Gillespie’s Fine Spirits

Friendship, a fun attitude, and a shared love of booze inspired Kelly Woods and John McLellan to start their Squamish-based still. Their spirits are designed to be cocktail friendly.

8-38918 Progress Way, Squamish
604-390-1122
GillespiesFineSpirits.com


PRODUCTS:

• Aphro Chocolate Chili Elixir
• Gastown Shine Wheat Vodka
• Lemoncello
• Sin Gin


TASTING NOTES:


Gastown Shine Wheat Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Clean aroma of sweet wheat, hints of vanilla.
FLAVOUR: Very smooth; light  sweetness, slightly nutty.
FEEL: Light-bodied with a creamy mouthfeel.
FINISH: Lingering notes of vanilla bean and white blossom.
BEST ENJOYED: Ideal for a very smooth and clean Martini or Vesper.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Perfect choice if you like a clean and subtle vodka. —Wendy McGuinness, April 2016


Lemoncello

FRAGRANCE: Cold lozenges, lemon sorbet.
FLAVOUR: Bittersweet, fragrant lemon, pithy.
FEEL: Thin on the palate.
FINISH: Lasting pithy citrus.
BEST ENJOYED: Serve over ice, after dinner.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The colour is a bit jarring, but this is a cool local digestif. —Shaun Layton, July 2016


Raspberry Gin

FRAGRANCE: Raspberry yoghurt, citrus zest.
FLAVOUR: Gin first, with some fresh raspberry.
FEEL: Dry, clean. A bit boozier than most liqueurs.
FINISH: Mellow, a touch sweet but still balanced.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Clover Club. Too easy? As a Martini with bianco vermouth and a lemon twist.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A good one to try if you like fruitier cocktails and don’t have a huge selection of booze. Well made. —Josh Pape, February 2017


Sin Gin

FRAGRANCE: Green and sharp.
FLAVOUR: Woodsy, pine-tree spice.
FEEL: Pleasantly warm and mouth coating.
FINISH: Slight honey sweetness and a lingering peppery finish.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Last Word cocktail.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A robust, London Dry-style gin. —Robyn Gray, July 2017


 

Pemberton Distillery

Master distiller Tyler Schramm uses local organic Pemberton potatoes as the base for his extensive range of spirits
and liqueurs.

1954 Venture Pl., Pemberton
604-894-0222
PembertonDistillery.ca

Read more about Pemberton Distillery:

Recipe: The Green Beast

Return of the green fairy: The spirit that supposedly drove a generation of French artists mad is back in B.C., where distillers are reinventing absinthe


PRODUCTS:

• Schramm Organic Gin
• Schramm Organic Potato Vodka
• Pemberton Valley Organic Single Malt Whisky
• The Devil’s Club – Organic Absinthe
• Organic Hemp Vodka
• Whisky Liqueur
• Barrel Aged Apple Brandy


TASTING NOTES:


Schramm Organic Potato Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Earthy; soil, wet wood, raw potato.
FLAVOUR: Dark chocolate, agave, smoky caramel.
FEEL: Bold, full-bodied, silky texture.
FINISH: Long, memorable, almost tequila-like.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat, or on the rocks for sipping; makes a great Martini with olives.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Not for everyone, but a fascinating finished product. Great example of traditional potato vodka using Scottish distillation techniques. —Scott Barber, April 2016


Schramm Organic Gin

FRAGRANCE: Fresh herbs, hints of citrus, lavender.
FLAVOUR: Subtle juniper, gooseberry.
FEEL: Off dry, light.
FINISH: Mild sweetness, herbaceous.
BEST ENJOYED: Fun to use with blackberries or Bing cherries in cocktails.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Fantastic local gin. Try some! —Scott Barber, July 2016


The Devil’s Club Organic Absinthe

FRAGRANCE: Fennel, anise, could be mistaken for Yellow Chartreuse.
FLAVOUR: Hints of hemp seed, anise is not overpowering, bright fennel, hops, warm wormwood.
FEEL: Perfect amount of silkiness.
FINISH: Finishes hot, bright, non offensive.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat, or in a cocktail emphasizing citrus.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A must try! Super fresh, it’s 60 per cent ABV, so go easy. —Scott Barber, October 2016


