Victoria BC: Tour & Tasting Around Award Winning Distillery

Imagine stepping into a craft distillery in Victoria that’s been recognized across Canada and internationally for its excellence. At Macaloney’s Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery, you’ll find yourself on a 45-minute journey through the process of making award-winning whisky and beer, led by guides dressed in traditional kilts who are passionate about their craft. The cost is just $22 per person, making it a surprisingly good deal for the intimacy and quality of the experience.

What we love about this tour are two key elements: first, the hands-on learning about distilling methods that combine Scottish traditions with Pacific Northwest ingredients, and second, the generous tasting lineup—five tastings total, including three beers and two whiskeys—that truly allow you to appreciate the craftsmanship.

One possible consideration is that the tour lasts only 45 minutes, which means it’s more of a quick peek than an in-depth exploration. It’s also not suitable for wheelchair users and involves a fair amount of standing within a working production space. This experience is perfect if you’re seeking a fun, informative, and authentic look at local distilling, especially if you’re a fan of spirits or craft beers.

If you enjoy discovering local food and drink producers with a good story behind their products, this tour will suit you well. It’s also a great choice for those who appreciate a lively guide and a behind-the-scenes peek at award-winning spirits and brews.

Key Points

Short but sweet: The tour lasts 45 minutes, making it an easy addition to a day in Victoria.
Comprehensive tasting: Five generous tastings, including beers and whiskeys, deliver excellent value.
Expert guides: Guides dressed in kilts add a fun, authentic touch while sharing in-depth knowledge.
Award-winning products: The distillery boasts 3 World’s Best and 8 Canada’s Best spirits.
Hands-on experience: See how raw grains become award-winning spirits on a working production floor.
Trail stamp: Get a stamp from the Northwest Whiskey Trail, a badge of local excellence.

Victoria’s Macaloney’s Island Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewery offer an engaging look into the world of craft spirits and beers. This isn’t just a tasting session—it’s an educational experience that highlights the skills and dedication involved in creating award-winning beverages. We think this tour is especially appealing to those who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and a touch of local flavor.

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The Itinerary: What to Expect During Your 45 Minutes

The tour begins at the Visitor Centre bar, where you check in and meet your guide. From the outset, the tone is casual but informative. Your guides, often dressed in traditional kilted attire, are enthusiastic and eager to share their knowledge. They’ll lead you around the production floor, giving you a close-up view of the large pot stills—some of the largest in North America—that are essential to this distillery’s success.

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Behind the Scenes: Watching the Craft in Action

One of the most captivating parts of the tour is standing beneath the ‘Forsthye’ copper pot stills, renowned for their Scottish heritage. You’ll see how these iconic stills, shipped directly from Scotland, play a crucial role in producing the distillery’s award-winning spirits. The guides explain the process of mashing, fermentation, distillation, and how local Pacific Northwest ingredients are incorporated to create a unique flavor profile.

Tasting Like a Pro

Once you’ve seen the equipment, it’s time for tastings. The tour includes three beers and two whiskies, carefully selected to showcase the distillery’s best work. These samples are generous and meant to be savored, not just drunk quickly. You’ll learn how each spirit’s flavor is shaped by ingredients, distillation techniques, and aging processes—all explained by your knowledgeable guides.

A Genuine Connection to Local Heritage

A highlight is the stamp from the Northwest Whiskey Trail, signaling the distillery’s status as a local leader. The guides often share stories about the heritage and traditions that influence their recipes, blending Scottish practices with Pacific Northwest ingredients. This cultural fusion is part of what makes the spirits distinctive and worth tasting.

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Why This Tour Is a Great Value

At just $22, the experience offers more than enough value. The included tastings alone are worth the price, especially considering the quality and variety. Plus, the 10% discount on bottles purchased afterward makes it a smart stop if you want to bring home a bottle of your favorite spirit or beer.

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Authentic, Interactive, and Fun

The guides’ enthusiasm and the touch-it, taste-it, see-it approach make the experience engaging. We loved the way the guides “weave around the working production floor and up onto the still-stage,” providing a genuine glimpse into how spirits are made. The lively atmosphere and insider knowledge create a memorable visit that’s both educational and fun.

This tour strikes a good balance between informative content and casual fun. It’s perfect for visitors who want a quick but meaningful peek into Victoria’s craft beverage scene without spending hours or breaking the bank.

For spirits enthusiasts, the fact that they’ve won 3 World’s Best awards adds a layer of credibility and excitement. For beer lovers, the inclusion of three local craft beers offers a taste of Victoria’s burgeoning brewery scene.

The guides are a big part of the appeal—they are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, making the tour lively and approachable. Their stories provide context about the distillery’s heritage, methods, and ingredients, giving you a sense of authenticity that’s often missing from more commercialized experiences.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Excellent value for a quality, guided tasting
– Personal, engaging guides dressed in traditional Scottish attire
– Insightful look at both whisky and beer production
– Easy to fit into a day’s schedule with a 45-minute duration
– Opportunity to purchase bottles at a discount

Cons:
– Not wheelchair accessible
– Limited time to explore or ask in-depth questions
– Might feel rushed for those wanting a deep dive into distillation

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits travellers with a curiosity about local, craft spirits and beers, especially those who enjoy learning in a lively, informal setting. It’s ideal for visitors on a short stay who want a quick yet meaningful introduction to Victoria’s beverage scene. If you’re traveling with friends, family, or even solo, you’ll find the atmosphere welcoming and the content engaging.

Absolutely. For just $22, you get a well-rounded, fun, and informative perspective on Victoria’s craft distilling and brewing scene. With knowledgeable guides, a behind-the-scenes look at large copper stills, and five tastings included, it’s a tour that offers great value and a memorable experience.

This is especially true if you’re a spirit or beer lover, or if you simply want to support a local business that’s earned international acclaim. The combination of authentic production insights and tasty samples makes it a worthwhile addition to your Victoria adventure.

In short, this tour is a delight for those seeking authentic, craft-focused experiences in Victoria. It’s fun, educational, and affordable, making it a perfect introduction to BC’s vibrant distilling and brewing culture.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick visit that fits into a busy day.

What is included in the tour?
You get a 45-minute guided walk around the production floor, five tastings (three beers and two whiskies), and a 10% discount on bottles purchased afterward.

Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance, especially during busy seasons, but you can also book online with the option to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
No, it’s designed for adults due to the alcohol tastings and the nature of the production process. Minors are typically not allowed.

Are there any accessibility issues?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as it involves navigating a working production floor and standing for the duration.

Can I buy bottles after the tour?
Yes, all bottles of whisky and beer are available for purchase, with a 10% discount offered to tour participants.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID or passport to verify your age. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to standing and walking around the production area.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in English. Guides are knowledgeable and engaging, providing clear explanations throughout.

Whether you’re a spirits aficionado, a craft beer enthusiast, or simply curious about Victoria’s local flavors, this tour offers a friendly, authentic, and value-packed experience that’s hard to beat.