A natural partnership
Distillerie Mariana and Hooké... Two companies with deep Quebec roots.
One extracts the uniqueness of our forest aromas while the other dresses and gears hunting, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts. Over the years, from our adventures and our common passions, complicity has grown.
Our two teams have been working together for several years on different projects. It was only natural that the idea of producing a unique gin dedicated to a decade of success would arise: HOOKÉ by CANOPÉE. This special edition of Canopée gin honours the collaboration of two companies driven by their passion for Quebec's nature.
A gin in the purest forestry tradition
HOOKÉ gin embodies with panache the king of our forests in all its power and vitality. In its nuances, it borrows from the essences that compose its environment. Black spruce and cedar from the Mauricie region were macerated with juniper berries before being distilled. The gin was then aged in oak barrels impregnated with Canadian whisky. The result? An experience of sapinous flavours, round in the mouth, with woody notes and vanilla accents. To be enjoyed in the forest, on the shore of a lake or at the cottage!
Made according to the rhythm of nature
HOOKÉ gin was produced with patience and passion. Philippe, the owner of Mariana Distillery, explains: "First, we have to find the mature conifers that give us the best yield of oils, which are the ones aged between 10 and 30 years. The much sought-after essential oil is found at the end of the new branches, which we carefully cut off to ensure the tree's longevity. Our harvest then rests in alcohol for 12 to 24 hours to extract the precious oil and release all its aromas. It is at this stage that we add the juniper berries, which are the essence of gin."
Then comes the delicate process of distillation which requires precision and expertise. It's all about temperature. Too low a heat prevents the needles from releasing their oil, and too high a heat produces bitter notes. Toward the end of the distillation process, it is necessary to control the steam flow with a skilful dosage and a touch of instinct to obtain the desired flavour notes. This is the art and well-kept secret of our master distiller.
In the case of HOOKÉ Gin, the precious distillate was matured in oak barrels that were previously used for whiskey, creating a truly distinctive flavour on the palate. Then it was time to let it do its work. As HOOKÉ Gin aged with oak and whiskey, it revealed its unique essence to be discovered at your own pace.
Relive your adventures and dream of those to come
The HOOKÉ gin by CANOPÉE is now available in SAQ for a limited edition. First to arrive, first to enjoy it! It's perfect timing with the arrival of the cold December weather when hunting, and fishing memories are not so far away and still deserve to be celebrated and awaited.
