Alberta Whisky Cake

Unbridled Spirit – A Taste of the West

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The AWC Story

I recently found some of my very early notes, dated July 2003, outlining ideas on producing a cake representing Alberta – basically, ‘Alberta’s official dessert’, I guess.

After spending some time reflecting on what I felt were Alberta’s values, as I wanted to embed these values into this cake –  solid, bold, rich, authentic & spirited –  the mission statement was determined as ‘to produce a world-class product that every Albertan would be proud to give or receive’.

Much of the funds generated from the sale of this cake were intended to support at-risk youth, by enabling their direct involvement in arts & cultural activities, and to support other local emerging artists.  I have a soft spot in my heart for artists, as I have been trying to become a drummer myself for a few years – not easy!  And I have 2 sons who have been directly involved in music most of their lives.  I am grateful that they were provided opportunities to explore their interest areas, whereas many others don’t have this support.  Also, I adore beautiful things! Which is exactly what artists provide for the rest of us – making our lives much more exciting, uplifting and peaceful through their creations in images, sounds, movements, impressions…

I started out working on this project with one of my best friends.  Over the next few years, we would try out various recipes, and a few experimental versions of our own.  Then, in about 2007, another close friend joined us, and the 3 of us met every Wednesday after work for about a year, bringing our ideas, sample cakes & feedback from our ‘taste testers’ for input from the others.

whisky getting bottled in distillery

We had decided quite early on, that these would be liquor-infused cakes, as they would have a much longer shelf life (using a natural product – alcohol!) after being heat-sealed and produce a more moist & richer cake.  It was one of my sons who suggested the alcohol be whisky, as the ingredients to produce rye whisky are grown locally – as opposed to rum, which is based on sugar canes.

Both of my friends dropped out of this project in 2008, and I had 2 choices – either park it or drive it!  I continued with a renewed sense of purpose & passion.  I kept getting up early every Saturday morning and trialing various cake recipes & changing the versions slightly to try to improve them with each cake.  Actually, I had a number of testers who would rate them for me, according to the only question I asked of them, “Is this the best tasting cake you have ever had?”  I was starting to win most of them over, except for one professional bass player friend of mine who repeatedly told me his aunt in Winnipeg made a better cake, but he couldn’t get the recipe as she had since passed. (I’ll admit, I found his pernickety comments a bit hard to take at the time, but glad I persisted!).

One of the scientists at the Department of Agriculture’s Product Development Centre in Leduc, Alberta, was also very helpful to me – we even spent a full day there having the cakes tested, the recipes reviewed & feedback provided on improving the cakes without affecting their texture or flavors.  One of my mandates has always been to use the highest quality, as much local as possible and whole products.  We only use whole fresh eggs, milk, butter – never powdered or frozen.  Finally, after almost 4 years of baking test cakes weekly, I had 4 great flavors of Alberta Whisky Cakes.  But, I only wanted to start with 1 flavor, so went back to my testers to ask them to pick a favorite between only 2 of them.

I knew I wanted to promote the maple flavor, as maple syrup is very much associated with Canada, and who doesn’t love rich dark high quality chocolate?  Only problem was that the votes were always completely tied between both the maple & the chocolate!  So, I went with both of these. Their ‘official’ names are ‘The Whisky Runner’ (chocolate) and ‘The Malted Maple’ (maple walnut).  The other 2 flavors will be introduced later – now my original testers keep asking for them also!

AWC pic of cakes in oven at bakeryNext, I also needed to figure out a way to get these cakes baked, as I worked (still do) full-time in the health care industry (I’m an Emergency Room nurse).  I had met with a small independent baker, Katie, a couple of years earlier and was really impressed with her high standards & creativeness, the extraordinary quality of her own products and willingness to work with me to produce the AWC – yes, she is presently the only baker for AWC in her Cakery Bakery.  I also did a lot of work during this time getting the branding, identification, packaging, promotion, website, etc organized.

