Pathfinder Barrel Program

Purchase your own barrel and earn up to 12.5% per annum payments.
We buy back your barrel on maturity at full purchase price.
Enjoy gifted bottles of your barrel upon maturity.



We are now offering PathfinderX options.

PathfinderX Program

Pathfinder X features our flagship Rideau Whisky, aged in  oak barrels.

We are currently in Phase II of the Pathfinder Barrel Program with PathfinderX.

PathfinderX supports the continued growth of Top Shelf Distillers whisky production - inclusive of building an expansion to the distillery, grain management, a second still and fermenting capacity, storage and archiving of barrels.

Options:

  • $4500 full barrel (3 barrel shares)
  • $1500 1/3 barrel (1 barrel share)

Purchase, own, and age a barrel of Canadian whisky. The Top Shelf Pathfinder Barrel Program is backed by barrels of our aging Rideau whisky. Receive 12.5% per annum on your barrel, fully paid out after 3 years (36 months), while helping secure our Ontario whisky.

Commonly known as barrel financing, you can be a part of the first steps towards bringing a large-scale barrel program to the Ontario Highlands region.  Early Pathfinders in this program will help us fine-tune the details as we expand and grow in the years to come.

Details:

  • You are purchasing 1 barrel or 1/3 barrel of Top Shelf Whisky to be filled at a future date
  • Buyers get a payment every six months until their barrel is filled, a payment on the barrel's fill date and then annually on the anniversary of the barrel's fill date
  • When the whisky has matured, usually after 36 months, Top Shelf Distillers buys back the barrel from you at your full purchase price
  • Top Shelf Distillers will gift you bottles of the finished  whisky after maturity
  • Each barrel is a physical barrel stored in our warehouse. This includes a signed terms sheet, and it is fully transferrable if you want to sell or transfer to another barrel owner 

Example: Full-Barrel $4500

Buyers will receive a payment in the amount of $281.25 every six months until their barrel is filled. We are targeting July 2026. When the barrel is filled, buyers will receive a payment for the amount earned from the last payment date and the barrel's fill date. Buyers will then receive an annual payment on the anniversary of the barrel's fill date in the amount of $562.50 until the barrel has reached maturity at 36 months from the fill date. The third and final payment will include the return of the $4,500 principal and 12 gifted bottles.


Why become a Whisky Pathfinder?

Whisky programs are commonplace in the industry.

Due to the costs and time required for maturing barrels, there is exceedingly high whisky demand and low whisky supply across Canada. Distilleries choose to offer barrel funding to help cover operating costs and overhead while they expand and grow. This allows the distillery to stay in control of their future and finances without depending on unfavourable bank loans.

Whisky presents a low-risk opportunity with potentially  high returns.

What is the purchase process?

Our team will connect with you to finalize the details of your order, including barrel selection and issuing the signed terms sheet. We will arrange a secure method for your payment. And that's it!

Each barrel of whisky is unique, and we can tailor a funding experience to fit your needs and goals. We can discuss and answer any questions or concerns you may have. You can contact us by email for more information or to set up a call.

What risks are involved?

We are experienced in aging and maturing whisky. Regardless of barrel yield or angel's share, pathfinders will receive their full repayment of their barrel at 36 months.

Top Shelf Distillers buys back the barrel at 36 months, so there is no need for the barrel owner to worry about selling, wholesaling, or distributing product.

Barrels are stored in our government-bonded warehouse. Each barrel is shielded from financial risk to Top Shelf Distillers. If there is a circumstance that impacts the operations of Top Shelf Distillers, your barrel will still be yours, held in bond via our holding company. 

I have more questions.

Get in touch with us at contact@topshelfdistillers.com and we can address any questions, concerns, or ideas. We can also arrange alternative payment options such as via e-transfer or check.