Irish monks called it the “water of life.” For Heather Shade and Sean Copeland whiskey is a way to make a living in Haines that will allow them to meld the things they most enjoy.

“We love old buildings; we love trying new food and drink and we love things that are well-crafted,” Shade said.

The newly married couple intends to open the Port Chilkoot Distillery in the building that formerly housed the bakery for…