We're Not Going Anywhere
As of September 29, alcohol from Canada can no longer be imported into the United States. For a business built entirely on Canadian spirits, that means we can't bring in new inventory for now. Here's what that means, and why we're still here.
I started Northern Rose Selections when I tasted Fundy Gin on a layover in Halifax. I knew nothing about the booze business, but I believed I’d found something worth sharing with the rest of the world. As a proud maritime Canadian, the gin was only ever part of the story. In bringing it across the border, I was also importing, in a tiny way, the values of our part of the world: a deep sense of community, a connection to the land, and a commitment to sustainable practices.
For years it was my side hustle, competing with an intense career in corporate technology. That career is what allowed me to self-fund this business. At the start of this year, I gave it up to focus on Northern Rose full time, because I believed in what we were building and the products we were bringing to market.
I hold myself to a simple standard: anything I bring to market will always meet the highest bar for quality and transparency. We work with small-batch producers who source sustainably and ethically and who build their spirits and wines from heritage ingredients and the land around them. As a queer, woman-owned business, we're committed to lifting up women and queers in this industry: distillers, winemakers, bad-ass brand babes, cocktail magic makers and wine gals.
And it's been working. The business has grown year over year, and our core brands are finally getting the recognition they deserve. We have menu placements at some of the greatest cocktail bars and restaurants in North America. We are truly humbled and proud. It says everything about what's coming out of Canada. We have so much more to offer than Crown Royal and ketchup chips. We just say it humbly and politely, and what a beautiful stereotype to own.
We had big plans: incredible new SKUs in the pipeline and new markets we were ready to expand into.
First came the tariffs. Then came the ban.
So for now, no more Canadian booze across the border, but this isn’t over. This business exists because I didn't take no for an answer. When I first asked Still Fired Distilleries about importing Fundy Gin, Andrew politely declined. I kept asking until I finally tapped him on the shoulder at a farmers' market in Halifax. He told me I was crazy, but he'd make me a pallet. Many pallets later, we’re forced to take this pause.
It’s certainly hard to accept that you can pour your time and hard-earned money into something you believe in wholeheartedly, and have it taken away with one stroke of a pen. But we’re able to take the long view. We don’t know how or when, but we know we’ll be back.
What this means for our customers:
Final shipment: Our last shipment of Fundy Gin and Whey Eau-de-Vie has landed. While supplies last, you can still find them at https://www.northernroseselections.com/find-us
The long run: Our producers and I are committed for the long haul. If the ban lifts, we'll be ready.
Northern Rose Tours: If we can't bring these spirits to you, we'll bring you to them. In 2027 we're launching Northern Rose Tours, starting with small-group trips to Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy to sail, taste and share a lobster boil with the people behind the bottles. Nova Scotia is just the first stop. [Join the list for early access → www.northernroseselections.com/tours]
To every bartender, restaurateur, distributor and drinker who took a chance on us: thank you. You're the reason this was worth building, and the reason we'll be back, one way or another.
Kristin Rose Pike
Founder, Northern Rose Selections