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.
• 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; lightsweetness, 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
• 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
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
• 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
Originally from Germany, and now based in the Okanagan, Jorg Engel has created a range of fruit-based liqueurs, brandies and grappas, produced from distilling 100 per cent B.C. fruit.
• Lady of the Cask Brandy
• Canadian Kirsch
• Pear Williams
• Italian Prune Scnapps
• Wild Apple Brandy
• Skinny Pinot Noir
• Maple Liqueur
• Cherry Liqueur
• Pear Liqueur
• Peach Liqueur
TASTING NOTES:
Cherry Liqueur
FRAGRANCE: Ripe cherries. FLAVOUR: Maple, cherries—as advertised. FEEL: Coats the palate, silky. FINISH: Warm and pleasant. BEST ENJOYED: Chilled, neat. Or as a substitute for Cherry Heering in a Blood and Sand. THE BOTTOM LINE: Pretty pricey, but delicious and well made with good ingredients. —Josh Pape, April 2016
Maple Liqueur
FRAGRANCE:Stone fruit, custard, vanilla, slightly hot. FLAVOUR:Butterscotch, maple, smoky vanilla. FEEL:Thin, in a good way for a liqueur. FINISH:Balanced, with pleasant maple. BEST ENJOYED:Over ice cream! THE BOTTOM LINE:Great product and a cool little place to visit.—Shaun Layton, July 2016
Pear Liqueur
FRAGRANCE:Fresh Pear. FLAVOUR:Sweet pear eau de vie. FEEL:Quite viscous and round. FINISH:Long and lingering pear finish. BEST ENJOYED:On its own straight up as an eau de vie, could also work as a great liqueur for creative cocktails. THE BOTTOM LINE:Don’t let the cheesy packaging fool you. This is a very well made liqueur. –Wendy McGuinness, October 2016
Lady of the Cask Brandy
FRAGRANCE:Cocoa nibs, vanilla. More Scotch than Cognac. FLAVOUR:Round and spicy. FEEL:Hot, edgy, dry. FINISH:Sweet first, then savoury. BEST ENJOYED:As a Sidecar. Or maybe a Sazerac. THE BOTTOM LINE:Fairly abrasive neat, but it makes a good cocktail. –Josh Pape, February 2017
Peach Liqueur
FRAGRANCE:Fuzzy peach candies. FLAVOUR:All peach with some tangy notes. FEEL:Mouth coating. Syrupy texture. Not overly sweet. FINISH:Peach sticks around for some time. BEST ENJOYED:Neat for dessert. Very positive substitution for commercial brands. THE BOTTOM LINE:Nice for dessert, great as a modifier when needing a peach liqueur for a cocktail.—Trevor Kallies, October 2017
FRAGRANCE: Sweet wheat, bread. FLAVOUR: Intense with heat, anise, lingering sweetness. FEEL: Light on the palate, extremely vibrant on the tip of the tongue, dissipates quickly. FINISH: Very long finish of sweet wheat. BEST ENJOYED: An intense high-proof spirit. Think a Chinese version of the ever-popular White Dog. THE BOTTOM LINE: Packs a punch for those looking for a neutral spirit with some balls. —Wendy McGuinness, April 2016
Coffee Liqueur
FRAGRANCE:Steeped medium roast. FLAVOUR:Tempered coffee, touch of anise. FEEL:Soft, unassuming. FINISH:Sweet, too short. BEST ENJOYED:Maybe on the rocks. THE BOTTOM LINE:Too unassuming to make an impact.—Josh Pape, July 2016
Cranberry Liqueur
FRAGRANCE: Stewed dark fruit. FLAVOUR: Tart cranberry snap. FEEL: Oily, good staying power. FINISH: Lasting. BEST ENJOYED: In a punch or simple mixer with soda. THE BOTTOM LINE: A great festive holiday mixer. —Robyn Gray, October 2016
Blueberry Liqueur
FRAGRANCE:Berrylicious. FLAVOUR:Not overly sweet at all. Very enjoyable. FEEL:Light. Doesn’t have that thick sugar feel, which is nice. FINISH:Short, clean. BEST ENJOYED:Neat, as an after-dinner sipper. Would be great in a spritz. THE BOTTOM LINE:Get a bottle if you’re looking for a natural-tasting liqueur.—Scott Barber, July 2017
Situated in the fertile Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, Wayward Distillery crafts each spirit on a base of sustainable honey, supporting local agriculture while achieving an unparalleled silky-sweet flavour. Home to a tasting bar, visitors can see firsthand how the team ferments and distills their spirits on-site from a base of sustainable honey, mixed with grain.
Crowd favourites include Krupnik, an intoxicating toasted honey liqueur spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, raw vanilla and citrus peel; Drunken Hive Rum, an “aged rum for whisky drinkers” made from caramelized BC honey and aged in bourbon casks; and Depth Charge, an espresso and cacao bean vodka infusion incorporating fairtrade coffee and organic cacao nibs.
When Wayward first began distilling spirits, the distillery partnered with Golden Clover Apiary located in the Peace region of BC. The apiary cared deeply about the health and long-term sustainability of pollination, bees, and BC-grown agricultural produce. The more Wayward learned about the importance of pollinators, the more the distillers cared about their well-being.
Wayward cares so much in fact, that they’ve pledged to donate 1 per cent of all spirit sales to Pollinator Partnership Canada, a not-for-profit registered charity dedicated to the protection and promotion of pollinators and their ecosystems through conservation, education, and research.
