A family
business
1769 Distillery was founded by a husband
and wife team to create and distill premium
quality spirits in an urban setting. Their
enthusiasm and love of the craft has carried
over to the couple’s sons with the intention
of keeping 1769’s heritage in the hands of
future generations.
Master Distiller
An accomplished business owner, Andrew’s entrepreneurial spirit lead him to follow a passion. After founding a very successful film and television post production facility 30 years ago, with offices in Montreal and Los Angeles, Andrew made a decision to study the art of distilling and open an urban distillery in his hometown of Montreal.
FUN FACT
Andrew’s parents are of Polish descent, his father was born in Montreal and his mother was born and raised in Leduc, Alberta. A perfectionist, Andrew distills only premium quality craft spirits that must pass his strict quality controls and please his taste buds before being put into bottles for all to enjoy.
President
A former television producer/director, Maureen changed career paths by joining her husband Andrew on the distilling adventure! She collaborates on 1769 Distillery’s overall vision, product strategy, oversees administration, marketing, communications, sales and last but not least, also acts as taste tester!
FUN FACT
Maureen has a rich family history with roots in the Saguenay! Her great-grandfather immigrated from Lebanon in the early 1900’s and her mom was born in Alma, Quebec! The family owned one of the largest retail stores in Lac St-Jean in the 1930’s and 40’s called “Le Magasin Parisien.”
Operations Manager
A graduate of Concordia’s John Molson School of Business, Alex coordinates the daily operations of the distillery. He is working on his distiller certifications from the Institute of Brewers & Distillers in the UK.
Alex started working with his father on distillations when he was 18 years old. He now develops and distills his own brands of spirits with his brother, Matthew.
The popular and educational GinLab experience was conceived by Alex, who also supervises and runs the program.
FUN FACT
Alex has been playing electric guitar since the age of 11. He enjoys all types of music but loves listening to and playing heavy metal on one of the guitars in his collection.
Manager
A university student at Concordia, Matthew is the creative force that helps with the branding and conception of the distillery’s label designs. He also manages the production and bottling line at 1769 Distillery, as-well-as the warehouse and inventory.
Together with his brother Alex, he also develops his own line of spirits brands.
FUN FACT
Matthew’s hobbies include collecting and building fixed-gear bicycles and photography. You might spot him around Montreal capturing scenes and portraits with his camera.
Since joining our team as Brand Manager in 2023, David works closely with our sales and marketing team representing 1769 Distillery’s portfolio in Quebec.
After a decade of working in various aspects of the liquor industry, David brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. He began in 2013 working as a mixologist/bartender in many of Montreal’s well known and high-end bars and restaurants, eventually heading up bar programs and management.
In late 2021, he went on to work as the Reserve Activation Manager for Breakthru Beverage Canada prior to joining 1769 Distillery.
Everyone knows David’s signature handlebar moustache, as well as his personal passion for discussing all things alcohol. We adore his creativity, sense of hospitality and the relationships he creates through his genuine love of interacting with people.
FUN FACT
David has also been a Blackjack dealer at Canada’s oldest casino, Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall in Dawson City, Yukon.
Isaac joined the distillery team at the beginning of 2022. He coordinates events and assists with the on-going development of educational classes at the distillery.
He made his industry debut in 2015, working at many well-known cocktail bars in Montreal. Co-owner of event company Crowd Bar Flair, he brings his passion for cocktail development and expertise in events to 1769 Distillery! National winner of Made With Love in 2018. First place in the speed round competitions Drunken Masters (2017) and 7 to smoke (2020). In 2020, Isaac also won Invasion Cocktail’s Bartender Bootcamp, a competition to develop a bar concept.
He stands out for his sense of hospitality and the relationships he creates with people.
FUN FACT
In his free time, Isaac likes to watch Sci-Fi and Fantasy movies. He’s a real geek! Isaac’s hockey skills are not fantasy, however. As a skilled goaltender, he doesn’t let a lot of pucks into the net!
Alexis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to 1769 Distillery. From September 2021 until his move back to France in June 2022, Alexis coordinated and supervised all educational activities including the innovative GinLab experience and specially curated cocktail classes featuring delicious signature drinks.
Alexis will continue as a member of 1769 Distillery’s team from abroad and we look forward to his future visits to Montreal.
Among his many accomplishments, Alexis holds the highest award of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) in the barman category and was winner of the Diageo World Class France competition in 2012.
FUN FACT
Alexis is the father of 2 young boys. He likes to dance the west coast swing and play handball, a sport he has been practicing for over 10 years.
