B.C. Distilleries

Sheringham Distillery

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Jason MacIsaac was a successful chef before he turned distiller, and he brings his local, sustainable attitude toward food to his small batch spirits.

2631 Seaside Dr., Shirley
778.528.1313
SheringhamDistillery.com

Read more about Sheringham Distillery:

• Recipe: Sheringham Cherub

• Sheringham takes on the world

• Zero-Sum Game: Don’t call them mocktails: #spiritfree and #placebo drinks are a growing wellness trend

• Island Time: For the third year in a row a B.C. distillery has won the Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year—and for the second time, it’s Sheringham Distillery on Vancouver Island.

• Ginned up: The evolution of terroir-driven made-in-B.C. gin

• Recipe: Locals Only Negroni

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

• Recipe: Ambrosia

• Canada’s best artisan spirits announced: Sheringham Akvavit named Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year

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

• Recipe: Don’t call me Shirley!

• Recipe: Bring out the Gimlet

• Recipe: Local Negroni

• A matter of taste: At Sheringham Distillery, Jason MacIsaac brings a chef’s palate to the still

PRODUCTS:

• Kazuki Gin
• Seaside Gin
• Akvavit
• Vodka
• Coffee Liqueur
• Lumette! zero-proof gin

TASTING NOTES:

Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Floral, with white pepper nose.
FLAVOUR: Light, slightly sweet.
FEEL: Well balanced, thin finish.
FINISH: Tad bit of tropical fruit, very pleasant.
BEST ENJOYED: On the rocks, lemon twist.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Pleasing, great packaging, good Martini vodka. —Shaun Layton, July 2016

Akvavit

FRAGRANCE: Citrus and anise.
FLAVOUR: Spicy caraway.
FEEL: Oily and mouth-coating. 
FINISH: Sweet and warming. Long.
BEST ENJOYED: As an aperitif before a good meal, especially fish.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A beautiful medley of botanicals that sing in perfect harmony. A great twist on the Scandinavian spirit. —Robyn Gray, October 2016

Dark Chocolate Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Cocoa nibs and raw bitter chocolate.
FLAVOUR: Real, proper crushed cocoa.
FEEL: Lean. More booze than sugar.
FINISH: Long and even.
BEST ENJOYED: An a well made chocolate Martini — spirit forward and not overly sweet. 
THE BOTTOM LINE: A refreshing alternative to all of the sickly sweet chocolate products available in our market. —Josh Pape, February 2017

Seaside Gin

FRAGRANCE: Fragrant, floral, damp wild flowers, seaside walks.
FLAVOUR: A bit savoury, piney juniper notes, candied violets, wild elderflower.
FEEL: Very balanced, great viscosity.
FINISH: Danky, savoury, pleasant briny finish.
BEST ENJOYED: This gin screams G&T or a citrus forward cocktail. Works great with shrubs. 
THE BOTTOM LINE: A phenomenal gin, not for Martinis, but for mixed drinks. One of the best in BC, buy now! —Shaun Layton, July 2017

Barrel-Aged Seaside Gin

FRAGRANCE: Salty and briney, mild citrus.
FLAVOUR: Citrusy, mostly lemon. Some juniper and savoury notes.
FEEL: Mouth-coating. Very pleasant.
FINISH: Lengthy, with more of the savoury botanicals sticking around.
BEST ENJOYED: Cold with lemon zest.
THE BOTTOM LINE: I can typically take or leave oak-aged gins; this one is interesting and worth a chance. —Trevor Kallies, October 2017

B.C. Distilleries

Shelter Point Distillery

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Self-described “farmpreneur” Patrick Evans and family established a distillery on their 380-acre farm near Campbell River, growing their own barley for their single-malt whisky and vodka.

4650 Regent Rd, Campbell River
778-420-2200
ShelterPoint.ca

Read more about Shelter Point Distillery:

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

• Ginned up: The evolution of terroir-driven made-in-B.C. gin

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

• Whisky in the jar: After five long years, Shelter Point’s single malt has come of age

• Recipe: Four-Winds-of-Change

 

PRODUCTS:

• Shelter Point Single Malt Artisanal Whisky
• Shelter Point The Collective Whisky
• Shelter Point Taste The Grainbow Single Cask Whisky
• Canada One Artisanal Vodka
• Hand-Foraged Botanical Gin
• Sunshine Liqueur

TASTING NOTES:

Yo! Off the Wall Spiced Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Cinnamon.
FLAVOUR: Barley sweetness and cinnamon spice.
FEEL: Clean and smooth.
FINISH: Residual sweetness and tickling spice.
BEST ENJOYED: In a highball with an artisanal cola.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Barley spirit makes this nicely balanced vodka easy-going. —Robyn Gray, April 2016

