Maligne Distilling Pub at 604 Connaught Drive, Jasper…read more
At the start of my two-day stay in Jasper, after checking into the Crimson Jasper Hotel, I headed down the main thoroughfare looking for a late lunch. Five minutes away I found just the thing: the Maligne Distilling pub at 604 Connaught Drive; it was outstanding.
Maligne Distillers (pronounced as mah-leen) are, according to its website, "independent malt whisky-makers - both a distiller and blender in the sole service of creating exciting, innovative, world-class whisky. As a small-batch distiller we produce essential whiskies that are the vital essence of our expressions. Maturing for a minimum of 5 years, these highly-flavoured whiskies are the character actors on our whisky stage. We then blend those with an ensemble cast of blending whiskies - some we distill, and others from renowned Canadian distilleries."
Upon my arrival, the first and main floor of the pub was gearing up for an afternoon FIFA World Cup match on the big screens. Hoping to avoid that level of excitement, Ellie at the host stand suggested the second-floor balcony, with its view of the rail station up close and the mountains in the background. The small flower-filled balcony catches the mid-afternoon sun perfectly in July, making this a memorable meal to be sure, based on location and scenic views alone. Wheelchair accessible; kids are welcome until 10 pm daily.
The menu, too, was memorable for its diversity and the local scope of entrees and sides. There's pub food, to be sure, with snacks that include smoked chicken wings (brined, smoked, then tossed in citrus whisky or Thai chili glaze, served with fresh vegetables and ranch, $20CAD), pan fried perogies (potato, cheddar, onion, brown butter, bacon, sour cream, $16CAD), popcorn (dill pickle, cheddar, dill, $8CAD), and smoked pork belly bites (maple mustard glaze, green onion, $14CAD).
The dinner menu was similarly impressive, with regional and local dishes that include elk Milanese (breaded elk cutlet sautéed with mushrooms, whisky, butter, Saskatoon berries, served with buttered mash potato and arugula, toasted almond salad, $46CAD), Alberta ribeye (14 oz, herb-smashed potato, grilled broccolini, maître d'butter, $65CAD), vegan beetroot Wellington (herb smashed potato, seasonal vegetables, red wine reduction, $30CAD), and bolognese alla tagliatelle (Alberta bison and beef, roasted garlic tomato ragu, parmesan, fine herbs, served with garlic toast, $32CAD).
Looking for a light lunch and the chance to sample Canada's whiskies, I ordered a draft of the local The Bear beer ($9.75) and a four-shot (.75 oz. each) flight called Coast to Coast Whiskies. The flight ($44CAD) offered four small-batch crafted Canadian whiskies: Shelter Point Ripple Rock (BC, 46% alc./vol.), Ninety 20-year Highwood (Alberta 45% alc./vol.), Lot 40 Dark Oak, (Ontario 48% alc./vol.), and Glen Breton Ice 10 yr. (Nova Scotia 43% alc./vol.). Smooth as silk, and Ellie showed me how the use of distilled water and an eyedropper permit you to customize the experience.
For my meal I chose the smoked chicken club (pulled smoked chicken, bacon, Swiss cheese, romaine lettuce, tomato, peppercorn aioli, toasted sourdough $24CAD). Fresh and filling, this was an excellent choice. Seating was spacious and scenic, the balcony was quiet (contrasting the enthusiastic crowd watching the FIFA match down on the first floor), and the restroom was clean.
Great food, excellent whisky, and local craft beer. This, plus the view, plus the pub environment, offer much to recommend - a thoroughly great meal in the heart of Jasper.
