LCBO to Pull Crown Royal: Here’s Why BARNBURNER Is the best local alternative

Big news for Ontario whisky fans.

According to Global News, Premier Doug Ford has confirmed that Crown Royal will be removed from LCBO shelves next month in response to Diageo’s decision to close its Amherstburg bottling plant. While that decision has left some fans disappointed, there’s great news for those who love smooth Canadian whisky made close to home.

Here at Maverick Distillery in Oakville, Ontario, we’re raising our glasses to the future of locally produced spirits, and our very own BARNBURNER Whisky is ready to fill the gap.

The Local Favourite That’s 100% Ontario

While Crown Royal moves production out of Ontario, BARNBURNER remains proudly rooted here, crafted and bottled right in the heart of Oakville. Our whisky embodies what “Made in Ontario” truly means: locally distilled, proudly Canadian, unapologetically smooth.

Each bottle of Barnburner Ontario Whisky is blended to perfection, with rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak that make it as easy-sipping and versatile as the classics. Whether you drink it neat, mix it into your favourite cocktail, or gift it to a friend who “only drinks Crown,” this bottle represents the spirit of Ontario craftsmanship.

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Why Ontario Whisky is Having a Moment

The province’s whisky scene is heating up. As global conglomerates shift their operations elsewhere, Ontario distilleries like Maverick are stepping forward with creativity, authenticity, and a sense of community pride.

Whisky lovers aren’t just buying local out of loyalty; they’re doing it because local whisky tastes incredible. Our team of Ontario distillers blend traditional techniques with modern flair, ensuring a bold, smooth finish that can rival (and often outshine) big-name imports.

So, while Crown Royal heads east, BARNBURNER stays home and stays true.

A Whisky Worth Raising (and keeping...) in Ontario

Premier Ford’s announcement may have inspired some to “stock up,” but we’ll raise another idea: why not stock local?

With BARNBURNER, you’re not just enjoying a world-class Canadian whisky; you’re supporting Ontario jobs, local production, and a distillery that’s built its name on quality and character.

Read the full Global News article
Discover your next favourite Ontario whisky with Barnburner

Cheers to keeping great whisky in Ontario.