The business held its official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 25th at its Johnstown facility. Founders and co-owners Joe Kelly, Laura Bradley and Rob Heuvel have launched a company where spirits are created in a pot still to create more robust flavours while minimizing esters. The team has several years of experience in distilling spirits and business management.

"We believe that small batch distilling produces a quality product based on the dedication and attention given to each run," says Laura. Their Prescott White Rye and Von Schoultz Vodka are bottled and ready for sale. Soon to come are gin and rum-like 1000 Islands Moonshine. 

Over and above product sales, groups and individuals are welcome to explore the distillery. Call ahead to reserve one of their tour guides. "We're excited to have established our business in the community and hope to contribute to the tourism sector in Leeds Grenville," adds Laura.

The distillery's focus is to create premium products using local and organic ingredients with a process that emphasizes sustainability and green principles, including water and grain mash recycling. It's environmental partner for power and gas is Bullfrog Power, which only sources renewable energy. Company representative Graeme Cunningham helped cut the ribbon along with Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Pat Sayeau.

King's Lock, a member of the Ontario Craft Distillers Association, received a $100,000 federal grant under the Eastern Ontario Development Program through the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation to help launch the business. 

Above photo: Prescott White Rye and Von Schoultz Vodka on display at the Johnstown site. Below photo: The 5 Newport Drive location overlooks County Road 2.

The couple purchased the historic Spencerville Inn property three years ago to ensure it remained locally-owned and wasn't shuttered. They've renovated the upstairs into apartments, opened a key-card access JoeGym in the back and, most recently, they've opened Joe's SpencerCity Bar & Grill in part of the landmark hotel building. To their delight, a soft opening of the eatery packed the house on July 10th and large crowds have continued ever since. The traffic is non stop.

"Support has surpassed our expectations beyond anything we imagined," says JoAnne. "We have been swamped since Day 1. We thought it would build slowly until the grand opening (on July 21st), but it has been busy since we turned the lights on."

The restaurant, located at 11 Spencer Street, is open Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They are closed Monday to Wednesday. "Support from the locals has been amazing and we are seeing travellers passing through at lunch time and on weekends," says JoAnne. A shaded outdoor patio overlooking the village's main street is proving quite popular.

The Moulton's sent out an online survey in October 2015 following the former hotel's 100th anniversary celebration to gauge interest in opening a restaurant at the once-popular inn. They received over 400 responses within 4 days. It was incredibly positive and included approving nods from people from as far away as Toronto and Montreal who used to live in the Spencerville area. 

Having been involved in construction her entire life, JoAnne, along with brothers Tony and Tommy, as well as her sons Ivan and Julian, did most of the renovation work. Her father Tom Lovegrove built the older-style copper-top bar. Memorabilia from the former inn is featured, including the old dining lounge sign. Even their menu is inspired by the hotel's history. The favourite is the Spooly "everything" burger, named after an original hotel patron from days gone by. "Our focus is on staying as local as we can; local brewers and local staff. The restaurant belongs to the community. They asked for it and we're doing our best to deliver," says JoAnne.

Learn more about Joe's SpencerCity Bar & Grill on their Facebook page or by calling 613-648-2337.