• Smoked Drunken Hive Rum Cask strength, 750ml, 56.7% ABV • Drunken Hive Rum – fermented from honey 750ml, 375ml, 42.5% ABV • Krupnik – spiced honey liqueur 750ml, 375ml, 40% ABV, Also available in celiac safe version • Raspberry Gin Liqueur 750ml, 375ml, 25% ABV • Swallowed Anchor Bourbon – Limited quantities available Cask strength, 750ml, 55.91% ABV • Depth Charge – Espresso and Cacao Bean Vodka Infusion 375ml, 33% ABV • Elixir 151 – fermented from honey 375ml, 75.5% ABV • Char #3, Bourbon Barrel Aged Gin – fermented from honey 375ml, 45.0% ABV • Unruly Gin – fermented from honey 750ml, 375ml, 43% ABV • Unruly Vodka – fermented from honey 750ml, 375ml, 40% ABV
TASTING NOTES:
Unruly Vodka
FRAGRANCE: Floral and earthy. Honey, new garden notes. FLAVOUR: Sweetness from the honey with hints of vanilla. FEEL: Full body, pleasant viscosity. FINISH: Long, savoury. BEST ENJOYED: Mixes well with basil, pineapple and lemon. Also fantastic neat, or on the rocks. Preferred olives for a Martini. THE BOTTOM LINE: Unique vodka made from B.C. honey—a must try for those looking for something different. —Scott Barber, April 2016
Unruly Gin
FRAGRANCE:Juniper, and pine. Slight honey and sweet nose. FLAVOUR:Muted juniper, semi-sweet, white pepper on the palate. FEEL:Thick, silky mouthfeel. FINISH:Slightly bitter, with honeyed herbal finish. BEST ENJOYED:Delicious in a Last Word; mix with citrus. THE BOTTOM LINE:A sweeter, crowd-pleasing gin (not for London Dry fans). Use in cocktails.—Shaun Layton, July 2016
Depth Charge Espresso & Cacao Bean Liqueur
FRAGRANCE: Sweet coffee. FLAVOUR: Deep off-dry cacao bitterness with coffee overtones. FEEL: Thin and dry. FINISH: Long lasting non-offensive bitterness. BEST ENJOYED: On the rocks. THE BOTTOM LINE: Not a sweet liqueur. A great balance of bitter and dry. —Robyn Gray, October 2016
Krupnik Spiced Honey Liqueur
FRAGRANCE:Cinnamon, honey, nutmeg, vanilla. FLAVOUR:A beautiful fall day in a glass. FEEL:Thick like a liqueur. I’d definitely cut it with a base spirit such as rum or bourbon. FINISH: Warm, sweet, spicy. Yum! BEST ENJOYED:Chill and sip on rocks or mix in a cocktail. Whiskey Sour using bourbon, Krupnik, lemon, chai and bitters. THE BOTTOM LINE: These guys are doing everything right. —Scott Barber, February 2017
Bourbon-Barrelled Gin
FRAGRANCE:Surprisingly intense vanilla. Yum! FLAVOUR:Citrus, with pleasant vanilla and earthy tones. FEEL:Light, medium body. FINISH: Spicy. BEST ENJOYED:Neat or on the rocks. Try it in a Martini, Negroni or Corpse Reviver #2. THE BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a gin that isn’t juniper forward, this is for you. I love working with and drinking this product.—Scott Barber, July 2017
• Victoria Gin
• Oaken Gin
• Empress 1908 Gin
• Vodka
• Left Coast Hemp Vodka
• Sidney Spiced
• Brandy
• Chocolate Liqueur
• The Strait and Narrow Gin Cocktails
• Twisted and Bitter bitters
TASTING NOTES:
Oaken Gin
FRAGRANCE: Hint of toffee and wood, background of baking spice. FLAVOUR: Toffee, vanilla, and clove. FEEL: Buttery, slightly viscous mouthfeel, creamy. FINISH: Long, creamy finish with a hint of pine. BEST ENJOYED: In a gin Old Fashioned or neat, with a big ice cube. THE BOTTOM LINE: One of the first local gins to be aged in oak, making an elegant style of craft gin, although pricey. —Trevor Kallies, April 2016
Victoria Gin
FRAGRANCE:Anise, clove, angelica, with a slight burn. FLAVOUR:White pepper, rose, bitter lemon. FEEL:Creamy, quite clean. FINISH:Slight bitterness, hint of spice. BEST ENJOYED:Makes a great Negroni. THE BOTTOM LINE:The new packaging is more attractive, though I miss Queen Vic on the bottle. Good gift for out-of-towners.—Shaun Layton, July 2016
Left Coast Hemp Vodka
FRAGRANCE:Earthy, toasted grains, nutty. FLAVOUR:Buckwheat, rye spice, roasted walnuts. FEEL:Silky, balanced, sustained. FINISH:Pleasant, clean. BEST ENJOYED:Chilled, neat or as a Martini with an onion. THE BOTTOM LINE:More flavour than your average vodka, and worth a try.—Josh Pape, October 2016
Chocolate Liqueur
FRAGRANCE:Intense cocoa nib and chocolate. FLAVOUR:Bitter, as expected. Little to no sweetness. FEEL:Light to medium body. FINISH:Long, bitter finish. BEST ENJOYED:Would make a super-cool Old Fashioned or Brandy Alexander. THE BOTTOM LINE:If you like bitter spirits or liqueurs, this is for you. —Scott Barber, July 2017
Empress 1908 Gin
FRAGRANCE:Green and vegetal up front with spice undertones. FLAVOUR:Juniper, citrus. Lightly floral. FEEL:Quite a journey. Unassuming at first but then the spices take over. FINISH:Bitter and long. BEST ENJOYED:Great neat, but nobody does that. Makes an excellent Gin & Tonic with lemon. THE BOTTOM LINE:A well made spirit worth checking out.—Josh Pape, October 2017
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