Creating the coziest living room in the County: Bare Bones Distillery

Bare Bones Distillery blends East Coast hospitality with a Prince Edward County twist. A seriously inviting cocktail experience, Bare Bones is about casual simplicity, connection and making a pure product that is winning fans across the region.

Jason and Nicole Clarke moved to Prince Edward County during the pandemic, realizing their dream of having a farm and producing quality spirits. Now, with 80 acres, a 2,500 square foot production facility, as well as a popular lounge venue and retail space, the small batch distillery in Hillier is known for its smooth spirits and hyper-local ingredients.

“Bare Bones is part of our DNA,” said Jason, who comes from a background of high-level business and event management. “It’s been a mantra for us: our commitment to keeping things simple.”

That holds true in their distilling process as they use only the essentials - and botanicals grown on their farm. “When we distill products, we produce ingredients ourselves on the farm or we locally source,” Jason said. “We embrace what’s grown locally and turn it into what people like to drink.”

Case in point: the Clarkes planted a Haskap orchard four years ago and are harvesting fruit this year, using it to make Haskap gin smash cocktails, as well as Haskap Cello. They grow organic garlic scapes, which they then use in their caesars as a pickle garnish. They have sugar maples on the property so they tap them in the spring and make maple syrup - finishing it on the smoker for extra unique flavour. Sumac, lavender, coriander and rosemary are grown on site and all used as botanicals in their cocktails. The list goes on.

The Spirits

He said the popularity of some spirits goes in waves depending on the season. Clear spirits like vodka and gin are always a staple, but the Limon Cello and Orange Cello are popular in summer. “No one else in Ontario is making Orange cello using the traditional Italian methods,” Jason said. 

What’s more, Bare Bones Distillery has introduced 100ml canned cocktails that fit in your hand. Prepared exactly the same as the cocktails made at our bar, with 20% alcohol, they’re meant to be shaken and poured over ice. Of course, the jokes about being an at-home Tom Cruise in Cocktail ensue, but kidding aside the hand-helds also speak to the theme of simplicity.

Looking ahead, Bare Bones is getting ready to launch a seasonal, 100% Prince Edward County Strawberry Cello. Jason said this fall, they’re also turning to Ontario stonefruit to make cherry cello, peach cello and pear cello. 

Lounge and relax at Bare Bones

The welcoming space at Bare Bones includes a large lounge and an outdoor patio with great views overlooking the stunning Prince Edward County countryside. Jason and Nicole are known for being engaging and willing to share their experiences building Bare Bones into a favourite spot to sip in the County. “One of our goals was to create a space that’s warm and welcoming, casual and inviting; to build the best living room in the County,” he said. “I believe we’ve succeeded.”

With wood interior detailing, warm lighting, couches, plush carpets, and fireplaces, it’s the perfect ambiance to while away an afternoon.

Come for the cozy atmosphere and great spirits, but stay for open mics every second Sunday, an acoustic night where all talented levels are welcome. Also on site every Saturday in August is Jamie Kennedy’s JK Fries. Looking ahead, Bare Bones is keen to host trivia days and continue attracting the community.

“One of the things we do that makes us happy is having a great connection with our local customers - we have wonderful local support,” he said, noting he wants visitors to fully feel there’s value in the way they craft spirits - and how they’re enjoyed together in a cozy setting.

“When you come to Bare Bones, you’re going to feel welcome no matter what,” he said. “The experience is going to be memorable - you’re going to walk away planning to come back.”

Visit Bare Bones Distillery at 719 Closson Road, Hillier, for an exceptional cocktail experience or find them online at barebonesdistillery.ca. Follow Bare Bones on Facebook or on Instagram.