Shelter Point Single Malt Whisky

FRAGRANCE: Mild grain, little citrus and oak.
FLAVOUR: Slight hint of spice, fruit sweetness and a hint of chocolate.
FEEL: Smooth and silky.
FINISH: Medium long, grain lingers and is very pleasant.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat or rocks; you’ll be fine either way.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Balanced and delicious. Easily mistaken for a more established distillery.
This is a good buy. —Trevor Kallies, July 2016

Canada One Artisan Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Quite neutral. Very clean, a hint of spring flowers.
FLAVOUR: Heaps of anise, black pepper, mace.
FEEL: Buttery feel, in a great way.
FINISH: Coriander and black pepper, long, pleasant finish.
BEST ENJOYED: Very cold and crisp classic Martini, no garnish.
THE BOTTOM LINE: This one was a real surprise; thumbs up! —Shaun Layton, October 2016

Barrel of Sunshine Liqueur

FRAGRANCE: Quince, orange marmalade, maple custard, mulled wine.
FLAVOUR: Tarte Tatin in an ISO glass! Quince, apple cider, candied orange.
FEEL: A little thick, but for what it is very pleasant.
FINISH: Christmas spices, citrus explosion.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Sidecar or Brandy Crusta. Or with soft cheese and fruit preserves after dinner.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A great addition to any back bar. —Shaun Layton, July 2017

Double Barrelled Single Malt Whisky

FRAGRANCE: Caramel and cacao.
FLAVOUR: Pronounced alcohol with baking spices.
FEEL: Light and astringent.
FINISH: Lasting toffee warmth.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Rob Roy.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Baking spice flavours play amazingly with sweet vermouth. —Robyn Gray, October 2017

 

B.C. Distilleries

Arbutus Distillery

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Head distiller Michael Pizzitelli brings both a background in science and his experience in brewing to Arbutus Distillery’s ever-growing range of botanical-forward spirits.

1890 Boxwood Rd., Nanaimo
250-714-0027

Arbutus-Distillery.com

Read more about Arbutus Distilliery:

• 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: Bohemian Mule

• Ginned up: The evolution of terroir-driven made-in-B.C. gin

PRODUCTS:

• Coven Vodka
• Owl’s Screech Vodka
• Empiric Gin
• Blue Gin
• Forest Dweller Gin
• Baba Yaga Absinthe
• Grand Visco Brandy
• Vanilla Liqueur
• Birch Liqueur
• Lavender Liqueur
• Amaro
• Canadian Single Malt Whisky

TASTING NOTES:

Coven Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Very little alcohol vapour, mild caramel and vanilla.
FLAVOUR: Dark caramel, toast.
FEEL: Creamy.
FINISH: Long finish of dark toast and caramel.
BEST ENJOYED: Martini or mixed drinks.
THE BOTTOM LINE: With the strong vanilla caramel notes, citrus isn’t the way to go with this one. I’d be interested to see it in an Espresso Martini. 
—Trevor Kallies, July 2016

Juniperus Lupulus

FRAGRANCE: Forest and wood.
FLAVOUR: Extremely rustic.
FEEL: Quite soft.
FINISH: Slight sweetness on the finish.
BEST ENJOYED: Not your usual gin. Could add a rustic twist to a Negroni or work well for a Dirty Martini.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Very unusual and unexpected. The wet hops and aged oak add really intense flavours some may find overpowering in a gin.
 —Wendy McGuinness, October 2016

Espresso Infused Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Coffee! Roasted beans. 
FLAVOUR: Not overly sweet. Tastes like cold brew.
FEEL: Better than other products — less thick/rich/cloying.
FINISH: Pleasant. Some sugar but not out of control.
BEST ENJOYED: Really cold. Maybe over ice, but dilution isn’t necessary.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Excellent product. If you want an espresso-flavoured spirit, this is worth a shot. —Josh Pape, February 2017

Baba Yaga Genuine Absinthe

FRAGRANCE: Fennel, licorice, citrus.
FLAVOUR: Dash of water, fresh citrus and tons of anise.
FEEL: Medium to full body.
FINISH: Long, hot, super delicious.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat or with a dash of water. A fantastic rinse for your Sazerac.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A very enjoyable absinthe. But be careful! –Scott Barber, June 2017

Empiric Gin

FRAGRANCE: Full of juniper and lemony citrus aromas.
FLAVOUR: Lemon with a touch of coriander, moving into juniper.
FEEL: Thin, slightly oily. Some heat on the back end.
FINISH: All juniper with the other botanicals taking a step back.
BEST ENJOYED: Some playful Gin & Tonic opportunities here.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Not a bad addition to the gin shelf. —Trevor Kallies, October 2017

B.C. Distilleries

Ampersand Distilling Co.

