquely local touch to the care of the barrels that mature our spirits. Using traditional, hands-on techniques, he ensures each vessel performs at its best.

Trained in Scotland and the U.S., he brings a deep understanding of wood theory and centuries-old coopering practices to our distillery. Experienced with all barrel types—from wine to whisky—Quinn oversees on-site inspections and repairs and handcrafts a small amount of Canadian Oak barrels per year for use in aging a select variety of John Sleeman & Sons Whiskies.  

Private Cask Program

A brief history.

  • 1836

    Spring Mill Distillery is founded by the Sleeman family in St. David’s, Ontario.

  • 2016

    John W. Sleeman obtains permits to build a distillery in Guelph, Ontario.

  • 2017

    Construction begins to restore the former Allan’s Mill & Distillery building in Guelph, Ontario.

  • 2018

    Distillery restoration is completed.

  • 2019

    Production begins, Spring Mill Distillery produces first batches of Vodka & Gin.

  • 2022

    John Sleeman & Son releases first whisky.

  • 2026

    John Sleeman & Sons wins Best Whisky No Age Statement & Best Single Cask Whisky at the Canadian Whisky Awards.