David Soucy is a forestry engineer. Yan Lévesque is an electromechanical engineer. A certain evening over scotch in 2016, so to speak, gave rise to a project. It grew out of a shared passion for spirits, a creative dream and a desire to take part in their region's development.
For more than two years, they developed the concept for their distillery, taking care to make informed and logical choices. Since water is the foundation of production, they decided that water from the Mitis River would best meet fermentation requirements and produce a product that measures up to fine spirits industry standards. The choice of location followed from that decision: near the river, in Mont-Joli.
The product creation process, in line with their values and quality standards, requires partnerships with local businesses and organizations that specialize in their field. Jardin de Mitis (mountain pine) and Ma cabane en Gaspésie (concentrated maple sap) are two examples, among others. 
The specialized equipment that makes up the still was designed and built according to Yan's concept (Yan is the team's mechanic). This equipment accounts for a large share of the final result once the various ingredients are blended. Aging in oak barrels is also an important factor in the rum's quality. Maceration in selected, toasted Québec wood, such as sugar maple, yellow birch and apple, is paired with French and American white oak to produce a balanced, lively and woody spirit: Mitis.
Frimas vodka was launched in June 2022, flavoured with Québec sea buckthorn fruit! Slightly fruity and tart, smooth and mellow, it can be enjoyed neat, on ice or in cocktails.
The shop at the Mont-Joli distillery also stocks a few branded items for enthusiasts. Worth a visit if you're passing through the area.
Distillerie Mitis
distilleriemitis.com
1034, avenue de la Gaspésie
Mont-Joli, QC G5H 0B2
418.775.4011