Even in the winter, Victoria never gets that cold – still, there can be a pleasant crisp to the sea air as it blows through the harbour and into the city! And when that happens there’s nothing like the fire of a stiff drink to feel warm and cozy.
Victoria has more than its fair share of distillers making fine spirits. Thinking of putting together a tour? Here are some of our favourites!
VICTORIA DISTILLERS
Located in nearby Sidney just a few minutes down the road, Victoria Distillers is one of the oldest small-batch distillers in Canada! They boast that they use the best-tasting water in Canada, harvested from Vancouver Island. Famous for their gins in particular, Victoria Distillers has won countless gold medals at competitions all around the world! Of particular note is their Empress Gin, devised in conjunction with the bartenders at Q Bar.
VICTORIA CALEDONIAN
A combination brewery and distillery, Victoria Caledonian is beloved for their Twa Dogs beers but even more so for their fine whiskies! The owner, Graeme Macaloney, hails from Scotland and is driven by the desire to create the finest single-malt whisky in North America. If you love Scotch, you’ll adore their Mac Na Braiche (“son of malt”) whisky currently ageing in barrels! Get a glimpse of the process behind the making of this fine spirit by visiting the distillery!
SHERINGHAM DISTILLERY
Sheringham is devoted to crafting small-batch spirits using only local ingredients, so every cocktail made with Sheringham gin, vodka or akavit truly reflects the taste of the island! Named after a defunct moonshine operation discovered by the owner, Jason MacIsaac, Sheringham spirits are all about craft. A must-visit when in Victoria!
Whether you’re planning a civil spirit-tasting tour or a raging bacchanal, you want to stay in the heart of Victoria. Book a room at the Days Inn Victoria on The Harbour for an unbeatable combination of comfort, location, and value.