Organic Kartoffelschnapps

FRAGRANCE: Earth and honey.
FLAVOUR: Tastes like potato. Slightly sweet with gentle spicy notes.
FEEL: Good viscosity, full across the palate.
FINISH: Lingers at the back of your tongue, almost like candy.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail as a secondary liqueur.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Unique and worth a try. I have not sampled anything like this before. —Scott Barber, February 2017


Whisky & Wild Honey Liqueur

FRAGRANCE: Whisky and honey. Surprise!
FLAVOUR: Vanilla. Leather.  
FEEL: Velvety. Soft and luxurious.
FINISH: Increasingly complex.
BEST ENJOYED: On the rocks. Maybe with more (peated) whisky added as a Rusty Nail alternative.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A tasty local alternative to products made abroad. —Josh Pape, October 2017


 

G&W Distilling

Goodridge & Williams is quickly becoming a national player in craft distilling, led by the best-selling Sid’s Handcrafted Vodka and award-winning Nütrl Vodka.

7167 Vantage Way #8, Delta
604-376-0630
GWDistilling.com

Read more about G&W Distilling:
Delta Rising: At G&W Distilling, Stephen Goodridge has big plans

Labatt acquires Goodridge & Williams Distilling, makers of Nütrl Vodka Soda drinks

Amour for amaro: The Alchemist’s tasting panel revels in the complexities of made-in-B.C. amaros, vermouths and aperitifs

 


PRODUCTS:

• Nütrl Vodka
• Tempo Renovo Gin
• Tempo Fresa Strawberry Gin
• Tempo Arándano Blueberry Gin
• Sid The Handcrafted Vodka
• Western Grains Whisky
• Northern Grains Whisky
• Bitterhouse Aperitifs
• Nütrl Vodka Soda
• Highball Whisky Soda
• Tempo Gin Smash
• Tempo Gin Soda Lime
• Bitterhouse Spritz


TASTING NOTES:


Silverdawn Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Banana, vanilla, chocolate.
FLAVOUR: Sweet and savoury; banana on the palate.
FEEL: Medium-full body.
FINISH: Delicate and memorable. A long, flavourful conclusion.
BEST ENJOYED: Sipping vodka, best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. With olives or a twist in a Martini, maybe even a fresh raspberry.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Holds up on its own, with flavour characteristics that deserve not to be masked by juice. —Scott Barber, April 2016


NÜTRL

FRAGRANCE: Citrus notes, especially orange.
FLAVOUR: Not much on the palate.
FEEL: Slightly creamy mouthfeel.
FINISH: Smooth and short.
BEST ENJOYED: Chilled neat, or with a few ice cubes and lemon zest.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Decent vodka that ticks the boxes vodka should: clean and neutral. —Trevor Kallies, July 2016


Bitterhouse Rubato

FRAGRANCE: Rhubarb, strawberry, almost like an Eastern European pastry shop.
FLAVOUR: Subtle summer fruit, bitter liquorice, cream soda.
FEEL: Very light on the palate. 
FINISH: Lasting bitterness, stays around for a while.
BEST ENJOYED: Needs bubbles! Negroni Sbagliato or Americano.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A great alternative to Campari or other, harder to find, bitters. —Shaun Layton, October 2016


Bitterhouse Daman

FRAGRANCE: Grapefruit and more grapefruit.
FLAVOUR: Not as tart as expected, very well balanced aperitif. Perfect acidity. 
FEEL: Definitely a little viscosity, but not heavy or thick. 
FINISH: Light, memorable. Could convert even grapefruit haters.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat, chilled over ice, or in cocktails. We feature it in a Gin Sour.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Buy a bottle and have some fun. Mix it up! Very cool product. —Scott Barber, February 2017