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Father and son, Stephen and Jeremy Schacht, hand craft their spirits on five acres of organic farmland in the Cowichan Valley, distilling their gin and vodka from B.C. wheat.

4077 Lanchaster Rd., Duncan
250-737-1880
AmpersandDistilling.com

Read more about Ampersand Distilling Co.:

• Demystifying vermouth: The Alchemist tasting panel samples the fortified, aromatized elixir

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

• Recipe: Ampersand Martini

• Raise a glass to World Gin Day

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

 

 PRODUCTS:

• Per Se Vodka
• Ampersand Gin
• Imperative Dry Vermouth
• Nocino!

 TASTING NOTES:

ampersand ginAmpersand Gin

FRAGRANCE: Juniper and coriander.
FLAVOUR: Juniper forward, floral, spiced finish.
FEEL: Medium to high viscosity.
FINISH: White pepper spice.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Gibson Martini.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Great value. Mix in citrusy drinks or a classic Martini. 
–Shaun Layton, July 2016

Per Se Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Light and creamy, almost vanilla.
FLAVOUR: Same, familiar creamy, semi-sweetness of a wheat vodka.
FEEL: Mildly mouth coating and pleasant.
FINISH: A little heat on the back, but easy to sip neat and at room temperature.
BEST ENJOYED: Chilled with not much else. Martini bound!
THE BOTTOM LINE: Not surprised it was voted B.C.’s best vodka two years running. 
–Trevor Kallies, October 2017

B.C. Distilleries

Odd Society Spirits

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This East Vancouver distillery’s three founding self-described “odd” owners are busy producing different expressions of gin, vodka and both white (unaged), and single malt whiskies.

1725 Powell St., Vancouver
604-559-6745
OddSocietySpirits.com

Read more about Odd Society Spirits

• Demystifying vermouth: The Alchemist tasting panel samples the fortified, aromatized elixir

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

• Recipe: The Drive

• A barrel of fun: Private-cask whisky sales are a “futures” investment in B.C.’s small-batch distillers. Here’s how and why they do it.

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

• Recipe: Locals Only Negroni

• Recipe: Elder Sour

• Odd Society releases Elderflower Liqueur

• Bartender in a bottle: Raise a glass to the supporting cast of B.C.’s cocktail scene—local craft syrups, sodas, tonics and other mixers

• Recipe: Sea to Sky Rad-ler Beer Cocktail

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

• Recipe: Gins & Roses

• 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: Ambrosia

• Recipe: Odd Society Gin & Tonic Sour

• Recipe: Vancouver #2

• The romance of amaro

• Recipe: The Paper Plane, Updated

• Recipe: Local Negroni

• Recipe: Main Street “Wide Eye”

• Recipe: Gentleman’s Sour

• Come together: At Odd Society Spirits, innovation is all about collaboration

• Recipe: Tell Me What You Will

• Recipe: Vancouver Cocktail

• Recipe: Chili Chocolate Manhattan

• Recipe: The Milky Whey

• Recipe: Forgotten Temple

• Recipe: Mork from Ork

 

PRODUCTS:

• East Van Vodka
• Wallflower Gin
• Mongrel Unaged Spirit
• Oaken Wallflower Gin
• Elderflower Liqueur
• Crème de Cassis
• Bittersweet Vermouth
• Mia Amato Amaro
• Salal Gin
• Maple Canadian Whisky
• Commodore Canadian Single Malt Whisky
• Prospector Canadian Rye Whisky
• Canadian Single Malt Casks

TASTING NOTES:

Bittersweet Vermouth

FRAGRANCE: Gingerbread spice, bitter orange, vanilla.
FLAVOUR: Upfront viscous sweetness, making its way to the back of your palate with a lovely bitterness.
FEEL: Full and coating mouthfeel.
FINISH: Sweet orange and chocolate lift for an enjoyable bitter finish that goes on and on.
BEST ENJOYED: Serve at room temperature as a digestif; could shine in many different cocktails.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A must have! —Wendy McGuinness, April 2016

Wallflower Gin

FRAGRANCE: Lavender.
FLAVOUR: Surprisingly balanced.
FEEL: Lovely and fragrant.
FINISH: Sweet, long boozy finish.
BEST ENJOYED: As a boozy cocktail. Martinez or Pink Gin. Maybe even an Old Fashioned.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A really fun spirit. If you like floral notes then jump in — you won’t be disappointed. —Josh Pape, July 2016

