The Ward Bar at Spring Mill Distillery — Restaurant in Guelph

A Distillery with True Craftsmanship!

Spring Mill Distillery never ceases to impress with its dedication to quality and craft. This week, my husband and I had the opportunity to tour the distillery, learn about their processes, and purchase some of their exceptional products, including the John Sleeman and Sons 100% Rye Whisky and Traditional Straight Whisky (similar to bourbon). We also had the pleasure of meeting John Sleeman himself, along with his sons, Quinn and Cooper, who own and operate the distillery. We were thrilled to hear about the launch of their new single malt whisky, set to debut on Friday, October 18, 2024. If it’s anything like their current offerings, it’s sure to be extraordinary. After learning about the traditional methods, special ingredients, and unique aging process behind it, we can’t wait to try it! The atmosphere at Spring Mill Distillery is warm and inviting, housed in a beautifully restored stone building dating back to the 1800s, which adds to its charm. The staff are friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, offering insights that make each visit feel personal and memorable. Recently, Spring Mill was recognized as Ontario’s Best Distillery in 2024 by the LCBO Effie Awards—an honour that is well-deserved. A special thanks to John, Quinn, and Cooper Sleeman for taking the time to chat with us about the distillery and their products. Their passion and expertise are evident in every bottle, reinforcing why Spring Mill Distillery continues to produce award-winning spirits. If you’re a whisky enthusiast or simply appreciate finely crafted spirits, Spring Mill Distillery is a must-visit gem in Guelph, Ontario...

A Gem in Guelph!

If you're in Guelph, visiting the Ward Bar at Spring Mill Distillery is an absolute must! Housed in a stunningly restored heritage building, the ambiance is a beautiful blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. You can feel the history in the walls, and the care taken in preserving the building’s character is impressive.

Now, onto the real stars of the show—the spirits! Whether you're a fan of gin, vodka, or whiskey, Spring Mill has something exceptional for you. Each spirit is uniquely crafted, bursting with Canadian pride and flavor. I went for a flight of four in-house spirits, and wow—each one was distinct, smooth, and unforgettable. Run by John Sleeman and his sons, there's even a deeper family connection to John Sleeman, as one of his sons is their cooper, crafting barrels that add such rich depth to their spirits.

Though the bar doesn't have a kitchen, the cold snacks are perfect for pairing with the drinks. We sampled the Chips and Salsa, a plate of pickles, and the veggies with dip, and they all hit the spot. The charcuterie boards looked tempting, too. Everything here complements the incredible beverages without overshadowing them.

The overall experience was top-notch, from the knowledgeable staff to the atmosphere. Spring Mill Distillery is a hidden gem and a true testament to Canadian craftsmanship. Don't miss out on this place when you're in town—it's...

Love the look and feel of this place. Gorgeous venue, friendly staff, delicious drinks! The food is great - I only wish they had more of it.

We have it booked for an event in 2020 and we cant wait! Jodi, their coordinator, has been great to work with.

Looking forward to making many more memories here!

UPDATE: I do not recommend booking this place for your wedding. We were supposed to be their first wedding event in August 2020. It was a tad disorganized from the start, but we loved Jodi, recognized it was a newer business, wanted to support small and were totally willing to be flexible with our small wedding. After trying to get a hold of them with no response, we were told in March, she no longer works there.

From that point on it went downhill fast. They did not have any COVID policies in place. The main bartender told us he was stuck with the job of events and was too busy to deal with us. Said he would contact us with an updated covid policy... To this day we have never heard back.

Hard to get ahold of, very disorganized and we ended up having to find another venue. We were broken hearted but didn't want to deal with the frustration any longer.

Only blessing - they were too disorganized so we never signed a contract.

The prices were so reasonable that were quoted to us... But I guess in this case, you get what you pay for.

Seriously....