Tempo Renovo Dry Gin

FRAGRANCE: Sweet vanilla.
FLAVOUR: Vanilla and buttery.
FEEL: Medium bodied. 
FINISH: Long-lasting sweetness. 
BEST ENJOYED: In a Silver Gin Fizz.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Beautiful, easy-going sweetness makes for a versatile cocktail gin. —Robyn Gray, July 2017


NÜTRL Vodka Soda

FRAGRANCE: Light lemon zest.
FLAVOUR: Tastes like a vodka soda with a squeeze of lemon.
FEEL: Feels like a vodka soda with a squeeze of lemon.
FINISH: Short, clean finish (like a vodka soda with a squeeze of lemon). 
BEST ENJOYED: Neat, straight from the fridge. Recommend over ice and cold, cold, cold.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Ideal for camping/boating/barbecue/outdoor activities/poolside/sport events. —Trevor Kallies, October 2017


Deep Cove Brewers & Distillers

This North Shore distillery augments its rosemary and olive-infused gin and award-winning vodka with a variety of small-batch seasonal releases.

2270 Dollarton Hwy., North Vancouver,
604-770-1136
DeepCoveCraft.com


PRODUCTS:

• Rosemary and Olive Gin
• Deep Cove Vodka
• Canadian Rye Whisky


TASTING NOTES:


Rosemary & Olive Gin

FRAGRANCE: Funky tropical fruit, salty.
FLAVOUR: Pine, hot, aggressive on the palate.
FEEL: Thin, spicy, hot.
FINISH: Powerful finish.
BEST ENJOYED: Dirty Martini.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Doesn’t stand up to its Spanish or B.C. counterparts. Lots going on, and very hot. —Shaun Layton, July 2016


Barrel Aged Akvavit (Sold Out)

FRAGRANCE: Herbs and spices, background of liquorice.
FLAVOUR: Full. Fennel and caraway shine, softened by some
floral notes.

FEEL: Thin on the mouth, warming.
FINISH: Spices resonate throughout.
BEST ENJOYED: Warm, after coming in from the cold.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Spices are all there. Well balanced. A good sipper for winter. —Trevor Kallies, October 2016


Deep Cove Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Light, not too boozy.
FLAVOUR: Sweet, white pepper.
FEEL: Even, balanced, medium body.
FINISH: Clean, silky and long.
BEST ENJOYED: With less, rather than more. Keep it booze forward.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A well made spirit, better than the big-name brands you get with bottle service in the club. —Josh Pape, July 2017


Barrel Aged Mediterranean Gin

FRAGRANCE: Big, herbaceous rosemary.
FLAVOUR: Sweet and herbaceous.
FEEL: Soft and round.
FINISH: Pepper spice, light citrus.  
BEST ENJOYED: In a Martini.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Stirred down cold, this gin’s unique character is best enjoyed when its spirit can shine through. —Robyn Gray, October 2017


DEVINE Spirits

This Saanich-based distillery is proud to use local fruits, honey and grains in their spirits. Also a winery, they use their own grapes as the base for their Vin Gin.

6181B Old West Saanich Rd., Saanichton
250-665-6983
DevineVineyards.ca

Read more about de Vine Spirits:

A decade of great Canadian whisky: B.C. distillers scored big at the 10th annual Canadian Whisky Awards in Victoria last night.

Bitter & sweet: Why you should be drinking vermouth made in B.C.

Recipe: Sloe & Sophistique

Amour for amaro: The Alchemist’s tasting panel revels in the complexities of made-in-B.C. amaros, vermouths and aperitifs

Vancouver Island at-whisky takes its place in Jim Murray’s whisky bible

Recipe: Apple Flip

Recipe: Local Negroni

Through the grapevine: How a vintner became one of B.C.’s leading distillers


PRODUCTS:

• Genever Gin
• Dutch Courage Barrel-Aged Genever
• Vin Gin
• Sloe Gin
• Glen Saanich Single Malt Whisky
• Ancient Grains Alternative Whisky
• Honey Shine Silver
• Honey Shine Amber
• Black Bear Spiced Honey Rum
• Slivovitz Plum Brandy
• Bianca Vermouth
• Moderna Vermouth


TASTING NOTES:


