Micro-distilleries in and around Toronto give thirsty denizens a good reason to raise a glass. Locally produced spirits are just gaining steam in Toronto but already there's some very worthwhile sampling to be done.

Visit these Toronto-area small batch booze producers.

Yongehurst Distillery
Straight-from-the still white Harbour Rum, advertised as Toronto's first ever small batch rum, is what's in store at this west end micro-distillery. Organic molasses from Paraguay, a wild yeast strain from Ontario russet apples, and a double distillation method produces one fantastically smooth rum.

Toronto Distillery Company
Rejuvenating the once-dry Junction neighbourhood, this local booze producer, established in 2012, was the first new distillery to be licensed in Toronto since 1933. Signature products include a line of Ontario single-grain whiskies, JR's Dry Organic Canadian Gin, Beet Spirit and Applejack.

Still Waters Distillery
Stalk & Barrel single malt whisky is at the forefront of craft distillery in Concord. Made from 100 per cent Canadian two-row malted barley, small batches are mashed, fermented, and distilled in a small copper pot still then aged in ex-bourbon casks on site for a minimum of three years. Aside from whisky, expect to find Still Waters' award winning Single Malt Vodka, and New Make Rye.

Dillon's
Just beyond the GTA in Beamsville, Ontario, this small batch distiller is producing white rye, vodka, gin and bitters that have gained favour with top bartenders and mixologists throughout the GTA.

66 Gilead
This Prince Edward County distillery is devoted to producing quality, hand-crafted spirits and bitters such as Crimson Rye Whisky, Wild Oak Whisky and Loyalist Gin.

Photo by Hector Vasquez.