Our Story
Founded in 2020, NB Distillers is genuinely a manifestation of true love. Love of people, diversity, culture and, lest we forget, a well-curated spirit.
A passion for exploring new places, our Founder has lived and worked in 5 different countries. With each new adventure, he wholeheartedly explores the local culture and all it has to offer. Supporting local businesses is one of his core values; this new venture is no exception. All ingredients, equipment and talent reflect a desire to support local businesses.
Charismatic and genuine, he passionately forges new relationships at every turn and is a valued member of the community. Always ready with a smile and a kind word, he attributes his success to an insatiable desire to embrace new experiences, people and ways of life.
A caring corporate citizen, we are actively involved in the community. Scholarship programs, product donations and food bank support are just a few of the ways we demonstrate our appreciation to our valued friends and neighbours.
At NB Distillers, we take pride in creating quality spirits. Unapologetically smooth in nature, they are designed to be savoured by even the most discerning enthusiasts. Enjoy them straight or as the heart of a hand-poured cocktail. Custom infusions and unique ingredients such as Aloe Vera water ensure there is something for everyone.
Know this – no matter your background, age or nationality, you are always welcome at our table.
Our Story
Founded in 2020, NB Distillers evolved through a desire to build a business based on the simple pleasures in life: meaningful conversations, the ability to build lasting relationships, community spirit and socializing with people from all different walks of life.
Founder and owner Neeraj Bakshi’s multi-faceted life and career paths along with his congenial personality have geared him with the necessary business acumen to succeed. With an endless passion for people, a love of travel, and introducing people to his Indian culture by incorporating flavors and labeling that represent his love of family, friends, and heritage.
“My inspiration and hardworking energy drives from celebrations and unforgettable experiences with humble service. I thrive on personal connections when I can connect with people whether it is one on one or within a group of people.”
From my childhood, when I used to see our family and friends so passionate about producing their own moonshine recipes to compare and taste it has inspired me to recreate or re-live that experience and share it with all those who celebrate with our company. Each day is a celebration of meeting new people and incorporating our cultures together.
Chak de (Cheers!)
-Neeraj Baksi, President
Why NB Distillers Laid Roots in Welland ON
Welland is a great place to live, work, play, and invest in. With a booming housing market, a stellar community support system, convenient commutes to larger cities and a picturesque backdrop, we knew that Welland would be a perfect fit for our developing brand.
When arriving in Welland, the community spirit and support was unmatched and echoed the sentiment and NB’s key value in connecting with people.
Our commitment to make Welland a landmark on the Niagara region’s map as a destination to celebrate life and good things was an important goal in providing Welland’s first celebration square, where people and communities will come together to celebrate life and their greatest milestones. We have enjoyed growing with the Welland community and look forward to many more years of social and business development together,
NB Distillers invites guests to join in a celebration of Canadian life. Vodka, Gin, Rum and Canadian culture. Whether enjoying our products at home or visiting the location.
Ian Smiley bsc Master Distiller
Ian Smiley is the author of the book, The Distiller’s Guide to Whiskey, a White Mule Press publication, and he’s the former owner of Smiley’s Home Distilling www.home-distilling.com, a web store dedicated to home and laboratory distillers.
He’s a card-carrying member of the American Distilling Institute (ADI), and has written articles for their magazine, The American Distiller, as well as other writings on distilling. He’s a featured author of another White-Mule-Press-published book called The Distiller’s Guide to Rum. Ian is also the author of Making Pure Corn Whiskey, an Amphora Society published book. He’s been exploring small-scale beverage-alcohol distilling, both professionally and as a hobby, for over 30 years.
He has extensive experience in producing most distilled spirits, but his passion is for all types of whiskey. He has formulated recipes for the different whiskies and other grain spirits and produced them using various equipment, methods of mashing, and distillation.
He is an associate of Allied Beverage Tanks in Chicago and is their subject Matter Expert (SME) for the start-up of craft distilleries. He is also a distillery consultant and has designed the distilling operation for numerous craft distilleries around the World and has formulated numerous whiskey, gin, and vodka products, and is currently doing the same for other start-up distilleries.
Ian Smiley bsc Master Distiller
Ian Smiley is the author of the book, The Distiller’s Guide to Whiskey, a White Mule Press publication, and he’s the former owner of Smiley’s Home Distilling www.home-distilling.com, a web store dedicated to home and laboratory distillers.
He’s a card-carrying member of the American Distilling Institute (ADI), and has written articles for their magazine, The American Distiller, as well as other writings on distilling. He’s a featured author of another White-Mule-Press-published book called The Distiller’s Guide to Rum. Ian is also the author of Making Pure Corn Whiskey, an Amphora Society published book. He’s been exploring small-scale beverage-alcohol distilling, both professionally and as a hobby, for over 30 years.
He has extensive experience in producing most distilled spirits, but his passion is for all types of whiskey. He has formulated recipes for the different whiskies and other grain spirits and produced them using various equipment, methods of mashing, and distillation.
He is an associate of Allied Beverage Tanks in Chicago and is their subject Matter Expert (SME) for the start-up of craft distilleries. He is also a distillery consultant and has designed the distilling operation for numerous craft distilleries around the World and has formulated numerous whiskey, gin, and vodka products, and is currently doing the same for other start-up distilleries.