Honey Shine Beekeeper’s Reserve

FRAGRANCE: Waxy, floral notes.
FLAVOUR: Vanilla, marzipan.
FEEL: Thinner than expected, still pleasant.
FINISH: Slightly bitter, spice, honey sweetness still comes through.
BEST ENJOYED: Bees Knees Cocktail.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Good buy for an interesting B.C. spirit. —Shaun Layton, April 2016


Vin Gin

FRAGRANCE: Citrus and spice.
FLAVOUR: Juniper forward, spice.
FEEL: Clean and crisp.
FINISH: Sweet lemon.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Pegu Club cocktail.
THE BOTTOM LINE: At 45 per cent ABV it allows the botanicals to shine in balance with a fruity sweet backbone of grape spirit made of Pinot Noir and Gruner Vetlinger. —Robyn Gray, July 2016


Moderna Vermouth

FRAGRANCE: Dark stone fruit, baked plums, vanilla.
FLAVOUR: Fruit forward up front, leading to bitter clove and citrus peels.
FEEL: A little thin for a vermouth of this complexity.
FINISH: Bitterness and clove stays around forever.
BEST ENJOYED: Makes a great Americano.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Not bad for a B.C. vermouth; the Italians have been doing it for hundreds of years. —Shaun Layton, February 2017


Genever Gin

FRAGRANCE: Pungent, green cardamom, toasted spice.
FLAVOUR: Fennel, cardamom, clove.
FEEL: Not subtle.
FINISH: Dry and hot.
BEST ENJOYED: As a bold Gin & Tonic. Or find a Rembrandt recipe with dry vermouth and Drambuie.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A fun cocktail ingredient. —Josh Pape, July 2017


Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery

A family-owned award-winning distillery with a wide range of products to its name, including an absinthe, and both rye and single malt whiskies. Tours and tastings are available in both its locations.

5204 24th St., Vernon
267 Bernard Ave., Kelowna
250-549-3120  |  778-484-5174
OkanaganSpirits.com

Read more about Okanagan Spirits:

Spirited Away: B.C.’s oldest craft distillery has made an international impact

Fruitful endeavour: Family-owned distillery crafts world-class spirits from homegrown harvests

Recipe: Apple Flip

• A shift out of neutral: The Alchemist’s tasting panel samples B.C. vodkas for a taste of the province’s most crowd-pleasing spirit

Recipe: Sangria Rosé

Farm to flask: Artisan distilling started a conversation about the terroir of spirits. But can you taste those uber-local ingredients in the bottle?

Recipe: Bramble

Liquid gold: It can take years before brown spirits get to market. Here’s how B.C. distilleries keep their businesses liquid in the meantime

Star anise: How a Scandinavian classic is warming hearts in B.C.

Recipe: What’s Haskap’in? 

Recipe: Parkside “Sip ‘n’ Slide” Raddler

Recipe: The Burrard Gimlet

The spirit whisperer: B.C. craft spirits pioneer Frank Deiter is taking on the world

Recipe: Citrus Breeze

Collaboration nation: B.C.’s small-batch distillers are getting crafty with their foodie, wine and beer neighbours

Say hi to rye: The Alchemist tasting panel samples Canadian and American rye spirits

Return of the green fairy: The spirit that supposedly drove a generation of French artists mad is back in B.C., where distillers are reinventing absinthe

Recipe: Absinthe Mojito

At RauDZ, gin is in

Recipe: Born and Raised

 


PRODUCTS:

• Essential Vodka
• Family Reserve Vodka
• Essential Gin
• Evolve Gin
• Family Reserve Gin
• BC Rye Whisky
• BRBN Bourbon-Style Corn Whisky
• BLK BRBN Cask-Strength Bourbon-Style Corn Whisky
• BC Hopped Whisky
• Laird of Fintry Single Malt Whisky
• Laird of Fintry Rum Barrel Whisky
• Applejack IPA Whisky
• Okanagan Shine Unaged BRBN Whisky
• Taboo Genuine Absinthe
• Aquavitus
• Fruit Liqueurs
• Bartlett Pear (Poire Williams)
• Bradshaw Plum (Old Italian Prune)
• Canados (Aged Apple)
• Kirsch Danube
• Raspberry Framboise
• Gewurztraminer Marc

