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August 20, 2013

Alberta Whisky Cake Spirited Passion

Originally Posted on Ginger and Nutmeg

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Kamla McGonigal still has her notes from ten years ago when she first envisioned a uniquely Albertan dessert, one that visitors would want to take home and share with others. Her desire was to create a specialty food item like smoked salmon (BC) and maple syrup (Quebec & Ontario) that one immediately associated with the region.

Kamla is a mother, emergency nurse and a beginner drummer living in southern Alberta. There really was no reason to embark on this project in 2003. Her life was busy enough, yet she was fuelled, by this bubbling passion, to create a quality cake. With no family recipe to fall back on, she started from scratch – like all the best cakes.

Kamla McGonigal

Over a period of four years, Kamla collaborated with some partners on the creation. It needed to be an alcohol-based cake, like a fruitcake, to ensure there would be a long shelf life. The recipe ingredients should be as local as possible and Canadian where practical. The process of recipe development, testing notes and corralling input from family and friends as tasters, would culminate on Wednesday evenings with a meeting to compare their findings.

Alberta Whisky Cake

In 2008, Kamla had a tough choice to make, the recipe was close to perfection, but her partners were unable to continue with the project. Drop it or move forward? Kamla describes herself as focused, disciplined, passionate and hard working.

She moved forward.

Alberta Whisky Cake

April 2010, Alberta Whisky Cake (AWC), was officially launched with this mission: ‘to produce a world-class product that every Albertan would be proud to give or receive’.

Alberta Whisky Cakes are made with fresh ingredients from a list of quality suppliers:

1. Highwood Distillers – rye whisky (High River, Alberta)
2. High quality chocolate
3. Canadian maple syrup and walnuts
4. Dairy butter and 100% Canadian canola oil (Canola Harvest)
5. Flour – milled in southern Alberta (Ellison Milling Company)
6. Packaging – a ‘hatbox’ design made using recycled paper and eco-friendly black dye (X-treme Packaging)

Alberta Whisky Cake

Since Kamla launched her company, she has managed to attract the attention of local food media – they always know a good thing when they taste one! Some of the proceeds from AWC are directed to supporting at-risk youth programs and emerging local artists. Artist cards featuring their work and contact information are included in every cake package.

The June 2013 flood was devastating for so many in southern Alberta including Alberta Whisky Cake. The bakery that AWC uses Katie’s Cakery Bakery located in High River was destroyed. At the time of writing, the best-case scenario for the bakery’s resumption of operations was still 4-6 weeks away. The whisky supplier, Highwood Distillers hopes to re-open in October although the date is uncertain, by mid-August they had already logged 30,000 hours of clean-up work. In addition, AWC lost all of its inventory, packaging and even the bundt baking pans.

Alberta Whisky Cake Chocolate

The flood waters have receded, and the hard work of rebuilding is underway, more than ever Kamla believes in her company’s celebration of Alberta’s unique values: solid, bold, rich, authentic and spirited.

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The delicious maple (The Malted Maple) and chocolate (The Whisky Runner) cakes will be available soon enough. And there may even be new flavours in the future too, such as cocktail inspired Whisky Lime (like a whisky sour) and White Lightening (secret spices – with an aroma to drive you crazy).

To order your own Alberta Whisky Cake or just send Kamla a note click here.

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Made In Alberta Awards

Made In Alberta - Runner Up

Kam is the most energetic & passionate person I have ever known – and with everything she does.

Cindy MontgomeryCFP Investors Group

Yumm . decadently delicious!  Kamla, you’re fabulous … we love your creations.

Barbara Patching Retired Lawyer

Kam,

Your cakes are second to none.  We sampled them with the Maverick’s group and everyone was absolutely thrilled with the product.  They especially liked the boxes

Darren ExnerPresident & General Manager - X-TREME Packaging Services Inc

I was impressed with the creativity and thought that went into your cakes when we first met at the Food & Beverage Canada seminar and think that they bring a lot to the table so to speak. The cake itself is fabulous and won’t have any problems finding repeat purchase customers. I really think that this Alberta made and hand crafted product should also be presented in a high end manner. I love your idea of supporting local artists and I think each box or package should represent a piece of an … Read more

Allan Levy

The Whisky Pioneer – What else can you call the visionary who combines fine Alberta ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, canola oil and let’s not forget the Whisky from Highwood Distillers. It’s brilliant! A completely Albertan product down to the packaging which includes the promotion of aspiring local artists.

Mona BartsoffB. Comn.

 Admittedly the Best Cake You’ll Ever Taste!

As a non-regular whiskey drinker, my initial approach to the idea of a ‘whisky cake’ was optimistically guarded. However, cake itself always carries the promise of a sweet return. After the first bite of Alberta Whisky Cake two years ago, I’ll gladly eat my initial thoughts every time I taste the rich, melody of taste that wraps you in a warm and mellow whisky-flavoured blanket. The reaction to AWC is consistent – it is the best cake you’ll ever eat… Read more

Mona BartsoffB. Comn.

