Paul Cirka is the gifted founder and owner at CIRKA Distilleries in Montreal, Canada. Their grain-to-glass line of spirits are leading the charge on the evolving landscape of Canadian whiskey. His passion to create spirits of distinction has bestowed him a well-earned reputation in the business. In fact, a fortuitous meeting with a superstar entertainer (and so much more), Michael Bublé, led to a creative opportunity for the pair to bring a creative vision into reality.
Fraser & Thompson Whiskey is the triumphant result of this star-crossed partnership. At 84 proof (42% ABV) and touting a blend of Canadian Whiskey and Kentucky Bourbon, this is an intriguing product serving as an alluring entry point for those wanting to explore whiskey. It’s also a conversation-in-a-bottle whiskey to share among friends in any social setting. You can read more about our tasting notes here.
In speaking to Paul, there’s an immediately calming tone in his presence. He’s humble and soft spoken, but also exudes a carefully measured dose of a rock star aura. In the official materials about the Fraser & Thompson product, there’s a line that says, “Second paragraph is about Paul Cirka, the Master Distiller and Blender. This part is easy. Paul knows his shit.” It’s safe to say that this is appropriate and accurate. In short, think of him as a bona fide whiskey nerd who loves music (art in general to be clear). Like any great whiskey, ingredients matter and Paul’s been fashioned from the spiritual cosmic dust from the likes of Mick Fleetwood and Chris Morris.
Yes, he’s that good. However, he doesn’t make a spectacle of himself. The spirits do the talking for him and that’s one of the most endearing qualities about him.
Beginnings and Foundations
Getting to know Paul further starts with exploring his earliest memories of whiskey. He recalls memories of his father, an engineer, who enjoyed a good cigar and whiskey. When anyone in the family exhibited the early signs of flu or cold, they would forgo a trip to the doctor in favor of gargling with whiskey. At that tender young age, it was hardly a pleasant experience, but it left an indelible stamp in his memories.
Paul’s a native of Toronto and attended the University of Toronto. In those times, he saw his friends reaching for drinks like rum and cola. Of course, beer was also a staple at the time. He found himself drinking whiskey or Manhattan. Though he earned an appreciation of wine and beer at a later time, whiskey has been his go to spirit for quite some time.
While in college, he dove deep into science. At first it was general science, but he gravitated toward landscape architecture. In broad strokes, his background covers science, botany, and design. In his time as a landscape architect, he was introduced to the early wave of computer graphics as a part of the design process. At the time, Canada proved to be an early innovator in this type of software and the roles he took on led him to travel around the world.
On these adventures, Paul found himself decompressing in the bars of exotic locations. It was an opportunity to immerse himself in whiskey across a wide spectrum. He says, “I certainly developed a broad palate for whiskey. It led me to appreciate everything from light whiskey to heavily-peated expressions. It also taught me that every expression has its place, depending on the mood, time, and environment.”
When it comes to favorites, Paul ponders for a moment and shares some of the whiskey that seems to find a constant home on his bar. For example, he’s fond of Red Breast, Caol Ila, Gibson (Canadian), and Pappy Van Winkle. In particular, Caol Ila represents an “a-ha” moment for him that drew him in. This expression represents more than just a whiskey, but also has an emotional connection to his memories and experiences. His recollection and attachment to this certain whiskey is a great example of how whiskey is one of the few spirits that evokes such a deeply personal response.
With this snapshot of whiskey that you may find in his glass, it’s important to find out how he likes to enjoy his beverage of choice. After a few moments of deep though, he describes his ritual for “me time.” He cherishes his alone time quite a bit and wants to make sure he sets the proper mood. Simply put, it’s whiskey and music. He says, “Those are the two things that combine to help me center myself. I allow my brain to drift away from the problems that I’m trying to solve every day. I take that moment to enjoy and remind myself of everything the world has to offer.”
Of course, this opens the door to explore his taste in music. He touts a taste in music that spans everything from throat singing to Billy Idol. Like many of us in those moments, he bounces around until he finds that special song that fits the mood he’s in. Over the course of a year, he builds a few playlists and then adds to them as appropriate. However, there is still the excitement of discovery attached to a less programmed approach. It makes life interesting, as well as enhances the enjoyment of whiskey in the moment.
Fraser & Thompson (with That Guy)
This leads us to the special whiskey collaboration with the aforementioned superstar entertainer. Exactly how does such a partnership begin? Was it a mysterious phone call where a disembodied voice says, “Please hold for Mr. Bublé…” and then you’re suddenly on the line with someone who is bigger than life? Inquiring minds want to know!
Paul recalls the events that led them to work together, and he says, “We were already talking to some local musicians in Montreal. We are aware that art, music, culture, and fashion are all intertwined. We’re all creators in some way. The name of Michael Bublé came up, and he’s a well-regarded Canadian celebrity. It would not be a stretch to say that I’m a fan of his music. We ended up chatting with his management team and submitting pitch packages. He found ours to be interesting and that led us to talk further. We sent them some product to check out and I think the words were ‘Wow this shit is good!’ and it went on from there.”