 


TASTING NOTES:


Poire Williams

FRAGRANCE: Sweet, ripe Bartlett pears.
FLAVOUR: Fruity, with a great boozy backbone.
FEEL: Clean, loads of mid-palate.
FINISH: Austere, dry, lean.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat, after a big meal.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A delicious introductory digestif. —Josh Pape, April 2016


Cherry Liqueur

FRAGRANCE: Cherry pit, fruit rollups, rose petals.
FLAVOUR: Tart cherry pie.
FEEL: Beautifully thin and bright.
FINISH: Cherry skins, rose water.
BEST ENJOYED: Remember The Main cocktail.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Great product showcasing Okanagan fruit. —Shaun Layton, July 2016


Maraschino Liqueur

FRAGRANCE: Sour cherry.
FLAVOUR: Sweet cherry with underlying almond.
FEEL: Mouth-coating.
FINISH: Relatively short.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Last Word cocktail.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Very excited to see this product. A popular ingredient in classic cocktail recipes, it is great to have a local iteration. —Robyn Gray, October 2016


Taboo Genuine Absinthe

FRAGRANCE: Refreshing hints of citrus from the lemon balm, pleasant fennel presence.
FLAVOUR: All the herbaceous notes you’d expect from absinthe.
FEEL: Great body, initial sensation of alcohol heat.
FINISH: Long, hot, delicious. 
BEST ENJOYED: Neat.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Try it neat without the sugar cube or any water dilution. —Scott Barner, February 2017


BRBN

FRAGRANCE: Certainly smells like a corn whisky. Has a sugary note as well.
FLAVOUR: Corn and oak, some mild vanilla on the front.
FEEL: Warm, slightly mouth coating. 
FINISH: Corn sticks around, shadowed by the alcohol heat.  
BEST ENJOYED: Good with some ginger ale and held up in an Old Fashioned.  
THE BOTTOM LINE: Interesting taste for a Canadian take on “BRBN.” —Trevor Kallies, October 2017


Long Table Distillery

Gin is at the heart of Long Table, with London dry-style, cucumber and barrel-aged varieties fuelling its many awards. This downtown Vancouver distillery also produces vodka, as well as seasonal liqueurs.

1451 Hornby St., Vancouver
604-266-0177
LongTableDistillery.com

Read more about Long Table Distillery:

Gin Tonic: Long Table, Vancouver’s original micro distillery, is fuelled by passion.

Read more about Long Table Distillery:

Recipe: Blonde Negroni

Amour for amaro: The Alchemist’s tasting panel revels in the complexities of made-in-B.C. amaros, vermouths and aperitifs

A shift out of neutral: The Alchemist’s tasting panel samples B.C. vodkas for a taste of the province’s most crowd-pleasing spirit

Business in the back, party in the front: Distillery tasting rooms are some of the hottest cocktail bars in B.C. Here are a few to try in the Vancouver area

Recipe: The Joyce

Star anise: How a Scandinavian classic is warming hearts in B.C.

Recipe: Burrard Gimlet

Recipe: Vancouver #2

Gin tonic: Long Table, Vancouver’s original micro distillery, is fuelled by passion

Recipe: Vancouver Cocktail

 


PRODUCTS:

• London Dry Gin
• Cucumber Gin
• Barrel Aged Gin
• Texada Vodka
• Långbord Akvavit
• Barrel-aged Akvavit
• Amaro No. 1 – Linnaeus
• Tradizionale Limoncello
• Curacao Orange Liqueur
• Absinthe


TASTING NOTES:


Cucumber Gin

FRAGRANCE: Neutral, slight cucumber notes.
FLAVOUR: Cucumber, coriander, citrus.
FEEL: Nice mouthfeel, fruity.
FINISH: Dry and savoury.
BEST ENJOYED: In a G&T.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Local gin for those Hendrick’s lovers. —Shaun Layton, April 2016


