BC Distilled

The ninth BC Distilled festival just wrapped up, with nearly 200 artisan spirits showcased from 30 distilleries, across 15 different categories – and all made right here in British Columbia.

Hundreds of consumers, trade and media that attended tasted their way through the many booths and tables with knowledgeable owners and representatives from the distilleries offering their insight and expertise. And it, as always, is just plain fun. 

Attendees had the chance to vote for their favourites after the festival ended, as well as choose who would win the prestigious 2024 BC Distilled Distillery of the Year.  

The Italian Cultural Centre was this year’s new venue, with an additional 50 products included that had never been sampled at BC Distilled in previous years, plus 13 spirits that were released specifically for the festival.

 

BC Distilled’s organizers welcomed back their charity partner, Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), who as usual brought their volunteers and dogs in training to the festival. A live auction, 50/50 draws and donations raised $5,500 for PADS.

The festival, tastings and voting may be over, but we can still purchase the exceptional products BC’s distillers offer and add them to our own bar carts at home. Many speciality stores and the distilleries’ tasting rooms sell their goods.

Here, the Best of the Fest:

 

Best 100% Rye Whisky: Stillhead Distillery Rye Whisky – Cask Strength Tequila Finish. 

Best Amaro or Vermouth:  The Woods Spirit Co. Barrel-aged Amaro (2023, 2019 winner) 

Best Barrel-Aged Gin: Raincity Distillery Barrel Aged Gin

Best Brandy or Eau-de-Vie: Maple Leaf Spirits Lady of the Cask Brandy (2023, 2018 winner)

Best Flavoured Gin: Odd Society Spirits Wallflower Strawberry Gin (2023 winner)

Best Fruit Liqueur: Antidote Distilling Co. Antidote Blackcap Raspberry Liqueur (a 2024 BC Distilled release)

Gin: Ampersand Distilling Company Ampersand Gin (2022, 2018, 2017, 2016 winner)

Infused or Flavoured Vodka: Bruinwood Estate Distillery Toasted Coconut Vodka a 2024 BC Distilled release)

Limoncello: The Woods Spirit Co. Woods Limoncello (2023 winner)

Liqueur (TIE): Stillhead Distillery Whisky Cream tied with Wayward Distillery  

Raspberry Gin Liqueur

Rare & Fine Other Spirits: Wayward Distillery Drunken Hive Rum (2023, 2019, 2018 winner)

Single Grain Whisky: DEVINE Distillery Ancient Grains 5-Grain Whisky

Single Malt Whisky: The Dubh Glas Distillery Sand Between My Toes

Vodka: Ampersand Distilling Company Per Se Vodka (2023, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 winner)

White Spirit: Snowgoose Brewery Rice Spirit 53

 

North Vancouver’s Sons of Vancouver was awarded the 2024 BC Distilled Distillery of the Year. “Since their first time at BC Distilled, I’ve told people that there’s always a party at the Sons of Vancouver table, and everyone’s welcome,” says Alex Hamer, founder of BC Distilled. “The energy they put out, together with their top-quality spirits, makes this win no surprise.”