Victoria: The Gin Connoisseur Guide

When it comes to choosing a spirit to mix with your tonic, forget vodka… Gin is enjoying a massive revival right now.

Gin is undoubtedly one of the world’s fastest-growing spirits and craft gin distilleries are popping up everywhere and fans are enjoying new brands and new ways of garnishing and mixing the spirt—and Vancouver Island is en pointe when it comes to the cool gin craze.

An Empress of a Gin

Victoria Distillers and the Fairmont Empress have joined forces to create a truly distinctive gin. Inspired by a 1908 cocktail, the spirit features seven botanicals including a South Asian botanical called the pea flower. Watch as additional mixers are added: this gin changes colour!

You can take a tour and experience at the artisan Sidney distillery. Tours and tastings are just $7 and take around 45 minutes.

Vin Gin

Visit certified-organic De Vine Vineyard in Saanichton to sample their Vin Gin, which is made using the winery’s Pinot Gris and Gruner Veltliner grapes. It’s a true field to (gin) glass offering, with the base spirit being double distilled from BC wine grapes. A third distillation marries the spirit with a dozen organic and wild-gathered botanicals to create an amazingly smooth gin.

Overlooking the Gulf Islands, this winery and distillery provides a perfect venue for tasting and experiencing the beauty of the region.

Sustainable Gin

In Shirley, Sheringham Distillery creates their citrusy Seaside Gin using only products grown in BC, including organic white wheat, malted barley, natural botanicals and local hand-harvested winged kelp.

After distilling, all the spent grains are sent to local farms to become a healthy source of high protein livestock feed.

If you’re doing a gin tour of Vancouver Island this summer, book yourself a break at the stylish Best Western PLUS Carlton Plaza, a AAA Three Diamond heritage hotels that’s just a short stroll from the city’s gorgeous Inner Harbour and the Legislature Buildings.