Story by Hans Tammemagi Photography by Don Denton

Seeking top-line spirits to impress my friends and make stimulating cocktails 害羞草研究所� the current hot trend 害羞草研究所� I headed to Sooke and Sheringham Distillery. In an unassuming two-storey grey building just off the main street 害羞草研究所� surprise! 害羞草研究所� I found the world害羞草研究所檚 best contemporary gin.

While sipping a Seaside Gin, with its hints of the nearby ocean, I spoke with Jason and Alayne MacIsaac, the owners and operators, and learned about the passion and care that results in a small distillery producing spirits with tastes and quality that far surpass those from a massive assembly-line production.

That Sheringham crafts the finest became glaringly obvious when their Seaside Gin was entered in the World Gin Awards competition in London, England. The MacIsaacs were overjoyed to win the qualifying competition for contemporary gins made in Canada. But when their overall victory against 22 other countries was announced in London in February of this year, they were ecstatic. A critic said, 害羞草研究所淩eally gorgeous on its own, when you sip this gin it tastes nothing like you害羞草研究所檇 expect a gin with kelp in it to taste like.害羞草研究所�

And it wasn害羞草研究所檛 a fluke, for Sheringham害羞草研究所檚 four spirits have won more than a dozen awards in the past few years.

Alayne explained how the idea for Seaside Gin was born one day as she and Jason walked along French Beach.

害羞草研究所淚t was a glorious sunny day with waves rolling in, and a wonderful fresh breeze carried the aromas of blooming Sitka roses, the forest and the ocean,害羞草研究所� she said. 害羞草研究所淛ason and I were enchanted by the beauty of the moment and wondered how we might capture the terroir and its mystique in a bottle.害羞草研究所�

Jason began experimenting using different botanicals 害羞草研究所� the flavourings added in the third distillation that gives gin its character. In addition to juniper, coriander, rose, anise and lavender, he tried foraged winged kelp.

Jason, a local surfer, likes the briny and umami notes that kelp adds to his gin: 害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 clean as a south island surf,害羞草研究所� he said.

Little wonder that a prize-winning libation emerged, for Jason, a chef by formal training, has a superb palate and has memorized an extensive 害羞草研究所渃atalogue害羞草研究所� of flavours and aromas. He also knows how to source local products such as organic barleys and wheats. He had a home still almost two decades ago and learned the trade by reading and speaking with local master distillers like Victoria害羞草研究所檚 Ken Winchester.

Alayne has a business degree and studied Mandarin overseas. With a strong business acumen, she looks after the financial, administrative and promotional side of the company.

It was risky to give up their separate successful careers, but the couple wanted to work together, so in 2015 they started Sheringham Distillery, combining the strengths and talents of each. Thanks to their skills, passion and hard work, the distillery has succeeded.

Their first operation was home-based in Shirley, BC, but in 2017 they moved to nearby Sooke and more than tripled their production. They live above the distillery with Cassandra, their six-year-old daughter.

害羞草研究所淢y favourite part of Sheringham Distillery,害羞草研究所� said Jason, 害羞草研究所渋s working with Alayne. We害羞草研究所檙e a great team.害羞草研究所�

Indeed, I could sense their mutual support, synergy and strength.

In addition to Seaside Gin, Sheringham crafts four other spirits. Kazuki Gin was born out of a love of both eastern and western botanicals experienced during their travels, and also of Japanese cuisine. Kazu means harmony and ki means radiance. Two of the botanicals 害羞草研究所� cherry blossoms and yuzu peel 害羞草研究所� are imported from Japan.

Akvavit, a traditional Nordic spirit, is not common on this side of the Atlantic, but Sheringham害羞草研究所檚 version, nicely spiced with local botanicals, may change that.

William害羞草研究所檚 White was an un-aged whisky that was gaining popularity, however, Jason discontinued it to pursue whiskies aged in oak barrels. I was happy to hear that a few will soon be reaching the age of three years, a requirement in Canada to be officially called a whisky. Sheringham also produces a notably smooth vodka.

Jason led me on a tour. One side of the main hall was filled with four large, vertical stainless-steel tanks, a mash tun and three fermenters. But the centre of attention was the three gleaming stainless-steel stills with shining orange copper cladding.

害羞草研究所淭he large one is a stripping still, the next in size is the spirit still and the third, smallest still is where I add the botanicals,害羞草研究所� Jason explained. 害羞草研究所淚 enjoy experimenting with different botanicals and have tried quite a variety over the years.害羞草研究所�

He added: 害羞草研究所淎s in cooking, terroir is important in making spirits. We love this part of southern Vancouver Island overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca.害羞草研究所�

The moniker Sheringham Distillery pays homage to the name given to the area in 1846 (later shortened to Shirley so it would fit on a postage stamp). The Sheringham Point Lighthouse, built in 1912, is located nearby.

害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e definitely growing,害羞草研究所� said Alayne with a smile. 害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e planning to produce more by being more efficient and we害羞草研究所檙e adding a new tank soon. Our public relations strategy is something we love: connecting with and meeting our customers.害羞草研究所�

Driving away, I had a new and profound respect for the creativity and passion that makes a craft spirit.

From West Shore Life + Style magazine