Crème de Cassis

FRAGRANCE: Prunes, dried red fruit, berries.
FLAVOUR: Dried figs, raisins and currants.
FEEL: Rich. A bit cloying, but not overwhelmingly so.
FINISH: More balanced than expected.
BEST ENJOYED: In an El Diablo with Dickie’s ginger beer. Kir Royale (go easy, it’s quite concentrated).
THE BOTTOM LINE: The best cassis you’ll likely ever try. —Josh Pape, October 2016

Mia Amato Amaro

FRAGRANCE: Sweet, chocolate, with a musky background.
FLAVOUR: Semi-sweet bitterness, herbal. 
FEEL: Viscous.
FINISH: Long with a great balance of bitter and sweet. 
BEST ENJOYED: Cold neat, or try in a Paper Plane. 
THE BOTTOM LINE: Packaging knocks it out of the park. Fun and engaging, with a fantastic auburn colour. —Trevor Kallies, February 2017

Mongrel Unaged Spirit

FRAGRANCE: Buttered bread and light malty notes.
FLAVOUR: Complex and refined, very nice for an unaged rye-based spirit. Very well balanced. 
FEEL: Pleasant sweetness.
FINISH: Slightly hot, loads of spice, in a good way.
BEST ENJOYED: Makes a great White Whisky Sour. Begging to be shaken with citrus. 
THE BOTTOM LINE: Makes a great White Whisky Sour. Begging to be shaken with citrus. —Shaun Layton, October 2017

B.C. Distilleries

Legend Distilling

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In a former doctor’s office on the Naramata Bench, Dawn and Doug Lennie created Legend together, drawing on the local bounty of the Okanagan for the base and flavours of their gin and vodkas.

3005 Naramata Rd., Naramata
778-514-1010
LegendDistilling.com

Read more about Legend Distilling:

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

• Spirit of wine country: The South Okanagan is a fruitful playground for distillers to innovate and collaborate

• Recipe: Locals Only Negroni

 

PRODUCTS:

• Doctor’s Orders Gin
• Shadow in the Lake Vodka
• Blasted Brew Spiked Coffee Liqueur
• Manitou Orange and Sumac Liqueur
• Naramaro
• Wyatt Whisky
• Black Moon Gin
• Silver Moon Gin
• Harvest Moon Gin
• Honeymoon Gin
• Slowpoke Farmberry Vodka
• Slowpoke Sour Cherry Vodka

TASTING NOTES:

Doctor’s Orders Gin

FRAGRANCE: Slightly funky, tropical fruit.
FLAVOUR: Apples in the botanical mix add a bright freshness, floral notes.
FEEL: Nice mouthfeel.
FINISH: Floral, with slight bitterness.
BEST ENJOYED: In mixed cocktails, a Bramble perhaps.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Nice mixing gin, great packaging. —Shaun Layton, April 2016

Shadow in the Lake Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Alcohol, pepper.
FLAVOUR: Hot, spice.
FEEL: Lean up front.
FINISH: Dry, lingering heat.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Moscow Mule.
THE BOTTOM LINE: More of a mixer than a sipper. —Josh Pape, July 2016

Manitou Orange & Sumac Liqueur

FRAGRANCE: Fresh mandarin peel.
FLAVOUR: Slight sweetness that is packed with fresh mandarin and a light finish of sumac.  
FEEL: Light.
FINISH: The mandarin lingers on the back palate.
BEST ENJOYED: A good substitute for Cointreau or Triple Sec.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A lovely liqueur that packs a citrus punch with a touch of spice.  —Wendy McGuinness, October 2016

Black Moon Gin

FRAGRANCE: Familiar gin notes with a background of savoury aromatic rosemary.
FLAVOUR: Soft and savoury with both the juniper and herbs shining. 
FEEL: Oily in a good way with slight front-of-mouth tingle. 
FINISH: Long and herbal. Juniper and pine stays around. 
BEST ENJOYED: Would make for a fun cocktail gin with riffs on Gimlets and Collins coming first to mind.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A fun gin to play with. —Trevor Kallies, February 2017

Blasted Brew Spiked Coffee

FRAGRANCE: Fresh, sweet, roasted coffee bean.
FLAVOUR: Well integrated, sweet yet reserved coffee flavour. 
FEEL: Mouth-coating and viscous.
FINISH: Long-lasting sweet toffee and coffee.
BEST ENJOYED: In an Espresso Martini.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A well-suited substitute in coffee liqueur-based cocktails. —Robyn Gray, July 2017

Naramaro

FRAGRANCE: Cream soda. Candied citrus.
FLAVOUR: Citrus, gentian, licorice. In that order. 
FEEL: Sweet and bitter battling it out on your palate.
FINISH: Long. Sweet but dry.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat after a big meal. Maybe over vanilla ice cream or even added to an affogato.
THE BOTTOM LINE: More citrusy than most amari. Worth a shot. —Josh Pape, October 2017

B.C. Distilleries

Kootenay Country Craft Distillery

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Lora and Kevin Goodwin strive to keep to the100-mile philosophy in their spirit production, using organic heirloom wheat, seasonal flowers and fruits, and spring water from the Selkirk Mountains.

