One evening, while lounging at my favorite bar with a cocktail in hand, I was tipsy and utterly captivated by the delicious drink before me. As I swirled the vibrant colors in my glass, a thought struck me: how do they craft these amazing drinks?
Curiosity piqued, I decided to embark on a mission to uncover the secrets of Vancouver’s distilleries. Over several months, I ventured into the city’s vibrant craft spirits scene, tasting my way through various distilleries.
After visiting a handful of these hidden gems and savoring their unique spirits, I couldn’t wait to share my discoveries with you. Join me as I share my favorites and the remarkable creations they have to offer.
1. The Liberty Distillery
Media credit: tldistillery
Website: http://www.thelibertydistillery.com/
Address: 1494 Old Bridge St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S6
Contact details: +16045581998
Operating hours: 12–7 PM
The Liberty Distillery on Granville Island is Vancouver’s first 100% artisanal distillery. It produces premium spirits exclusively from organic British Columbia grains. Everything is done on-site, from fermentation to triple distillation in handmade copper stills.
The best part was enjoying their handcrafted spirits in the tasting room and cocktail lounge. They even have a custom cocktail menu experience where you can try unique concoctions crafted by their skilled mixologists.
The vibe there is inviting and laid-back, blending a traditional pub’s charm with a craft distillery’s sophistication. It’s perfect for a casual hangout or even a special event.
Pro tip:
Be sure to try their signature Liberty Gin. It’s a unique and flavorful spirit perfect for a classic G&T or a creative cocktail.
2. Odd Society Spirits
Media credit: oddsocietyspirits
Website: https://www.oddsocietyspirits.com/
Address: 1725 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1H6
Contact details: +16045596745
Operating hours: 4–10 PM
Odd Society Spirits has a cozy vibe in the East Vancouver port district. The founder, Gordon Glanz, has a Master of Science in brewing and distilling, so you know you’re in good hands.
They have a great selection of spirits, including gin, vodka, and whisky, each with its unique personality. I tried their Wallflower Gin and Mongrel whisky, and they were delicious.
The distillery offers guided tastings, where you can learn all about its spirits. Its lounge and patio area are beautifully designed. The cocktails are something else—they use unique ingredients that bring a new level to traditional recipes.
What I loved most is that Odd Society Spirits has this eclectic yet warm vibe that appeals to everyone. The decor combines industrial and cozy elements, and there’s always a sense of community and creativity.
Pro tip:
Try their seasonal offerings. They regularly release limited-edition spirits that showcase the flavors of the season. There’s always something new and exciting to discover, from summer-inspired berry liqueurs to cozy winter warmers.
3. Long Table Distillery
Media credit: longtabledistillery
Website: http://www.longtabledistillery.com/
Address: 1451 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W8
Contact details: +16042660177
Operating hours: 3–9 PM
Long Table Distillery stands out in the city’s craft beverage scene. It’s the first distillery in Vancouver since 2013. It’s family-owned and specializes in creating gins and botanical spirits using traditional copper pot distilling methods.
What’s cool is that they’re super committed to quality and sustainability – they use 100% Canadian grain-based alcohol and wild foraged botanicals from British Columbia’s diverse ecosystems.
I loved that they offer a variety of gins, vodkas, and seasonal spirits, all distilled right there on-site using pristine water from the Coast Mountain Range. When I visited, I got to hang out in their cozy cocktail lounge and sample some handcrafted spirits.
The ambiance at Long Table Distillery is warm and inviting. Its cool rustic decor reflects its artisanal roots, making it ideal for casual hangouts and special celebrations.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a distillery tour. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the process of making handcrafted spirits and a chance to learn more about the history and philosophy behind Long Table Distillery.
4. Resurrection Spirits
Media credit: resurrectionspirits
Website: https://www.resurrectionspirits.ca/
Address: 1672 Franklin St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1P4
Contact details: +16042530059
Operating hours: 4 PM–12 AM
Resurrection Spirits is all about reclaiming the tradition of small-batch spirit production. They use 100% BC rye grain to handcraft whisky, gin, and vodka.
One thing that stood out to me was their meticulous distillation process—they distill their vodka 18 times to ensure it’s top-notch. The space is cool, too, with a production area and a tasting room all in one.
The tasting sessions were a highlight for me. I got to sample different spirits and learn about the distillation process from their knowledgeable staff. They also have a full-service cocktail menu and a cozy lounge where you can just chill.
It was a great spot for friends to hang out or for special occasions. The rustic charm and contemporary design blend give it an inviting and sophisticated feel.
Pro tip:
Take a guided tour of the distillery. This immersive experience allows you to witness the entire production process firsthand, from the milling of grains to bottling finished spirits.
5. Sons of Vancouver Distillery
Media credit: sonsofvancouver
Website: http://sonsofvancouver.ca/
Address: 1431 Crown St, North Vancouver, BC V7J 1G4
Contact details: +17783405388
Operating hours: 5–9 PM
Sons of Vancouver Distillery, nestled in the beautiful North Shore of Vancouver, is dedicated to creating top-notch spirits with a unique twist. Their rye whisky even won the ‘Canadian Whisky of the Year 2023’ title – that’s how good it is!
They focus on small-batch production, which allows them to pay close attention to every detail. When I visited their tasting room, I was blown away by the cozy atmosphere and the firsthand chance to taste their artisanal spirits.
The tasting room is a cozy bar where you can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails made from their own distilled spirits. I tried their signature cocktails, and they showcased the depth of flavors in their products.
