Citadel Distilled: Raise your Holiday Spirits

Go behind the scenes at the historic Halifax Citadel to discover the holiday traditions of the British Military and how they raised their spirits! Savour three Halifax Citadel-aged spirits and a holiday Spiced Rum crafted by award-winning Compass Distillers, paired with delicious artisanal cheese, crackers, and a sweet treat.

Experience Details:

• Explore Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a restored 19th-century British fortification with stunning views of Halifax.
• Your host, a kilted 78th Highlander, shares holiday traditions and stories of how alcohol was used in the British military; both a blessing and a curse – depending on who you ask!
• Enjoy a guided tasting of three unique spirits created exclusively for the Halifax Citadel Society by award-winning Compass Distillers: Daily Ration Rum, Noon Gun Gin, and Granite & Grain Whisky.
• Embrace the holidays with a sample of Compass‘ Spiced Rum paired with a sweet treat – perfect for the holidays!
• Get the inside-scoop on Compass Distillers’ locally sourced „grain to bottle“ distilling approach.

Dates & Times: Raise Your Holiday Spirits programs are available to small groups as private bookings on most afternoons and evenings in November and December 2025. Please contact Halifax Citadel Society at (902) 426-1990 or bookings@halifaxcitadel.ca to learn more and make a booking!

Price: Priced per person, depending on group size:

• Group of 10 or more – $55.99 per person
• Group of 8-9 – $66.99 per person
• Group of 6-7 – $89.99 per person
• Group of 4-5 – $129.99 per person
• Group of 2-3 – $269.99 per person

Good to Know:

• Experience is approximately 60-90 minutes in length including a 30-minute guided site tour and 30-60 minute spirits tasting.
• Guests must be 19 years of age or older.
• Warm clothes and comfortable shoes are encouraged for the exterior tour.
• Space is limited to a maximum of 25 guests per tour.
• Please meet at the front gate of the Halifax Citadel at the designated program start time.
• Guests travelling on foot can reach the front gate via the sidewalk from Sackville Street or the stairs and pathway from Brunswick Street (beneath the town clock). Guests travelling by vehicle can park in the pull-offs located along the Citadel’s perimeter road.