Canadian Whisky Specialists

Quality Ethanol (QE) is more than a whisky producer—it’s a legacy rooted in the expertise of Canadian spirit specialists, built by two dedicated partners. Co-founders James Lester and Dave Brimacombe combined small-batch craftsmanship with innovation to produce world-class Canadian whisky.

James Lester, a celebrated master distiller and two-time Canadian Whisky of the Year winner, brought unmatched technical expertise to QE. With years of experience and a respected distillery school under his belt, James became a leader in crafting award-winning whisky and mentoring the next generation of distillers. His deep knowledge and commitment to quality laid the foundation for QE’s reputation in excellence.

Meanwhile, Dave Brimacombe’s journey began with service in Canada’s military, where he developed skills in discipline and leadership. After 15 years of service, Dave transitioned to spirits, driven by a passion for quality. As a pioneer in craft distilling, he established one of BC’s first honey-based distilleries, creating unique flavors and scaling production, which propelled QE’s mission forward.

Together, they took QE’s unique recipe to four diverse manufacturing locations across Canada, infusing each batch with local character. This strategic expansion has allowed QE to preserve small-batch integrity while scaling to meet global demand for quality Canadian whisky.

With a rickhouse holding over 1.8 million liters, including 250,000 liters ready for immediate sale, and an additional new-make whisky production capacity of over 3 million liters annually, QE is equipped to meet substantial international demand. QE’s production capabilities are designed to serve global markets, ensuring each client receives the quality and volume they need, no matter the scale.

At QE’s advanced facilities, each batch is crafted with care, aged in premium barrels, and sourced to reflect Canadian heritage. Every litre of QE whisky tells a story of legacy, innovation, and excellence, rooted in the founders’ unique journeys.

Today, Quality Ethanol remains true to its roots as it expands into new markets, carrying forward its promise to bring Canadian whisky to the world. QE stands ready to serve global partners, delivering the premium product they deserve with the scale they need.