The short answer: several hockey players have their names on whiskey, but only a few own the brand themselves. Belfour Spirits, founded by Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ed Belfour and his family, is one of the best-known player-owned whiskey brands in the U.S. Wayne Gretzky also makes whisky, Jeremy Roenick co-created Whiskey in the Wild, and J.P. Wiser’s has released special bottles honoring NHL alumni.
Belfour Spirits (Ed Belfour)
Ed Belfour, the goaltender nicknamed “The Eagle,” founded Belfour Spirits with his family. The family began their whiskey journey in 2014, made their first 12 barrels in 2017 and put their first bottles on shelves in 2019. Ed is Founder and President, and the brand is still family run.
- Current lineup: Rye Whiskey (94 proof, $44.99), Small Batch Bourbon (107 proof, $54.99) and the 200ML Trio ($34.99)
- Top honors: Double Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 106-proof Special Edition Straight Rye. See every award and score.
- Hockey touches: the eagle and wings on every bottle, and a Special Edition rye made as a tribute to the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux fans who cheered Ed to the 1987 NCAA title.
Wayne Gretzky
Beyond his winery in Ontario, Wayne Gretzky produces a line of Canadian whisky blended by Master Distiller Joshua Beach.
Jeremy Roenick (Whiskey in the Wild)
Former NHL star Jeremy Roenick co-created Whiskey in the Wild with business partners.
J.P. Wiser’s Alumni Series
J.P. Wiser’s, the Canadian whisky owned by Corby Spirit and Wine, has released limited bottles honoring NHL alumni, including Mark Messier, Yvan Cournoyer and Dave Keon, and later Paul Coffey, Larry Robinson and Darryl Sittler. These are made by the whisky company, not owned by the players.
How to Choose
- Want a player-owned American whiskey? Belfour Spirits is family owned and run by Ed Belfour himself.
- Prefer Canadian whisky? Look at Gretzky’s line or the J.P. Wiser’s alumni bottles.
- New to the category? The Belfour 200ML Trio lets you taste three styles before buying a full bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NHL goalie has his own whiskey?
Ed Belfour, the Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender, founded Belfour Spirits with his family.
Is Belfour Spirits owned by Ed Belfour?
Yes. Belfour Spirits is a family company, and Ed Belfour is its Founder and President. Read the Belfour story.
What is the best whiskey from a hockey player?
It depends on taste, but Belfour Rye Whiskey has scored 91 points from WhiskyCast and Tastings.com, and Belfour’s Special Edition rye won Double Gold in San Francisco.
Please enjoy responsibly.