People in Calgary can’t get enough of Alberta Whisky Cake, a local favourite created by Kamla McGonigal. As a fourth-generation Albertan, she was always proud of her roots and wanted to share the spirit of the province with others. After her passing, production came to a halt, but her sons have since brought the business back to life. You can read more about local gems and culture at iCalgary.
Founder Kamla McGonigal
The idea for these rich desserts was born back in 2003 when Kamla wanted to capture the essence of the province in a single bite. The cake had to be bold, flavourful, and 100% Albertan. Finally, in 2010, the long-awaited launch of Alberta Whisky Cake took place. Kamla built the business from the ground up, and it was her greatest passion, as the desserts truly embodied the “flavour of the West.”
For years, she worked tirelessly to perfect the recipe in her kitchen in southeast Calgary. Her husband and two sons were her most loyal taste testers. Jager and Ryan McGonigal later recalled how they were often late for school because their mother insisted they sample “just one more piece” from her latest batch. After years of testing and perfecting, with a little help from food scientists at the Alberta Agriculture Product Development Centre, she perfected two signature flavours: decadent chocolate and warm maple walnut.
Kamla McGonigal was a truly multifaceted person. When she started her business, she was already working a full-time job as an emergency room nurse. She worked at several hospitals and medical centres across Calgary, finishing her healthcare career as a manager at the South Calgary Urgent Care Centre.
Her family—her husband and two sons—supported her in everything she did. She played drums in a local band, joined a photography club, and took dance lessons. Her energy and zest for life were truly admirable. She lived a vibrant life.
Throughout her time producing the cakes, Kamla McGonigal also supported local artists, as each dessert came with an insert featuring the work of an Albertan artist. Kamla believed in supporting local and was incredibly proud of her Albertan heritage. Her sons have continued this tradition.
A Sudden Loss and a New Beginning
In September 2024, founder Kamla McGonigal passed away, and production of her signature desserts at The Cakery was suspended. The website also temporarily went down. That October, Kamla’s sons were reminded that a booth at the Millarville Christmas Market was already paid for. Jager and Ryan McGonigal initially considered using the booth as a memorial, but their father, Carmen, talked them out of it, saying that people would come expecting to try their favourite cakes. The brothers then contacted the bakery and asked them to bake several hundred cakes.
As loyal customers kept asking what was next, Kamla’s sons decided to relaunch their mother’s business. To do this, Jager and Ryan McGonigal met at their childhood home in southeast Calgary, determined to continue their late mother’s legacy.
Ryan worked as a welder and Jager as a heavy equipment mechanic. They had no official experience in the food industry, but the idea inspired them and gave them the strength to act. They began learning the ropes, and despite the difficulties, Ryan and Jager are convinced that Alberta Whisky Cake will be a success once again.
A close family friend suggested May 16th as the date for the business’s return. This wasn’t just any date; it was Kamla’s birthday. According to her sons, it was the perfect day to breathe new life into the business.
The founder’s sons also noted that their understanding of their customers would be a great asset. Ryan is in charge of marketing, and Jager handles the accounting. They balance and complement each other. They are a team that has gladly taken on the task of reviving what is now a family business.
Their mother loved the phrase “The Indomitable Spirit” and lived as an example for others, being fearless, brave, independent, and positive. Her sons aim to carry on that legacy.
The Alberta Whisky Cake
This is a unique local dessert that is worth trying at least once. Made with only the finest ingredients to achieve a rich and savoury flavour, everything blends together wonderfully, making Alberta Whisky Cake a perfect treat. Each cake is baked with the ideal combination of Canadian whisky and natural flavourings. You can also explore why coffee is a central part of the city’s culture here at iCalgary.net.
Each cake is baked with four shots of local rye whisky from Highwood Distillery. Interestingly, the whisky is mixed into the batter, and after baking, the cake is soaked with a glaze. The glaze is also made with whisky. The two signature flavours of Alberta Whisky Cake were maple walnut and chocolate. Each cake weighs 1 kilogram, and these are the flavours the brothers brought back during the relaunch.
After relaunching the business, Ryan and Jager are now selling over 100 cakes a day. Regular customers continue to buy and enjoy their favourite local dessert. Delivery is available nationwide.
