Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery has been setting new standards in craft distilling and is Western Canada's original craft distillery. It was founded with a dedication to using 100% locally sourced fruits and grains and has won multiple awards on the international stage.
A Legacy of Local Ingredients and Craftsmanship
Okanagan Spirits began in 2004, rooted in a vision to create premium spirits using only local ingredients. The distillery, located in a 16,000 sq. ft. facility, features North America's tallest copper pot still, a captivating sight for anyone visiting. From its early days, the focus was on creating a farm-to-flask experience, where fruits and grains grown in the Okanagan are transformed into world-class spirits. Every bottle at Okanagan Spirits is free from artificial flavours and colours, highlighting the region's authentic flavours.
With over a century of combined experience, the team follows rigorous processes, ensuring quality and flavour. From award-winning whiskies to classic gins and vodkas, the spirits showcase traditional techniques and innovative approaches. The distillery's commitment to using local ingredients has contributed to the Okanagan's reputation as a top destination for craft beverages. In 2013, they became North America's only World-Class rated distillery, which is a distinction they are proud of.
Award-Winning Spirits Lineup
Whiskies
The distillery offers a range of award-winning, in-demand whiskies, including its Laird of Fintry Single Malt and BRBN Bourbon-style whisky. The distillery's unique BC Rye and seasonal beer-inspired whiskies provide something special for enthusiasts seeking variety. Known for small-batch production, the whiskies have gained recognition at the World Spirits Awards and Canadian Whisky Awards for many years.
Vodka and Gin
Okanagan Spirits' vodkas and gins hold a special place for spirit lovers. From the Essentials Line Vodka made from local grains to the Family Reserve Okanagan Vodka crafted from apples, each bottle tells a story of the land. The gin lineup includes the traditional essentials gin, a barrel-aged variant, and the Evolve Colour Changing Legacy Gin. Each is distilled in their state-of-the-art 50 plate impressive copper pot still to 96.4% purity, offering a smooth experience with an Okanagan twist.
Absinthe, Aquavit, Liquers, and More
Okanagan Spirits introduced Canada's first genuine absinthe, "Taboo," in 2007. This black licorice-flavoured spirit has won Gold at the World Spirits Awards, and the distillery's Aquavit has also received acclaim. Their Aquavit is a vodka-style spirit infused with aromatic herbs and spices, featuring bold flavours of caraway and dill, with added notes of anise, fennel, coriander, and juniper. The liqueurs are crafted with only three ingredients: local fruit, pure in-house alcohol, and a small amount of cane sugar, delivering a natural taste. The distillery also offers fruit brandies and marc (grappa), showcasing diverse flavour profiles and production techniques.
Distillery Experiences and Tours
Okanagan Spirits provides immersive experiences for visitors, offering a closer look at the craft of distilling. With its 27-foot counter, the tasting bar lets guests sample from over 30 spirits. A $10 tasting fee covers three samples and is waived with a purchase.
Private tastings and tours explore the intricate processes behind the scenes, guiding visitors through the distillery while explaining each step. Reservations are required to ensure an intimate and engaging experience.
Farm-To-Flask Experience
The Farm-To-Flask tour for two to twelve people offers a 45-minute guided journey into the world of craft distilling. This tour brings visitors up close to the full distillation process, from ingredient selection to bottling. With a focus on showcasing the local terroir, guests will see copper-pot stills, a mash cooker, and other equipment that brings their spirits to life. The experience concludes with a guided tasting of four of Okanagan Spirits' award-winning spirits, each selected from a different category to provide a well-rounded flavour journey.
Whisky Experience
The Whisky Experience is a one-hour, in-depth exploration of the art of whisky making. Limited to groups of two to six, this experience looks into what makes the whisky "craft" in B.C. Guests tour the distillery to see the production process, from grain selection and mashing to distilling and aging. After the tour, participants enjoy a guided tasting of four premium whiskies, and each guest takes home a signature Okanagan Spirits whisky-tasting glass as a keepsake.
"GIN" Troduction
The "GIN" Troduction tour allows gin enthusiasts to understand the intricacies of gin production at Okanagan Spirits. This one-hour guided experience, suitable for groups of two to twelve, includes a tour of the distillery's gin-making facilities, featuring insights into ingredient selection and infusion methods. Following the tour, guests participate in a guided tasting of four premium gins, each with unique flavours, from traditional gin to barrel-aged varieties. The experience also covers how to use different mixers and includes an afternoon in the private spirits lounge, where guests can enjoy learning and tasting in a relaxed setting.
Cocktail Creation
The Cocktail Creation tour is a hands-on, 75-90 minute experience to teach guests the basics of crafting cocktails. The session, beginning with a distillery tour to understand the production of craft spirits, transitions to a cocktail-making workshop where participants learn techniques, tools, and ingredients. Guests can make their own cocktails with guidance from Okanagan Spirits staff, providing a fun, interactive experience. This workshop accommodates four to twelve guests.
Custom Spirits and Private Reserve Whisky
Okanagan Spirits' dedication to personalization extends to its Private Reserve Whisky program, where customers can create their own custom whisky blend. This unique offering allows patrons to select a barrel finish and base type (bourbon, rye, or single malt) and even design a customized barrel end. The process, from selection to bottling, takes only 6-10 weeks, making it an ideal option for corporate gifts or special celebrations.
Committed to Quality and Community
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery continues to lead in quality, innovation, and community involvement. By promoting the region's agriculture and supporting local farmers, the distillery highlights the best of the Okanagan Valley's resources. Each spirit crafted at Okanagan Spirits exemplifies the distillery's commitment to quality and the Okanagan's natural bounty.
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery has redefined what craft distilling can be, not only in British Columbia but globally. With its award-winning spirits, dedication to local ingredients, and variety of unique experiences, it offers an authentic taste of the Okanagan in every bottle.
