South Island distilleries recognized at Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition

South Island distilleries are continuing to prove that locally made spirits can compete on the national level. Last week at the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition, local distillers took home armfuls of awards, following up previous big wins just last month at the Canadian Whisky Awards as well as last year at the national spirit competition.  

The range in spirits that won awards was vast, encompassing everything from gin and vodka to whisky and liqueurs. From first time winners to seasoned favourites, these are the spirits that have achieved national recognition.  

Stillhead Distillery

Stillhead Distillery in Duncan took home the Aged Gin best in class gold, the highest score in its category, for its Islay Cask Gin Navy Strength—a smoky spirit aged in Scotland to 57% ABV, a high alcohol content that historically allowed gin to be stored next to gunpowder aboard British navy ships. 

The distillery was also recognized for excellence in whisky distilling. It earned gold medals in the Single Grain Whisky category for its B-Word Whisky Cask Strength and in the Single Malt Whisky category for its Single Malt Whisky Cask #10 (Cask Strength). 

The distillery also dominated the 100% Rye Whisky category, earning silver for both its Rye Whisky Islay Cask Finish Barrell #59 and its Rye Whisky PX Sherry Cask Strength Strath Bottling, as well as a bronze for its Double Oak Rye Whisky. Its Rye Whisky PX Sherry Cask Strength Strath Bottling also took home awards for Best Cask Strength Whisky and Best Single Barrel Release at the Canadian Whisky Awards last month. 

Address: 5301 Chaster Rd. #105, Duncan
Hours: Wednesday and Sunday, noon-4pm; Thursday, noon-5pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am-5:30pm

DEVINE Distillery

DEVINE Distillery in Saanichton won the Young Whisky best in class gold with distinction for its Ancient Grains. Not only has this young whisky taken home the prize in this category every year since 2020, but DEVINE Distillery has won the Young Whisky Best in Class ever since the competition’s beginning. Ancient Grains also won Whisky Spirit of the Year last month at the Canadian Whisky Awards. 

The distillery continued its success with a gold in the Single Malt Whisky category for its Glen Saanich—which also received a merit in terroir, recognizing its expression of place, and a distinction that indicated its consistent or improved quality since last year. The distillery also took home two golds with merits in terroir in the Single Grain Whisky category for its Ancient Grains 5-Grain Whisky and its Einkorn Whisky. 

Aside from whisky, DEVINE Distillery was recognized in the Aged Gin category for its Dutch Courage Barrel-Aged Genever, which also received a merit in terroir. 

The distillery scored three bronzes in the Alternative Rum category for its Honey Shine Amber, its Black Bear Spiced Honey Shine, and its Honey Shine Silver—which also received a distinction. The Black Bear Spiced Honey Shine received the Alternative Rum best in class gold last year at the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition.    

Address: 6181B Old West Saanich Rd., Saanichton
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm

Ampersand Distilling Co.

Ampersand Distilling Co. in Duncan continued the recognition for South Island gin by winning the Contemporary Gin best in class gold with distinction for its Ampersand Gin, for the second time. This gin is made using BC grown wheat and features seven harvested or cultivated botanicals. The distillery also took home a gold with distinction in the Contemporary Vodka category for its Per Se Vodka, also made using BC grown wheat.  

Address: 4077 Lanchaster Rd., Duncan
Hours: By appointment

Moon Distilling Co.

Moon Distilling Co. won a gold in the Single Malt Whisky category for its Antifogmatic Bliss Single Malt Whisky. This twice distilled smooth whisky is made with Island grown barley malt and has flavours of crème brulee, honey, banana, and black treacle. 

The distillery also earned a silver in the Liqueur category for its The Shaft Espresso Cocktail. A homage to the Victoria staple drink, the liqueur is the first pre-packaged shaft in Canada. It is made using the distillery’s vodka alongside espresso, almonds, cocoa nibs, and vanilla. 

The Shaft won silver last year as well at the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition, while Antifogmatic Bliss previously took home a bronze with distinction.

Address: 350 Bay St., Victoria 
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:30am-10pm; Sunday, 11:30am-8pm

Spinnakers Brewpub Inc.

Spinnakers Brewpub Inc. rounded out the South Island wins with three silvers and a bronze. The distillery’s gins were recognized with silvers both in the Contemporary Gin category for its Botanical Beach Gin and in the Flavoured Gin category for its Lavender Gin. 

Its Breakwater Vodka also took home a second place spot in the Contemporary Vodka category. The distillery continued the national recognition for local young whiskies by earning a Young Whisky bronze for its Knot Single Malt Spirit.

Address: 308 Catherine St., Victoria
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9am-11pm