Liquor & Spirits

It all began during a cocktail-making class at Civil Liberties Bar, where Nick Kennedy, the founder, was teaching. During this class, a family of cocktail enthusiasts, including Mary Beth and John Williamson, learned the art of cocktail-making from Nick. He shared his passion for cocktails and his fascination with the scientific and molecular aspects of mixing drinks. Nick also introduced them to innovative distillates and delicious cocktails he had created.

Mary Beth and John, with their background in business, recognized the opportunity to bring exceptional cocktails to consumers and the hospitality industry. The team knew that cocktail culture was exploding among both connoisseurs and enthusiasts. Cocktail lovers are more knowledgeable and adventurous than ever; but not everyone has the know-how or ingredients to make a great cocktail at home. What if they could bottle bar quality cocktails for cocktail lovers to enjoy anytime anywhere with anyone? The three of them decided to explore business opportunities.

The team developed a patent-pending vacuum distillation process that allowed the production of fresh and flavourful distillate ingredients, key to creating high-quality, shelf-stable cocktails with all the vibrant and fresh flavours that a skilled bartender instills. They combined this innovative process with the expertise of Canada's best bar team, Civil Liberties Bar has been ranked #1 in Canada for the past two years, leading to the creation of Civil Pours in 2022.

Civil Pours has been crafting ready-to-pour, premium cocktails in kegs to serve on draught for the hospitality industry since 2022. In the Fall of 2023, they launched bottled cocktails in select locations in Ontario.

The Civil Pours team includes the three founders: Nick Kennedy who leads R&D and process design; John Williamson, who brings leadership and resourcefulness to business development and operations; and Mary Beth Williamson, who focuses on strategy, financial management, marketing, and human capital. The founders are supported by a talented team that includes Madison Homewood, responsible for research and development; Chris Williamson responsible for marketing and business development; and Horácio Ribeiro who manages all aspects of production.

Civil Pours' vision is to transform the world of cocktails. We are curious explorers, mixing science and sensory, capturing what’s next and inspiring the cocktail community. By innovating what can be poured, we liberate the spirit of hospitality. We truly are 'Cocktails for the Curious'.