Merc’s story begins back in 2019 on a solo trip to Québec City. It was my first time traveling alone, and my first time visiting the beautiful ville. My typical bar order was still inspired by my 18 year old self, a good ol’ Crown & coke. But, for some reason, when I rolled up to Pub St. Patrick, I asked the bartender for a gin & tonic.
He looked at me funny (my accent could use some work), so I said, “good gin. Something different.” He brought me a St. Laurent and mentioned it was made in Quebec and had a saltiness from the seaweed.
This cocktail opened my eyes to the world of Gin. I was intrigued. And the gin was good. Really good. It is still one of my favourites and I grab a bottle of St. Laurent’s every time I’m in Quebec.
That was just over 5 years ago now and since then, I’ve collected over a hundred different gins and have even grown my palate to other alcohols like Whiskey. I’d take notes about what I liked and disliked. Friends would say things like “Gin is the tea of the liquor world” like it was a bad thing while my brain went into overdrive thinking of all the goodies I could steep.
I was loving the journey of finding the best flavour profile for me and then decided.. why not just make it myself?
I made Merc’s for boozier cocktails
where you can taste the alcohol. My personal favourites are a dry martini, a negroni, and a gin old fashioned. Merc’s gin really adds depth to those drinks, different botanicals shine through depending on what you’re having. I find the juniper and peppercorns to really come out in a martini, the elderflower and rose hips bloom in a negroni, and the orange and lime peels come through in the old fashioned.
And for those who prefer drinks that mask the alcohol, we love it in a caesar and it makes for a perfect Gin & Tonic.
Merc’s is an attempt at bottling my life experiences. A bit of a boutique lifestyle. I wanted to create a quality gin that is perfect for any occasion. Great on a hot summer day, great on a cold winter evening. Smooth as heck.