All in, it was a two-year process to bring the Fraser & Thompson Whiskey to life. There were many virtual and in-person meetings. They delved deep into the mechanics of launching this new brand and tapped into the collective network of experienced professionals at their disposal. Paul says, “My approach was to be bold and appeal to a new demographic. We didn’t want to go after the peak of the industry, because that’s not how Michael presents himself. Approachability was important because we knew that the brand would be an introduction to whiskey for many people.”
About halfway through the process, they did a test with a private party for about 75 fans. Michael Bublé performed for them and then there were samples of the product. The response was overwhelming, and people were eager to offer their feedback. Many people who did not traditionally enjoy whiskey were enjoying what they tasted. The rest, as they say, is history.
“I spent many summers with my grandfather at the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson rivers in British Columbia. When I heard Paul’s vision for creating a new kind of whiskey, I knew instantly what I wanted to call it. For the last three years, we worked together to perfect a whiskey blend that is equally elegant and approachable. We can’t wait to pour you a glass!”
– Michael Bublé reflecting on the origins of the name
The Future
Cirka Distilleries is a dynamic and exciting craft distillery in the Montreal area. Their products are strong enough to stand alone, but there is also an emphasis to enhance the experience through various collaborations with art and food. Enthusiasts in the area can experience a tour of the distillery and there are also facilities for group events. As the first grain-to-bottle distillery in Quebec, there’s a lot to discover. Visit their website for more information on their products, tours, and collaborations. We’re quite sure that the distillery will continue its trailblazing path to positively influence the face of Canadian spirits (including whiskey).
The next big question is what comes of the Fraser & Thompson collaboration? There needs to be a “Fraser & Thompson 2.0” offering, or least there should be something in the works to continue the emerging legacy of this whiskey. Paul reassures us that something is in the works, but the details are not ready to be revealed. He says, “There is something new coming, but I can’t reveal it. We still have so much work to do with what we’ve released. It’s been talked about and is an evolutionary idea. It will be evocative and complementary.”
Good whiskey takes time. Great whiskey needs creativity. Paul Cirka has his own special brand of magic that will bring both of these together in the right kind of whiskey magic. No matter what comes next for Cirka Distilleries and the collaboration for Fraser & Thompson, there is surely to be something magical that emerges.
What you add to your playlist while enjoying it is up to you!
The Mashibill: Whiskey Network Wants to Know Your Recipe
Wrapping things up, it is our tradition at the Whiskey Network to ask our guests the same final 5 questions, also known as the Mashbill: Whiskey Network Wants to Know Your Recipe.
Question 1: What was the last whiskey, bourbon, or scotch in your glass?
It’s not a shallow plug, but it truly was Fraser & Thompson. Recently, I had some friends over that I hadn’t seen in a long time, and it was a natural conversation piece that led to sharing the experience. There’s just a little bit left at the bottom of that bottle now.
Question 2: Do you prefer to drink your whiskey from a specific type of glass?
For me, the right glass needs to have a bit of weight and plenty of surface area. I understand the purpose of Glencairn, but when I’m enjoying whiskey, I want the bouquet to come right off the surface. There is such an important connection between the nose and the palate.
Question 3: Do you have a Unicorn bottle?
That would Bowmore 25. It was a gift to me, and it was a sad day to see the last drop. I truly do miss it.
Question 4: I’m looking for a gift for a friend. My budget is around $50 to $75. What would you recommend I buy?
When I’m gifting, I try to truly understand the person that I’m buying for. For specific people who would understand the expression, I like to gift Japanese Single Malt finished in Mizunara casks. Otherwise, I’d suggest buying two bottles of Fraser & Thompson. Give one as a gift and keep the other for yourself.
Question 5: What is your favorite toast?
I just like to say “cheers” and keep it simple.
Final Thoughts
Paul Cirka casts a long and influential shadow across the forefront of the whiskey industry (along with many other spirits). His success is rooted in a deep passion for getting things right and a healthy respect for what goes into the process. However, there’s a twinkle in his eye that keeps his work on the edge of creativity. He’s not trying to be too clever; it’s merely a passion for delivering delicious and well-thought-out products.
Every product from Cirka Distilleries requires a deeper dive by the collective of enthusiasts. Hidden gems like this deserve attention and respect. In addition, the collaboration that produced Fraser & Thompson showcases the ability of all involved. Sure, you know the name Michael Bublé but he’s only part of the collective genius that’s gone into making this whiskey.
Whether you’re looking to explore whiskey for the first time or a long-time veteran, Fraser & Thompson embodies everything that makes whiskey great. It sparks conversation, encourages exploration, and will create memories with those you share with. In the words of “The Best is Yet to Come” by Michael Bublé…
Ah, come the day that you’re mine
I’m gonna teach you to fly
We’ve tasted only wine
We’re gonna drain that cup dry
“The Best is Yet to Come” by Michael Bublé
With Paul Cirka at the helm of the Fraser & Thompson collaboration, the best is certainly yet to come!
