42,000 Canadians Enter Whisky Lottery for Just 5,000 Bottles

Canadians Enter Whisky Draw for a Chance to Buy Limited-Edition Bottle

Forget winning millions—this lottery could give lucky Canadians a chance to buy a bottle of rare whisky.

Okanagan Spirits is holding a draw for its limited-run Laird of Fintry single malt whisky, with only 5,000 bottles available. The response has been huge, with the distillery receiving more than 42,000 entries.

The whisky’s limited supply is part of the excitement. Okanagan Spirits says the Laird of Fintry is finished in specialty wine barrels sourced from local wineries, and only a limited number of those barrels are available.

Canadian-Made Spirits Are Getting More Attention

The distillery has also seen a major boost in sales as more Canadians look for locally made products during the Canada-U.S. trade dispute.

Wyatt Cooper-Brown, manager of Okanagan Spirits’ Kelowna location, said the company has experienced a massive increase in sales, with its bourbon-style whisky attracting especially strong interest.

That shift reflects a broader trend. A recent TD survey found that 79% of Canadians planned to support local or Canadian businesses, while 48% said doing so had become a bigger priority than it was the previous summer.

Some Kelowna residents say they are now paying closer attention to where products are made and choosing Canadian goods when possible.

A Limited Supply Creates a Bigger Challenge

Even with demand rising, Okanagan Spirits can't simply produce more Laird of Fintry overnight. The specialized finishing barrels are limited, making the whisky difficult to scale up quickly.

Cooper-Brown also noted that while the trade dispute has helped some Canadian businesses, others continue to face serious challenges.

For Okanagan Spirits, the result is clear: a limited whisky release has turned into a highly sought-after draw, with tens of thousands hoping for a chance to purchase one of just 5,000 bottles.