Shelter Point Distillery

History

Shelter Point Distillery is a Vancouver Island-based distillery. According to the site, the place is anchored in the island's coastal environment and terroir, which is expressed through the name, the location, and the influence of the sea. It is also mentioned that the barley comes from Shelter Point Farm and thus relates to a close connection between land and whiskey production.

Production/Manufacturing

• Slow fermentation and double distillation are used to create a new spirit full of flavor.

• The distillery has wash and spirit copper pot stills manufactured by Forsyths.

• The water comes from an aquifer and plays a role in the process and the quality of the spirit.

• The production is also described in connection with Estate Whisky, which is made from barley grown at Shelter Point Farm – a substantial part of the process and identity.

• One of the whiskies, Smoke Point, is kept in a stock warehouse, where the casks are smoked with driftwood and other local woods, giving a distinctive smoky profile with sea-salt notes. Furthermore, maturation near the coast and island area is described as part of the series' character.

• The slow fermentation and double-distillation process is described as part of the distillery's approach to creating a new-make spirit full of flavor.

• The products and descriptions also mention that the distillery has expressions and facilities such as Still Quality and Evans Family Reserve, where the individual expressions emerge from different cask finishes (e.g., honey casks).

Products/Whisky Series

• Shelter Point Classic Single Malt: Classic single malt, produced in small batches with pot stills and water from an aquifer; notes described as a balance of fruits, caramel, barley, baking spices, honey, sea air and hints of wine and smoke, as well as a leathery mouthfeel.

• Ripple Rock Single Malt: Aromas of vanilla, spices and oak; palate offers caramel with raisins, barbecue notes, pepper and cloves, finished with toffee and chocolate. Rating and note: 93 Points & Editor’s Choice – Whisky Advocate; Editor’s Choice – Whisky Magazine.

• Estate Whisky: Ten-Year-Old Estate Whisky made from barley grown at Shelter Point Farm; nose of honey and orange blossom, with a creamy mouthfeel and a finish with buttery, salted notes and hints of dark chocolate, leather and tobacco.

• Cask Strength: Cask Strength Single Malt – an expression that is not bound by ash in the casks, but bottled directly from the barrel.

• Smoke Point: A fourfold-smoked single malt, where the casks are smoked with driftwood from the coast and local woods; notes of campfire, cigar, forest and oak; palate offers chocolate, fruit and nougat finish with creamy crème brûlée and salted graham crackers.

• Evans Family Reserve Honey Cask Finish: Honey-finished whisky developed in collaboration with private farmers; notes of flowers, honey, and a creamy mouthfeel with chocolate and berries in the finish.

• Still Quality: Notes on the distillery facilities and the copper stills construction, illustrating the technical backbone of production.

• The general description of the raw materials and processes underpins the entire series and shows a common connection to Vancouver Island, the sea, and the local terroir.

Visits/Experiences

• Tasting: Drop-in tastings at the reception in the retail shop. The price for a tasting is 10 USD, and each tasting includes three samples of Shelter Point spirits of your choice – including their whiskies, Sunshine Liqueur, and Hand Foraged Botanical Gin. The tasting can be deducted from the purchase of a 750 ml bottle of whisky.

• Tasting times: Available 12:00–17:30 daily. The tastings have space for six people at a time; larger groups please call ahead.

• Distillery Tours: Two tour options – Distillery Tour (covering the process from mashing to bottling and ending with a tasting of three samples) and Cocktail Tour (through the process and use of ingredients in cocktails, with three samples and light hors d'oeuvres). Lounge and selected whiskies as well as cocktails are offered after a tour or tasting.

• Events: The rooms called Still Room and Fireside Rooms can be used for events; interested parties can contact info@shelterpoint.ca.

Philosophy

• The distillery emphasizes a nature-connected approach through its seaside location, use of aquifer water, and slow maturation in coastal conditions.

• It describes a fundamental approach to traditional craftsmanship: slow fermentation and double distillation provide character and complexity. The distillery's releases showcase high quality and a clear connection to the island's terroir and seasonal influences.

• Whisky Club and unique 'Unicorn' bottlings indicate an ambition for exclusivity and community around the products and events.