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Compass Distillers

  • Raise Your Spirits

    Raise Your Spirits at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site!
    With a kilted 78th Highlander as your guide, go behind-the-scenes at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to discover the history of alcohol use in the British military. Savour three Halifax Citadel-aged spirits crafted by award-winning Compass Distillers and paired with delicious artisanal cheeses and crackers.

    Experience Details

    • After-hours access to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a restored 19th-century British fortification with stunning views of Halifax and the Halifax waterfront.
    • Be guided by a kilted 78th Highlander and hear stories of how alcohol was used in the British military. Both a blessing and a curse – depending on who you ask!
    • Go inside Compass Distillers’ barrelling room where spirits are stored and aged in wooden barrels inside the fortification - a truly sensory experience!
    • Guided tasting of three unique spirits made exclusively for the Halifax Citadel Society by award-winning Compass Distillers. Enjoy Granite & Grain Whisky, Noon Gun Gin, and Daily Ration Rum.
    • Get the scoop on Compass Distillers’ locally sourced ‘grain to bottle’ distilling approach.

    Dates & Times

    Please check back soon for more information! 

    Location

    • Meet at the front kiosk of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site at the designated program time. 
    • Guests on foot can reach the front kiosk via the sidewalk from Sackville Street or via the pathway from Brunswick Street, beside the Town Clock.
    • Parking is permitted in the pull-offs located around the Perimeter Road.

    Price & Booking

    • Tickets are $64.99 plus tax, and can be booked through the HCS Eventbrite page.
    • To enquire about a private booking, call (902) 426-1990 or email [email protected] (please note that private bookings require a minimum of 8 guests).

    Cancellation & Refund Policy

    Cancellations with refunds are accepted up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled day of the tour (please note that Eventbrite's fees are not refundable).

    Participants will be notified 48 hours in advance if the tour is cancelled due to inclement weather forecast, if we have not met our minimum number of participants to run the tour, or other unforeseen circumstances.

    Good to Know

    • Space is limited to a maximum of 15 guests per tour.
    • Participants must be 19 years of age or older.
    • Warm clothes and comfortable shoes are encouraged for the exterior tour.
  • The Proof is in the Barrel

    The Citadel Distilled: The Proof is in the Barrel

    Explore Halifax Citadel National Historic Site like never before with a red-coated Highlander as your guide on this 3 hour experience. Indulge your senses with exclusive access to Compass Distillers’ onsite barreling room and open a barrel to proof it down with the distiller. Savour three Citadel-aged spirits thoughtfully paired with charcuterie and take home two bottles of your favourite.

    Experience Highlights:

    • Exclusive access to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site: Explore the 19th-century British fortification with your 78th Highlander guide.
    • Learn of the historical connection between gunpowder and spirits,(program may require a blanket covid disclaimer).
    • Access Compass Distillers’ onsite barrelling room: With one of Compass’ distillers, open a barrel to pull and “proof down” samples.
    • Learn award-winning Compass Distillers’ “grain to glass” methods and hear insights on how these spirits were created.
    • Sample three Citadel-aged spirits with charcuterie: Enjoy a private tasting of Noon Gun Gin, Fort George Genever, and Daily Ration Rum paired with delicious charcuterie.
    • Take home a gift box set of two Glencairn glasses and two bottles of your favourite Compass Distillers Halifax Citadel-aged spirits.

    Dates:

    • Please reach out to us with questions about Citadel Distilled: the Proof is in the Barrel.

    Price: $450 + HST per participant 

    Cancellation Policy:

    • Cancellations are accepted up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled day of the tour.
    • Participants will be notified 72-hours in advance if tour is cancelled due to inclement weather forecast or unforeseen circumstances.

    Good to Know:

    • Space is limited to a maximum of 12 people.
    • Participants must be 19 years of age or older.

DONATE NOW

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All donations received are used to bring history to life at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada, by hiring young men and women to portray the British Garrison in Halifax at the time of our nation's birth.