Raise Your Spirits at the Halifax Citadel!

With a 78th Highlander as your guide, go behind the scenes at the Halifax Citadel to discover the history of alcohol in the British army. Savour three Halifax Citadel-aged spirits crafted by the award-winning Compass Distillers, paired with a delicious charcuterie board.

Experience Details

• Experience a short guided tour of the Halifax Citadel, a restored nineteenth-century British fortification with stunning views of downtown Halifax.
• Be guided by a 78th Highlander and hear stories of how alcohol was used in the British army. Both a blessing and a curse - depending on who you ask!
• Enjoy a guided tasting of three unique spirits created for the Halifax Citadel Society by award-winning Compass Distillers: Daily Ration Rum, Noon Gun Gin, and Granite & Grain Whisky.

Duration

Programs take approximately 60-90 minutes, including a 30-minute guided site tour and 30-60 minute spirits tasting experience.

Availability & Booking

Private programs can be booked on most afternoons and evenings for groups of 2 or more. To inquire about or book a private program, please reach out to us at (902) 426-1990 or via email at [email protected]. 

Pricing & Capacity

Programs are priced per person, depending on group size:

• Group of 10 or more – $59.99 per person
• Group of 8-9 – $69.99 per person
• Group of 6-7 – $95.99 per person
• Group of 4-5 – $139.99 per person
• Group of 2-3 – $289.99 per person

Please note that the maximum group size we can accommodate is ~ 25 guests.

Location

Programs begin at the main gate of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Guests travelling on foot can reach the front gate via the sidewalk from Sackville Street or the stairs and pathway from Brunswick Street. Guests travelling by vehicle can park in the pull-offs located along the Citadel’s perimeter road.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations can be made up to 48 hours in advance of the program with a full refund. We reserve the right to cancel programs if necessary (with a full refund) due to extremely inclement weather.

Accessibility

The Halifax Citadel is a restored nineteenth-century British masonry fortification: guests can expect gravel, earth, and grass surfaces, steep stairs, and low, narrow doorways. In the winter, surfaces may be slippery and/or snow-covered. Accessibility lifts and accessible washrooms are available onsite.

Good to Know

• All guests must be 19 years of age or older.
• Comfortable shoes and practical clothing, including hats and gloves in the winter, are recommended for the outdoor portion of the program.

The Citadel Distilled: The Proof is in the Barrel

Explore Halifax Citadel National Historic Site like never before with a red-coated Highlander as your guide on this 3 hour experience. Indulge your senses with exclusive access to Compass Distillers’ onsite barreling room and open a barrel to proof it down with the distiller. Savour three Citadel-aged spirits thoughtfully paired with charcuterie and take home two bottles of your favourite.

Experience Highlights:

• Exclusive access to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site: Explore the 19th-century British fortification with your 78th Highlander guide.
• Learn of the historical connection between gunpowder and spirits,(program may require a blanket covid disclaimer).
• Access Compass Distillers’ onsite barrelling room: With one of Compass’ distillers, open a barrel to pull and “proof down” samples.
• Learn award-winning Compass Distillers’ “grain to glass” methods and hear insights on how these spirits were created.
• Sample three Citadel-aged spirits with charcuterie: Enjoy a private tasting of Noon Gun Gin, Daily Ration Rum, and Granite & Grain Whisky, paired with delicious charcuterie.
• Take home a gift box set of two Glencairn glasses and two bottles of your favourite Compass Distillers Halifax Citadel-aged spirits.

Dates:

• Please reach out to us with questions about Citadel Distilled: the Proof is in the Barrel.

Price: $520.00 + HST per participant 

• For more information call us at 902.426.1990 or email us at [email protected].

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations are accepted up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled day of the tour.
• Participants will be notified 72 hours in advance if tour is cancelled due to inclement weather forecast or unforeseen circumstances.

Good to Know:

• A minimum of 2 guests are required for bookings, and space is limited to a maximum of 12 guests.
• Guests must be 19 years of age or older.