BC Distilled returned to an in-person festival in Vancouver this past weekend, after a two-year break. On offer April 9 were 150 spirits to try, with a third of those new to the market since the last show. 

At an April 6 tasting event, author and whisky expert Davin de Kergommeaux led a sampling of eight whiskies and one barrel-aged B.C. honey rum. Among several distillers present was Sons of Vancouver’s Jenna Diubaldo, who earned praise from de Kergommeaux over her blending of the crowd-favourite Marshmallows Over a Campfire rye whisky.

On Saturday, April 8 the Distillers Dinner at Forage returned, with a cocktail reception followed by a five-course meal paired with five spirits sample and five cocktails. This annual dinner is a highlight of the festival, attended by distillers and food and spirits aficionados alike.

The BC Distilled Festival is proud to support Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), who returned to their first in-person event since the pandemic started. Attendees were treated with dogs wandering the show to greet them, as well as a puppy lounge. Through a silent auction, 50/50 draws, and a portion of ticket sales the festival raised $5500 for PADS.

Since the festival’s inaugural event in 2014, attendees have voted on their favourite spirits for the coveted Audience Favourite Awards. This year there were 12 spirit categories plus a newly added BC Distilled Distillery of the Year.

The 2022 winners are:

• BC Distilled Distillery of the Year: Fernie Distillers

• Amaro or Vermouth: The Woods Spirit Co. – Amaro Chiaro

• Barrel-Aged Gin: Odd Society Spirits – Wallflower Oaken Gin

• Flavoured Gin: Wayward Distillery – Raspberry Gin Liqueur

• Fruit Liqueur: Odd Society Spirits – Creme de Cassis

• Gin: Ampersand Distilling Company – Ampersand Gin

• Infused or Flavoured Vodka: Arbutus Distillery – Hibiscus Vodka

• Liqueur: Bruinwood Estate Distillery – Spirited Horchata

• Rare & Fine Other Spirits: Alchemist Distiller – Green Frog Absynthe (Absinthe)

• Vodka: Wayward Distillery – Unruly Vodka

• Whisky: Shelter Point Distillery – Ripple Rock

• White Spirit: Stillhead Distillery - Blackberry Rye'Shine

• Young Whisky: DEVINE Distillery – Ancient Grains Quarter Cask