Victoria BC: Tour & Tasting Around Award Winning Distillery

Victoria BC: Tour & Tasting Around an Award-Winning Distillery

Thinking about exploring Victoria’s craft distillery scene? This tour at Macaloney’s Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery offers just that—a behind-the-scenes look at one of BC’s most decorated craft producers, wrapped in a fun and flavorful package. It’s a quick 45-minute visit that promises to be both educational and delicious, perfect for curious travelers eager to see how award-winning spirits and beers are made.

Two things we really like about this experience? First, the expert guides—dressed in kilts, no less—who make the tour both engaging and approachable. Second, the inclusive tastings: five carefully curated samples of whisky and beer that showcase the distillery’s craftsmanship and innovative blending of Scottish traditions with Pacific Northwest ingredients. The only thing to consider? The tour’s fairly short length, so if you’re a serious connoisseur looking for an in-depth dive, you might want to supplement this with other activities.

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy a good story behind their drink, are curious about the craft of distilling, or are simply seeking a memorable, fun outing in Victoria. Families with older children, whisky aficionados, or craft beer fans will all find plenty to enjoy here.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Brief but Informative: The 45-minute tour packs a lot of insight into the distillation process and products.
• Engaging Guides: Guides dressed in traditional Scottish kilts add a lively, authentic touch.
• High-Quality Tastings: Five tastings—three beers and two whiskies—offer good value for the price.
• Award-Winning Products: The distillery boasts 3 “World’s Best” and 8 “Canada’s Best” awards.
• Local Fusion: A unique blend of Scottish practices with Pacific Northwest ingredients creates distinctive spirits.
• Membership Badge: Visiting earns you a stamp on the Northwest Whiskey Trail—a nice collectible for fans.

A Closer Look at What You Can Expect

The Setting and Atmosphere

From the moment you arrive at the visitor center, you’re welcomed into a lively, approachable environment. The guides are quick to dress in full Scottish kilts, which adds a touch of tradition and humor, making the experience more memorable. The tour begins in the heart of the distillery, where you’re encouraged to touch, taste, and see the process firsthand.

Behind the Scenes

This isn’t just a walkthrough; it’s a hands-on, up-close look at the production floor. You’ll see some of North America’s largest pot stills—impressive copper giants shipped directly from Scotland. Standing beneath these giant stills, you’ll learn about the distillation process and how the distillery’s award-winning whiskies are crafted. The guides are well-educated, eager to share the secrets behind their success, which makes this a truly educational experience.

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The Still-Stage Experience

One of the tour’s highlights is standing on the still-stage, where you can get a sense of the craftsmanship involved. Here, the guides explain what makes their products stand out—namely, their dedication to Scottish practices combined with local ingredients. This fusion results in spirits that have earned international and national acclaim, including three ‘World’s Best’ whiskies and eight ‘Canada’s Best’ awards.

Tasting the Products

What’s a distillery tour without tasting? You’ll sample five different beverages: three beers and two whiskies. The tastings are included in the tour fee and are thoughtfully selected to showcase the distillery’s range. The three beers allow you to appreciate their craft beer skills, while the whiskies show their finesse in distilling spirits with complex flavors.

Value for Money

At $22 per person, the tour offers remarkable value—combining educational content, product tastings, and a guided experience all within 45 minutes. Plus, there’s a 10% discount on bottles purchased after the tour, making it even more appealing for those wanting to bring a piece of BC’s craft spirits home.

Additional Details

The tour is scheduled mainly in the afternoon and evening, with the option to reserve and pay later—adding flexibility to your plans. It’s a small-group experience, led by knowledgeable guides who speak English and are eager to answer questions. Note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and pets are not allowed, though assistance dogs are permitted.

Extra Offerings

While the tour itself doesn’t include food, you can purchase pizza and pretzels at the visitor center, making it easy to turn this into a small, casual snack break. The tour concludes with the opportunity to buy bottles at a discount, which could be a highlight for spirits enthusiasts.

Authentic Voices and Reviews

Visitors rave about the guides, describing them as “educated and knowledgeable,” and make special note of the good value for the price. Emilie from Belgium called it a “great experience,” emphasizing she learned a lot and enjoyed the excellent products. The friendly guides, coupled with the opportunity to see award-winning spirits being crafted, seem to resonate well with travelers.

Why This Tour Works

This experience stands out because it balances entertainment and education. You’re not just watching a video or listening to a spiel—you’re seeing full-sized copper stills and hearing stories directly from guides dressed in Scottish kilts. The tastings are generous and thoughtfully curated, making your visit feel both indulgent and informative. Plus, earning a stamp from the Northwest Whiskey Trail adds a collectible element that appeals to spirits fans.

The short duration makes it perfect for those with tight schedules or as a quick round-up of your Victoria visit. It’s especially fitting if you’re interested in craft distilling, Scottish traditions, or local BC products.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is best suited for casual visitors wanting a quick yet enriching introduction to Victoria’s craft spirits. Whisky and craft beer lovers will find particular appeal in the tastings and award-winning products. Those curious about how traditional Scottish distillation techniques are adapted with local ingredients will appreciate the insights shared by friendly guides.

It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking an extensive deep-dive into distillation—this is more of a sample of the craft rather than an exhaustive tour. Families with older children, or anyone interested in a fun, educational outing, will find it a memorable addition to their Victoria itinerary.

The Sum Up

This distillery tour offers excellent value for its modest price and short duration. It’s a great way to gain insight into the craft of distilling while enjoying top-quality tastings of award-winning spirits. The guides’ enthusiasm and the authentic Scottish touches make the experience memorable without feeling overly formal or pretentious.

If you’re in Victoria and want a taste of local craftsmanship combined with a bit of Scottish flair, this tour is an enjoyable, friendly introduction. It’s especially perfect for spirits lovers, curious travelers, or those simply looking for a fun, authentic activity to round out their day.

While it isn’t a comprehensive deep dive into the art of distilling, it offers just enough to whet your appetite—and perhaps inspire a bottle or two to take home. For anyone interested in craft spirits, this tour hits the sweet spot of value, authenticity, and fun.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick but informative experience.

What is included in the tour cost?
For $22 per person, you get a guided walk around the production floor and five tastings—three beers and two whiskies.

Are there any discounts offered?
Yes, you receive a 10% discount on any bottles of whisky purchased after the tour.

Is there a specific dress code?
While no formal dress code is required, guides are dressed in kilts, adding a fun and authentic Scottish touch.

Can I book the tour in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially in peak tourist seasons, and you can reserve and pay later for flexibility.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
It’s best suited for those of legal drinking age; non-drinkers can enjoy the educational aspect, but tastings are only for those of age.

In summary, this Victoria distillery tour offers a well-priced, engaging glimpse into award-winning spirits with friendly guides and memorable tastings—perfect for a fun, authentic experience in BC’s capital.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby