Introduction
Look into Kelowna's thriving distillery landscape, where a blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative spirit-making techniques come alive. Experience the finest distillery tasting tours in Kelowna, offering a palette of flavours ranging from smooth whiskeys to artisanal liqueurs. Each distillery in Kelowna stands out with its unique approach to spirit making, capturing the essence of local ingredients and the passion of their craft.
You'll discover how each distillery infuses local character into their spirits, bringing a taste of Kelowna to every sip. From guided tours that reveal the secrets of distillation to the final, satisfying taste of a well-crafted spirit, Kelowna's distilleries offer an experience that goes beyond the glass.
Okanagan Spirits
Okanagan Spirits sets a high bar in the world of craft distillation. Their dedication to using 100% locally sourced grains and fruits creates spirits with a distinctive character. The distillery's lineup boasts an impressive range, including the award-winning Laird of Fintry single malt whiskey and a richly complex BC Rye Whiskey. Each spirit tells a story of local heritage and meticulous craftsmanship.
When visiting Okanagan Spirits, you can choose from a variety of tour experiences. The Farm-To-Flask Experience is a 45-minute journey through their flagship distillery in Vernon, offering an in-depth look at their copper-pot stills and fermentation vessels, culminating in a guided tasting of four award-winning spirits. For whiskey enthusiasts, the Whisky Experience explains the craft of whiskey making, followed by a tasting of premium whiskeys. Gin lovers can indulge in the “GIN”troduction, exploring the distillery's range of premium gins. And if you're keen on mixing drinks, the Cocktail Creation tour teaches the basics of cocktail making, coupled with a distillery tour. Tours can be reserved on their website.
Forbidden Spirits
In South East Kelowna, Forbidden Spirits captivates visitors with its innovative approach to spirit making. This distillery is renowned for its apple-based spirits, particularly the Rebel Vodka, which exudes a crisp, clean flavour embodying the essence of fresh apples. The intimate scale of Forbidden Spirits adds a personal touch to its tours, allowing visitors to connect closely with the distilling process.
Their tasting experiences are as unique as their spirits. Opt for the Mini Cocktail Flight to sample mini versions of signature cocktails, including Adam's Apple Brandy with Forbidden Lime Elixir, or Eve's Original Gin with Lavender Lime Elixir. For those who prefer spirits in their purest form, the Straight Spirits tasting offers a chance to savour four ultra-premium spirits. The tastings, lasting about 30 minutes, can be enjoyed outdoors in the picnic area or on the patio, providing a relaxed and scenic backdrop.
Other Notable Distilleries
Kelowna's distillery scene is rich and varied. Urban Distilleries + Winery, one of British Columbia's oldest craft distilleries, offers a range of hand-crafted spirits and wines. Additionally, Indigenous World Spirits is where traditional indigenous knowledge meets contemporary distillation techniques. Meanwhile, The Dubh Glas Distillery, located south of Kelowna, is known for its meticulous crafting of single malt whisky, gin, and vodka. Kettle River Brewing Co., primarily a microbrewery, also distills spirits from its beer products, creating a unique fusion of brewing and distillation techniques.
General Tasting Tour Information
For those looking to explore a broader range of Kelowna's alcoholic delights, combined Brewery and Distillery Tours are available. These tours, accommodating ages 19+ and up to 10 people per group, offer a comprehensive experience over approximately 3.5 hours. They include beer flight tastings and spirit samples, guided by a local expert, ensuring a well-rounded introduction to Kelowna's brewery and distillery scene. These tours typically start at 1301 Ellis St, Kelowna, with the option for custom pickup and drop-off on private tours. It's a journey that combines the best of both worlds, allowing visitors to savour a diverse range of flavours and techniques.
Tasting Tips
To make the most of your distillery tasting experience, a few tips can enhance your journey. Firstly, cleanse your palate between tastings to fully appreciate the nuances of each spirit. Pacing is key; take your time to savour each sample and understand its unique profile. Engaging with the distillers or tour guides can enrich your understanding, offering insights into the crafting process and the stories behind each spirit. Remember, these tours are not just about tasting; they're an opportunity to immerse yourself in the art and science of spirit making.
Conclusion
Kelowna's distillery scene offers a rich variety of flavours and experiences, each distillery bringing its unique touch to the craft. So, raise a glass to a world of refined flavours, artisanal craftsmanship, and captivating stories. Kelowna's distilleries are more than just producers of fine spirits; they are storytellers, innovators, and keepers of tradition, eagerly waiting to share their passion with you. Drink responsibly and savour the experience that Kelowna's distilleries have to offer.
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