The distillery hosts tasting events and offers exclusive bottle releases, so there’s always something new. It’s a great place for both casual visitors and serious whisky lovers.
Pro tip:
Check their event calendar. They often host live music, food pairings, and special events that add to the experience. It’s a great way to discover local talent and enjoy a memorable evening.
6. Copperpenny Distilling Co.
Media credit: copperpennydistillingnv
Website: https://copperpennydistilling.com/
Address: 288 Esplanade E Unit 103, North Vancouver, BC V7L 1A3
Contact details: +17788023500
Operating hours: 4–10 PM
Copperpenny Distilling Co. is known for its innovative approach to craft distilling. They’ve even got Canada’s first oyster shell gin – how cool is that? And it’s not just a gimmick; it reflects their commitment to using local ingredients and creativity.
The distillery was founded by a duo with no prior distilling experience. Still, they’ve quickly made a name for themselves in the industry, winning accolades like the 2023 Global Gin Master Gold Medal.
Their flagship product, Copperpenny Gin No. 005, is seriously something else. It’s crafted with nine botanicals; you can taste the gentle citrus and smoky notes. It’s so versatile for all kinds of cocktails.
The tasting lounge is stunning, with its art deco aesthetics and modern twist. I even tried this non-menu cocktail called “What’s the yams?” It feels like stepping into a stylish speakeasy with its peacock wallpaper and warm lighting.
Pro tip:
Sign up if you’re lucky enough to visit during their tasting events. These events offer a great opportunity to sample a variety of their spirits and learn about the distilling process from the experts themselves.
7. Artisan Sake Maker
Media credit: artisansake
Website: http://artisansakemaker.com/
Address: 1339 Railspur Alley, Vancouver, BC V6H 4G9
Contact details: +16046857253
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–6 PM
Artisan Sake Maker is a craft distillery that focuses on making top-quality sake using traditional Japanese methods, which is rare in Canada. I was impressed with their commitment to artisanal practices and their use of locally sourced ingredients.
Their small-batch production gives their sake a distinct flavor profile. I took a guided tour and learned about the sake-making process during my visit.
The tasting room was a real treat, too. I got to sample different types of sake, and the knowledgeable staff there shared insights about each sake’s characteristics and even suggested pairings.
The atmosphere at Artisan Sake Maker is perfect – it’s warm and inviting, with a mix of modern design and traditional Japanese elements. And the best part? You can even purchase your favorite bottles to take home with you.
Pro tip:
For a truly memorable experience, consider attending one of their sake-pairing dinners. These events showcase the versatility of sake as a culinary companion, with expertly curated dishes that complement the unique characteristics of each bottle.
8. Raincity Distillery
Media credit: raincitydistillery
Website: http://raincitydistillery.ca/
Address: 38918 Progress Way #8, Squamish, BC V8B 0K7
Contact details: +16043901122
Operating hours: 4–10 PM
You’ve probably heard companies often use local ingredients, but Raincity Distillery is something else. They use water from nearby ice fields—how cool is that?
You can sample their distinctive spirits at their tasting room, while at the cocktail lounge, you can explore their seasonal menu, boasting 20 to 30 complex cocktails crafted with precision.
Another reason we like about Raincity Distillery is the inviting and energetic ambiance. We like that you can watch the distillation process through the glass windows, but my favorite was the Bartending 101 workshop, where I learned how to mix cocktails.
And let me tell you about their smoked vodka and barrel-aged gin – they were fantastic and added a whole new dimension to the flavors I’m used to.
Pro tip:
From guided distillery tours to cocktail-making classes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I particularly love their seasonal cocktail menu, which features innovative and delicious creations inspired by local flavors.
9. Mad Laboratory Distilling
Media credit: madlabspirits
Website: http://madlabdistilling.com/
Address: 618 East Kent Ave S #119, Vancouver, BC V5X 4V6
Contact details: +16043014855
Mad Laboratory Distilling is a small-batch distillery known for its meticulous approach to distillation. It uses only BC-grown malted barley to create its award-winning spirits, such as single malt whisky, vodka, and gin.
When I visited, I enjoyed a guided tasting, during which the staff shared much insight about the distillation process and the unique flavor profiles of each spirit. It was a treat to learn more about their production philosophy, which emphasizes quality over quantity.
The cozy tasting room created the perfect atmosphere to savor their exquisite spirits, and I even had the chance to purchase some limited-edition bottles to take home. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, and the rustic decor adds to the inviting atmosphere.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the opportunity to try their seasonal releases. Mad Laboratory often experiments with unique flavors and ingredients, so you never know what you might discover.
10. The Woods Spirit Co.
Media credit: woodsspiritco
Website: http://thewoodsspiritco.com/
Address: 1450 Rupert St, North Vancouver, BC V7J 1E9
Contact details: +16047802325
Operating hours: 5–9 PM
The Woods Spirit Co. is a craft distillery known for its unique vacuum distillation method, which brings out the flavors of its spirits. It tried its gin and some of its award-winning liqueurs, which were delicious.
When you visit, you’ve got to check out The Bar in The Woods. It’s such a cozy spot to enjoy some expertly crafted cocktails. And if you want to take some spirits home, they have a bottle shop at the distillery.
One of the coolest things about The Woods Spirit Co. is that they offer these interactive cocktail classes. Not only do you get to learn how to mix drinks like a pro, but you also get to taste their unique spirits while you’re there.
Pro tip:
Try their signature Woods Gin, a perfect balance of juniper, citrus, and botanical flavors. And don’t forget to explore the distillery’s beautiful grounds, which offer a peaceful escape from the city.