Again, going back to one of my outlined AWC guiding principles – that being to support local first, then western Canada, then Canada, before going international – our associate businesses & suppliers are local first. Cakery Bakery is a small independently owned company, as is Highwood Distillers, where we get all of our whisky (produced from grain grown within 7 miles of High River distillery location). AWC’s printing is done by PK Printing, a small company started in Calgary by a father & his daughter in the 1970’s – he is almost 80 & still works daily! Kim, from Kim Petrigo Photography, stands me under a weeping willow tree every summer and casually snaps a few pictures – the result? OMG, she’s a genius with her camera. The creative & brilliant webpage designer is now Jennifer Jacura from High River. Our flour comes from Ellison Milling in Lethbridge, Alberta.  Our distinctive black hexagon-shaped hatbox cake boxes were designed by the owner of a small independently owned packager, X-treme Packaging.  The unique wooden branded AWC boxes were hand-made a few miles south of Calgary – unfortunately, this person is no longer in this line of business, and we are looking for a replacement wood box manufacturer.

So, Alberta Whisky Cake was officially launched in April 2010 with 2 flavors & in 2 sizes, medium (12-16 servings) and large (24-32 servings). The small (2 servings) size was just introduced in September 2012. I started with marketing them at the Millarville Farmers Market every Saturday starting in June 2010, and through word-of-mouth via friends & family.  I am indebted a thousand-fold to my brother, who took them to every oil company function & really spread the word (aroma & flavor!) through ‘the patch’.

Every AWC cake comes heat sealed & most elegantly packaged, ready for gift giving, with a lithographed ‘Artist Card’ promoting the work of a local emerging artist – we have 7 so far, and continually looking for others.  And, just starting in June 2012, we are including with every cake an ‘Art Collector Certificate of Exchange’ valued at $35 that the bearer can use towards the purchase of an original piece of art from any of the ‘AWC Unbridled Spirit Artists’, as we are now calling these 7 creative geniuses.

And, as we all know, life happens…
On June 20 2013, massive floods devastated many parts of southern Alberta, including downtown High River – completely destroying the bakery making our cakes.  Yes, all the inventory & supplies, the equipment & the entire building were annihilated.  Our whisky producer in High River, Highwood Distillers, was also closed for rebuilding for a few months.

Unexpectedly, I received an enormous number of adamant demands from many past & potential AWC consumers to ‘please get those cakes back!’  These requests were actually really appreciated during this confusing time.  They provided the emotional energy, clarity & courage I needed to, basically, pick up & start over again.  Thank you, fellow Albertans & Canadians – I had no idea that many of you felt this way about my little project.

AWC stopped producing cakes on June 20, but the ‘behind the scenes action’ didn’t stop.  We co-hosted a very successful contest with Western Horse Review for the next artist to feature, made a number of changes to the labels, seals, delivery containers & got some processes worked out to ensure cake quality consistently remains at the very highest.  Our logo sign even made it to a prominent location at the Olds College Rodeo.  The baker started equipping & restocking her initial Calgary in-home commercial bakery.

Kamatdistillery

Photo courtesy of reflectiveeye.com ~ Neville Palmer Photography (yes, one of our own Unbridled Spirit Artists!)

On October 20 2013, exactly 4 months after ‘the flood’ closed AWC, we picked up 24 test cakes from the interim bakery.  I shared these at work & with a few friends – Holy smokes, the response has been phenomenal!!  Incredibly moist & rich in flavours. Looks like we’re back in the saddle.

We’ve now also partnered with the Huckleberry’s Cafe in Wetaskiwin. Both on menu & off-sales whole cakes are offered.

So, here you have it – the continually evolving & ever expanding story behind the Alberta Whisky Cake.

Kam

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Made In Alberta Awards

Made In Alberta - Runner Up

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

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

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

 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.

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)

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

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

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

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

Barbara Patching Retired Lawyer

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

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

Cindy MontgomeryCFP Investors Group

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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