7263 Gustafson Rd., Slocan
250-355-2702
kootenaycountry.ca

PRODUCTS:

• Valhalla Vodka
• Kootenay Country Gin
• Kootenay Country Honey Vodka

TASTING NOTES:

Kootenay Country Gin

FRAGRANCE: Fruity, citrus notes.
FLAVOUR: Understated, subtle juniper.
FEEL: Soft and delicate.
FINISH: Clean, lush.
BEST ENJOYED: Simply. Makes an excellent Negroni.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Very easy drinking. A bit dangerous… —Josh Pape, April 2016

Valhalla Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Sweet, dried fruit.
FLAVOUR: Cereal grain with high minerality.
FEEL: Lightly creamy mouthfeel.
FINISH: Black pepper spice.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat on ice.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Kootenay Country water source filtered by granite strata brings a beautiful minerality to this spicy and fruity vodka. —Robyn Gray, July 2016

B.C. Distilleries

Merridale Craft Distillery

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This Vancouver Island cider business applied their traditional fruit focus to distilling, creating a range that includes gin, fruit brandies, a rested whiskey and even a carbonated vodka.

PO Box 358, 1230 Merridale Rd., Cobble Hill
250-743-4293
MerridaleCider.ca

Read more about Merridale Craft Spirits:

• 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: Tell Me What You Will

PRODUCTS:

• Cowichan Gin
• Cowichan Copper Gin
• Cowichan Vodka
• Cowichan XXO Brandy
• Cowichan Rhumb
• Cowichan Spiced Rhumb
• Whisky Jack’s
• Cowichan Pear Brandy
• Cowichan Cider Brandy
• Oaked Harvest Fortified Cider
• Apple Dessert Fortified Cider

TASTING NOTES:

Cowichan Copper Gin

FRAGRANCE: Little hot, pear and apple on the nose.
FLAVOUR: Honeyed licorice, orchard fruit, slight caramel.
FEEL: Silky mouthfeel.
FINISH: Coriander and peppered bitter finish.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Martinez.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Very unique product, mix in stirred drinks. —Shaun Layton, April 2016

Cowichan Vodka

FRAGRANCE: Green apple and citrus, hints of floral notes.
FLAVOUR: Fresh attack, light and bright eau de vie.
FEEL: Cool clean apple.
FINISH: Coriander and peppered bitter finish.
BEST ENJOYED: Great over ice, or chilled neat. A great light choice for cocktails.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A delicious eau de vie, not necessarily for the hard line vodka drinker. Think outside the box and you will not be let down. —Wendy McGuinness, July 2016

Cowichan Cognac Style Brandy

FRAGRANCE: Cooked fruit and baking spice.
FLAVOUR: Warm mulled wine. Playful spices throughout.
FEEL: A lot of alcohol warmth.
FINISH: Finishes with some spiced brandy notes. Warmth carries through due to 47 per cent ABV.
BEST ENJOYED: After dinner or with chocolate.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Decent take on the iconic spirit. —Trevor Kallies, October 2016

Stair’s Pear Brandy

FRAGRANCE: Brilliant fresh pear nose.
FLAVOUR: Pear skin, almond and vanilla.
FEEL: Rich and deep.
FINISH: Long lasting fresh pear.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat at room temp.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A fine brandy with excellent fresh pear aroma and flavor. A great digestif. Aged six years. —Robyn Gray, February 2017

Cowichan Gin

FRAGRANCE: Mild apple and citrus aroma.
FLAVOUR: Slightly sweet with a botanical background. Definitely do not notice the 47 per cent ABV. 
FEEL: Almost viscous. Very pleasant. 
FINISH: Long and enjoyable. Orchard fruit shines through.
BEST ENJOYED: Long with soda or very cold over ice. Could be interesting as a sour. 
THE BOTTOM LINE: Fun gin showcasing the prowess and opportunity of foraged ingredients. —Trevor Kallies, July 2017

 

B.C. Distilleries

Gillespie’s Fine Spirits

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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

 

B.C. Distilleries

Pemberton Distillery

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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