Victoria Distillers

History

For more than ten years, Victoria Distillers has produced some of Canada's finest handcrafted spirits. Located on the water in Sidney, British Columbia, the distillery houses copper pot stills that produce our range—particularly our award-winning gins. As one of Canada's oldest small-batch spirits companies, Victoria Distillers is influenced by history and driven by innovation. In collaboration with talented mixologists and local partners, the distillery creates both classic and innovative cocktail spirits using the world's best water from Canada's West Coast and high-quality ingredients from around the world.

Production

The distillery sits on the water and houses copper pot stills that produce our spirits—particularly our gins. We produce handcrafted spirits and use the world's best water from Canada's West Coast and ingredients of the highest quality from around the world. As one of Canada's oldest small-batch companies, we are influenced by history and driven by innovation. In collaboration with talented mixologists and local partners, we create both classic and innovative cocktail spirits.

Products / Whisky Series

• Empress 1908 Indigo Gin: Handcrafted in small batches in copper pot stills, inspired by the Fairmont Empress hotel. Includes butterfly pea blossoms and natural indigo color; tasting notes include an earthy note from butterfly pea, citrus from grapefruit, floral nuances, and warm spices.

• Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin: Nine botanicals; natural rose color; aroma and floral flavors around citrus and spice.

• Empress 1908 Cocktail Gin: A classic G&T for the most complex cocktails — world’s finest botanicals are distilled and blended with pure Canadian water for a true cocktail spirit.

• Empress 1908 Oaken Gin: Soft and buttery, vanilla and caramel notes from the oak.

• Left Coast Hemp Vodka: Distilled from Canadian-grown organic hemp seeds; flavors of hazelnut and a hint of spice; gold medal at the Beverage Testing Institute, 2016.

• Sidney Spiced: Aromatic spirit distilled from molasses and organic cane sugar; with vanilla, orange zest, ginger, cloves, and orris root, as well as star anise.

• Chocolate Liqueur: Fair-trade cacao nibs and peels from Ecuador macerated in a neutral sugar spirit; sweetness to highlight the chocolate flavor.

• Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin: Eight botanicals; post-distillation infusion of cucumber; vibrant citrus, jasmine, and delicate spice.

• Bitter Bianca: Premium aperitif; balanced between bitter and sweet; floral, bitter herbs, fruit and citrus notes.

• Vodka: Grain-based spirit; distilled seven times in copper pot stills; finished with pure Canadian water; crisp and smooth. (Vodka is currently sold out.)

Visits and Experiences

Our distillery tours are no longer offered, but our retail shop is open and offers tastings. Opening hours are: Wednesday 12-16, Thursday – Sunday 11-17.

Philosophy

Victoria Distillers is influenced by history and driven by innovation. We use water from Canada's West Coast and ingredients from around the world, and we collaborate with talented mixologists and local partners to create both classic and innovative spirits.