A Spirited Journey: Meet the Artisan Distilleries at BC Gourmet Arts Festival 2023

This year, the BC Gourmet Arts Festival proudly introduces a new and exciting addition to its lineup of attractions: a specially curated collection of spirit vendors. Stepping away from the supernatural connotations, this year, we bring the spirits that promise a delightful blend of taste and craftsmanship.

Let's introduce the three artisan distilleries showcasing their unique spirits, each embodying their exceptional quality and creativity standards.

Dragon Mist Distillery: The Essence of Craftsmanship

First, we have Dragon Mist Distillery. Known for its high-quality spirits, Dragon Mist Distillery has carved out a name for itself in British Columbia. Their broad product range features their signature Baijiu, Vodka, Gin, and various delicious liqueurs.

The secret behind Dragon Mist Distillery's exceptional quality is its combination of traditional distilling techniques and meticulous ingredient selection. Their renowned Dragon Mist Vodka and Baijiu encapsulate the flavor of wheat sourced from BC's Peace River country and are refined with pristine glacial water from the mountains near Vancouver.

Further setting them apart is their micro-distilled gin. Infused with 11 unique botanicals, this gin promises an incomparable aroma and flavor that will take your cocktail game to the next level. Don't miss their diverse liqueur selection featuring Limoncello, Blueberry, and Cranberry liqueurs or their sumptuous Coffee Liqueur, perfect for those with a penchant for a dark roast aroma.

Elder Bros Farm: The Power of the Purcell Valley

Nestled in the picturesque Purcell Valley, north of Cranbrook, BC, Elder Bros Farm hand harvests and infuses Elderflowers, creating a floral liqueur that has won international recognition. Their Elderflower Liqueur is incredibly versatile, able to elevate or balance almost any drink you concoct.

Elder Bros Farm's Apple Brandy pays homage to the spirit's rich North American history, offering classic cocktails with a twist. Their Apple Strudel-infused concoctions can be easily mixed with popular autumn spirits like Whisky, Rum, Brandy, Vodka, and Wine, resulting in unforgettable cocktails.

Elder Bros Farm is a testament to hard work and dedication, encapsulating the bounty of British Columbia and Alberta in every bottle. Every drop speaks of the sweat and passion for crafting a truly Canadian product.

Stillhead Distillery: Embodying Island Living

The Stillhead Distillery story began in 2017, driven by the passion of Master Distiller Brennan Colebank. Leaving a 15-year-long career in the tech industry, Colebank decided to blend his love for chemistry and spirits. Now, Stillhead Distillery, located in the Cowichan Valley, is home to a team of nine and a growing collection of internationally acclaimed spirits.

Known for its Wild Blackberry Gin, made from locally handpicked berries, Stillhead Distillery continually innovates with exclusive cask-finished whiskies. The year 2023 will witness the introduction of their flagship "Double Oak Whisky" and a unique maple syrup cask finished whisky, among others.

Stillhead Distillery's vision goes beyond creating excellent spirits; it encapsulates the essence of island living. By incorporating distinct Vancouver Island ingredients, each bottle offers a taste of the beautiful home they cherish.

So, ready your palates for an enchanting journey through the world of artisan spirits at the BC Gourmet Arts Festival 2023. These distilleries are waiting to share their exceptional craft with you. Here's to an unforgettable tasting experience!