London Dry Gin

FRAGRANCE: Juniper, lemon peel, lavender.
FLAVOUR: Alpine notes, juniper heavy, bitter lemon.
FEEL: Thin mouthfeel.
FINISH: Great coriander, and black pepper finish.
BEST ENJOYED: Classic cocktails (Martini, Martinez, Hanky Panky).
THE BOTTOM LINE: The best B.C. London Dry on the market. —Shaun Layton, July 2016


Långbord Akvavit

FRAGRANCE: Caraway! Anise, citrus.
FLAVOUR: More spices, fennel. 
FEEL: Light up front, lots of back palate.
FINISH: Clean with lingering spices.
BEST ENJOYED: From the freezer, neat. Sub for gin – especially in a Corpse Reviver No. 2!
THE BOTTOM LINE: A cool alternative to gin. Very well made spirit. —Josh Pape, October 2016


Small Batch Limoncello

FRAGRANCE: Sweet lemon citrus.
FLAVOUR: Full and rounded lemon flavor.  
FEEL: Viscous and coating.
FINISH: Warm lasting ripe lemon.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Lemon Drop (vodka, limoncello, lemon juice).
THE BOTTOM LINE: Very clean, not too sweet, genuine natural lemon flavors. —Robyn Gray, February 2017


Amaro No. 1 — Linnaeus

FRAGRANCE: Pretty. Candied orange and potpourri.
FLAVOUR: Gentian, grapefruit zest, violet.
FEEL: Lean, dry, tannic.
FINISH: Bitter, perfumed. Expands.
BEST ENJOYED: As a replacement for Suze in a white Negroni, or maybe in an Aviation/French 75 hybrid.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A great first crack. They’ll have something special here before long. —Josh Pape, July 2017


The Liberty Distillery

With prime real estate on Granville Island, Liberty is open for tours, tastings and daily cocktails showcasing their vodka, different expressions of gin, and various white whiskies.

1494 Old Bridge St., Vancouver
604-558-1998
TheLibertyDistillery.com

Read more about The Liberty Distillery:

It’s G&T time: The Alchemist’s tasting panel searches for the best B.C. gin to enjoy with your tonic

Recipe: The Tom Cat

There’s new life in the old tom cat: Gin’s dark past comes to light as distillers go back to the drink’s barrel-aged roots

 


PRODUCTS:

• Truth Vodka
• Truth Oat Vodka (Distiller’s Reserve)
• Endeavour Gin
• Endeavour Old Tom Gin
• Endeavour Gin Origins
• Endeavour Pink
• Railspur No. 1 – White
• Railspur No. 2 – Wildflower Honey
• Railspur No. 3 – Spike
• Trust Whiskey – Single Grain
• Trust Whiskey – Canadian Rye
• Trust Whiskey – Southern
• Trust Whiskey – Ancient Grains


TASTING NOTES:


Truth Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Fresh, bright.
FLAVOUR: Sweet, fruity.
FEEL: Velvety, even, pleasant.
FINISH: Soft. Front palate.
BEST ENJOYED: With less rather than more. Try it as a Martini with an olive or just neat.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Well made vodka. Worth the price of admission. —Josh Pape, July 2016


Endeavour Old Tom Gin

FRAGRANCE: The barrel is quite evident — hints of coriander, slight juniper, and violets.
FLAVOUR: Woodsy botanicals — cinnamon, cinchona, with small juniper presence.
FEEL: Silky from the barrel, with some tannin.
FINISH: Muted, with lingering sweetness and spice.
BEST ENJOYED: Screams for stirred classics such as a Martinez.
THE BOTTOM LINE: For whiskey lovers you want to convert to gin. —Shaun Layton, October 2016


Railspur No. 3 – Spike

FRAGRANCE: Spicy and nutty.
FLAVOUR: Vanilla and dried fruit.
FEEL: Smooth and mouth coating.
FINISH: Long-lasting.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Whisky Sour.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A young B.C. barley spirit with a rich spice complexity. —Robyn Gray, February 2017


