B.C. distilleries are, literally, raising spirits: read on for a list of local makers serving delicious drinks.
6 B.C. distilleries to raise a glass to
1. Sheringham Distillery
Since its founding in 2015, Langford’s Sheringham Distillery has only grown in popularity thanks to its flagship spirit, Seaside Gin (made with sustainably harvested winged kelp). But the distillery goes even further in its commitment to sustainability initiatives: a portion of all sales go to SeaLegacy, an organization looking to rebuild the health of the ocean.
2. Island Spirits Distillery
What happens when an icebreaker captain and a professor of organic chemistry join forces? You get Island Spirits Distillery. Located on Hornby Island, the distillery uses 14 different roots, seeds, spices and berries to flavour its Phrog Gin.
3. Sons of Vancouver
North Vancouver’s Sons of Vancouver distillery might be known for its whisky—it was named Canadian Whisky of the Year in 2003—but the brand’s No.82 Amaretto is what started it all. Made from bourbon vanilla beans and apricot kernels and sweetened with B.C. blackberry honey, demerara sugar and apricots, this unique blend showcases the distillery’s creative take on go-to cocktail ingredients.
4. Forbidden Spirits
Kelowna-based Forbidden Spirits makes its handcrafted spirits from B.C. apples, rather than grain—like its flagship product, Rebel Vodka, which is distilled 25 times (while the commercial vodka norm is two to three).
5. Salish Sea Spirits
Located on the shores of Powell River, Salish Sea Spirits produces small-batch gin and vodka with a twist: its offerings are made from wild honey and mountain water rather than grain and its botanicals are locally harvested.
6. Monashee Spirits
With a focus on locally sourced sustainable ingredients, Revelstoke’s Monashee Spirits has spirits from award-winning gin (made with juniper, huckleberries, spruce tips and wildflowers) to a flagship whisky made with hyper-local grain. But the distillery’s Vulcan Fire stands out as a unique offering: unaged whisky infused with cinnamon, honey, maple syrup and apples.