Thanks to Kamla, and her generosity, I had the pleasure of sampling both the maple and chocolate whiskey cakes.  They are absolutely delicious.  These cakes are unique and I have never tasted anything like them before.  What makes the product so special is not just the amazing flavour but the fact that it is a true Alberta product, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Alberta and to Kamla herself.  I have given the cakes to friend and families and we are all in agreement…not only is it d… Read more

Wendy IrwinCHRP

The Alberta Whisky Cake has become a Christmas tradition for both my family and my company. The cake makes an impressive Christmas or New Year’s Day dessert and the beautiful packaging makes it the perfectly unique corporate gift for my staff and clients. The inclusion of artist profiles with the cake and the support artists receive from this company make it a great tie in to Routes, that also works hard to give local artists their moment to shine. Well done and thank you for showing the world h… Read more

Sandra Wiebe Founder & CEO - Routes Media Inc.

Kamla Hari and AWC have it all figured out.
The first thing that struck me was the moist texture coupled with a rich flavor containing subtle yet distinct hints of whiskey. Either of these qualities alone would make for a wonderful cake; together they make magic. Combine all this with Kamla and AWC’s efforts to support local artists and farming and you’re doing yourself and the world a favor by enjoying an AWC.

Stefan and Vanessa Siveski

The Afterglow: Like the mellow feeling you get after enjoying a fine whisky cocktail, you reflect on the experience of Alberta Whisky Cake and you can’t help but realize that you’ve done more than simply enjoy a piece of cake. You’ve helped support and promote Alberta’s growing arts and culture movement. You are left in the afterglow of being a part of something important — something that makes you proud to be connected to Alberta and her world-renowned natural resources, including Alberta Whisk… Read more

Mona BartsoffB. Comn.

My favourite is the maple flavour…so delicious!  I love giving a maple or chocolate cake as a gift to clients, friends and family who live outside of Alberta.  A classy and unique way to showcase our province.  I also order several cakes over the holidays to bring to parties – always the hit of the party

 Lise Lalonde (Remediation Consulting Group Inc)

AWC –  This cake is the absolute best cake ever!!
Kam – Intelligent, thoughtful , vibrant. A thoroughly delightful person, she inspires us to be our best because of her zest for life!!

Fran Williams & Jack ThompsonP K Printing Services

I was so pleased to have the opportunity to visit with you.  You are an amazing girl with such a great personality and charisma.  My mother and I would love to compliment you on your wonderful Whisky Cake.  The flavor and texture was fantastic.  We are positive that you will be able to market your cakes with great success.  Please let us know when we will be able to purchase your cakes because we want to be able to help promote them for you.

Joyce Jewell, OwnerManager - Just Travel Inc.

I feel I have a unique perspective on the Alberta Whisky Cake phenomenon as I was a very willing guinea pig through the testing phase of the process. I have first hand experience in viewing the commitment of Kam in putting together a fantastic product. I have taken her cakes to many staff pot luck functions and have received rave reviews. Combine this with her commitment to her dream of helping young people through a music program funded through the proceeds of this endeavour.
The hard work and … Read more

Glenn HurstAccountant & Musician

The Alberta Whisky Cake product has been a huge hit with many of my corporate clients!  Not only is the product kept to a high standard but interacting with Kam is always a great experience

Chelsie Deschamps, OwnerVaVa Custom Gift Designs

Alberta Whisky Cake and it’s creator Kam are the perfect ambassadors for Alberta and the Millarville Farmers’ Market. Delicious. 

Carmen DitzlerMillarville Farmers' Market Manager

Thank you Kam for connecting Artists and Collectors in a unique way. I admire your appreciation of beauty and passion for sharing it with the world

Jane Romanishko

Unique, of the highest quality, completely Albertan, just the right amount of sweet and sauce, full-bodied richness, fantastic with coffee, a treat in beautiful packaging, and I LOVE the Alberta Whisky Cake too! In Maple, of course.

Kamla McGonigal is one of the most intelligent, business-savvy, hardest working, compassionate and philanthropic woman I know. AWC effectively epitomizes Alberta through high-quality local ingredients from a unique, Albertan concept.

Pamela Malec

This is my idea for a consummate celebration, sharing my 65th birthday with family & friends, two of your cakes “stuffed” with silver dollars & in Galt Ontario (my birthplace that no longer exists).  The joy is we get to consumer the cakes also….And, they LOVE these AWC cakes in Ontario.

Ron Payneretiree

I for one never go for cake but had the opportunity when Kam gave me one of her Alberta Whisky Cake’s. If I wasn’t a cake lover I surely am know ! 3 days later I had eaten the whole thing. Fabulous !! Should be a part of the Alberta Heritage.

John Alberta Mac

My family has been enjoying these fabulous cakes since before there was a set recipe for them. They are delicious and each flavor so unique. My favorite is and always will be the chocolate. We have had one for Christmas every year and are starting to incorporate it as a tradition. However, I believe the biggest impact this cake made was when Kamla (Owner of AWC) offered two cakes to our fundraiser for my daughters school playground program. The cakes were used as a silent auction prize and went … Read more

Claudia Scheffler-Egely Oak Shelter Rv and Vehicle storage Ltd
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