Endeavour Pink Gin

FRAGRANCE: Slightly sweet and floral. A hint of pepper and citrus.
FLAVOUR: Bright rose petals with medium juniper.  
FEEL: Fresh, mild with a little creaminess to the mouthfeel.
FINISH: Long, floral.
BEST ENJOYED: This gin is destined for endless twists on the French 75. 
THE BOTTOM LINE: Fun to see a pink take on a navy-strength gin. Very charming bottle design and colour. —Trevor Kallies, July 2017


Endeavour Gin Origins

FRAGRANCE: Very light for a gin with 25 botanicals. Violet candies, lemon zest, potpourri.
FLAVOUR: Faint white pepper, nutmeg, mace, other baking spices.  
FEEL: Very rich, pleasant, syrupy viscosity.
FINISH: Clean finish, high alcohol sticks around.
BEST ENJOYED: Would make a great dry Gibson Martini.
THE BOTTOM LINE: For entry-level gin drinkers. Similar to Bombay Sapphire. —Shaun Layton, October 2017


Fermentorium Distilling Co.

Fermentorium’s Stump Coastal Forest Gin is fast-becoming a signature B.C. spirit. Its collection of artisanal tonic waters elevate even the most basic of highballs.

2010 Government St., Victoria
250-380-1912
Fermentorium.ca

Read more about Fermentorium Distilling Co.:

It’s G&T Time: The Alchemist’stasting panel searches for the best B.C. gin to enjoy with your tonic

Gin Fizz: The gin and tonic is sophisticated again

Recipe: The Stump Gin & Tonic

 


PRODUCTS:

• Stump Coastal Forest Gin
• Handcrafted Tonics


TASTING NOTES:


Hop Drop Elixir

FRAGRANCE: Dried hops.
FLAVOUR: Lightly bitter, like concentrated IPA.
FEEL: Very even. Starts soft and expands.
FINISH: Dry and clean.
BEST ENJOYED: Added to your favourite lager.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Really cool product. Fun to play with in beer cocktails. —Josh Pape, July 2016


Stump Coastal Forest Gin

FRAGRANCE: Where to begin? Moroccan mint tea. Pine needle or fir. Pesto.
FLAVOUR: Rosemary and stalky herbs. Lavender.
FEEL: Bold. Hot. Kinda brash.
FINISH: A bit boozier than it needs to be.
BEST ENJOYED: As a seasonal Gin & Tonic or a French 75 over the holidays. With a sprig of thyme?
THE BOTTOM LINE: Sub in for your favourite gin classics that are easy on the citrus. —Josh Pape, October 2017


Dubh Glas Distillery

Though whisky is owner Grant Stevely’s true passion, the first signature release from this Oliver-based operation was the small batch Noteworthy Gin, distilled from B.C. barley.

8486 Gallagher Lake Frontage Rd., Oliver
778-439-3580
TheDubhGlasDistillery.com

Read more about the Dubh Glas Distillery:

A decade of great Canadian whisky

Roll out the barrel

A barrel of fun

Spirit of wine country

Liquid gold


PRODUCTS:

• Noteworthy Gin – New Western Dry
• Noteworthy Gin – Barrel Rested
• Noteworthy Gin – Navy Strength
• Virgin Spirits – Barley
• Social Distance Single Malt Whisky


TASTING NOTES:


Virgin Spirits Barley

FRAGRANCE: Aromatic nose of vanilla, butterscotch and caramel.
FLAVOUR: Light flavors of ripe bananas, honey dew and vanilla.
FEEL: Full and lingers on the tongue.
FINISH: Long, with a bit of heat from the 50 per cent ABV.
BEST ENJOYED: Replace aged whisky to lighten up your favourite classics, or neat.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A true expression of un-aged malted barley whiskey. —Wendy McGuinness, July 2016


Noteworthy Gin

FRAGRANCE: Intense rosemary.
FLAVOUR: Pleasant sweetness with light florality.
FEEL: Clean and light.
FINISH: Medium vanilla finish.
BEST ENJOYED: Gin Martini with a lemon twist.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Lovely gin with an amazing balance. Sweet and herbaceous. —Robyn Gray, October 2017